The Gang of Six plus One

By Eka Belicia

This mystical children’s adventure story is set with the Himalayas as the backdrop. The young twelve-year-old, adventurous Igashu hails from the scenic Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. Smitten by wanderlust and lured by what lies beyond the Himalayas, his gang of six plan meticulously to cross the mountain ranges to explore the land and people past the magnificent mountains. The treacherous landscape, terrifying animals and unpredictable weather expose them to new challenges. Just when everything was going as planned, fate intervenes, making the adventure take an unexpected turn. This spirited adventure is a tale of friendship and trust. The children and their faithful guide finally return home to a tumultuous welcome and merrymaking. The following day, Igashu wakes up, startled by his dream. His eyes glisten with excitement as a broad smile spreads across his face. Is a new adventure in the offing? 16Leaves takes pride in supporting independent writers of all ages to publish their books. Publish your book, your way. For details, please visit www.16leaves.com.

• Language: English
• Publisher: 16Leaves
• Release date: Feb 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9789395515894

Book preview

The Gang of Six plus One

The Gang of Six plus One

Eka Belicia

First Edition, 2023

Copyright © Eka Belicia, 2023

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher at the address below.

This book can be exported from India only by the publishers or by the authorized suppliers. Infringement of this condition of sale will lead to Civil and Criminal prosecution.

Paperback ISBN: 978-93-95986-46-5

eBook ISBN: 978-93-95986-41-0

Note: Due care and diligence has been taken while editing and printing the book; neither the author nor the publishers of the book hold any responsibility for any mistake that may have inadvertently crept in.

The publishers shall not be liable for any direct, consequential, or incidental damages arising out of the use of the book. In case of binding mistakes, misprints, missing pages, etc., the publishers’ entire liability, and your exclusive remedy, is replacement of the book within one month of purchase by similar edition/reprint of the book.

Printed and bound in India

16Leaves

2/579, Singaravelan Street

Chinna Neelankarai

Chennai – 600 041

India

[e-mail]

www.16Leaves.com

Call: 91-9940638999

Acknowledgement

Undoubtedly, Bala’s inspiration made me write this book, for which I am eternally grateful. With her patient encouragement and continual guidance, Vasi made me think clearly and write confidently.

Artist Monica with an eye for detail, painstakingly sketched the book cover while young Rick, with his animation skills, was more than happy to get the right colour and finish.

I am also grateful to my family members’ constant support and encouragement, without which I would never have accomplished my goal.

Lastly, the publishing team at 16Leaves gave me the confidence I needed so much.

Contents

Foreword

Igashu

The Gang of Six-Plus-One

The Village Fair and the Sherpa

Almost Ready

The Adventure Begins

The Trek to Tezu

Sherpa’s Briefing at Wakro

The Trek to Pangsau Pass

The Unexpected Turn

Adventure Abandoned

Back Over the Pangsau Pass

To Tezu General Hospital

The Homecoming

Foreword

My chance meeting with Eka Belicia was very recent. For over 50 years, I have pursued excellence in large organisations by augmenting the competence and alignment of different functionaries. Having helped such organisations in several countries like the USA, the UK, China, Singapore and Sweden, to name a few, I could immediately see that Eka is good with communications such as word pictures and inculcating curiosity in children. My tenure on the selection board for Hubert H Humphrey Scholarship, including top-level management positions, gave me a trained eye to recognise talent. With Eka, the hidden talent rearing to be unleashed struck me immediately.

The children’s book, The Gang of Six Plus One, begins in the picturesque Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. Written articulately by Eka Belicia, the book stimulates young minds to seek out information. I firmly believe exploratory learning is far superior to receptive learning, which Eka