Ritham Janardhan
rit·ham ja·nar·dhan (n.)
1. a 16-year-old writer, researcher, and storyteller who believes words can change the world.
2. see also: linguistics nerd · education-policy advocate · picture-book author.
- Author
- Changemaker
- Nonprofit CEO
- Podcaster
- Moviemaker
Stories for social change.
the "why" behind everything below ↓
I am passionate about storytelling for social change, researching how language impacts society, and finding methods to reduce educational inequities.
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Linguistics
How the words we use shape who gets heard — and who gets left out.
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Storytelling
Picture books and film that teach empathy and ethics early.
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Education Policy
Student-led ideas for closing gaps in educational opportunity.
A writer who can’t stop asking where words come from.
(it involves a lot of dictionaries)
Work in progress · debut manuscript
Words from My Ancestors
The Surprising Indian Origins of Everyday English
a sneak peek — you use these every day!
swipe for a sneak peek →
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Hindi · Chāmpo
shampoo
From chāmpnā, “to press or knead” — it meant a head massage long before it meant a bottle.
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Sanskrit · Jangala
jungle
Originally “dry, uncultivated land.” English flipped it into the lush, tangled forest we picture today.
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Hindi · Banglā
bungalow
Literally “in the Bengal style” — a one-story thatched house that became a suburban staple.
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Urdu · Pāy-jāma
pajamas
“Leg garment,” from Persian pāy (leg) + jāma (clothing). Bedtime, borrowed.
Amazon bestselling author
four picture books, one big idea: kindness can be taught
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Have a Whale of a Time
Buy on Amazon -
Wish Upon a Shooting Star
Buy on Amazon -
Two Smacks and a Big Bear Hug
Buy on Amazon -
Spin a Web of Truth
Buy on Amazon
2026 Indies International Literary Award
all four books recognized!
Ritham’s four children’s picture books have been recognized with badges of distinction for writing excellence across two genres: Children’s Illustrated Books and Children’s Picture Books. The Indies Award is an annual literary competition celebrating excellence in independent literature.
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2026 Finalist
“Have a Whale of a Time”
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2026 Semi-Finalist
“Spin a Web of Truth”
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2026 Semi-Finalist
“Two Smacks and a Big Bear Hug”
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2026 Notable Mention
“Wish Upon a Shooting Star”
[Placeholder] A short line from a reviewer, teacher, or young reader about one of the books — something that shows the heart behind them.
Award-winning screenwriter & moviemaker
lights, camera… ethics.
“Walk with Us, Papa”
Ritham’s debut film highlights ethics and family values, helping prepare young audiences for social responsibility.
Student voice, in the room where policy happens.
400 schools. one seat at the table.
Ritham is a member of the Student Advisory Council representing 400 public schools, providing student-led policy recommendations to improve educational outcomes.
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is one of 58 county offices of education in California, supporting more than 255,000 students across 13 school districts.
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400
public schools represented by the council
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255K+
students supported by SCOE
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13
school districts
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58
county offices of education in California
Education policy researcher & contributing editor
a seat at the table — and a byline
Since January 2026, Ritham has been a contributing editor at WMC FBomb, where his publications focus on education policy and educational inequities.
WMC FBomb was created by and for teen civic leaders, giving socially conscious youth the tools of a media platform. It’s part of the Women’s Media Center, the inclusive nonprofit founded by Jane Fonda, Robin Morgan, and Gloria Steinem.
Sports & civic engagement
yes, that’s me on the evening news
Ritham believes athletes are uniquely positioned to drive positive change: their platforms combine cultural influence, deep community ties, and highly visible leadership. He frequently shares his views on television, radio, and in print.
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FOX40 News
Live on-air interview about youth sports and community
Watch on YouTube -
Good Day Sacramento
Bulldogs headed to the CIF State Championship
Watch on YouTube -
ABC10
Crowds pack Old Sacramento for the annual tree lighting & Theatre of Lights
Watch on YouTube
As seen on
Questions? Comments? Just want to say hi?
drop me a line!