Dehradun, Sept. 19 -- The Books from My Shelves

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been born into a family of booksellers, always surrounded by books at our bookstore.

In my formative years I was fond of Batman and Superman comics, but soon migrated to children's classics, inspired by my grandfather, Lala Narain Das - considered the founder of the book trade in India and a well-known Urdu poet. I often found him reading, and became convinced that good reading is what helps one write impressive poetry - a gift God gives only to those He loves.

In school, my English teachers, Mrs Edwards and Mrs D'Souza, always carried a book in hand. Both were passionate book lovers and an inspiration to me and all my schoolmates. They believ...