'The Spark'
Once an English Literature lecturer, now a full-time story chaser, Lekha Rai is the spark behind Foothills Publishing—she’s the one who lit the fire (and keeps it burning). After over eight years of teaching at Sikkim Manipal University and SRM University Sikkim, she followed her heart into the world of books, stories, and community spaces. She is the proprietor of Cafe The Twins, a beloved book café in Salbari, Siliguri, where conversations and cappuccinos flow freely alongside poetry readings, book launches, open mics, and the annual literary festival, Foothill Notes. A trained storyteller from Kathalaya International Academy of Storytelling, she also runs Kathaghar, a warm little story space for children that’s been sparking young imaginations for the past four years. She’s currently pursuing a Diploma in Storytelling under the mentorship of Geeta Ramanujan, adding yet another layer to her love affair with tales.
'The Inkwell'
Anuradha Sharma is a journalist and writer who grew up in Siliguri, wandered far and wide, and found her way back home—because stories, like rivers, often loop back. She writes about politics, culture, gender, social justice, and the media, with a special love for stories rooted in the eastern Himalayas. A researcher and traveller at heart, her work has appeared in numerous Indian and international publications. At Foothills, she’s the inky-fingered inkwell—offering sharp editorial instincts, thoughtful advice, and just the right amount of punctuation panic.
'The Compass'
Dr. Sujata Guha is a molecular biologist by training, Ayurvedic healer by practice, and Himalayan hermit by calling. She lives in the mountain village of Today Tangta, where silence speaks and stories take root. She is the quiet compass of Foothills—offering steady guidance, deep reflection, and an unwavering belief in the power of storytelling. When she’s not tending to plants or people, she’s reading, thinking, or simply listening—to the hills, to the world, to what lies between the lines. Her presence brings clarity, calm, and quiet direction to all that we do.
'The Lens'
Like most women and many men, Dr. Priyanka Chatterjee is many roles rolled into one. She prides herself as a mother, home-maker, academic, writer, dreamer—and (oh girl!) she enjoys it. Nothing can stop her from making her morning cup of tea and spending an hour with the mountains outside her window, a company she has kept since childhood. In reading and writing, she finds and loses herself. Sleeping and good food are her favourite things, besides family—of which her books are also precious members. If she is not reading, writing, teaching, making to-do lists (fated to remain incomplete), or overthinking, she’s likely watching a good movie by herself. Himal Southasian, Sikkim Express, Feminism in India, and LiveWire are some spaces where she can be read. Reflective, perceptive, and always asking the deeper questions—Priyanka brings clarity, complexity, and care to everything she touches.
'The Spindle'
Smriti is a school principal, social worker, and founding member of Chhimeki, an NGO working in the space of social health. She moves between classrooms and communities with ease, guided by her deep love for children, stories, and meaningful change. At Foothills, Smriti is The Spindle—gently weaving together strands of education, empathy, and community wisdom, helping stories—and people—find their form.
'The Lantern'
Loden Lama is a poet, writer, and quiet observer of the world. His work—mostly poetry and short stories—often explores themes of personal growth and the human experience. He also works as a scriptwriter, having served as script supervisor for Lipstick Golaai, the debut feature film by filmmaker Vivek Rai. A voracious reader who believes deeply in the power of words and stories, Loden maintains an active online presence, including Instagram, where he shares insights and snippets from his creative life. Whether he's shaping a line or sitting with an idea for days, he reminds us that dreaming is also part of the editorial process—and that good writing often begins in silence.
'The Thread'
Dr. Sapan Pradhan is a teacher, researcher, and quiet bearer of cultural memory. A State Aided College Teacher and Assistant Professor of Nepali at Kurseong College, Darjeeling, he has spent nearly a decade immersed in the world of language, literature, and folk culture—fields that live and breathe in the everyday rhythms of the eastern Himalayas. With a Ph.D. from North Bengal University and an M.Phil. from Sikkim University, his academic journey is rooted in the region he calls home.
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