Viswanathan Anand Shares Life Lessons Through Chess in “Lightning Kid”

Viswanathan Anand Unveils “Lightning Kid”: A Guide to Life and Chess for Young Readers

Tiruchi, July 3, 2026 — In a captivating event at Santhanam Vidhyalaya Senior Secondary School, five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand introduced his latest book, Lightning Kid, a collection of 64 life experiences aimed at inspiring young readers to navigate both the complexities of life and the strategic world of chess.

Anand, affectionately known as the “Lightning Kid” from his early career in the 1980s, emphasized the importance of sharing experiences rather than mere lessons. “You cannot share lessons, but you can share experiences,” he told an audience of eager students. “Though children may not face completely new situations compared to what we faced, the world has moved on, and so has technology. Perhaps, they will be able to relate to what I have shared.”

Co-authored with Susan Ninan and adapted for younger audiences by Vatsala Kaul Banerjee, Lightning Kid took a year to complete, with Anand’s wife, Aruna, playing a crucial role in highlighting the most impactful moments of his life. “This book is similar to Mind Master, but since we are targeting a younger audience, the chapters are a bit shorter and the lessons are more clearly defined,” Anand explained.

During the event, a copy of Lightning Kid was presented to the school’s chief executive officer, K. Chandrasekharan, in the presence of the school’s director S. Aparna, secretary K. Meena, and principal Padma Srinivasan. Anand encouraged students to cultivate discipline and a love for reading, urging them to remain calm in the face of challenges and to think clearly.

As he shared insights from his illustrious career, Anand highlighted the emotional aspects of chess, stating, “When I explain chess to youngsters, I don’t just talk about why I made a move, but how I felt when I made it. Those feelings don’t change, regardless of the era.”

Lightning Kid is not just a book about chess; it’s a heartfelt narrative that intertwines life lessons with the strategic thinking inherent in the game. Anand hopes that through his experiences, young readers will find valuable insights that resonate with their own lives.

With this new release, Anand continues to inspire the next generation, proving that the art of living and the game of chess are intricately connected, much like the 64 squares on a chessboard.