In every corner of the world, stories shape the soul of a society. They teach, question, inspire, and often, transform. At Ashwatha Tree Books, we believe in stories that go beyond the page—stories that take root in the reader's mind and grow into understanding, awareness, and wisdom. Like the sacred Ashwatha (Peepal) tree under whose shade sages once meditated, our books offer shelter, insight, and a space to pause and reflect.

This is more than a publishing venture. It’s a quiet revolution in mindful reading and inclusive storytelling.

The Ashwatha Tree: More Than a Symbol

The Ashwatha tree, sacred across Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, is often seen as a living bridge between the temporal and the eternal. In Indian mythology, it represents the universe itself—its roots above, branches below, eternal and interconnected. People have prayed, pondered, and found peace beneath its sprawling canopy.

Ashwatha Tree Books draws deeply from this symbolism. Just as the tree stands as a silent witness to generations, we aim to be a nurturing ground for literature that lasts—not just in memory, but in impact. Our books are chosen with intention, written with care, and crafted to serve as both mirrors and windows: reflections of the self and glimpses into other worlds.

The Ashwatha Vision: Books That Matter

In an age of rapid publishing and fleeting attention spans, Ashwatha Tree Books has chosen a slower, more deliberate path. We believe every book we publish should be rooted in purpose—whether it entertains, educates, or enlightens.

We focus on:

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Literature that enriches: Our fiction titles offer more than just plot—they provide emotional depth and cultural richness.

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Non-fiction that empowers: From contemplative philosophy to educational reform, our non-fiction speaks to the thoughtful reader.

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Children’s books that plant seeds early: We craft stories that build emotional intelligence, cultural understanding, and curiosity.

Our guiding principle? If a book can open a mind or heal a heart, it's worth publishing.

Championing Diverse Voices

Too often, mainstream literature marginalizes the voices that most need to be heard. At Ashwatha Tree Books, we actively seek out and amplify stories from:

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Marginalized communities, including Dalit, tribal, and rural writers.

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LGBTQ+ authors sharing culturally rooted narratives.

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Women’s voices, particularly those who challenge patriarchal norms with courage and clarity.

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Regional storytellers whose languages and dialects enrich our literary tapestry.

We believe that storytelling is a human right—not a privilege reserved for a few. Every voice, no matter how quiet or unconventional, has a place in the literary ecosystem.

Books That Teach and Transform

Ashwatha Tree Books is proud to publish titles that delve into philosophy, education, and spirituality—but not in a preachy or inaccessible way. We seek work that encourages self-reflection, not dogma. Books that challenge assumptions while remaining compassionate and inclusive.

Some highlights from our catalogue include:

Personal reflections from modern-day educators innovating in grassroots Indian schools.

Fresh interpretations of Eastern philosophy, making ancient wisdom relevant for today’s seekers.

Biographies of unsung heroes—teachers, healers, and thinkers whose lives offer deep lessons.

We see reading as a contemplative act. A good book should not just stimulate the mind—it should expand the soul.

A New Chapter for Children’s Literature

Our children’s books are crafted to nourish the intellectual and emotional development of young readers. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, we aim to bring children back to the joy of quiet discovery.

What sets our books apart:

Diversity in characters and settings, helping kids see both themselves and others in stories.

Eco-awareness themes woven into fun, engaging tales.

Language inclusivity, including bilingual formats to promote mother tongue literacy.

We work with educators, psychologists, and storytellers to ensure every story serves as a gentle guide—toward kindness, confidence, and curiosity.

Sustainability in Action

The sacred Ashwatha tree is not only symbolic—it’s a reminder of our bond with nature. Our publishing practices reflect that ethos:

We use recycled or sustainably sourced paper for our print runs.

We offer e-book and audiobook editions to reduce our carbon footprint.

We collaborate with environmental NGOs and dedicate part of our revenue to tree-planting and rewilding projects.

To us, sustainability is not an add-on—it’s part of how we tell our stories, package our books, and shape our future.

Building Literary Communities

Books are meant to be shared. And at Ashwatha Tree Books, we believe that the true power of literature unfolds in community. That’s why we invest in programs that bring readers, writers, and learners together:

Reading Circles

Our facilitated reading groups operate in schools, libraries, and local community centers, especially in underserved areas. Books become tools for dialogue, helping participants connect across generations and experiences.

Ashwatha Fellowships

This unique mentorship program supports emerging writers from marginalized backgrounds. Fellows receive:

Editorial mentorship

Publishing support

A modest stipend

Exposure to wider literary networks

Many of our fellows have gone on to publish acclaimed works, transforming their personal narratives into collective wisdom.

Workshops and Events

We host storytelling festivals, author Q&As, and writing retreats where people can explore their inner storyteller in safe, inspiring environments.

Digital Horizons: Storytelling for the 21st Century

While we cherish the printed page, we’re not stuck in the past. Ashwatha Tree Books is embracing technology and digital formats to reach more readers and listeners.

Coming soon:

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Audio storytelling: Narrated by authors, actors, and even community members to preserve oral storytelling traditions.

Interactive e-books for children: Combining narrative with sound, art, and activity.

Multilingual podcast series: Featuring readings, interviews, and behind-the-scenes looks at the stories we publish.

Our goal is simple: to make good literature accessible to more people, in more ways.

Why Ashwatha, Why Now?

In a noisy world filled with distractions, we believe depth matters more than speed. Amid trends, tweets, and algorithms, readers are still searching for something real—something that makes them pause and reflect.

Ashwatha Tree Books offers that pause.

We publish slowly. Deliberately. Respectfully.

Because true change—like the growth of a tree—takes time.

We don’t chase viral moments; we build quiet legacies.

We don’t sell just books; we nurture minds.

Looking to the Future

Ashwatha Tree Books is growing, but like our namesake tree, we’re doing so with deep roots. In the coming years, we aim to:

Expand our reach to regional and tribal languages

Offer cross-cultural collaborations with global independent publishers

Launch educator resource packs to accompany our children’s books

Introduce an Ashwatha Literary Prize to honor works of deep societal impact

But we’re not chasing growth for its own sake. Every new project, every new voice, every new story must align with our core vision: to nurture minds, one page at a time.