R. Balasubramaniam, also known as Balu, is a widely respected development activist, leadership trainer, thinker and author. The founder of Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement and Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement, Dr Balu embodies a rare blend of grassroots and macro perspectives along with policy, drawn from his multifaceted experience spanning nearly four decades. A former Rhodes Professor at Cornell University, USA, he coaches and mentors senior leaders in the non-profit, corporate, government and educational sectors globally, and also conducts leadership workshops for them. He is currently serving as the member-HR at the Capacity Building Commission, Government of India. He has authored nine books in Kannada and English—three of them, i, the Citizen, Voices from the Grassroots and Leadership Lessons for Daily Living, are globally acclaimed. More information about him, his work and his books can be found at www.drrbalu.com.

Rakesh Dogra is an experienced army officer with over 25 years of distinguished service and a talented artist and writer at heart. He is a learned professional with an MSc and MBA in Finance and a keen interest in English, Hindi, and Sanskrit literature. Throughout his military career, he has gained invaluable insights from his extensive experience, keen observations, and close interactions with thousands of individuals from diverse walks of life. Beyond his professional achievements, he is also a gifted artist, with his evocative paintings exhibited in renowned galleries nationwide. He has also devoted himself to social service for the noble cause of the Deaddiction campaign and supporting specially abled children. Deeply Passionate about music and creative pursuits, Rakesh finds inspiration in blending discipline in life with imagination and creativity. This debut book marks his foray into the literary world, where he combines his life experiences, reflective observations, and storytelling prowess to offer readers a unique perspective. His writing is a testament to his dedication, passion, and the richness of his journey so far.

Swati Gupta is an educationist, parenting coach and founder of joyfulparenting.club. She has been featured on Josh Talks. She’s a Bachelor in Education and a Montessori expert in child psychology. She loves kids & has a teaching experience of over a decade at India’s most reputed schools.She’s passionate about helping parents create a 100% bond with their child and live a fulfilled family life. Her journey as a mother of two, combined with her professional background and years of research on Parenting inspired her to create the Joyful Parenting Club, a thriving community that helps parents find joy, balance, and confidence in raising their children.Her philosophy? Parenting is all about “CONNECTION ABOVE CORRECTION” !Through her workshops, online content @parenting_swati and this book, she offers compassionate & practical advice to parents. She has guided countless children as a creative writing coach to help them write their own stories & poems, with many publishing their books. Born and raised in Kolkata, she brings a unique blend of cultural insight, professional expertise, love for kids and emotional experience to her work. This book is an invitation to join her in embracing the joys and messiness of parenting while giving your child the wings to fly.

With over two decades of experience in teaching and training, Susan George has helped students and educators unlock the potential of storytelling and creative drama. Her work at the Julia Gabriel Centre in Singapore shaped her approach to nurturing young minds and empowering teachers. Trained under Julia Gabriel, a world renowned speech and drama educator, Susan mastered the EduDrama methodology, blending creativity, communication, and values into impactful learning experiences. With a Master’s degree in Psychology from Delhi University, Susan has further honed her expertise through International Exam Diplomas. She is also a Trinity College London Licentiate, specializing in teaching Communication Skills and Speech and Drama exams. Her journey includes collaborating with Galli Galli Sim Sim, the Indian counterpart of Sesame Street, where she contributed to crafting stories and scripts that encouraged critical thinking and captivated young audiences. Susan’s teaching philosophy emphasizes co-creation, encouraging students to express their thoughts, solve problems, and work collaboratively. Her classes are vibrant, story-driven spaces where children build confidence, explore their unique voices, and learn to communicate effectively while imbibing values that last a lifetime. In addition to her professional endeavors, Susan founded Let’s Talk Effectively, an initiative dedicated to equipping children and adults with essential life skills through storytelling, drama, and communication. Her passion for teaching extends to her church, where she brings Bible stories to life, helping children connect with timeless lessons through engaging skits, drawings, and discussions. Susan’s mission is to inspire parents, teachers, and students to embrace storytelling as a tool for critical thinking, creativity, and meaningful connections. She believes in creating supportive, interactive environments that nurture lifelong learning and prepare children to thrive in the 21st century as effective communicators and problem-solvers. How Susan Can Help: • Student Programs: Build confidence, communication, and creativity through interactive sessions. • Exam Preparation: Prepare students and adults for international assessments. • Teacher Workshops: Learn how to integrate storytelling and drama into your teaching. • Parent Sessions: Discover how to use stories to bond, teach, and inspire. Connect with Susan today to explore how storytelling can transform your learning journey!