NEW DELHI - A tea vendor with a literary passion, Laxman Rao is the author and publisher of more than 15 books, all in Hindi. On Thursday, when he was invited to meet President Pratibha Patil at Rashtrapati Bhavan, she was curious to know why Rao, a Maharashtrian, prefers to write in Hindi than in his mother tongue.

Marathi is my mother tongue, but Hindi is my national language. That’s why I prefer to write in Hindi, replied Rao.

Rao has been writing for over two decades, but his literary pursuit has no financial aim.

I have not really made much money from my books. But writing is something I enjoy, he said.

From political satires to novels, Rao has a range of books on different genres under his belt. He sells tea by day near ITO crossing (income tax office) - in fact, on the pavement right opposite Hindi Bhavan - and churns out his literary works at night.

However, it has not been easy for Rao to find someone who would publish his books. Refusing to give up, he therefore publishes his own books under the banner ‘Bharatiya Sahitya Kala Prakashan’.

On Thursday, the president invited him along with his family to Rashtrapati Bhavan - a rare honour the 55-year-old says he will not forget for the rest of his life.

It was a great experience. I was overwhelmed by the fact that the president had invited me and given me such a great honour. Since she also invited my family, I went there with my wife and two children, Rao said.

Talking about their interaction, Rao told IANS: She appreciated my work, saying that I am a brilliant writer and that my work was excellent.

He also presented copies of his books to the president.

I sell my books in schools and colleges everyday. But the love for Hindi which is our national language has gone down among students, he said.

Rao is now working on his next novel, “Abhivyakti” which is based on social causes.

My last book, ‘Ram Das’ sold 222 copies. Because of the big demand I am going to publish it again, he said.