In a time when not many young teens turn to writing and reading as creative outlets, writing remains a powerful tool that sharpens our thinking, deepens our understanding, and strengthens our ability to express ideas clearly. It helps us explore the world and ourselves with greater insight. Serving as an inspiring example to her generation, 14-year-old Saanvi Rai, a Grade 9 student has penned an insightful book on the theme of Power. We at Youth Incorporated got an opportunity to interview Saanvi and learn more about her journey, her inspiration, and what power truly means to her.
Saanvi Rai is a student at Birla Open Minds International School, Danapur, known for her exceptional curiosity, determination, and passion for learning. From a young age, she has been deeply interested in understanding the forces that shape our world—especially the dynamics of power and influence in everyday life. This curiosity inspired her to write and publish her first book, Power: Beginner’s Guide to Recognition and Resistance, a clear and insightful guide aimed at helping young readers recognize and navigate the complexities of power. Demonstrating her creativity and attention to detail, Saanvi also designed the striking cover of the book herself.
Beyond her literary achievement, Saanvi is actively involved is always eager to engage with new ideas and challenges. She is passionate about creating awareness on social and political issues and dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and politician. Through her writing, leadership, and commitment to learning, Saanvi strives to make complex concepts accessible and inspire others—especially young people—to think critically and drive positive change.
Her school, Birla Open Minds International School, has played a crucial role in making this achievement possible. With its supportive and nurturing environment, the school encouraged Saanvi to explore her ideas freely and provided her with the guidance and resources she needed throughout the process. The encouragement from her teachers and peers helped her overcome challenges and stay motivated during the years.
Interview With Saanvi Rai
Q: At just 14 years old, what inspired you to write your first book Power: Beginner’s Guide to Recognition and Resistance?
A: I’ve been fascinated by the concept of power since I was about eight. Back then, I didn’t fully understand what I was reading—I was exploring books on dark psychology and manipulation just out of curiosity. But over time, the pieces started to come together. I began to notice how power shows up everywhere: in friendships, families, schools, governments—even in silence and body language.
I wrote Power: Beginner’s Guide to Recognition and Resistance because I realized that many people, especially young people, are being influenced or controlled without even realizing it. I wanted to give them a toolkit or help them. Not to manipulate others—but to recognize manipulation, protect themselves, and learn how to think clearly and strategically. I was a beginner when I started learning all this, so I wrote it for other beginners like me.
At the core, this book is about awareness, resistance, and reclaiming agency—starting as early as possible.
Q: How did you come up with this topic? What drew your inspiration—could it be books, people, or personal experiences?
My inspiration came from a mix of things—books, personal experiences, and the people around me. The most difficult part was putting my thoughts into simple words. But thanks to the support from my teachers, friends, and Birla Open Minds International School, I was able to do it. This book is my way of sharing what I’ve learned.
I started reading books on psychology, dark persuasion, and strategy when I was very young. At first, I didn’t understand most of it, but something about it felt important—like I was glimpsing a hidden language the world runs on. As I got older, I began to connect those ideas to real situations. I noticed how power dynamics existed in school, at home, online—everywhere. Not just in obvious ways like authority, but in subtle cues, manipulation, and silence.
There were also personal experiences where I felt powerless or watched others get manipulated, and I couldn’t unsee it. That lit a fire in me. I wanted to study power—not to control people, but to decode it. To help others recognize invisible influence and resist it intelligently, even if they’re young or underestimated.
Q: Could you tell us what the book is about? And what do you think young people should understand about power?
Power: Beginner’s Guide to Recognition and Resistance is a crash course in understanding how power works—especially the kind that’s invisible. It’s not about politics or status. It’s about recognizing manipulation, influence, emotional pressure, and subtle control that exists in everyday life.
The book breaks down how people gain power over others—sometimes through words, sometimes through silence, and sometimes by simply making you doubt yourself. But more importantly, it teaches how to see it, name it, and protect yourself from it. I wrote it as a beginner for other beginners, so the language is simple but sharp. It’s meant to be the first step in building what I call “power literacy.”
For young people especially, I believe this is critical. We’re taught to follow rules, respect authority, and avoid conflict—but we’re rarely taught how to recognize when someone is using power against us unfairly. I want young readers to know:
- You don’t have to be older to understand power.
- You don’t need a title to defend your mind.
- And most importantly, awareness is your first shield.
Once you learn to see power clearly, you can stop being controlled by it—and start using it wisely.
Q: You mentioned it took you 4–5 years to fully understand the topic of power. Could you share with us some moments that helped you understand the topic better?
Yes, definitely. My understanding of power wasn’t shaped by one big moment—it was shaped by many small ones, where I started to see patterns.
One moment that really stuck with me was in school, when I saw how certain people could influence others without ever raising their voice or getting into trouble. They didn’t use force— they used social pressure, silence, or even kindness as a weapon. That’s when I realized power isn’t always loud—it’s often invisible.
Another moment came from watching how adults interacted. Sometimes people would agree publicly but resist privately. That taught me about appearance versus reality, and how people often use indirect tactics to get what they want. I started observing more—noticing body language, emotional manipulation, even the way some people ask questions to control the direction of a conversation.
And of course, books played a major role. I remember rereading the same material years apart and finally getting it—like how gaslighting works or how power can come from making others doubt themselves. It clicked because I had seen those things play out in real life.
So over time, I stopped seeing power as just authority or strength. I started seeing it as a system of influence that affects everything—from how people think, to how they make decisions, even when they believe they’re free.
Q: Apart from writing, you also designed the cover all by yourself. So are you also creative and into design?
A: I wouldn’t say I’m a traditional designer—I don’t design for fun or as a hobby. But after years of studying psychology, especially influence and manipulation, I’ve learned how powerful design can be when used strategically. One of the biggest tools I used was color psychology.
For the cover, I chose gold, red, and black very intentionally. Gold symbolizes value, status, and hidden power—it’s subtle but commands respect and signals that the ideas inside are important. Red represents danger, intensity, and dominance, capturing the energy behind recognizing and resisting power. Black adds a sense of mystery, control, and seriousness, reflecting the deeper, often hidden nature of real power.
Together, these colors create a mood that matches the book’s themes—power that is intense but controlled, visible but also hidden. Beyond color, I also paid attention to the font and spacing because every design element influences how a reader feels before they even open the book.
So while I’m not “into design” as a hobby, I approach it strategically, using design as a psychological tool to communicate and influence.
Q: If you could give one message about leadership and change, what would it be?
A: Leadership isn’t about having power over others—it’s about understanding power deeply and using it responsibly to create positive change. Real leaders don’t just react to the world; they see the hidden forces shaping it and act with intention.
If I could give one message, it’s this: True leadership starts with awareness—knowing when power is being used fairly or unfairly—and having the courage to resist injustice and inspire others do the same. Change doesn’t come from force alone; it comes from clarity, strategy, and the ability to influence thoughtfully. That’s how we create lasting impact.
Q: How are you promoting and marketing this book?
A: I’m fortunate to have strong support from my publisher, who is helping with the official promotion and getting the book into the right channels. Beyond that, my family and friends are really involved—they’re sharing the book with their networks and helping spread the word.
I’m also reaching out to other writers and readers to get honest reviews and feedback, which helps build credibility and trust. It’s really a team effort, combining professional support with personal connections to make sure the book reaches people who will benefit from it.
Q: What are your future plans? Do you have any more projects or ideas in the works?
A: Absolutely! Writing Power: Beginner’s Guide to Recognition and Resistance is just the start. I’m currently working on an intermediate-level guide that will explore power dynamics more deeply and introduce advanced strategies for recognition and resistance.
Alongside that, I’m developing a book on philosophy to tackle bigger questions about power, ethics, and society. Meanwhile, I’m continuing my studies with the dream of becoming an entrepreneur and a politician—two areas where understanding power and leadership is crucial.
I also want to expand into public speaking and workshops to help young people develop these skills, and I’m thinking about building a community for young leaders to connect and learn from each other.
There’s a lot ahead, and I’m excited to keep growing, learning, and sharing.
Rapid Fire Session :
Q: Who is your favorite author? A:
Robert Greene
Q: What’s your passion besides writing?
Public speaking
Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be? A:
Mind reading
Q: If your life were a book title, what would it be? A:
The Road to Power — Learning, Understanding, and Rising
Q: If you could meet one person in history, who would it be? A:
Adolf Hitler
