Like the 64 squares of the chessboard, five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand has shared 64 experiences from his life in the book Lightning Kid which he hopes will help young readers understand the art of living and of course, the game of chess.

Speaking at a programme to introduce Lightning Kid at Santhanam Vidhyalaya Senior Secondary School in Tiruchi on Friday, Mr. Anand said: “You cannot share lessons, but you can share experiences. Though children may not face completely new situations when 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. This is what I try to do when I explain chess to youngsters. I don’t explain only why I made a move, but how I felt when I made a move and I think those aspects don’t change. In a way it is about sharing your life story, hoping one can find something useful.”

Co-authored by Mr. Anand with Susan Ninan, Lightning Kid is published by Hatchette India. It was adapted for young readers by Vatsala Kaul Banerjee. The title refers to the nickname Mr. Anand earned early in his career in the 1980s.

Mr. Anand said it took the team a year to get the book ready, with his spouse Aruna helping out to highlight the most impactful experiences. “This book is similar to Mind Master, but since we are targeting a younger audience, the chapters are a bit shorter and the lesson is more clearly picked out,” he said.

Earlier at an introductory meet on the book, a copy of Lightning Kid was received by the school’s chief executive officer K. Chandrasekharan from the chess champion. The school’s director S.Aparna, secretary K. Meena, and principal Padma Srinivasan, were present.

In his address, Mr. Anand encouraged students to cultivate discipline and a love for reading. He advised them to stay calm when faced with difficulties and think clearly.