Vandana Bhagra

State President

Himachal Pradesh Media Council

Vandana Bhagra is an accomplished editor, writer, publisher, and the Founder of KEEKLI – An Ode to Innocence, a pioneering children’s webzine launched in 2013 (www.keekli.in). With over 25 years of experience in publishing and journalism, she has worked with reputed organisations such as Himachal Times, Consumer VOICE, and Encyclopaedia Britannica. Holding a Master’s degree in Journalism, Vandana has edited and proofread 120+ books, freelanced for local dailies, and contributed to her own news channel, establishing herself as a trusted voice in editorial excellence.

Deeply committed to nurturing young minds, Vandana initiated the Keekli Book Club in 2017 to promote reading and creative writing among children. In 2018, she founded the Keekli Charitable Trust, extending her mission to empower underprivileged children and women through competitions, literary events, theatre, and skill-development initiatives. Balancing her professional journey with motherhood to two daughters, she continues to champion creativity, inclusion, and education at the grassroots level.

Her contributions have been widely recognised with prestigious honours, including the Encouragement Award for Best Women Entrepreneur (Vibrant Gujarat, 2015), Swayamsiddha Srijan Samman (2022), and the Sushma Swaraj Award (2023). Currently freelancing with AuthorsUpfront as an editor, proofreader, and indexer, Vandana remains dedicated to innovating meaningful creative engagements for children, particularly within the Shimla community.