Supriya Kelkar's Book Explores Art, History, And Healing Through The Kohinoor's Story

The Kohinoor diamond means far more than a jewel for India; it symbolises the weight of colonisation, the struggles over power and ownership, and the importance of remembering history from all perspectives.
In her latest book, And Yet You Shine: The Kohinoor Diamond, Colonization, and Resistance, Indian-American children's author Supriya Kelkar brings history to life through the deeply emblematic story of the Kohinoor. With her richly detailed storytelling and textured illustrations, she invites young readers to reflect on the layers of history and the importance of reclaiming one’s voice and heritage.

In an interview with SheThePeople, Kelkar delves deeper into the themes in her book and how she hopes young readers will connect with the ideas of identity and resilience. She also recounts her early days as a screenwriter in Indian cinema and how it shaped her passion for storytelling today. 

Supriya Kelkar in conversation with SheThePeople

STP: You started your career as a screenwriter before moving into children’s literature. How has that journey shaped the way you tell stories today? 

Kelkar: I worked on the screenwriting team for Vidhu Vinod Chopra for more than twelve years. And I studied screenwriting with my film major at my university. That screenwriting background shapes the way I tell all of my stories, whether it is writing novels in a three act structure, or thinking of the framing of my art, almost like cinematography, considering which angles and perspectives would be the best, most entertaining, most moving way to tell a story.
 
STP: Growing up in the USA as an indian-origin woman, what role did your cultural roots/upbringing play in shaping your voice as an author and illustrator? 

Kelkar: I grew up in the 80s and 90s in America, at a time when diversity was not celebrated. There were no Indian Americans or South Asian Americans in any American books, movies, or TV shows that were on, except for one very racist portrayal on a primetime animated show, that led to the racial bullying of Desi kids across America. 

As an adult, I know how important representation is, and how hurtful it is to grow up without it. In every story I write, I want to make sure that my book is serving as either a mirror book to a reader, or a sliding glass door book, a phrase coined by Dr Rudine Sims-Bishop, to allow readers who don't come from the same background to feel like they are invited into my characters' worlds.

Diverse books, reading about yourselves and about people from backgrounds different than your own, are so important because they help build connections and empathy and self-confidence.

And Yet You Shine is centred on the Kohinoor diamond, but it’s also a story about resilience and justice. What drew you to telling this particular narrative? 

When I was working on promoting a different book, Strong as Fire, Fierce as Flame, I realised that the stolen gemstones I mention in this book, and in particular, the story of the kohinoor diamond, was the story of people, of us. And more broadly, it could be the story of anyone who has ever felt less than. As soon as I realised that, I knew I had to tell this story and shine a light on a part of history that has been purposely hidden or not talked about by so many.

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STP: Why do you think the story of the Kohinoor continues to resonate so strongly today? 

Colonisation is in living memory. My dad was born in British-occupied India. The pain of division and being made to feel less than is still felt so strongly in so many of us. And the Kohinoor is a very visual, hurtful reminder of it, as it sits in a crown in the Tower of London. I remember having to visit that museum and seeing the stolen crown jewels. I felt sick to my stomach and so angry and hurt. And to be told my staff there that we aren't allowed to photograph our own diamond, was extra infuriating.

STP: How do you approach writing about history, power, and justice for young readers? What are some personal takeaways that you hope they get from the book?

Middle grade readers, the term for readers in third grade to seventh grade in America, are starting to become critical thinkers. I always make sure I am telling stories from history in an age-appropriate way. And I love being able to make these readers think about whose stories are being centered and whose have been hidden. And Yet You Shine: The Kohinoor Diamond, Colonization, and Resistance does just that and it has been incredible to see the response from kids and adults around the world.

I hope readers continue to think about stories that have been purposely hidden from history. I hope they think about ways they can decolonise, be it not valuing a certain form of clothing over the other, or certain cuisines over others, not losing their languages and traditions, and knowing what really happened during colonisation. And I hope this book serves as a reminder to every reader that they matter so very much and can make a difference in the world.

STP: Your book invites readers to “decolonise.” How do you see literature for young readers contributing to these conversations? 

Children's books are such important forms of art. They help us for connections and can inspire us. You're never too old to read a picture book or novel written for kids. Some of the best, diverse stories are found here. And a book like And Yet You Shine has actionable items in the backmatter to make the abstract concept of decolonisation accessible to readers of all ages.
 
STP: As a multicultural author, what does the kohinoor signify for you personally? 

The kohinoor represents pain and incredible injustice to me but it also represents a reminder of the shine we all have within us, and it is a reminder to hold my head up high and know how much I matter.

STP: Is there anything that you've learnt from your readers, the young children, about storytelling and resilience? 

One of my favorite moments from a school visit was when a girl raised her hand and told me the stories I'm telling that have been hidden from history remind her of the fact that some people don't want American kids to know or talk about the fact that the people who colonised and founded the U.S. were enslavers.

I loved that someone who was not of South Asian origin could find this connection between Indian history and America's and that she could see there are so many stories that do not get centered but deserve to be told. Moments like this give me hope for the future.