In a world still burdened by silent yet deeply rooted biases, Mallika Thoppay stands out as a force of light—an author, educator, and social advocate determined to rewrite the narrative for future generations. From coding classrooms to rural village schools, from global podcasts to heartfelt children’s books, her journey reflects courage, compassion, and an unshakable belief in humanity’s power to change.
Mallika Thoppay: Confronting Colorism Through Literature
At the heart of Mallika Thoppay’s work lies her groundbreaking children’s book, Unfair & Lovely. This vibrant and thoughtful picture book addresses the pervasive issue of colorism—skin color discrimination—particularly within South Asia and its diaspora. Through the eyes of two sisters, Sahana and Surabhi, who experience contrasting treatment because of their skin tones after moving to a new city, Thoppay gently yet powerfully uncovers how ingrained color biases can harm a child’s sense of self-worth.
The story encourages children to embrace their identity and empowers them to stand up against unfairness. More than just a children’s tale, Unfair & Lovely has become a conversation starter for families, teachers, and community groups, sparking honest dialogues about inclusion, empathy, and self-acceptance. Critics and readers alike have praised the book for its fluid storytelling and vivid illustrations by Kavitha Amarnath, as well as its ability to inspire young readers to challenge discrimination from an early age.
A Voice for Social Advocacy
Beyond her writing, Mallika Thoppay has emerged as a bold social advocate committed to dismantling systemic prejudice. She serves as a board member of The Colorism Project, an organization focused on eradicating color-based discrimination and uplifting marginalized voices. She also volunteers with initiatives like the 100Books Initiative, ENGin, Santa Clara County Library District, and West Valley Community Services, each of which promotes education, social equity, and community well-being.
Thoppay’s advocacy is rooted in a profound sense of responsibility. She believes that real change begins with awareness, conversation, and courageous action—and she lives by these principles. Whether she is speaking on podcasts like India with Jessica or the Indian Diaspora Podcast, or being featured in Psychology Today, her voice resonates as one determined to uplift others and dismantle discriminatory narratives.
Mallika Thoppay: Empowering the Next Generation Through Education
Mallika Thoppay’s dedication to education shines in every sphere of her life. Professionally, she works as a Senior Learning Systems Developer and Adjunct Instructor at Mission College in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she has shaped minds since 2008. Her educational journey spans a B.S. and an M.S. in Computer Science, with her master’s earned from Kansas State University.
Yet her most impactful teaching happens far from the bustling tech hubs of California—in the quiet rural villages of Karnataka, India. Through eVidyaloka, an NGO that brings digital classrooms to underserved communities, she volunteers as an English teacher to school-aged children. Her dedication earned her the Volunteer Champion Award from 2021 to 2023, a testament to her unwavering commitment to transforming lives through education.
Bridging Technology and Social Impact
In 2020, Mallika Thoppay founded TechSmart Academy, a coding camps business designed to spark curiosity and innovation in children. Her vision was not just to teach programming, but to empower young minds to use technology as a tool for social good. By blending her Silicon Valley experience with her passion for education, she has created a space where technology and purpose intersect—where students learn not only how to code, but also why using those skills responsibly matters.
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