The Joys of Reading & Writing | & Our Priceless Local Treasures! ❤️

A Date with Two Vibrant Young Writers ❤️

#reflections

A Passionate Diarist and the Youngest Author in India! ❤️

24th May 2026

Today, we had a lovely get-together - a lovely rendezvous that we had planned at such short notice but proved a rewarding one for all of us!

Indeed, it was such a joy to catch up over lunch with my cousins, nephews and nieces in a long time.

We also had with us our lovely cousin Mr. Raja Monsingh, who was once India’s Youngest Author way back in the year 2008.

I remember having invited him for a guest lecture to our students in MCC, on 24th January 2008.

So now flash-back to 24th January 2008 –

A nine-year old child prodigy had just published his first book and the Press was all agog interviewing him for days on end, about his book.

24 January 2008 - S -220 Class, MCC

And so it was, that I had invited him to one of my classes, to talk to our students on ‘Books and Writing’.

The little master came sharp on time, accompanied by his proud Mom, Dr. Shubha.

24th January 2008 - Students congratulating the Little Master Raja Monsingh

After Mr. Raja Monsingh’s engaging talk, the students had a rewarding time of interactions with him.

The questions poured forth in quick succession and Master Raja Monsingh tackled them with consummate ease.

When asked, who was his greatest inspiration, he promptly replied, “My Mother!”

But when one student asked him, how much percentage of his success he owed to his mom, he started thinking for quite a while, and calmly replied, “20 per cent”. 😊

When asked, what was his goal in life - when he grows up, - he casually remarked, “That we can think of when I grow up.”

You may want to read the full interview on our past blogpost on 24 January 2008 HERE on our blog. 

Fast-forward to ten years later in the year 2018 -

And the little master Raja Monsingh is now a grown-up gentleman. And what a great achievement he has done in less than 10 years from thence on!

Mr. Raja Monsingh, today!

He has started a foundation called Thaagam Foundation through which he feed hundreds of stray dogs, stray cattle, and destitute human beings, who live on the verge of poverty and deprivation. They have also partnered with a lot of voluntary organisations in the cause of the voiceless.

The Foundation - His Brainchild! 

I was so happy to see his Foundation’s brochure that says,

“Founded in 2018, Thaagam Foundation operates with unwavering commitment to 100% transparency. Our non-government organisation focuses on improving lives across three key areas: uplifting the underprivileged, promoting animal welfare, and preserving our environment. We provide comprehensive support to the homeless, bring joy to orphanages, rescue stray animals, and engage in environmental conservation…”

So happy to note that their Foundation has helped in desilting lots of dumpyard lakes in and around Chennai for the past many years now revitalising water storage in these catchment areas.

So proud of you Mr. Raja Monsingh.

Then I had an extensive time of interactions with my favourite niece Ms. Phia.

Our regular readers woulda been quite familiar with Phia, a voracious reader and writer, whom we had interviewed seven years ago, HERE on our blog.

Fast-forward to today -

Currently, Phia is pursuing her Law Degree in Chennai. Over lunch today, we discussed her current reading, her novel writing, her diary writing etc.

“So what are you reading these days, Phia?” I ask her.

“Rufus uncle, I am literally devouring Toni Morrison these days. I’ve been reading her novels one by one these past months, and I find her quite amazing!”

So which of her novels is your favourite, Phia?

Promptly comes the reply, The Bluest Eye, Rufus uncle.

Are you still into writing your diaries every day?

With a resounding ‘Yes’, she says, ‘Yes, I do, Rufus uncle. Ever since Dad gifted me a diary during my childhood days, I’ve been continuously indulging myself in writing my daily diary every day without fail”.

“Great! Do you see any palpable difference in your writing style today, when compared to your past style of writing, Phia?”

Phia's lovely collection of books at home! (2019)

“Well, Yes! Looking back, I’m also able to trace how I’ve evolved over the years in what I capture in my daily diary entries. Back then, the things I wrote sound a bit childish, especially when I read them today, and today I feel my writing today sounds a tad bit more responsible, and grounded in yet another mode of reality! And guess what? I’ve started writing essays, and hence temporarily I’ve put on hold my novel writing,”

says Phia.

“Phia - the books that you read – do you prefer reading the soft copies or hard copies of the book?” I ask her out of curiosity.

“Always the hard copy, Rufus uncle. Of course I order those books through Amazon or Flipkart and stack them neat amongst my little library collection,” she adds.

“So what happened to your love for Michelle Obama’s Becoming, that I saw you reading, seven years ago?”

Oh yes, Rufus uncle. I’ve even read her latest book titled, The Look, which was released last year. It’s a lovely illustrated memoir that explores her fashion evolution, the meaning of her clothing choices, and her personal style journey, and I’m eagerly waiting to read her upcoming book as well, says Phia.

After interacting with Monsingh and Phia, I turn to my sister Susan Paul and tell them proudly about how voracious a reader, their Susie Aunty has been, ever since her childhood days.

Dr. Susan Paul currently (an expert in the Japanese language) heads the Department of History at Stella Maris College, Chennai.

To the far left is Dr. Shubha, my maternal aunt, (Chithi) who had christened me - Rufus :-)

Then, my brother-in-law Mr. Vinodh, took us all upstairs to show us his vast library collection. He said it had taken him more than 10 lakh rupees to set up this library, and he has opened it up to a few of his friends to make use of these rare collections.

Felt so happy to be in the company of bibliophiles!

Indeed, a rewarding day in every way! 😊

PS: This second part of the blogpost is a lighthearted addition to whoever wants peacefulness and wholesomeness to their Sunday evening, especially for nature lovers or anyone who enjoys bird-watching! 😊

Well, yesterday, we had a rewarding time of fellowship in Mala aunty’s home in Ranipet, Vellore. I was so surprised to see birds of all hues, lining up in such large numbers to most of their houses in the vicinity.

Especially, it felt so heartwarming to see the return of the house sparrows, so beautifully taking their turns at the ledge for their share of the pie! And what started as a quiet munch for the bulbuls, soon turned into a bustling bird buffet of sorts.

I was so in awe of this noble gesture! You may want to watch the cute video on our vlog HERE. 

Let’s take some little time to share food and water with our feathered friends and our local animals - dogs and cows – that would be a beautiful reminder of the joys of dwelling in peaceful coexistence and interconnectedness with our neighbourhood’s unique local wildlife – our priceless local treasure!