PHOTO: Author Ritu Hemnani, whose storytelling weaves history, heritage, and hope, inspiring empathy and cultural pride in young readers around the world.
Championing Diverse Narratives and Empowering the Next Generation Through Poetic Storytelling
Ritu Hemnani discusses how her family’s Partition history inspires her verse storytelling, bridging cultures and generations through themes of identity, resilience, and belonging, while empowering young readers to preserve heritage.
Ritu Hemnani is a compelling storyteller whose work powerfully explores themes of resilience, identity, and cultural heritage. An accomplished author, journalist, and educator, she crafts narratives that celebrate diversity and foster empathy across generations and cultures. Her 2024 historical middle-grade novel in verse, Lion of the Sky, published by HarperCollins, delves into migration and the human spirit, drawing from her family’s experience of the Partition of India. Hemnani’s forthcoming picture book, Their Story Is Our Story (Chronicle Books, 2026), continues her mission to connect past and present through accessible, meaningful storytelling.
Hemnani’s writing is deeply influenced by her family’s history, particularly the trauma and courage born from the Partition, which displaced millions and changed countless lives. Exploring this legacy has fueled her creative journey and informed her commitment to preserving cultural memory through narrative. She draws on stories from her community, highlighting the coexistence and eventual division of diverse faiths in Hyderabad, Sindh, and aiming to shine a light on hope and belonging amidst upheaval.
Ritu Hemnani is a brilliant, empathetic storyteller whose writing uplifts diverse voices and fosters meaningful cultural and intergenerational understanding.
Choosing to write Lion of the Sky as a verse novel allowed Hemnani to blend poetic expression with narrative depth. The verse format offers a rhythmic, musical quality that brings the characters’ emotions to life and makes complex historical events more approachable. The brevity and white space inherent in poetry create natural pauses that help readers absorb the story’s emotional weight, while the unsaid words invite deeper reflection. This style is particularly effective for reluctant readers and enhances the emotional resonance of the narrative.
Hemnani’s TEDx Talk, An Inheritance Worth Sharing, expanded her understanding of storytelling’s role in cultural preservation. She stresses the importance of sharing diverse narratives to help younger generations connect with their heritage and foster empathy for others. Her goal is to inspire young readers to embrace their own histories and to appreciate cultural diversity, encouraging them to see themselves reflected in stories and to find strength in their own voices.
Balancing a multicultural upbringing with a global perspective, Hemnani focuses on universal human experiences like love, loss, and resilience. She enriches her work by weaving in culturally specific details, such as language and customs, to create authentic, relatable characters and narratives that resonate broadly. This approach bridges cultural divides, highlighting shared human themes while honoring unique cultural identities.
For aspiring writers, Hemnani advises embracing authenticity by drawing from personal and cultural experiences. She encourages experimentation with different formats and genres to discover one’s unique voice and advocates for reading widely to gain inspiration. Engaging with the writing community for feedback is also key to growth. Through this blend of sincerity, innovation, and continuous learning, writers can develop voices that truly resonate in today’s diverse literary landscape.
Ritu Hemnani’s work continues to illuminate resilience and celebrate shared humanity, inspiring readers to honour their roots while embracing the stories that connect us all.
This article was adapted from an interview with Ritu Hemnani in the latest issue of Reader’s House.
