The Literature Times: Congratulations on The Sacred Alphabet! What inspired you to create a book that introduces Hinduism through the alphabet?
Jay Bothra: Thank you! The idea came to me when I realized that as children, we all learn “A for Apple, B for Ball, C for Cat.” But what if we could also learn “A for Arjun, B for Brahma, C for Chandradev”? That thought stayed with me. I wanted to make Hinduism easy and fun to learn—like ABCs—but full of stories, values, and wisdom that connect us with our roots.
The Literature Times: The concept of connecting each letter to a deity or lesson is very unique. How did you decide which stories or characters to include?
Jay Bothra: I wanted each letter to represent something meaningful from Sanatan Dharma—something that teaches us about life, courage, love, and faith. I researched many stories and selected the ones that could inspire and educate both young and adult readers. For example, A for Arjun teaches focus and discipline, while D for Durga teaches strength and protection.
The Literature Times: You mentioned that the idea for this book came to you while living in Canada. How did being away from India influence your understanding of Sanatan Dharma?
Jay Bothra: Living away from India actually brought me closer to it. When I was in Canada, I saw how people from other cultures were deeply connected to their roots. That made me think about how rich and deep Sanatan Dharma is—and how we often take it for granted. Being away helped me understand its beauty, its calmness, and its universal message of love and truth.
The Literature Times: The character Dev travels across India in the book. Is he inspired by your own spiritual journey?
Jay Bothra: Yes, Dev is like a part of me. He represents curiosity—the need to know “why” behind our traditions. His journey across India is symbolic of my own search for meaning. I’ve traveled to many temples and spiritual places, and each experience taught me something. So, in a way, Dev is walking the same path I once did—just with more imagination and magic.
The Literature Times: How did you balance simplicity for young readers with the depth that adult readers might look for?
Jay Bothra: I wrote it like how I would tell a story to a child sitting beside me. Simple words, but with deep meaning hidden inside. Kids can enjoy the stories, while adults can reflect on the lessons. It’s like how our grandparents told us mythological stories—easy to follow, but full of wisdom when you think deeper.
The Literature Times: What do you think makes The Sacred Alphabet different from other books on Indian mythology?
Jay Bothra: Most mythology books either go very deep or stay too simple. The Sacred Alphabet builds a bridge between the two. It’s not just stories—it’s a journey, from A to Z, where each chapter connects to the next. Plus, it’s written for today’s generation—so it’s visual, emotional, and easy to relate to, even if you’ve never read mythology before.
The Literature Times: Which letter or story from the book holds the most personal meaning for you, and why?
Jay Bothra: K for Krishna touches me the most. Krishna isn’t just a god; he’s a friend, a teacher, and a guide. His way of explaining life through love, playfulness, and truth makes Sanatan Dharma easy to understand. Whenever I face challenges, I think—what would Krishna do? His smile teaches that even in chaos, there’s balance.
The Literature Times: How do you hope this book will influence the younger generation’s understanding of Hinduism and spirituality?
Jay Bothra: I want them to see that Hinduism isn’t just about rituals—it’s about values, stories, and how we live every day. I want young readers to feel proud of their culture and see that Sanatan Dharma is full of positivity, kindness, and wisdom that can help in modern life too.
The Literature Times: Writing about faith and mythology can be deeply personal. Were there any challenges or moments of doubt during the writing process?
Jay Bothra: Yes, many times. I wanted to make sure I told every story with respect and truth. Sometimes I felt, “Am I doing justice to this topic?” But then I reminded myself that my intention is pure—to educate and inspire. Whenever I felt lost, I meditated or read the Gita for guidance.
The Literature Times: Finally, what message would you like readers to take away after finishing The Sacred Alphabet?
Jay Bothra: I want them to feel connected—to themselves, to their roots, and to something divine within. Hinduism is not just history—it’s a way of life. If my book helps even one person discover peace, faith, or curiosity about Sanatan Dharma, then my purpose is fulfilled.
