Connecting Kashmiri children with cultural roots

As a kid Ambreen Rasool loved reading books and was fascinated by rich Kashmiri culture. Growing up, writing and love for promoting Kashmiri culture became a passion for her. For this, she braved many challenges, turned from a lawyer into an author to connect Kashmiri children with their cultural roots.

Ambreen is the author of ‘The Adventures of Iya and Zoey’, a story book. She is also the owner of exclusive children’s publishing house—The Quillers’ Club.  Her book with illustrations revolves around a small girl and her exploration of Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage.
Born and raised in Srinagar, Ambreen did her schooling from Presentation Convent High School and later moved to Pune to pursue LLB. Later she worked in the Supreme Court for a few years before settling down in Bangalore with her husband and daughter.
INSPIRATION FOR BOOK
Ambreen’s journey into writing began with motherhood. “I realised many Kashmiri children were losing touch with their cultural roots and rich history in today’s outward-looking world,” she says.
“As a parent living outside Kashmir, I was also very passionate about teaching my child about the rich culture and heritage of our homeland. I wanted to make her feel a sense of belonging even while staying out of Kashmir,” Ambreen says.

For her, books would be the perfect way to do that. “But to my surprise, I did not find a single picture book about Kashmir. And that’s where the writer and the mother inside me decided to collaborate and create a picture book that would not only benefit my daughter but thousands of such children who can learn about Kashmir through engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations,” she says.

An avid reader since childhood, Ambreen had a desire of passing down this hobby to her child. “In the last seven years as a parent, I have read a multitude of books to her on various topics like emotions, morals, faith, and even silly stories…I feel that not only are picture books one of the best mediums to impart knowledge to younger children, but such reading sessions, especially before bedtime, create a bond between the parent and the child that no gifts or games can replace.”

CHALLENGES
Ambreen decided to publish a book, but it was not an easy task for her. After writing the first chapter of ‘The Adventures of Iya and Zoey’, she started looking for publishers in Kashmir. “However, I noticed a gap in the market where there were no dedicated children’s book publishers, and consequently, there were hardly any good-quality picture books coming out of Kashmir,” she says.
Ambreen didn’t lose hope and took a plunge into publishing. She set up an exclusive children’s publishing house—The Quillers’ Club.

But she still faced many challenges. “There were technical issues like choosing the right size, paper, and printing technique. But the most difficult challenge that I am facing even now is the right balance between demand and supply,” she says.
“In today’s age of bombardment of content and screen addiction, the art of reading for leisure is dying, and in order to fulfill the supply of picture books, I first need to work on campaigns to revive the hobby of reading amongst children, thereby creating a substantial demand.”
THEME
The Adventures of Iya and Zoey’ is based on Iya, a little Kashmiri girl who lives in Bengaluru with her parents and her interaction with pet bird Zoey. She loves traveling around to different places. During her school vacations, Iya and her family arrive in her homeland, Kashmir, greeted by the breathtaking views of the mountains and lush valleys. During her stay, she learns a lot more about her culture beyond its picturesque beauty. Helping her unravel the heritage of her hometown are her grandfather, Lala, and her grandmother, Boba. Iya and Zoey explore Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage
SWITCHING ROLES
Was it difficult for Ambreen to switch roles from a lawyer to author? “Honestly speaking, no, because writing comes very naturally to me,” she says.
“Written words have always been a better medium of expression for me. And contrary to popular belief, the essence of the legal profession, in my humble opinion, is the way you write or draft your petition, which is then argued in court later. But writing stories for little children and making a place in their leisure time is far more satisfying than drafting petitions.”

RESPONSE TO BOOK
Ambreen says the 'Adventures of Iya and Zoey’ has been showered with phenomenal response and a “lot of love.”  “I am beyond grateful. The book has reached Kashmiris all over the world in such a short span of time only because of the good reviews that have been shared by the initial readers. Children are loving the stories paired with vibrant illustrations and the book-themed activities, whilst the parents are also enjoying the nostalgia while reading it to their children as it reminds them of their childhood spent in Kashmir,” she says.
MISSON
Ambreen wants to inspire young ones to cherish their heritage and deepen their connection to their culture and traditions. In the book, she has dedicated chapters mostly based on Kashmiri culture—Samavar, Wanvun, Wazwaan, Shikara and Chinars.
“My book is just the beginning. Our Kashmiri heritage is so rich that it needs to be documented and celebrated through books especially for children. My next book will be released in January 2025.”
MESSAGE
Ambreen advises that reading should be introduced to children as early as possible through colourful board books. “Later on they can move on to picture books and chapter books as per their reading level. Parents should read books to their children as part of their bedtime stories. It is important that parents must take them to bookstores often and give them the autonomy to choose books for themselves,” she says.
She recommends that gadget usage must be limited and children should be offered offline options like outdoor play, board games and books.
“Lastly, children do what children see. If they see their parents and siblings read, they will automatically pick up the habit. It is the responsibility of parents to imbibe discipline and ensure that they are aware of their cultural roots,” Ambreen says.