About Ritu

Ritu Anand started writing when she could hold a pencil in her hands. She wrote on walls, old newspapers, every kind of paper, and even furniture at home. Her muse managed her life pretty much, and still does. She called her muse, Little Ritu. Together they maintained a daily journal, wrote poems, verses and short stories, wherever and whenever the heart desired. She wrote under the school desk, in closet while choosing clothes, in the bathroom and just about everywhere. Lets say, she always did, and still finds a way to steal moments of solitude. 

At the age of seven, while Ritu was standing before the painting of Guru Nanak Devji (the Founder of the Sikh religion), she engaged in conversation with her Guru. She asked Him why she was born and what was her purpose? That moment was a special one, at which she became aware that all humans are put on earth for a limited amount of time. With folded hands and closed eyes, she pledged to stay in close connection with Him and seek His guidance throughout the journey of life.

Although Punjabi was the spoken language at home, Ritu was not fluent in it.  Because she attended an all girls Convent school – Elementary to High in New Delhi, India, she did not have formal training in the language. But was determined to read her Holy Book – Sri Guru Granth Sahibjee and find a way to teach herself the language of her Gurus. She artfully summoned the help of the busy adults at home and realized her dream of learning Punjabi. Her picture books – Kara’s Dreams and I Am My Language are a direct inspiration from the scripture and her lived experiences. 

Ritu writes for children as she is always enchanted by thoughts that traverse a developing mind. She joined the Coffee House Writers and submits articles on a bimonthly basis. When not writing, Ritu spends time with family members, travels, reads picture books to and for children, draws, plays golf, sings Indian Classical music and listens and dances to Bollywood music. She and her loving husband have homes in Sarasota, Florida and Sapphire, North Carolina.