MEET ANITHA
KINDNESS IS EVERYTHING
Anitha Rao-Robinson’s book Music Of The Bells has just been published.
Name: Anitha Rao-Robinson. I wish I knew the story behind my name, but unfortunately neither of my parents remembers why they chose this name for me. For most of my life, I pronounced my name as Anita in order to fit in with my peers. But now, when folks I haven’t met ask how to pronounce my name, I say Anitha, emphasizing the ‘th’ sound. I like to think I’m finally starting to feel comfortable with my South Indian culture.
Currently: My book, Music Of The Bells, has just been published. It is the story of Neela, a young girl who has recently moved from India to a city in North America. In India, she danced Kathak, a form of classical dance, but now she dances ballet like her new friends. Though she loves ballet, she misses the stories Kathak told and the sound of bells jingling around her ankles. When a dance showcase is announced, Neela must decide what type of dance she wants to perform. Kathak? Ballet? Or a combination of the two that allows her to say “Hello” to her new home and “I remember you,” to her old home?
My life in 50 words (or less!): I feel very lucky that most of my days now include playing tennis, writing stories for children, chatting with folks on my podcast called Kindness Is Everything, being with my dogs, cats and horses, and of course spending time with my husband and children.
The writer in me took flight when: I was a teenager and used poetry to express my mishmash of feelings – first crushes, angst with my parents, sadness and fear about being bullied at school because of my skin colour. Writing was a great way for me to safely work through the ups and downs of being a teenager.
The mom in me wishes: For my children to live in a world that is kind to all beings.
My work in non-profits taught me: How important community is. I love when folks come together with a common goal and the positive difference they can make.
Favourite colours: Purple and blue.
Favourite designer: I don’t have a favourite designer. I like clothes that are ethically made and sustainable. I like clothes that last for years so I don’t add to the problem of fast fashion. Most importantly, I like clothes made without harming any animals.
Favourite books/authors: Adult books – Pride and Prejudice. Children’s books – Guess How Much I Love You.
Favourite TV shows: Cozy mysteries like Monk, Mentalist, Will Trent.
Favourite ice cream flavour: Vegan Pistachio.
Favourite cuisine: Indian food, but not too spicy.
Favourite restaurant: I have two. Lettuce Love, a local vegan restaurant, and Bombay Chutney, a local Indian restaurant that has vegan options.
Favourite activities: Tennis. I’ve been playing since I was 11 years-old. My husband and I actually met playing tennis when we were 11. I also love practising yoga and riding my spin cycle.
I’m freaked out by: Heights.
I need: This is a hard one to answer because I think all of my needs are met. But if you asked me what I want it would be the ability and resources to convince people to stop harming animals.
Music of the Bells by Anitha Rao-Robinson, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat, is published by Viking, $24.99.
My role models: Dr Jane Goodall is definitely my hero. But I also admire many of the folks I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with on my Kindness is Everything podcast. One conversation that stands out is with Valentin Gruener. He rescued a lion cub (Sirga) when she was only a few days old and made the decision not to raise her as a pet. He wanted Sirga to remain a wild lion. In order to ensure that Sirga didn’t get used to humans and human enclosures, he slept outside with her when she was a baby. Sirga is now 14 years old, she lives like a wild lion, hunting, etc., on 2000 hectares of land and Val is still her companion. It is one of the greatest love stories I’ve ever heard.
Tips to save the planet: I think the biggest one is eating a plant-based diet. Animal agriculture is the source of the largest and longest injustice in the world. Billions of non-human animals are subjected to cruelty in order to be consumed by humans. Animal agriculture is also a major cause of climate change, habitat loss, pollution and many human illnesses.
In a perfect world: Speciesism wouldn’t exist and we would treat all beings, human and non-human, with equal kindness and compassion.
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