Writer · Panelist
Sandip Sodhi
A Canadian, British born Sikh woman whose parents immigrated from Punjab, India. She is both a children's book author and an elementary school teacher in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, where she has been educating children ages 5-13 for more than 30 years. Currently serving as a Teacher-Librarian, Sodhi is deeply passionate about cultural representation and diversity in children's literature. Drawing from her own childhood in 1970s East Vancouver, where such representation was lacking, she believes children need to see themselves reflected in the books they read and has made a conscious commitment to writing books that celebrate inclusivity and diversity.
As an author, Sodhi has written five picture books that carry strong messages about unity, diversity, and positivity. Her bibliography includes "Ms. Chievus in the Classroom" (2020), "Talk to Me, What Do You See? Beauty and Joy from A - Z" (2021), and "Moments in Time - Memories of East Vancouver" (2023), while her latest publications "Proud to be a Kaur" and "Proud to be a Singh" were released in 2025 through Sikhlens Publishing with illustrations by Pardeep Singh. Her literary contributions have been recognized with The Drishti Award for Innovation and Excellence in the Arts in 2021 and The Sikh Heritage BC Community Changemakers Award in 2022.
Beyond her writing, Sodhi has created educational Sikh dolls that serve as both learning tools and toys, featuring long hair that allows children to practice braiding or tying it into a joodha (bun) and securing it with a patka (head covering). This initiative reflects her broader belief that children should have access to toys and materials that authentically represent their cultures. More information about her work can be found on Instagram @niraalicreations and on her website at www.niraalicreations.com.