AND YET YOU SHINE

The Kohinoor Diamond, Colonization, and Resistance

Scholastic India is committed to nurturing young minds through stories that inform, inspire, and empower. One of Scholastic’s recent compelling titles is And Yet You Shine by Supriya Kelkar, which is a poetic retelling of the story of the Kohinoor diamond—one of the most famous and controversial gems in the world.

Mined in India centuries ago, the Kohinoor passed through the hands of emperors, invaders, and colonial powers, each laying claim to its brilliance while ignoring the legacy it represents. And today, the diamond sits in the Tower of London as part of the British crown jewels, a symbol of power and of deep historical injustice.

And Yet You Shine transforms this complex history into a moving, accessible narrative for young readers. Rich with the motifs of Indian textiles and culture, it explores themes of colonization, identity, and resilience.

At its heart, And Yet You Shine is a celebration of strength and survival. It reminds us that even when something is taken or diminished, its light and legacy endure.

Neeraj Jain, MD, Scholastic India, says, ‘And Yet You Shine is a reflection on history, resilience, and the power of shining through, no matter what—a pertinent lesson for children and adults alike.’

About the Author

Supriya Kelkar is an author and mixed-media illustrator. She is the recipient of the Tu Books New Visions Award for her middle-grade novel Ahimsa, also published by Scholastic, which centred on India’s freedom movement. She is also the author of Bindu’s Bindis, Brown Is Beautiful, American as Paneer Pie, That Thing about Bollywood, and many other acclaimed middle-grade novels and picture books. Supriya Kelkar lives in Michigan, USA.

About Scholastic India

Since 1997, Scholastic India has been at the forefront of nurturing young readers by making books accessible and deeply enjoyable. Our Indian publishing programme proudly celebrates and amplifies homegrown voices—featuring renowned authors such as Gulzar, Ruskin Bond, Paro Anand, Sampurna Chattarji, Anushka Ravishankar, Arti Sonthalia, Deepa Agarwal, Vibha Batra, Gauranga Darshan Das, Asha Nehemiah, Nandini Nayar, Varsha Seshan, CG Salamander, Adithi Rao, and many more.

We work closely with schools, educators, and families through our trusted Book Clubs and Book Fairs, as well as curated learning resources that support both classroom teaching and independent reading. In addition to high-quality print titles, we offer digital tools and educator support designed to foster critical thinking, curiosity, and a lifelong love for reading.

Globally, Scholastic is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, with a 100-year legacy and a presence in 135 locations. From Geronimo Stilton and Dog Man, to The Hunger Games, Goosebumps, and Clifford the Big Red Dog, Scholastic delivers iconic stories and unforgettable characters to millions of young readers around the world.

At Scholastic, every book is more than just a story—it’s a step towards building a smarter, more empowered generation.

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