Once Upon a Ladki is a heartfelt, action-driven initiative created to bring stories of extraordinary women to children who deserve to see themselves in heroes. Featuring figures like Savitribai Phule, Rachel Carson, and Yayoi Kusama, the book introduces young readers to women who learned fearlessly, spoke boldly, created passionately, and changed the world with courage and persistence.

Written in simple, engaging language, it is designed for children, especially young girls, to discover role models who look like them, sound like them, and remind them of their own potential. This project was built with this clear purpose. We aim to reach 5,000+ schools, particularly government schools and low-socioeconomic communities, where access is limited.

When information about inspiring role-models isn’t easily available, belief in one’s own abilities becomes harder. This book exists to change that by strengthening self-efficacy, sparking curiosity, and showing girls everywhere that they belong in every classroom, every field, every dream.

To make this mission accessible, we have included free downloadable PDFs below. These resources are completely free to use; we only ask that you send us an email letting us know how and where you’ve used them. Hearing from you helps us understand impact, improve future editions, and continue expanding access.

I, Vaanya, researched, wrote, designed the layout, and edited this book from start to finish. The vibrant illustrations that bring each story to life were created by Chitrangda.

We hope ‘Once Upon a Ladki’ reaches the classrooms and communities that need it most, and that every child who opens its pages finds a spark of courage, curiosity, and recognition within themselves.