Deo Prasad Rai
In a world where stories often chase fame and fiction, author–illustrator Deo Prasad Rai brings a refreshing reminder that the truest tales come from real lives. His latest work, The Brown Envelope, is a clear, heartfelt picture-book biography of Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) — the present Chief Minister of Sikkim. Through gentle watercolours and simple, evocative writing, Rai captures the extraordinary journey of a humble village boy who grew to become one of the most respected leaders of the Himalayan state.
A Journey from Hillside Dreams to Leadership
The Brown Envelope begins in a quiet hillside village in Sikkim, where a young Tamang helped his family by selling milk and vegetables to pay for school. His story is one of perseverance, empathy, and a lifelong connection with ordinary people. From being a teacher to becoming a political leader, Tamang’s life embodies integrity and service — qualities that continue to inspire countless individuals in Sikkim and beyond.
But at the heart of Rai’s book lies a moment of profound symbolism — a moment that gave the story its name. During Tamang’s imprisonment, a group of poor women brought him a small brown envelope. Inside were a marked coin and a fifty-rupee note. Though tiny in material value, that envelope carried immense emotional weight — it symbolized faith, gratitude, and hope. “It told him that people still believed in him,” says Rai. “That envelope renewed his courage and reminded him that honesty never goes unnoticed.”
When Tamang was released on 10 August 2018, the people of Sikkim welcomed him with open arms. To honour the love and faith symbolized by that brown envelope, he later initiated Ama Saman Diwas — a day dedicated to mothers across the state.
A Story for All Ages
Through warm, poetic language and vivid illustrations, The Brown Envelope takes readers through touching scenes — village mornings, chalk-stained blackboards, courtroom shadows, and the bright faces of those who stood by him. The book is as visual as it is emotional, designed to resonate with both children and adults.
Published in association with PublishNation (London, UK), the book officially launches on 10 October 2025 with global distribution through international bookstores like Barnes & Noble (New York), Strand Book Store, and Amazon, carrying ISBN: 9781918264326.
Buy The Brown Envelope on Barnes & Noble →
Why This Story Matters
For Rai, the book is more than a biography — it’s a cultural and emotional archive of Sikkim’s spirit. “Sikkim is a small Himalayan state with a big heart,” he says. “Stories like this deserve to be told in simple, beautiful ways that even young readers can understand.”
In times when cynicism often overshadows sincerity, The Brown Envelope reminds readers that small acts of kindness can ignite lifelong faith. It’s a story that proves how one person’s compassion can transform not just a life, but an entire community.
The Artist Behind the Story
Deo Prasad Rai is not only an author but a celebrated artist whose works have been exhibited internationally — from Agora Gallery in New York to art shows in London and New Delhi. He has also collaborated with Emergent Art Space (USA) and is an Executive Course alumnus of the Royal College of Art (RCA). His art often explores human emotions, cultural identity, and the subtle poetry of everyday life.
“The turning point in my journey came when I realized that art isn’t only about creating images — it’s about observing life deeply,” he reflects. “As an artist, you learn to see stories in the smallest moments. The Brown Envelope is one such moment, captured forever in words and watercolour.”
A Legacy of Love and Leadership
Through The Brown Envelope, Deo Prasad Rai honours not just a leader, but the people who believed in him — especially the mothers who inspired his strength. It is a story of humility, hope, and humanity — one that will stay in the hearts of readers long after the final page is turned.
Follow Deo Prasad Rai on LinkedIn (@deopsdrai) for updates on his upcoming works and creative projects.
About the Author
