Actor, writer and child rights activist Nandana Dev Sen launches her new book that demystifies the world of adopted kids

Adoption is when a child grows from her mommy’s heart instead of her tummy, believes Nandana Dev Sen,  an award-winning actor, writer and child rights activist who released her first book, In My Heart. 

Accompanied with many illustrations, the book is well-imagined and sensitively told, encouraging all children to celebrate the unique ways in which different families are born.

Nandana said, “As a child, reader and an author, I’ve always adored books that were imaginative. Books that promote a kind, brave, inclusive and sensitive view of the world, without being preachy.”

She further said that adoption is a critical topic in India, where we have countless disenfranchised children whose lives could be transformed just by embracing them. Yet the topic is rarely discussed in mainstream media or in  Indian popular culture.

“There is still a fear of bullying attached to adoption. We don’t have enough books yet that foster families can directly relate to. They could use books as a tool to discuss their precious family identities. But yes we can see a wave of change flowing, the interest is quite rapidly increasing,” added the writer.

Her books focusses on a larger understanding of belonging based on love rather than biological relation. It would speak equally to all non-traditional families, for instance children with homosexual parents, step siblings or a surrogate mother. She wrote this one for all kids, with the objective of widening their understanding of and regard for how different kinds of families grow together through love.

Nandana said, “The dynamics of a non-traditional family has a great deal to do with the world accepting its ‘normality’ and bond with absolute respect and ease without bullying or persecution. I’ve always believed that children’s books can go a long way in fostering a lifetime of empathy in impressionable minds — that’s one reason why I love them so much.’’

She believes that children’s books are the most influential and deliciously infectious literature in the world. They encourage them to soar with their imagination, think critically, ask questions and communicate their thoughts and feelings.