In works shaped by personal grief, sincerity often becomes the most powerful literary force. My Dad’s Daughter by Divya Gupta Kotawala is a deeply moving tribute that transforms personal loss into a narrative of resilience, offering readers both emotional insight and quiet reassurance. Written after the passing of her father due to COVID-19 in 2021, the book serves as a farewell gift while evolving into a guide for those learning to navigate absence and rediscover strength.
At its core, the memoir celebrates the profound bond between a father and daughter. It reflects not only the emotional upheaval experienced by families during the pandemic but also the enduring presence of love that continues long after loss. What began as a personal act of remembrance ultimately became a mission—to help others understand the importance of healing and finding closure after life-altering events.
A Journey from Pain to Power
The book traces a deeply human emotional progression, moving through denial, anger, and frustration toward acceptance, gratitude, and renewal. Rather than remaining anchored in sorrow, Divya emphasizes transformation—the conscious choice to convert pain into purpose. Through intimate storytelling, she honours her father’s extraordinary life while illustrating how memory can become a source of strength rather than despair.
The narrative also sheds light on the silent struggles of families affected by COVID-19, portraying how loss reshapes both inner worlds and external realities. Yet the memoir never succumbs to heaviness; instead, it carries an undercurrent of hope, reminding readers that healing, though gradual, is always possible.
The Woman Behind the Memoir
Divya Gupta Kotawala is a dynamic personality who wears multiple hats as a TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. She is the founder of the jewellery brand House of Kotawala, host of the podcast Dear Diary by the Ashhwika Foundation, and Campaign Director for the same NGO, where she works toward improving women’s mental health and financial independence.
Born and raised in Delhi, Divya studied at Modern School, Barakhamba Road, graduated from St. Stephen’s College, and later pursued fashion design at NIFT. Creativity and experimentation have remained defining aspects of her life. Alongside her professional pursuits, she nurtures a strong spiritual inclination, which she describes as a calming force during periods of challenge and transition.
Her contributions have earned her several recognitions, including the ET “40 Under 40” honour and a place among aspiring leaders noted by Forbes. She has served as a jury member for the Mrs. Asia India Pageant 2025, received the Champion of the Year award from the LWL platform, and co-authored the anthology Stories of Courage with eleven other writers, exploring themes of grief and healing.
Widely covered by media platforms and featured on Humans of Bombay for her life journey, Divya has recently launched her community initiative, #FromTheHeart—an access group in Delhi that hosts events across art, culture, fashion, literature, workshops, mental health, spirituality, and charity. The initiative reflects her belief in connection, shared growth, and purposeful living.
More Than a Tribute
My Dad’s Daughter stands apart because it is not merely a memoir—it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. By choosing to honour her father on his first death anniversary through this book, Divya created something that extends beyond personal remembrance. The narrative encourages readers to confront grief, embrace vulnerability, and gradually rediscover gratitude.
Ultimately, the memoir reminds us that while loss is inevitable, it can also become a turning point—one that inspires reflection, courage, and transformation. Through her story, Divya Gupta Kotawala demonstrates that even life’s deepest pain can be reshaped into strength, allowing love to endure in new and meaningful ways.
Book link:
https://amzn.in/d/0ipKXrB9