Once an English Literature lecturer, now a full-time story chaser, Lekha Rai is the spark behind Foothills Publishing—she’s the one who lit the fire (and keeps it burning). After over eight years of teaching at Sikkim Manipal University and SRM University Sikkim, she followed her heart into the world of books, stories, and community spaces. She is the proprietor of Cafe The Twins, a beloved book café in Salbari, Siliguri, where conversations and cappuccinos flow freely alongside poetry readings, book launches, open mics, and the annual literary festival, Foothill Notes. A trained storyteller from Kathalaya International Academy of Storytelling, she also runs Kathaghar, a warm little story space for children that’s been sparking young imaginations for the past four years. She’s currently pursuing a Diploma in Storytelling under the mentorship of Geeta Ramanujan, adding yet another layer to her love affair with tales.
Loden Lama is a poet, writer, and quiet observer of the world. His work—mostly poetry and short stories—often explores themes of personal growth and the human experience. He also works as a scriptwriter. A voracious reader who believes deeply in the power of words and stories. Whether he's shaping a line or sitting with an idea for days, he reminds us that dreaming is also part of the editorial process—and that good writing often begins in silence.
Driven by a love for books and community, she started Sabaiko Saano Library, an open library box, and Darjeeling Reads, a silent reading community, to help revive a culture of reading in Darjeeling. Before dedicating herself to these initiatives, she worked across journalism, digital content and nonprofit sector, focusing on building community spaces for reading and meaningful conversations. Now she is focusing on building community spaces for reading and meaningful conversations. At Foothills Publishing, she handles the Sales and Marketing for Foothills Publishing in Darjeeling and surrounding areas – and she does it with her characteristic verve and passion.
Siddharth Chhetri is a public speaker, emerging writer, and aspiring poet, based in Salbari, Siliguri. His writings have appeared in publications and literary magazines across North Bengal. He has actively participated in and moderated debates, Youth Parliament sessions, and Model UN conferences at various educational institutions. He has also been associated with social initiatives through organizations such as MBKS, Darjeeling. At Foothills Publishing, he handles the Sales and Marketing for Foothills Publishing in Siliguri and surrounding areas with his calm persistence and quick wit.
Annorah is an unschooler and a self-directed learner. She enjoys art, football, swimming and playing chess. She can tolerate books—as long as they don't gang up on her all at once. She likes helping people by solving problems. She naturally thinks in terms of cause and effect and enjoys figuring out how things work. She doesn't see herself doing a regular corporate job with a fixed routine in the future. She dreams of building something meaningful, where discipline and creativity go together and where her vocation helps people and the planet while also earning enough profit to keep the lights on.