WRITING a book was not something Dinesha Naicker had on her list of goals while growing up, but helping others in some way certainly was.

The visually impaired nutritional consultant, homeopathic doctor and yoga teacher, who hails from uMhlanga, will publicly launch her first book, called The Adventures of Niki and Tanay: Words are a Gift, at The Durban International Book Fair. The event runs up until 13 August at The Globe at Suncoast Casino.

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“I was diagnosed with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH), an autoimmune disease, in 2011. The condition is a vision-threatening multisystem autoimmune disorder which created uncomfortable inflammation in my eyes, causing my sight to diminish. It was manageable for five or six years, but then I started to have recurring relapses which resulted in both eyes getting inflamed and me becoming visually impaired. I’ve been to several doctors, including specialists in India, and undergone various treatments and procedures. Although the condition has subsided, my corneas remain damaged and irreplaceable due to collateral damage to my ciliary body,” she said.

It was while undergoing treatment in India when Naicker told her friend, Sindhu Kuttan, she had an idea to write a children’s book but had mixed feelings.

Kuttan encouraged her to write the book and be more open-minded about the way she wanted to give back.

Writing a book to teach children about mindfulness was not the philanthropic deed Naicker initially had in mind, but she decided to take her friend’s advice.

The overview explains that the book is a mindful children’s book series that follows the lives and escapades of siblings Niki and Tanay (Naicker’s niece and nephew) as they discover the beauty and magic of living in harmony and love.

“The Adventures of Niki and Tanay is about words and how they can affect us but more importantly about what to do when we feel hurt by something someone says. It’s about mindfulness, understanding and living in harmony in how we relate to one another,” said Naicker.

One day, Niki approached Naicker and told her that Tanay had called her stupid, to which Naicker’s response was: “Well, are you stupid?”

She then explained to Niki that it was just a word and that she should not pay attention to it.

“We take too many things personally. By writing this book, I hope to empower kids with mindful communication and to encourage them to not judge others but rather to always love,” said Naicker.

The book is available to purchase at the book fair, however, a digital copy can be bought through Amazon and Smashwords.

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