At the very outset, I extend my warmest congratulations to Arohi Khandelwal, the young and exceptionally talented author of Gokul Leela, for winning the prestigious TRI Literary Awards 2025, Season 03. This recognition is not just a celebration of her remarkable literary accomplishment but also a testament to the depth, maturity, and devotion she has displayed at such a young age. It is truly awe-inspiring to witness an 11-year-old author bring to life the divine and enchanting stories of Lord Krishna with such clarity, innocence, and spiritual insight.
Reading Gokul Leela was not just a literary experience—it was a heartfelt spiritual journey. The book beautifully captures the divine narratives from Lord Krishna’s birth to the myriad leelas (divine plays) he performed during his early life in Gokul. Arohi’s writing not only retells these age-old stories but also fills them with a sense of childlike wonder and purity, making the tales accessible to readers of all ages.
A Spiritual Dive into Krishna’s Divine World
Gokul Leela begins with the description of Lord Krishna’s divine appearance (प्राकट्य), a moment filled with celestial significance. Arohi’s narration of this event is both vivid and deeply emotional. She succeeds in capturing the grandeur of Krishna’s birth, a moment when divine energies aligned to bring forth the avatar who would establish dharma and rid the world of evil forces. Her words are simple yet powerful, evoking the sense of reverence and joy that devotees associate with this sacred moment.
From there, the book takes readers through the escape of Yogmaya from Kansa’s grasp and her divine prophecy from the sky, an event that sets the stage for Krishna’s heroic journey. Arohi’s retelling of this scene is filled with dramatic intensity, yet it retains the spiritual essence of the original narrative. She brings out the fear and tyranny of Kansa while simultaneously highlighting the unshakable power of divine will.
The celebration of Krishna’s birth in Gokul is one of the most delightful sections of the book. Arohi’s writing is tender and joyous, painting vivid imagery of the festivity, devotion, and love that surrounded the arrival of the divine child. Her attention to the small details—the smiles of the Gopis, the preparations for the celebration, and the divine aura of baby Krishna—brings this scene to life in a way that resonates deeply with the reader.
Divine Leelas Retold with Freshness and Charm
What makes Gokul Leela particularly enchanting is the way Arohi narrates Krishna’s playful and miraculous acts. She skillfully balances the innocence of Krishna’s childhood with the divine significance of each event. Stories like Putana’s salvation (पूतना उद्धार), the defeat of Sakatasur (सकट भंजन), and Trinavarta’s downfall (तृणावर्त उद्धार) are retold with a tone that is both reverent and engaging.
Arohi’s ability to convey complex moral and spiritual lessons through simple storytelling is admirable. For instance, the story of Putana, the demoness who came to harm Krishna but ultimately attained liberation, is written with a profound understanding of forgiveness and divine grace. Rather than focusing solely on the conflict, Arohi highlights the underlying message of redemption and compassion, reminding readers of the transformative power of divine love.
Another highlight is the narration of Krishna’s playful childhood (बाल लीला)—especially the incident where he is tied to the mortar by Yashoda (उखल से बांधा जाना). Arohi captures the innocence of the mother-child bond, blending humor, warmth, and spirituality. The subsequent liberation of the twin trees (Yamal-Arjuna उद्धार) is narrated with such visual beauty that readers can almost see the trees transforming and hear the divine blessings echoing across Gokul.
A Young Author’s Unparalleled Dedication
What strikes me most while reading Gokul Leela is the maturity of thought and the dedication reflected in every page. At just 11 years of age, Arohi demonstrates a deep understanding of Indian mythology, spirituality, and culture—an understanding that is far beyond her years. Her ability to present these divine tales with authenticity while infusing them with a personal touch makes the book both relatable and refreshing.
It is evident that Arohi has not merely written these stories as historical or mythological accounts. Instead, she has approached them as a devotee and a storyteller, seeking to preserve the sanctity of these narratives while making them appealing to contemporary readers. This blend of devotion and creativity is what makes Gokul Leela truly special.
Cultural and Spiritual Relevance
In today’s fast-paced world, where traditional stories and cultural roots often take a backseat, Gokul Leela serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder of the timeless wisdom embedded in our scriptures and traditions. Arohi’s book is more than just a retelling of Krishna’s childhood stories; it is an invitation to reconnect with values such as love, compassion, courage, and humility.
By narrating these stories in a manner that appeals to both young readers and adults, Arohi bridges the gap between generations. Children will find joy in Krishna’s playful adventures, while adults will appreciate the spiritual undertones and moral lessons. In this sense, Gokul Leela transcends age and becomes a book for every member of the family.
Arohi Khandelwal – A True Inspiration
Reading Gokul Leela, I couldn’t help but be amazed by Arohi’s journey and accomplishments. At an age when most children are just beginning to explore the world, Arohi has already made a mark as an author, record-holder, and a shining example of youthful brilliance. Her achievements—including writing two books (Dashavatar and Gokul Leela), holding multiple world records, and receiving honors such as the Best Young Author of Jharkhand 2025 Award—reflect her incredible determination, discipline, and passion for learning.
Her literary voice is clear, confident, and full of promise. It is rare to find someone so young who can balance storytelling with spiritual depth. Arohi is not only preserving our cultural heritage but also inspiring countless young minds to dream big and work hard towards their goals.
Final Thoughts
Gokul Leela is a treasure for anyone who wishes to experience the divine charm of Krishna’s life. It is not just a book—it is a celebration of devotion, storytelling, and the boundless potential of young minds. The simplicity of Arohi’s language, combined with the richness of the stories, makes this book a delightful read that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
I wholeheartedly believe that Gokul Leela deserves every accolade it has received, including the TRI Literary Awards 2025 recognition. Arohi Khandelwal is undoubtedly a rising star in the literary world, and her work is a shining example of how passion, talent, and cultural pride can come together to create something truly extraordinary.
Here Reviewers’ Brief Feedback on Gokul Leela by Arohi Khandelwal
1. Prashant Sahu:
“Gokul Leela is a heartwarming retelling of Krishna’s divine childhood, and I was captivated by how Arohi, at such a young age, has infused the stories with both simplicity and depth. The vivid descriptions of Krishna’s playful leelas made me feel as if I was walking through the streets of Gokul, witnessing every miracle and moment of joy. The book is a reminder of the beauty of faith and devotion.”
2. Sameer Gudhate:
“This book is not just a collection of stories; it is a spiritual experience. Arohi’s writing reflects a maturity that is rare for someone her age. Her narration of events like Putana’s salvation and the Yamalarjuna episode is beautifully written and leaves you with a profound sense of divine grace. I was thoroughly impressed by her storytelling abilities.”
3. Apeksha Gupta:
“As a reader, I found Gokul Leela both enchanting and enlightening. Arohi’s attention to detail while narrating Krishna’s childhood—especially the playful and emotional bond with Yashoda—was heart-touching. The book’s flow is smooth, making it an engaging read for both children and adults. It’s a book that radiates positivity and devotion.”
4. Akansha Sinha:
“I was amazed at how effortlessly Arohi brings the ancient stories of Krishna to life. Her writing has the ability to transport you to that divine era. The simplicity of her language makes the book relatable, while the essence of spirituality remains intact. It’s inspiring to see such profound understanding from an author so young.”
5. Glenville Asbhy:
“Gokul Leela is an extraordinary achievement. I particularly appreciated how Arohi connects each divine act of Krishna to larger spiritual lessons. Her portrayal of Yogmaya’s prophecy and Krishna’s miraculous feats is both engaging and educational. This book has the potential to spark curiosity and devotion in readers of all ages.”
6. Pooja Sahu:
“This book feels like a window into the heart of Indian culture and mythology. Arohi has done a phenomenal job of narrating Krishna’s leelas with an emotional touch that resonates deeply with the reader. Every chapter left me with a smile and a renewed sense of faith. She is a truly inspiring young author.”
7. Versha Singh:
“Gokul Leela is beautifully written and feels like a devotional journey rather than just a book. Arohi’s passion and understanding of Krishna’s life reflect in every word. The stories of his playful childhood, from defeating demons to the celebrations in Gokul, are narrated with such charm that I couldn’t put the book down.”
8. Shivangi Yadav:
“I found Gokul Leela to be refreshing and full of divine energy. Arohi’s storytelling captures the innocence and divinity of Krishna’s childhood in a way that both informs and inspires. Her ability to balance traditional narratives with a modern storytelling style is truly commendable.”
9. Kavita Kaushik:
“Arohi’s Gokul Leela is a work of love, devotion, and talent. The way she narrates Krishna’s journey, from his miraculous birth to his enchanting leelas, is simply magical. It’s incredible to see such depth and creativity in someone so young. This book will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on every reader.”
In Conclusion:
Arohi, congratulations once again on this incredible achievement! Your book Gokul Leela is a beacon of devotion and storytelling brilliance. It has touched my heart, and I am certain it will continue to inspire readers across India and beyond. May your journey as a writer and achiever continue to soar higher, just as Lord Krishna’s flute enchants every soul that hears it.
