2 weeks Ago
MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Two years after self-publishing his debut children’s book, author Sagar Udeshi recently released his second effort, “Case of the Missing Laddoo: A Diwali Story.” “The first book was 10 short stories with different virtues that was well received amongst family and friends and in the community,” said Udeshi, a Normandy High School Class of 2011 graduate. “I wanted to use that as a platform for spreading kindness and positivity within our local community.
“With the second book, that’s about Diwali, the Indian festival of lights. I was able to express my culture the way that I felt best represented the holiday.” Normandy High School Class of 2011 graduate Sagar Udeshi recently released his second book “Virtues For A Better Tomorrow.
” (Courtesy of Sagar Udeshi). Courtesy of Sagar Udeshi The new book has been described as a heartwarming tale written in English with some basic Hindi vocabulary sprinkled throughout. The story follows Neel as he celebrates Diwali with his family.
When he finds a mystery gift, Neel sets out on an adventure to discover who it belongs to and tries to do the right thing. Through the release of his first book, Udeshi discovered a similar-minded audience. “Growing up, we didn’t really have much exposure to books that helped us learn about our culture,” he said.
“A lot of it came from either the temple that we go to or from our family or from our friends, especially parents who grew up in India and shared their stories and their experiences. “But now there’s whole new generation, whole new wave of Indian children being born in the United States. So a book like this is a great way for them to learn about different festivals and culture and traditions within the Indian community.
” The author viewed the new effort as a standalone affair, despite the fact one of the main characters is from his first book, “Virtues For A Better Tomorrow.” He’s also very sensitive about the marketing of his published works as it relates to his Indian roots. Specifically, how a practicing Hindu attended the former Bethany Christian School located on Broadview Road.
That’s why once again he went down the self-publishing path for the release of his new book. “It’s something that I am proud of being able to go to a Christian school at a young age and still be able to hold onto my Hindu faith,” he said. “I didn’t want that to be something that’s taken advantage of.
I still use it as a way to bridge two different cultures, due to two different religions with the common values that we all share.” A business development and marketing specialist, Udeshi is now a stay-at-home dad with the birth of his first child. Does that mean a third book is forthcoming? “Not yet,” he laughed.
“I’m still mulling around with some ideas but nothing concrete as of right now.” Read more news from the Parma Sun Post here..
