Despite the bitter cold and dense morning fog in northern India, 12-year-old Ashleen Khela, Australia’s youngest female published author of Indian descent, is determined to bring warmth to underprivileged children in Punjab. Using funds raised from her books, 17 Stories and Journey Through Her Jersey, she donates laptops, cash, warm clothing, socks, and nutritious food to students in schools lacking heating facilities. While classrooms remain icy in the freezing January mornings, her cheerful words and inspiring speeches fill young minds with hope and joy.
Ashleen’s deep connection to her Indian heritage stems from her family’s annual visits to Punjab. She discovered her passion for writing at just seven years old while traveling in India, an interest she nurtured further during the COVID-19 lockdowns. A life-changing moment occurred when she saw children of migrant workers living in extreme poverty along the roadside. Moved by their plight, she distributed bananas, witnessing firsthand how a simple act of kindness meant the world to them. This experience fueled her commitment to making a difference.
During the lockdown, she wrote 17 Stories, blending her experiences with imaginative storytelling to highlight social disparities. The book features stories like Elisa and Josephine, contrasting childhoods in developed and developing nations, and Zombie Virus Diary Entry, which captures the emotions of an Australian child stuck at home during the pandemic.
Ashleen self-funded the book’s publication by recycling bottles and cans through Australia’s Return and Earn program and selling plants. Every dollar earned went toward supporting Australian charities and children in developing countries. Her second book, Journey Through Her Jersey, addresses gender bias in sports, inspired by her younger sister’s struggles. Proceeds from this book support UNICEF, UN Women, and initiatives for underprivileged children in India.
Accompanied by her father, Ashleen has donated over $4,000, several laptops, and essential supplies to multiple schools across Punjab. Her efforts have earned her recognition from Punjab University and various cultural organizations. In Australia, she has been a finalist for the Young Australian Sikh of the Year award and received a Community Recognition Statement in the New South Wales Parliament. She will also be honored at the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2025 for her outstanding contributions.
Within a month of publishing her second book, Ashleen has already raised over $1,000 for UNICEF, with readers spanning across Australia, the USA, Canada, India, and beyond. Her journey exemplifies how passion and determination, regardless of age, can create meaningful change.
