Bangalore: Children’s Day was observed in a unique way at the Bangalore Book Festival premises here on Sunday. Twelve school children released a novel penned by the Youngest Novelist of India.

It was a function by the children and for the children. “Ruby Rush” a sci-fi penned by Harshita Magdum, a seventh standard student at Delhi Public School was released on the occasion. As if to mark the Day, there were child visitors to the Book Fest on Sunday.

Renowned historian of international fame Prof S Shettar, Devaru Bhat, secretary, BBPA were present. The students of Gurushree Vidya Kendra, Doddabidarakallu reviewed the novel. Priced at Rs 100, the novel is available at all the leading book stores in the City.
Harshita Magdum
Age is just a number. It has nom ambitions, if you have the will. Harshita is an example. She is the youngest in India to have written an English novel.
A student of seventh standard at City’s Delhi Public School, Harshita keeps reading books. She has a small library of her own and reads at least two novels a week. ‘Ruby Rush’ a scientific fiction, is the maiden novel of this 12-year-old prodigy.
Set in United Kingdom, a place Harshita has not visited, the 110-page sci-fi deals with a scientist infusing life in an inanimate object, which then goes missing and what follows is a heroic mission to recover it. The subtext of the plot is that science cannot infuse life into an object and even if it succeeds, the attempt is sure to be misused. Inspired by her mother Shivani and author like Stephenie Meyer, Harshita took about one year to complete the novel.
She wants to pursue higher education in astronomy. Her writing hasn’t come in the way of her academics. She uses her leisure hours for her passion.
Abhinava Publications has published the debut novel of this youngest novelist. Priced at Rs 100, the book is available at 50 per cent discount on the day of release. The novel is also available in all the prominent book stores in the City.