Imagination at the intersection of science and nature

PICTURED: BELOW: Jayathi and Jayath Jaiganesh, the children of Wellington North Rotarian Jay Jaiganesh, and the book they co-wrote Bella and the Bio-Bot.

Jayathi and Jayath Jaiganesh’s journey into storytelling and STEM did not begin with a grand plan or a push toward achievement. Instead, it grew quietly from curiosity – about nature, technology and how the world works.

Words: Sarah Atkins. President, No Borders Rotaract.

Jayathi and Jayath are two teenagers who seem endlessly absorbed in learning more about the world. Based in Pōneke Wellington, NZ, they have a growing list of accomplishments between them: tennis championships, writing competition wins, football and cricket victories. But last year saw them working together to develop and publish an original children’s book. Bella and the Bio-Bot, printed last year by Austin Macauley Publishers, follows a young girl’s journey through the world with her robot companion and a scientist, Mr Smith. The bio-bots, which are created to mimic organisms, explore the meeting point of nature and technology through many imaginative forms. The result is a colourful, bright story about the wonders of Earth and the endless possibilities of science.

“I think growing up… we didn’t really see as [many] STEM books for kids,” Jayathi begins, and Jayath agrees. “We saw a gap that needed bridging… the world is developing a lot in technology and you need to learn it as much as you can.”

But it’s not just about the practical – there’s a lot of passion in the book too. Their enthusiasm, and the great time they had together while making it, carries easily into the narrative.

“I think it’s very evident here… we both kind of had a common passion,” Jayathi says. “If you have a dream to do something you should just follow it.”

They are already planning a sequel, too.

“A lot of [people] were asking if we were going to do another book.”

The siblings’ mother, Jay, is a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Wellington North and is understandably proud.

“Both children have always been inquisitive,” she says. “At school, this curiosity has translated into strong engagement with science, technology and problem-solving activities. Rather than seeing STEM as an academic destination, they’ve come to view it as a way to explore.”

She’s also extremely proud of the way they worked together to see the idea through to a final product. Bella and the Bio-Bot emerged from shared conversation and both teens found their own role: Jayathi focused on the narrative aspect, with Jayath investigating the science and technology behind their storytelling.

“Their working style was thoughtful and cooperative,” Jay says.

Rather than seeing STEM as an academic destination, they’ve come to view it as a way to explore.

Since publication, the book has reached international audiences and is held in overseas libraries, including the British Museum Library. They are quick to acknowledge the teachers, community members and Rotary mentors who have encouraged their curiosity and confidence along the way.

Outside of their new writerly pursuits, Jayathi and Jayath volunteer in school and community causes regularly, including supporting refugee families and environmental initiatives. Jayathi is also part of Rotary’s Youth Council for 2025-26.

“They’ve learned the importance of empathy, inclusion and taking practical action. And being involved with people from diverse backgrounds has shaped their understanding of fairness, responsibility and the value of service,” Jay says. “This perspective carries through into Bella and the Bio-Bot, where curiosity and innovation are always paired with care for others and the world around them.”

The two have also developed an acute sense of the interaction between nature and science – which we are currently at a crucial intersection of.

“I think they go hand in hand,” Jayath says. “Nature can help us all around the world. We need trees to breathe, but then again, technology can help us with a lot of things as well.”

If all goes right, and with the next generation raised to appreciate both, neither should overpower the other. Jayathi and Jayath look to be on the right track.