In Conversation with Mani Mahesh Aurora

In Conversation with Mani Mahesh Aurora

Mani Mahesh Aurora is a writer, life design coach, facilitator, and award-winning social entrepreneur. He is certified in leadership coaching and social empowerment by the Academy for Coaching Excellence, California.

Mani Mahesh consults and coaches leaders and aspiring changemakers to create and innovate with a positive impact, with more than 70% clients as women leaders and grassroots changemakers across various cultures and nationalities. He loves working with people from diverse age groups, sexual orientations, racial backgrounds, and economic spectrums.

In his career that spans 20 years—starting as an 11-year-old child prodigy—Mani Mahesh has worked in broadcast, print, and digital media, as well as hosted and anchored television reality shows and brand launches. At age 23, he transitioned from the corporate world to become a social reformer, influencer, and entrepreneur in the Himalayan countryside where he worked with the local communities on indigenous agriculture and forestry.

In 2023, he was honoured with the ‘Sustainability Champions – Grassroots Heroes’ award at the Indian Responsible Tourism Awards. He is featured on national billboards for Facebook’s ‘Facebook Fuel for India’ campaign and has shared platforms with industry leaders like Mark Zuckerberg and Mukesh Ambani.

Mani Mahesh is the Founder, CEO of Impact Investors. The organisation enables successful micro-enterprises across India, with projects in integrated rural development, rural tourism, agro-forestry, experiential and field-based education, and reviving indigenous economic models with a focus on environmental and cultural regeneration.

Mani Mahesh’s leadership has positively impacted over 1000 community members, earning global recognition with the World Responsible Tourism Award in London, 2019.

As a former journalist, writer, and editor, Mani Mahesh has worked with publications like India Today, The Times of India, and as an on-air presenter for broadcast channels like All India Radio and Reliance BIG FM for seven years. He lectures actively at IIT Roorkee, Jai Hind College Mumbai, WWF, and Panjab University.

In this interview, Mani Mahesh tells us about his forthcoming book on Responsible Tourism, to be published by Bare Bones in 2025.

What is your book about? Share an elevator pitch.

My book is an engaging introduction to responsible tourism for children aged 6–8. Through the adventures of Iya, a spirited solo traveller, young readers explore the beauty of countryside life while learning about sustainable travel practices, respecting local cultures, and caring for the environment. Blending vibrant illustrations with simple storytelling, it inspires children to connect with nature and think critically about the impact of their travel choices, laying the foundation for a lifetime of mindful exploration.

Why is it different? What is its USP?

The book’s uniqueness lies in its blend of an engaging, child-friendly narrative with actionable lessons on responsible tourism. Inspired by my years of experience working with rural Himalayan communities and observing children from urban landscapes immerse themselves in countryside life, the story offers an authentic perspective on sustainable travel. Through the eyes of Iya, a relatable young protagonist, readers learn about eco-friendly practices, respecting local cultures, and connecting with nature. It’s not just a story; it’s a guide to nurturing young change-makers, bridging the gap between urban curiosity and rural wisdom.

Why did you write this book?

I wrote this book to inspire young minds to think about the impact of their actions on the world around them, especially through travel. My years of working with rural Himalayan communities and hosting urban families at countryside homestays have shown me how transformative responsible tourism can be, for both the visitors and the locals. Children, in particular, have an innate ability to learn faster than adults, and their curiosity, empathy, and adaptability make them perfect ambassadors for change. This book channels that potential, introducing them to mindful travel and sustainable living in a way that is engaging, relatable, and impactful.

Why are you qualified to write it?

I bring a unique blend of professional expertise, personal experience, and global perspective to this book. As a young social entrepreneur, I ventured into responsible tourism and sustainability early in my career, founding social enterprises recognised with prestigious honours such as the Gold Award at the World Travel Mart in London and the Outlook Indian Responsible Tourism Awards. My work has involved collaborating with rural communities across the Indian Himalayan region and designing and facilitating immersive experiences that connect urban families, especially children, with nature and local cultures. My global and grassroots experience, combined with my storytelling background as a writer, editor, and anchor with national publications and broadcast channels, enables me to present these concepts in a way that is engaging, relatable, and impactful for young readers.

Why does this book matter?

This book matters because it empowers the next generation to become responsible travellers and global citizens. As the world globalises at an unprecedented pace, travel—whether for leisure, education, or work—has become an essential part of our lives as we grow. In this context, teaching children about sustainable and mindful travel from a young age is crucial. Through Iya’s adventures, readers learn not only about the importance of responsible travel but also about the need to strike a balance in development. The book educates readers on how much development we actually need and where to draw the line. It also introduces the concept of living a life of minimalism with joy, showing that true happiness lies in experiences and connections rather than materialistic excess. This book lays the foundation for cultivating empathy, environmental stewardship, and cultural respect: values that will shape the future of travel and our world.

How does this relate to similar books? Can you think of comparable books in your category?

This book relates to similar works in the sense that it introduces children to important global concepts like sustainability and responsible tourism. However, unlike many books that focus solely on environmental issues, this one also emphasises cultural respect, local communities, and the joy of minimalist living. Also, what sets this book apart is that while the setting is a rural Indian Himalayan village, the context, emotions, challenges, and solutions are universal. Comparable books in the genre, such as THE LORAX by Dr Seuss or THE BERENSTAIN BEARS GO GREEN, touch on environmental themes but often don’t dive as deeply into the travel and cultural aspects. What makes this book unique is its focus on responsible travel, bridging the gap between the excitement of exploration and the need for sustainability. It encourages children not only to care for the environment but to understand their role in shaping the future of travel and human connection.

Three words to best describe you.

Curious, empathetic, visionary.

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