In the remote village of Gurez in Kashmir, where snow blankets rooftops and books are rare, Amiya’s dream is simple: she wants to build a library. When the “Uncle from Far Away” visits her classroom with a picture book, he sparks an idea that changes everything. Turning to her grandmother, Deidi—whose memory holds a lifetime of oral stories—Amiya begins recording tales over steaming noon chai and buttery kulchas. Together with her sister’s illustrations, a new book is born. This gentle children’s story weaves together themes of intergenerational storytelling, the Partition of India, and the emotional impact of political separation. It highlights the power of books, memories, and cultural heritage—especially when passed from grandparent to grandchild. Also see: – Ok Om Bok Festival – a festival story where grandparents share cultural rituals. – A growing Zamasama collection on grandparents, memory, and cultural preservation.
