Author Interview: Vandita Mitter – ‘The Golden Secret of Divar Island’
We all have seeds of a storyteller buried deep within us. It is just a matter of time and place that the seeds are allowed to sprout with stories.
When 13-year-old student, Vandita Mitter with her parents visited the Divar Islands in Goa a few years ago, this is exactly what happened. An avid reader who enjoys travelling with her parents, was transformed from a reader to an author.
“A few years ago, I embarked on a vacation to the famous Divar Island in Goa with my parents. Little did I know that this trip would ignite a spark within me, fuelling my passion for storytelling and unveiling the hidden treasures of our country,” smiles Vandita as she recalls her fond memory of the island.
She adds, “My parents always encouraged me to explore places and get to know the local culture and history of the tourist places. Captivated by the island and its rich history and enchanting landscapes, I was inspired to share its wonders with young readers. The idea of introducing a historical place through a captivating narrative excited me and ignited a desire to craft a tale.”
How did it all begin?
Vandita was always encouraged by her parents to explore places and get to know the local culture and history of the tourist places. On her last trip to Divar Islands, she was so captivated by the island and its rich history and enchanting landscapes, that it inspired her to share its wonders with young readers just like her. “The idea of introducing a historical place through a captivating narrative excited me and ignited a desire to craft a tale,” adds Vandita.
It was on their way back from Goa, that Vandita and her family came across a bookstore nestled cosily in the airport. She recalls “My brother, eager for a new read, scoured the shelves in search of the perfect story. We sifted through numerous books, hoping to find one that not only intrigued us but also offered a glimpse into Indian culture. However, to our surprise, we discovered a shortage of engaging Indian-themed books for children over five.”
Vandita further adds, “Reflecting on our recent adventure in Goa, I felt a surge of inspiration. Why not pen down a tale based on our unforgettable vacation? And so, the seed of an idea was planted: to create a story that would captivate young minds while celebrating the beauty and richness of Indian heritage.”
Becoming an author
The journey as an author was not planned, though Vandita was quite fond of reading fiction from a very young age. It started with the idea of writing a small travelogue to retain memories and share experiences with others. Is it a blog or a personal diary? If it is a blog, do share its name.
She adds, “My father is an avid reader and has stayed in different parts of the country. At our home, we often discuss different places, cultures, local food, people, and history. I think it came naturally as he encouraged me to write and pushed me to generate ideas and characters. It was a bit hard work in the beginning but later it was easy to connect small plots and weave a story.”
Challenges & Lessons from it
“Balancing school and writing this book was the real challenge as our school is known for its exemplary academic track, admits Vandita who is currently studying in class VIII in Blue Bells Model School, Gurugram.
She further adds, “Besides, I also faced challenges like time management, writer’s block, and self-doubt. To overcome them, I created a schedule, took breaks to refresh my creativity, sought support from friends and family, embraced feedback, and persevered through setbacks. These experiences taught me valuable lessons in resilience, patience, and believing in myself.”
What makes the book ‘The Golden Secret of Divar Island’ unique?
For Vandita, this is a unique book because the plot is set in a popular tourist destination in Goa, and it touches upon the history of that island. The story revolves around two teenage kids who hail from different social strata but discover a hidden truth connected to history and foreign countries.
She adds, “I think the reader would enjoy the strong theme of family loyalty and honour, which is one of the subplots.”
One of the most thrilling parts of Vandita’s story revolves around a mysterious heist that unfolds during the Goa liberation war, often referred to as “Operation Vijay.” This event serves as a backdrop, shedding light on the historical context and the challenges faced during a significant transition period in Goan history.
“Through this storyline, I aim to highlight the tumultuous times endured by the people of Goa; as they grappled with the Portuguese government’s reluctance to cede control peacefully. The heist not only adds an element of excitement to the narrative but also serves as a metaphor for the resilience and determination of the Goan people during this turbulent period. It showcases their unwavering spirit and willingness to go to great lengths to protect what they hold dear in the face of adversity,” smiles Vandita.
The main characters of the book ‘The Golden Secret of Divar Island’
Vandita noticed how several children from Gen Z around her who are deeply engrossed in the world of the internet, virtual games, and toys are often overwhelmed by the vast amount of content they consume online. Meanwhile, their parents are caught up in the fast pace of life, struggling to dedicate quality time to their children.
“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve observed a trend where families are relocating to their native countries. This decision is often driven by a desire to be closer to their loved ones and to provide their children with better opportunities for socialization. It was these observations that inspired the character of Akshat in my story,” adds Vandita.
Meet the Characters
Akshat is a 14-year-old boy who spent his early years in the United States. A few years ago, he moved to India with his parents. Akshat has a unique passion for Fidget Spinners, and his collection is nothing short of remarkable. When he’s not spinning those gadgets, you can find him immersed in the world of computer games, where he’s known for his skills and high scores.
Karan, on the other hand, is a 13-year-old boy who has lived his entire life in a small and charming township nestled in the serene landscapes of Goa, India. He’s grown up with the soothing sounds of the ocean and the laid-back atmosphere that Goa is famous for. Karan’s life is a blend of outdoor adventures and a close-knit community. He enjoys exploring the beauty of his hometown and the simple joys of coastal living.
The theme of the book ‘The Golden Secret of Divar Island’
Fourteen-year-old Akshat couldn’t have imagined the adventure that awaited him when they started their vacation on Divar Island. But the island holds a secret—a secret that has been hidden for generations.
A long-forgotten temple heist, a stolen treasure, and a web of past political intrigue cast a shadow over the Island.
With the help of a newfound friend, Akshat must navigate the suspicious follower, and treacherous waters of island politics, uncovering hidden agendas and long-buried secrets. As the past and present collide, they become embroiled in a race against time to solve the temple heist enigma before those who would do anything to keep the truth buried catch up with them.
“The Golden Secret of Divar Island” is a tale of courage, friendship, family loyalty, and the power of young minds to uncover the past and shape the future. This is an unforgettable adventure that will captivate young readers, transporting them to a world where secrets unravel in the most unexpected places and heroes are born from the unlikeliest of circumstances.
Vandita has received immense support and encouragement from her family, teachers and friends, which has already fuelled her to write some more titles. Until then, young readers can get a copy of the book from:
o Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/aMnLkeL
o Price @ INR 199
o Publisher: Bigfoot Publications
Tanya Munshi
Founder, The Lifestyle Portal
Artist, Writer, Human…
