FIHCR, in collaboration with the OLA Foundation, NAAV AI, and BluOne Ink, successfully launched the YUVA Books Series on 12th July 2025 at Hotel Courtyard by Marriott, Bengaluru Hebbal. The event brought together educators, students, cultural enthusiasts, and dignitaries to celebrate a new wave of storytelling that makes Indian history engaging and accessible for young minds.

The event marked a landmark moment in children’s publishing in India, where a set of history-themed children’s books was launched in seven languages (Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, and Hindi) simultaneously. Authored by Smt. Mala Kumar, Dr. Pradeep Chakravarthy, Shri Vijender Sharma, and Smt. Harini Srinivasan, the books explore ancient civilisations, legendary rulers, and cultural milestones through vibrant illustrations and compelling narratives. 

They were translated into six Indian languages by a team of experts at NAAV AI, a language tech company co-founded by Dr. Vikram Sampath and technologist Sandeep Singh. NAAV AI works at the intersection of artificial intelligence and publishing, and helps translate and adapt books into multiple Indian languages by combining AI with human expertise to preserve meaning, tone, and cultural nuance.

Esteemed guests of honour included Smt. Sudha Murty, beloved author and Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Shri Yaduveer Wadiyar, scion of the Mysore Royal family and Member of Parliament (Mysore and Kodagu) and Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, Founder Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, along with Smt Rajalakshmi Aggarwal, Chairperson of the OLA Foundation and Shri Devesh Varma, Head of the OLA Foundation. 

Smt. Sudha Murty emphasised the importance of making history relatable and story-driven for children, advocating for the creation of more accessible books. Shri Yaduveer Wadiyar spoke of kindling historical curiosity early in life, while Sadguru Madhusudan Sai emphasised the constructive role of AI in preserving and sharing India’s stories across linguistic boundaries. Dr. Vikram Sampath highlighted the transformative nature of the event, describing it as an important initiative toward nurturing a sense of historical curiosity, cultural pride, and national consciousness among the youth. Rajalakshmi Aggarwal spoke about the need for culturally rooted youth initiatives to ensure our stories are told with truth and dignity.