Profile:

Deepa was born in the big city of Mumbai and grew up loving animals and books and drawing. She wanted to become a vet but went to art college instead. She decided that if she couldn’t treat animals, she would write and draw stories about them, and about people and the world. She lives amidst dogs and cats, and teaches at IDC, School of Design, IIT Bombay as the Adjunct Associate Professor in the Communications Design Department. Deepa believes that a person’s happiness is connected to the happiness of everything around – every person regardless of who they are or where they come from, and every plant or animal that we share our earth with. The path to ‘happily ever after’ has demons and obstacles, but she dreams of a future where all children are equal, safe, cherished and free to pursue their dreams; where there are green forests, clean water and wide, open spaces to run.

Jury Speaks:

“Deepa’s illustrations represent diversity, compassion and sensitivity without losing the playfulness and charm that appeal to children and adults effortlessly. Her eye for detail is remarkable, and the scope and scale astonishing. Her delicate balance between colour, image and expression is outstanding, and has been a hallmark of all her works.”

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