In the 1940s, amidst the crumbling British Government and India’s struggle for self-governance, two stubborn teenagers strike an unlikely friendship over a game of gilli danda. In 2011, David and Nandini—now in their eighties—recall past events, revisit memories and share them with their grandchildren. As it Happened in 1942 is a story of revolutions—in society and within people. It is about finding the courage to accept your faults and forgiving others. But mostly, it’s the tale of two friends who push each other to grow and face a world determined to change them. Anandamayee Singh is a second year English and Psychology student at University of California, Los Angeles. Prior to that, she lived in Switzerland for nine years, studying at the International School of Geneva. It was there that she developed her love for cheese, chocolate and writing. Her parents and teachers encouraged her, and at the age of nine, her mother sold her stories to a mobile company, which turned them into audio bedtime stories for children. At school, she won several writing competitions and regularly wrote for her school’s literary magazine: Expressions. She has also forayed into journalism by interning with Jiji Press and the Times of India. At the age of fifteen, she penned the first draft of As it Happened in 1942 which was later picked up by Om Books International for publication. She is currently considering adding film or theatre to her long list of subjects to study due to her fascination with different forms of storytelling. Her biggest fears include being asked where she’s from, and snakes. Talking Points - Foreword by dancer-turned-journalist-turned-author Radhika Jha -Focuses on the ordinary yet forgotten stories of people in pre-independent India -A heart-warming tale of friendship that crosses barriers of identity, religion, class and colour -Highlights the importance of human relationships, universal love, peace and brotherhood