Pupil and published author inspires fellow school pupils at World Book Day event

Pupil and published author, 16-year-old Vidhi Chanyal, hosted a World Book Day event for fellow school pupils at the library that encouraged her love of reading and supported her writing journey.

Article Source: East Renfrewshire Culture & Leisure
Last Updated: 7 March 2025 12:02

Vidhi welcomed pupils from her high school, St. Luke’s High School in Barrhead, as well as pupils from her former primary school, St. Mark’s, to Barrhead Foundry Library, where she read an extract from her celebrated debut novel, Arise, and answered questions on her writing journey, encouraging others to follow their dreams.

The writer’s debut historical fiction and fantasy novel Arise, which tells the story of a young boy during the Salem witch trails in 1692, was released by Olympia Publishing in November 2024 and has been recognised by major publishers. She also scooped the Young Author category at the British Youth International College Inspire Awards.

Vidhi thanked Barrhead Foundry’s Library for encouraging her love of reading.
She said: "It has been fantastic to return to the library with my debut novel, Arise, and to present it to local school pupils. Barrhead Foundry Library has greatly contributed to my writing journey. I could spend hours there with a good book when I was younger and always borrowed books to take home. The library provided an outlet where I was free to read as much as I pleased. This greatly encouraged me to start writing short stories once I grew a little older. I only have the library to thank for nourishing my young mind and allowing me to slowly learn the skills that I would need to start writing. I owe so much to Barrhead Foundry Library for their encouragement, especially during the first few years of my life. Without them, I don't think I would be where I am today!"

Vidhi started writing her first novel in lockdown, when she was just 12 years old and has written five novels since. She wrote Arise, a blend of historical fiction and fantasy, when she was 13. She plans to continue her writing journey after school, study English Literature at university and hopes to become a full-time novelist.

Vidhi added: "I have always loved to read and write. I consider them my passions and something I could see myself doing for the rest of my life. I would like to inspire other young people like me to continue to pursue their own passions. I know how hard it can be sometimes to stick to doing what you love the most, but with the right support and motivation, it can be a rewarding experience.

“The best feeling ever was when we received the very first paperback copies. It felt almost surreal to be holding my book in my hand as if I couldn't quite believe that it was mine!"

Scott Simpson, Head of Library and Information Services at East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome Vidhi back to Barrhead Foundry Library to host her own author event as part of our World Book Day celebrations and inspire younger pupils.

“We’re all very excited about Vidhi’s success as an author, particularly at such a young age, and to hear the positive impact that using her local library has had on Vidhi’s reading, writing and future career.”

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure also invited pupils to collect their World Book Day book tokens, supplied by Waterstone's, at libraries this week.

Arise by Vindhi Chanyal can be borrowed and requested at East Renfrewshire libraries is on sale now: olympiapublishers.com

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest East Renfrewshire News

New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers

A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.

David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month

Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.

The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors

2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.

Get set for Summer: East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure launches Summer Holiday Camps

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has launched its summer holiday programme, packed full of activities to keep the kids active and entertained during the school break.

Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical

Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.

Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day

For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.

Dive into a career as a Swim Teacher with new course

A new training course has been lined up for aspiring swim teachers who want to dive into a new career, learn new skills and support the next generation of swimmers.

Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates

Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.

Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience

This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.

Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes

Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.

Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland

The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.

Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open

Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!

Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15

To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.

This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!

Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!

Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.

Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.

New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday

Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.

New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.

Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity

The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!

Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden

The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.

Love Your Lawn with Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.

Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week

Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.

A festival for tiny tots is coming to Glasgow this Summer

A festival for Glasgow's littlest revellers is launching this summer, and it's set to be a treat for the whole family!

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure Launches New Craft Cafe

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has announced the launch of a brand-new adult art class this month.

BBC Introducing comes to TRNSMT Festival, bringing 20 rising stars

Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.

First Bus to improve reliability of over 30 Glasgow bus services thanks to AI

First Bus is making minor service updates to 33 routes across Glasgow from Sunday 20th April as its new AI-driven timetables continue to improve reliability for customers across the city.

New social media campaign to inspire East Ren residents to Love Local

East Renfrewshire Council has launched a new 'Love Local' focused marketing campaign showcasing and celebrating the wide range of amazing local businesses across the area.

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure unveils brand new gym equipment

Fitness members are benefitting from brand new gym equipment at two local fitness centres.

The hoppiest time of the year at the National Trust For Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is hopping into spring as it hosts 40 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care in April!

Popular Listings

Eastwood Park Theatre Rouken Glen Park East Renfrewshire HSCP Walking Groups Greenbank House and Garden Dams to Darnley Country Park Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre

Pupil and published author inspires fellow school pupils at World Book Day event

Pupil and published author, 16-year-old Vidhi Chanyal, hosted a World Book Day event for fellow school pupils at the library that encouraged her love of reading and supported her writing journey.

Sponsored Links

Latest East Renfrewshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings