From Mumbai to the World: 31 Young Authors Take the Global Stage at NGMA Launch
RidhzWorld Publishing launched Once Upon In Our Minds - Season 4 at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai, unveiling ten books by 31 young authors selected through its international story-writing competition.
Mumbai, May 30, 2026: RidhzWorld Publishing hosted the Grand Launch of Once Upon In Our Minds - Season 4 at the prestigious National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai. The milestone celebration was supported by Ms. Nidhi Choudhari, Director of NGMA Mumbai, whose encouragement brought the young authors to a premier cultural stage.
The evening unveiled ten books featuring 31 young authors, all discovered through Season 4 of the Once Upon In Our Minds international story-writing competition. Founded by young author Ridhhaan Jaiin, the initiative has grown into a global literary movement.
A Global Platform for Young Writers
Since its inception in 2022, the competition has introduced 63 authors across six countries, publishing winning stories entirely free of cost. The initiative is driven by Ridhhaan Jaiin's belief that every child has a story inside them and deserves to be heard.
Through RidhzWorld Publishing, Ridhhaan aims to democratize the literary world for children by removing financial and geographical barriers. The platform encourages young minds to share their perspectives with courage, creativity, and confidence.
Cultural Opening and Book Launches
The evening began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and a Bharatanatyam performance by disciples of the Navarasa Academy.
A major highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the Season 4 publications, including school-partnered anthologies, solo titles, and flagship anthologies.
- School-partnered anthologies: Unlocking Hidden Worlds: SMCP Sanskar Vidya Bhavan Edition and The Unfolding Map: Chanderbala Modi Academy Edition.
- Solo titles: The Resonance Keeper of Varunasagar, Relics of Destiny, The Quest for Lost Honour, The Quest for Cleopatra's Tomb, Two Little Hearts, One Promise, and Destiny Beyond Time.
- Flagship anthologies: Once Upon In Our Minds: Volume 4 - Parts 1 & 2.
Young Authors Recognized
The school-partnered anthologies featured young writers Harshvardhan Rajput, Arya Mungalpara, Honey Prajapati, Kishan Rai, Tiyasha Bhowmick, Aarya Patil, Eshika Patel, Yansh Solanki, Sayantika Garai, Yaksh Patel, Viyaan Rana, Riaan Shah, and Jinal Bararia.
The flagship anthologies included Hrida Shankar, Gauri Patil, Aadvika Waghmare, Manvi Ghatage, Nisarg Pandey, Archisha Mandyal, Yatharth N Chakrabarty, Ura Swami, Pehel Khimshia, Adrita Neogi, Ananya Jagtap, and Devanshi Sharma.
Performances and Jury
The event included a theatrical performance by Ridhhaan Jaiin, reimagining Ravan through music, dance, and storytelling. He was accompanied by Kathak dancers Kavya Awate and Siddhi Wavikar, performing to an original composition by Parth Gijare.
The competition's standards of originality, language, and structure were ensured by a judging panel comprising Mrs. Preeti Gala, Mrs. Vidya Kandoi, and Mrs. Srivalli Kuchimanchi. The event was supported by the RidhzWorld Publishing team and technical expert Malhaar Gore.
Children's Voices Across Boundaries
Throughout the evening, the voices of the young authors stood at the centre of the celebration. Their acceptance speeches reflected journeys of perseverance and imagination.
The Season 4 launch underlined the transformative power of Ridhhaan's vision, showing that when children are given a platform, their stories can cross cultures and boundaries.