Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Priya Kumari. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Priya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
I am a CPA and CA by profession but I changed my career to writing and publishing after seeing widespread misrepresentation, misinformation about India and Indian culture in children’s books. Born and raised in the scenic foothills of Himalayas, I inherited her love of reading and passion for the written word from my father, who owned a bookstore.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I founded Eternal Tree Books, an independent publishing company, with a mission to publish uplifting books created by visionary authors and artists for all ages to share stories from under-represented Indian culture—diverse stories promoting peace education, emotional hygiene, science of well-being, and cultural competence. I pride myself on producing high quality picture books with engaging, fun and educational stories. I started this publishing house with the aim of making my books available in the US public libraries so people from all backgrounds can access books promoting a better understanding of Indian culture. Research shows that biases against races, cultures, genders, ethnicities and colors begin to set in at an early age of 6months. Better picture books can promote better understanding about each other and create mutual respect and harmony. Such books will combat misrepresentation, bullying and misinformation. My books instill pride in children of Indian origin by explaining the right meanings of their traditions, by teaching Indian values, presenting stories with relevance of Indian arts, literature, and festivals in today’s world.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
My author journey has been very rewarding in terms of making an impact at various levels and getting recognition for my work. HH The Dalai Lama wrote the foreword for my book, Leaf Talks Peace: Buddha’s Message of Harmony making me the first Indian children’s author to receive his foreword. Heartwarming reviews and comments from children, educators and parents have really made my writing and publishing journey all the more rewarding.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to bring peace education to schools and promote cross cultural understanding so that we create a better world where differences are respected and everyone lives peacefully within and without. As an indie publisher my hope is to be able to reach public libraries and schools to share authentic content about Indian culture and to promote peace by sharing the messages of goodness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eternaltreebooks.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eternaltreebooks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eternaltreebooks
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-kumari-8936133b/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/EternalTreeBks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClWEmIUjzb-oD14kiokXIbA