Viswanathan Anand, the five-time World Chess Champion, shared 64 experiences from his life in the book 'Lightning Kid' on July 03, 2026.
What happened?
The book, co-authored by Viswanathan Anand with Susan Ninan, was introduced at Santhanam Vidhyalaya Senior Secondary School in Tiruchi.
Viswanathan Anand spoke at the programme, saying: “You cannot share lessons, but you can share experiences.”
Why it matters for Viswanathan Anand
The book is targeted at young readers, with shorter chapters and clearly picked-out lessons, similar to 'Mind Master'.
Viswanathan Anand's spouse, Aruna, helped highlight the most impactful experiences for the book.
What comes next?
Viswanathan Anand encouraged students to cultivate discipline and a love for reading, advising them to stay calm when faced with difficulties and think clearly.
The school's chief executive officer, K. Chandrasekharan, received a copy of 'Lightning Kid' from Viswanathan Anand.
The book was adapted for young readers by Vatsala Kaul Banerjee and published by Hatchette India.
Viswanathan Anand earned the nickname 'Lightning Kid' early in his career in the 1980s.
The team took a year to get the book ready, with Viswanathan Anand hoping that young readers will be able to relate to his shared experiences.
Viswanathan Anand explained that when he teaches chess to youngsters, he shares not only why he made a move but also how he felt when he made it.
The book introduction was attended by the school's director, S. Aparna, secretary, K. Meena, and principal, Padma Srinivasan.
Viswanathan Anand's experiences in the book cover various aspects of his life, aiming to help young readers understand the art of living and the game of chess.
The book 'Lightning Kid' is a valuable resource for young readers, offering insights into Viswanathan Anand's life and chess career.
Viswanathan Anand's visit to the school was a significant event, inspiring students to develop a love for reading and chess.
The book is expected to be well-received by young readers, given Viswanathan Anand's reputation as a chess champion and his ability to share his experiences in an engaging way.