At just 12 years old, Ashleen Khela has emerged as one of Australia’s youngest published authors, using her writing talent to support impoverished children in India. After releasing her first book, 17 Stories, at age 11, she garnered recognition and was honored with the Young Citizen of the Year award in 2023.
The Hills Shire Council acknowledged Ashleen’s remarkable achievements, describing her as “one of Australia’s youngest-ever female published authors.” She financed her book’s publication through innovative means, including recycling bottles, selling plants from her backyard, and utilizing her savings.
Ashleen’s literary journey began with her first book, 17 Stories, which addresses social injustice and the challenges faced by children living in slums in India. Her second book, Journey Through Her Jersey, focuses on women’s empowerment and aims to shed light on gender inequality.
A Passion for Writing
Ashleen’s father, Amarjit Singh, recalls that her love for writing ignited when she was only four years old. He shared, “I was writing in Punjabi, and one day, she found a book with my picture on it. She was so intrigued and, with childlike wonder, asked me if she could ever have her picture on a book like mine.”
Recognizing her budding interest in storytelling, her parents encouraged her to explore books at their local library. “We have a love for reading in our extended family, which influenced her early habits,” Singh noted. The family also emphasizes maintaining their cultural ties by visiting India annually, which helps Ashleen stay connected to her heritage.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Ashleen began crafting her first book, inspired by the hardships she witnessed among underprivileged children in India. She recalled, “During the pandemic, I had plenty of free time, so I started writing but kept it a secret from my parents until I finished 17 Stories.”
A visit to Punjab profoundly impacted her. “Seeing many underprivileged children living in slums melted my heart. I just wanted to do something to help. That day, I decided to give them bananas.” After distributing over 200 bananas, Ashleen felt a strong desire to do more, realizing that writing could be her means to make a difference.
Funding Her Mission
Determined to finance her book project independently, Ashleen spent nearly two years collecting recyclable materials and selling plants. “I didn’t use my parents’ money to publish my book,” she explained. The proceeds from her books support charitable causes, benefiting the Cancer Council of Australia, the Starlight Children’s Foundation, and underprivileged children worldwide. Ashleen has also donated copies of her books to over 180 libraries across Australia.
Recently, she was commended for her philanthropic efforts during a visit to India, where she donated laptops, tracksuits, cash, and books to children in need. Through her writing and charitable initiatives, Ashleen Khela is truly making a significant impact in the lives of underprivileged children, embodying the spirit of compassion and change
