Austin Ajit : Young Naturalist, Author, Artist, Storyteller and Avid Reader

Austin Ajit is a young writer, nature enthusiast, and one of India’s most promising literary prodigies from Bengaluru. He is a Grade 9 student at Wolsey Hall Oxford (UK) and has authored and translated 12 books, including novels, short story collections, and works of science fiction, with a strong focus on nature and environmental conservation. His short story collection, The Ray of Hope, has been translated into German.

At the age of 12, Austin received the prestigious Times of India & Reliance Foundation Unstoppable21 Award for his contributions to nature conservation through literature. He also completed the IIT Madras–IISc Bengaluru Basic Course in Ornithology with an Elite Silver grade, becoming one of the youngest participants to excel in the program.

Austin actively contributes to citizen science through bird surveys, butterfly expeditions, and nature conservation initiatives. He made his acting debut in the Kannada film September-13 (2022) and has received several accolades, including the Kerala Bala Sahitya Academy Bala Prathibha Award (2024), the Sueños International Children’s Book Award (2025), and the Panorama International Literature Prodigy Award (2023). Recognized by Harvard World Records London and the India Book of Records, Austin continues to inspire young readers by combining literature, science, and environmental stewardship.

Austin actively participates in bird and butterfly surveys and studies across India. His latest project involves monitoring the birds and butterflies of Hoskote Lake. During his visits, he has documented 62 species of birds, with notable sightings of the European Roller and Hoopoe.

In Austin’s words:
“I’m a thirteen-year-old child from Bengaluru studying in Grade 9 at Wolsey Hall Oxford, a home-schooling college in the UK. I love reading Sci-Fi, fantasy, adventure, and mythological books, especially Greek mythology. I also enjoy universal books on nature, plants, and animals, and I never miss a chance to learn about dinosaurs! I have a personal collection of more than 100 dinosaur replicas. I love wildlife safaris, drawing, reading ,swimming, trekking, watching butterflies and bird watching.

I find time to actively engage with wildlife and nature conservation forums. The money I earn from my books goes to Wildlife SOS to help Kuber the sloth bear. I’m greatly inspired by some of the world’s most renowned naturalists, including David Attenborough, Jane Goodall, Steve Irwin’s family, Dr. Pol, Kartick Satyanarayan, Professor Flint, the Kratt brothers, Coyote Peterson, Bear Grylls, and Steve Backshall.”