Inspiring Empathy: Author Guest Post by Ritu Hemnani
In August of 1947, the British government hastily drew a line across the map of India, splitting it in two as part of its plan for independence. With Partition declared, Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim families who had lived peacefully as neighbors for generations were torn apart by the newly created atmosphere of hostility and suspicion. In search of safety, many Muslim families became refugees in the newly created country of Pakistan while Hindu and Sikh families traced the opposite journey towards the newly-independent nation of India. This unilateral colonial decision led to the largest migration in human history, with millions of people suddenly forced to leave their homes and large-scale loss of life.
Today, on India's Independence day, Author Ritu Hemnani shares the inspiration behind her middle grade novel in verse, Lion of the Sky and why it is so important to continue to teach the Partition to children today.
As we reflect on the anniversary of the Partition of India in 1947, a moment that reshaped nations and lives, I am reminded of the need for this poignant narrative to find its place in the hearts and minds of our youth today. The Partition isn't just a distant event to acknowledge; it's a vital lesson in history and empathy that belongs in every classroom.
The genesis of Lion of the Sky, my foray into crafting a middle-grade novel in verse that delves into the Partition through the eyes of 12-year-old Raj, was deeply personal. It began with a simple question from my 8-year-old daughter, "Why do people migrate?" This led us to the library in search of a children's book on the Partition, only to find empty shelves. My daughter's disbelief cut deep when she questioned if I was “making it all up.” I realized this was her heritage, her story, and yet she didn’t believe it happened. Determined to bridge this gap, I set out to write the book that we couldn’t find.
Reintroducing the carrom board: a traditional Sindhi game featured in Lion of the Sky.
Lion of the Sky tells the story of 12-year-old Raj and his family, who are forced to flee their home, becoming refugees when a British lawyer draws a line across a map. It embodies the essence of resilience, symbolizing the courage to rise after every fall, holding onto hope and reaching for the sky against all odds. The choice of verse was deliberate, aiming to evoke potent emotions and vibrant sensory experiences, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the characters' raw emotions and unwavering strength.
The stories within Lion of the Sky are reflections of true acts of compassion amidst adversity during the Partition. From a Muslim boy lending his topi to help a Hindu escape, to a Hindu woman sheltering Muslim children under her sari folds to save their lives, every narrative is rooted in real accounts. Even Nana in the story, inspired by my great-grandfather, exemplifies the noble gesture of staying behind to give a respectful cremation to abandoned bodies. Through these narratives, I sought to illuminate moments of kindness and solidarity that transcend religious and cultural barriers, highlighting the shared humanity that unites us all.
Sharing about the Partition of India at the Hong Kong International Literary Festival.
By introducing the Partition into classrooms, educators spark discussion for critical thinking, empathy, and cross-cultural understanding. Students are prompted to ponder their own actions in challenging situations, fostering a generation of empathetic and globally aware individuals. Through Raj’s journey, his hopes, fears and dreams, young people see that we are more alike than different. In a world fraught with tensions, the lessons of the Partition resonate profoundly, emphasizing the values of tolerance, respect, and unity.
Let us honor the legacy of those who lived through the Partition by keeping their stories alive. By using resources like Lion of the Sky in the classroom, we lay the foundation for a future where understanding and empathy lead the way, shaping a world where differences are celebrated and unity is embraced.
About the Author
Ritu Hemnani is a journalist, teacher, voice actor, and motivational speaker. She recognizes herself as ethnically Indian and a British national and calls Hong Kong her home, where she lives with her husband and three children. Lion of the Sky is Ritu’s debut middle grade novel. You can find her online at rituhemnani.com.
About the Book
Praise for Lion of the Sky!
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Compelling stakes ratchet up the tension in this illuminating and harrowing story about displacement, grief, and hope."
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"A culturally rich reading experience that is heartbreaking and inspiring, this will have readers crying at the loss of Raj’s innocence and cheering for him as he takes on bullies and fights social norms to support his family."
— School Library Journal
"This verse novel weaves historical information and Sindhi language into a powerful story about friendship and bravery, and Raj’s epic journey ends on a believably hopeful note without downplaying the unimaginable things he and his country face."
— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Detail-oriented and emotional. A lofty companion to Veera Hiranandani’s The Night Diary”.
— ALA Booklist
“An eye-opening tale of friendship, displacement, horror, and hope. Set during the Partition of India, Ritu Hemnani’s stirring story touches upon the worst that people can be, but also how they can reveal the best of themselves during the most difficult times.”
— Rajani LaRocca, Newbery Honor-Winning Author of Red, White, and Whole
“With gorgeous writing and beautiful characters, Lion of the Sky left my heart both aching and full of hope. Ritu Hemnani’s deeply personal story about the Partition of Pakistan and India does not shy away from the painful parts of history. But perhaps more important, it charts a map for young people—like Raj and Iqbal in the book—to choose kindness and understanding over hatred and division. A timely and powerful debut.”
— Maulik Pancholy, Award-Winning Author of The Best at It and Nikhil Out Loud