Kamal '07 publishes Indian philosophy novel

While most eighth graders were playing video games and listening to rap, Ritu Kamal '07 began work on her innovative philosophical novel, "Panch Kanya: a Novel Experience in Indian Philosophy."

By the time she was 16, Kamal's work had grown into a 508 page text, dealing with all six systems of Indian philosophy through narration, dialogue and fictional correspondence.

Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of her achievement, however, is that she wrote Panch Kanya in her second language, English.

Coming to Princeton this fall was her first trip abroad. Kamal, a native of Bombay, India, was attracted to Princeton by the diversity of its curriculum.

Although she has no intention of pursuing careers in writing or philosophy, Kamal is looking forward to taking classes offered by these departments.

"Writing is this side thing," she said when asked to describe her future literary plans.

For Kamal, philosophy is less of an academic focus than an essential Indian "way of life."

When describing her novel, Kamal uses the example of the magazine, Popular Science, to illustrate her intentions in its creation.

Much like Popular Science, Kamal aims to present complex topics in an engaging format that is easy to understand.

Kamal's relationship with her religion is equally unorthodox. Instead of praying daily, Kamal chooses to "live like a Hindu." It is "less of a religion, more of a guiding thing," she said. "It's about choices."

Kamal's real passions are mathematics and science.

As a child, she learned about modern science from her father who is a physicist.

As a participant in the BSE program, Kamal plans on studying electrical engineering.

Kamal is also an active member on the board of the Consortium of International Student Organizations.

She is a writer for the campus science and engineering journal, innovation.

She is also a participant in the Bioengineering Society.

Kamal's Panch Kanya was nominated for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award in 2003 by the Delhi Public Library in New Delhi, India.