Houston Author Varsha Bajaj Tackles Tiger Conservation In New Novel ‘Roar’

India-West News Desk

MUMBAI- In her latest middle-grade novel, ‘Roar,’ bestselling author Varsha Bajaj turns to India’s wildlife sanctuaries to explore the tension between economic development and environmental conservation.

The story follows Rohan, a boy traveling from the United States to visit his grandfather, who works at a tiger reserve in India. What begins as a personal trip to reconnect with his roots takes on new urgency after he encounters Arya, a tigress living in the sanctuary with her twin cubs.

The reserve soon comes under pressure from two growing threats: illegal poaching and a proposed mining project near the protected land. Bajaj avoids presenting the conflict in simple terms, showing how many local residents support the mine because of the jobs and economic stability it could bring to the region.

As the debate intensifies, Rohan begins to understand the difficult balance between human livelihood and the survival of endangered wildlife.

The story shifts after a serious crime inside the reserve pushes Rohan from observer to advocate, determined to speak out for the animals and their habitat.

Born in Mumbai and now based in Houston, Bajaj is known for novels including ‘Thirst’ and ‘Count Me In,’ which often center on identity, social responsibility, and global connection. With ‘Roar,’ she combines a coming-of-age story with a grounded look at modern wildlife conservation.

‘Roar,’ published by Penguin Random House under the Nancy Paulsen Books imprint, is written for readers ages 8 to 12.