How a Birthday Celebration Inspired Prajwal Parajuly’s New Book for Children

When we think of birthdays, we often picture cake, laughter, and special moments. For Indian author Prajwal Parajuly, a special birthday celebration for his nephew turned into something extraordinary—his new children’s book, Karma and Lola. This delightful tale has brought him back to the Himalayas, a setting close to his heart, while also marking a significant shift in his writing career.

Prajwal is known for his previous works like The Gurkha’s Daughter and Land Where I Flee. These stories delve into the lives of Nepali-speaking communities and family dynamics in Sikkim. However, after more than a decade of writing, he decided to explore a new genre. What led him to this change? Surprisingly, three key moments played a pivotal role: cake, a long writing journey, and a social media post.

On February 10, 2023, Prajwal shared a light-hearted post on Facebook, featuring himself in an oversized tie with a pile of desserts. The caption read, “Nephew turned 11. I ate cake. Tie became noose.” Having just flown to London for his nephew’s birthday, he was ready to break a six-month sugar fast. “The cake gave me the excuse to indulge,” he recalls. For two weeks, he relished sweet treats, including a lavish afternoon tea at the Ritz-Carlton.

“I know it sounds a bit over-the-top,” he laughs. “But when it comes to cake, I’m not one to hold back.” This moment of joy connected him with his literary agent, Hemali Sodhi, who saw potential in his lighthearted post and encouraged him to write more. “People have been asking me to write again,” he replied. “So here’s my chance!”

Before this, Prajwal had spent six years working on a historical novel that explored Sikkim’s merger with India. He invested so much time and energy into it that choosing to abandon that project was heart-wrenching. “I value my family’s peace,” he explains, acknowledging that pressing legal challenges lay ahead if he continued. His thoughts turned to creating a simpler, more joyful narrative aimed at children.

Sodhi suggested three possible directions for his next book: a travel memoir, a collection of essays, or a children’s book. It was a simple joke about including a dog that sparked the real inspiration. Karma and Lola, the story of an eight-year-old girl living in a hotel in the Himalayas with her family and a lovable dog, was born from this idea.

Prajwal’s writing comes alive with the beauty and majesty of the Himalayan landscape. “Even though I travel often, the Eastern Himalayas always feel like home,” he shares. “I find solace and inspiration in those mountains.” He aims to create stories infused with themes of identity, belonging, and the adventures of childhood.

With over a decade of experience, Prajwal’s storytelling has a charm that resonates with both young and mature audiences. He believes that writing for children allows him to revisit a world full of wonder and imagination that somehow gets lost with age. “Writing for kids is freeing,” he says, emphasizing that it brings joy in its purest form. “There are no pretensions about getting published or being perfect. It feels innocent and fun.”

Interestingly, before the manuscript was even circulated, it caught the attention of Tate Children’s Publishing, thanks to Prajwal’s French agent. With vibrant illustrations planned by Ubahang Nembang, Karma and Lola is expected to reach readers worldwide, including collaborations with HarperCollins in India and Nepalaya in Nepal.

Hemali Sodhi expresses her excitement, stating, “The writing is lovely and highly cinematic. The whimsical hotel setting and the Himalayas make it a perfect illustrated book.” Prajwal himself is thrilled about entering the world of children’s literature, stating, “I aim to write a new children’s book every year!”

As he anticipates the global launch of Karma and Lola in late 2026, Prajwal cherishes the journey that brought him there. From a nephew’s birthday party filled with cake to a whimsical adventure in the Himalayan setting, the story blends elements of joy, family, and imagination.

Reflecting on this journey, he remarks, “It’s more than just a book for me; it’s a cherished moment—a slice of happiness.” And so, what started as a birthday celebration transformed into a heartfelt tale, reminding us all of the magic that can stem from simple joys.

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