Kolkata, India — December 2025 — In a remarkable literary milestone for Indian publishing, Rajat Pandit has debuted as a masterful storyteller with his debut novel, “Jhaal Muri: The Snacks Seller.” Blending the gritty reality of street child labor with transformative hope and human connection, the book is rapidly capturing attention from educators, social workers, parents, and literary circles nationwide.
Set against the backdrop of Howrah Railway Station, this 150-page narrative follows Santu, a street child who sells jhaal muri (spiced puffed rice) on Platform 4. The book is being celebrated not just as a story, but as a breakthrough moment for authentic Indian literature that centers marginalized voices with dignity rather than pity.
A Rare Voice With a Vision Beyond His Experience
Rajat Pandit showed exceptional artistic talent from an early age, becoming known for his ability to observe deeply and translate human stories into compelling visual and narrative forms. His background spans from branding work with major institutions like Axis Bank and National Book Trust India to founding creative startups. Yet his real masterpiece emerges from years of watching India’s railway platforms and the children building entire lives in their margins.
His debut novel, “Jhaal Muri: The Snacks Seller,” showcases this vision brilliantly. The narrative introduces readers to Santu, whose extraordinary transformation from platform vendor to student is anchored in the dangerous magic of human connection. When a businessman in a suit pauses long enough to truly see him, everything changes. A teacher believes in crooked letters as portals to new worlds. Street kids become mentors to each other. The result is a story rich with symbolism, emotional depth, and philosophical meaning.
Despite his focus on child characters, Pandit writes with sophistication and emotional intelligence that resonates with adult readers. His narrative reflects themes of invisibility and visibility, resilience as intelligence, the power of one person seeing another, dignity in small moments, and the act of claiming your own narrative.
A Story That Brings Street Realities to Meaningful Readers
“Jhaal Muri” has quickly gained attention as a must-read for: Young readers discovering themselves in strangers’ shoes Parents seeking authentic, value-based literature Teachers looking for books that teach empathy and systems thinking Social workers and NGOs addressing child welfare Book clubs seeking meaningful discussions with real impact Film and adaptation producers seeking original source material
The book blends suspense, moral lessons, and emotional truth—qualities that make it powerful for readers aged 12 and up, and profoundly meaningful even for adults seeking literature with conscience.
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Real Change
With this release, Pandit joins a rare league of contemporary Indian authors writing authentically about street economies. His achievement highlights how literature can spark genuine social impact. Educational observers and social workers believe “Jhaal Muri” represents a new generation of storytellers who will bring fresh narratives into Indian literature while keeping human dignity and social consciousness at the center.
His journey is already motivating conversations among educators, NGOs, and community organizations about how books can catalyze real-world action. Several educational institutions have expressed interest in incorporating the novel into curricula.
A Message from the Author
Speaking about his inspiration, Pandit shared:
“During my journeys in trains I spent years watching on railway platforms children like Santu. They’re not victims waiting rescue. They’re brilliant, adaptive, entrepreneurial—simply invisible to those of us who’ve learned not to look. This book is an invitation to see them. And in seeing, to see ourselves differently.”
Availability
“Jhaal Muri: The Snacks Seller” is now available for: Pre-order on major platforms https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0G4NQWJRQ
The edition features the author’s own stunning illustrations and engaging narrative flow designed for both young and adult readers.
About the Author
Rajat Pandit is a digital artist, illustrator, and storyteller from NCR. With a BA in IRPM with Animation from BIT Mesra also completed his Masters in Advertising & Media from Russian Federation, he bridges visual narratives with social impact. His work includes collaborations with National Book Trust India, Allen Career Institute, Tmrc Impact & Research Pvt Ltd and founding creative ventures focused on storytelling and social change. With deep passion for India’s street economies and social justice, Rajat aims to inspire empathy and action through narrative.
For Media Inquiries:
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @visualsketches
Website: https://visualsketches.co.in
Review Copies • Author Interviews • Speaking Engagements Available Upon Request
© 2025 Rajat Pandit. All rights reserved.
Jhaal Muri: The Snacks Seller is a work of fiction inspired by real stories of resilience.
