2025 Winner
Swati Roy
Profile
Swati Roy is a dynamic entrepreneur and a passionate advocate for children's literature. She is recognised for her pivotal role in co-founding Eureka Books and Bookaroo Children's Literature Festival. Her journey, spanning a transition from media to children's literature, showcases her dedication to fostering a love for reading among young people
Key achievements
- Co-founder, Eureka Books: In April 2003, Swati Roy co-founded Eureka Books, India's first exclusive children's bookstore, in Delhi's Alaknanda neighbourhood.
- Co-founder and Festival Director, Bookaroo Children's Literature Festival: In July 2008, Roy co-founded and currently serves as the Festival Director of Bookaroo, India's first multi-city international children's literature festival. Bookaroo has held 49 editions across 17 cities in India and overseas.
- Promoting Reading Culture: Eureka! and Bookaroo have actively worked to excite children about reading and engage parents and teachers in seeing reading beyond academics. They provide platforms for interaction between authors, illustrators, and young readers.
- Awards and Recognition: Bookaroo was awarded the Literary Festival Award at the London Book Fair's International Excellence Awards in 2017, making it the first Indian children's literature festival to receive international recognition.
Background
- Media Professional: Swati Roy spent 13 years in the media before pursuing a career in children's literature.
- Former Roles in Media: She held positions as Group Marketing Manager at A & M magazine (1994-1999) and Content Head at agencyfaqs.com (1999-2004). Roy also has experience in ad sales at the Indian Express newspapers (1992-1994).
- Education: Swati Roy holds a Graduate degree in chemistry from Miranda House, University of Delhi.
Impact and vision
Swati Roy's work through Eureka! and Bookaroo has significantly impacted India's children's literature scene. She is dedicated to making books and reading more accessible and engaging countless young minds across diverse communities.