Deepa Balsavar has written and illustrated over 30 books for children. Her story book ‘The Seed’ (Tulika Publishers, 2005) was chosen by White Raven, Germany as one of the outstanding books for young children, 2006. ‘The Lonely King and Queen’ (Tulika Publishers, 2011) has been translated (apart from various Indian languages) into Swedish and her ‘Nani’s Walk to the Park’ (Pratham Publishers, 2018) has won several awards including NEXT Publishing’s Book of the Year. Deepa is the recipient of the Tata Trusts Big Little Book Award 2021, for her contribution to the world of children’s illustration.

Deepa Balsavar was a core team member of the Avehi-Abacus Project for 20 years, from its inception in 1991. The Project has developed teaching-learning material for use in Municipal schools and Teacher Training Colleges. It attempts to integrate what is learnt in school with what is learnt outside. It also focuses on the values and skills needed to live together harmoniously and equitably. Deepa’s involvement included the research and writing of session plans; the design, development and illustration of the visual material including the Training Manual for teachers and the coordination of artists and production of all material.

Deepa has also been a consultant with UNICEF on the Meena Project in South Asia. She has developed scripts and interactive material and has conducted workshops on script writing for Meena animators in Bangladesh. She has also developed communication material on HIV/AIDS, sexuality and gender education, mental health and women’s studies. Deepa is currently Adjunct Associate Professor, Communication Design at IDC – the Design School, IIT Bombay.