Ridhhaan Jaiin: India’s Literary Prodigy at Just 10 Years

Ridhhaan Jaiin, the illustrious founder of RidhzWorld Publishing, is a veritable prodigy in the literary realm of India. At the tender age of 10, he has already cemented his reputation as an author, audiobook narrator, motivational speaker, and YouTube podcaster, with his philanthropic endeavors raising significant awareness and funds for causes close to his heart.

Ridhhaan’s odyssey into the literary world commenced with his parents’ sagacious encouragement to articulate his thoughts in writing. This led to the creation of his maiden literary work, ‘Once Upon in My Mind,’ published when he was a mere 8 years old, thus anointing him as one of India’s youngest authors. By 2022, his oeuvre expanded to include “The Mirror and The Greedy Man,” “The Despicable Virus,” and “Penny and the Monsters,” each imbued with edifying morals that resonate profoundly with readers. As an audiobook narrator, his precocious talent earned him accolades in the India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records.

As a motivational speaker, Ridhhaan has captivated over 5,000 children and 1,000 adults through his compelling sessions in educational institutions, clubs, and events, thereby securing another laurel in the annals of the India and Asia Book of Records. In 2022, he inaugurated a story-writing competition for children aged 5 to 12, culminating in the anthology “Once Upon In Our Minds.” The subsequent season in 2023 yielded “Once Upon In Our Minds: Volume 2,” which showcases the literary prowess of six international young authors, epitomizing Ridhhaan’s unwavering commitment to fostering nascent talent on a global stage.

Ridhhaan’s philanthropy extends to donating a substantial portion of his audiobook proceeds to support visually impaired students and the BVJSS Foundation, an orphanage in Pune. His regular interactions and tutelage on story writing have significantly bolstered the confidence and motivation of these children, earning him the distinguished role of Brand Ambassador for the BVJSS Foundation.

In 2023, Ridhhaan unveiled the YouTube podcast “B’coz I Can with Ridhhaan,” a platform dedicated to extolling young talents and drawing inspiration from distinguished individuals. His erudition and precocity garnered him invitations as a guest speaker at the Pune International Literature Festival in 2023 and the New Delhi World Book Fair in 2024. At the latter, he made history as the youngest panellist, engaging in a discourse on children’s literature alongside venerable authors, and leaving the audience enraptured by his perspicacity and eloquence.

In an exclusive discourse with The Interview World, Ridhhaan Jaiin elucidates his literary accomplishments, underscores his adeptness at juggling multifarious roles, and imparts profound insights into his YouTube podcast. Furthermore, he illuminates his most memorable experiences. Herein lie the quintessential takeaways from his compelling interview.

Q: At just 10 years old, you’ve achieved so much. Can you share what inspired you to start writing and narrating audiobooks at such a young age?

A: My parents were the true catalysts behind my journey into writing stories and recording audiobooks. From the tender age of four, I regaled my family with tales spun from the depths of my imagination. The onset of the lockdown was a pivotal moment when my parents urged me to transcribe these stories into written form. Following the publication of my debut book, I aspired to transform my narratives into audiobooks, thereby broadening their reach and impact on young listeners. With unwavering encouragement from my parents, I embarked on narrating my audiobooks, culminating in the international release of audiobooks for my subsequent three works.

Q: Your first book, ‘Once Upon in My Mind,’ was published when you were only 8. How did your parents support you in your early literary endeavours?

A: My achievements at a young age are a testament to the unwavering love and support of my parents. Unlike the majority who halt after publishing their child’s first book, my parents zealously propelled my literary journey, unhesitatingly publishing more of my works. They kept me engrossed in productive endeavors, and I reveled in the craft of writing.

Consequently, invitations from schools began to pour in, seeking my presence to engage with students and narrate my odyssey. My parents ensured these interactions were substantive and impactful. I discoursed on my journey, the art of story writing, the intricacies of the publishing process, my gleaned insights, and even conducted self-motivation exercises.

My parents meticulously prepared me for each event, fortifying my confidence and inspiring other children to pursue their passions. During these sessions, children frequently beseeched me to publish their stories, which initially cast a pall over my spirits. The question of how I could assist them loomed large. Sensing my disquiet, my parents engaged in a heartfelt discussion, leading us to the inception of RidhzWorld Publishing.

With their steadfast support, I initiated the international story writing competition, “Once Upon In Our Minds,” targeting children aged 5 to 16. Through our publishing house, we have heralded the winning stories of 16 young authors across two seasons, bestowing upon them the recognition of internationally published authors. With the forthcoming season 3, commencing on August 15, 2024, we have garnered collaborations with numerous schools and communities, anticipating robust participation.

For those inclined to connect or partake in the competition, I invite you to visit my website. Furthermore, I ventured into the realm of podcasting with “B’coz I Can with Ridhhaan,” available on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, and other platforms. This podcast features illustrious guests such as NSG Commandos, eminent educationists, spiritual gurus, and winners of my competition, each sharing their enlightening narratives.

Q: You’ve authored several books with valuable life lessons. What themes or messages do you hope young readers take away from your stories?

A: In my quartet of authored tomes, I extol the virtues of kindness, respect, resilience, perseverance, and environmental stewardship as the cornerstones of self-growth. My narratives intricately interlace these pivotal lessons. In my forthcoming opus, “The Mellifluous Odyssey,” I delineate a teenager’s tumultuous journey towards success, highlighting the indispensability of pursuing one’s passion, the profound influence of familial and communal support, the paramount importance of mental health, and the requisite fortitude to confront life’s vicissitudes. I am sanguine that readers will find “The Mellifluous Odyssey” as compelling and edifying as my previous literary endeavors.

Q: Being recognized as the youngest audiobook narrator and motivational speaker is a remarkable achievement. How do you balance these different roles, and what motivates you to excel in each?

A: I owe my accomplishments to my parents, who introduced the concept of “Balancing It Out.” Their foresight has enabled me to harmoniously blend my fervent interests with my obligations. On weekends, I immerse myself in a medley of social engagements, podcasts, shows, and the pursuit of both writing and reading. I also allocate time for relaxation and entertainment, such as indulging in cinematic experiences. During weekdays, my focus is resolutely on academics, complemented by voracious reading. I occasionally partake in recreational activities with friends and pursue writing. Our family adheres to a stringent no-screen policy on weekdays, eschewing television and thereby facilitating the management of my multifaceted schedule.

The surrounding world profoundly motivates me. Observing how individuals navigate their struggles and achieve their aspirations fuels my drive. I get inspiration from those who, despite formidable challenges, persist and succeed. This mirrors Steve Jobs’ assertion that “People with passion can change the world for the better.” This conviction propels my dedication to both my passions and responsibilities.

Q: You launched a YouTube podcast, “B’coz I Can with Ridhhaan.” What inspired this project, and what do you hope to achieve through your podcast?

A: My podcast, B’coz I Can with Ridhhaan, is a manifestation of my dream to illuminate the talents of others and my firm conviction that age should never serve as a barrier to the pursuit of one’s aspirations. I am fervently motivated to both draw inspiration and impart it to other children, encouraging them to ardently follow their passions and evolve into their most exceptional selves. The pursuit of passion, the cultivation of reading, the art of writing, and the embrace of creativity are indispensable for personal growth. I am resolutely committed to disseminating this message with unwavering determination, striving to reach and uplift as many individuals as possible.

Q: Being a panellist at the New Delhi World Book Fair alongside senior authors must have been a significant experience. What was that like, and what did you take away from the event?

A: Being invited as a panellist at the World Book Fair proved to be an unparalleled experience. Engaging in discourse with distinguished panellists, Stuti Mam and Deepa Mam, on the intricacies of literature and exchanging our diverse experiences was profoundly enriching and unforgettable. Yet, the most profound insights emerged not during the session but in its aftermath. The heartfelt commendations and incisive feedback from my esteemed fellow panellists illuminated a crucial truth: diligent effort invariably attracts admiration and accolades.

Q: As a motivational speaker, you’ve addressed thousands of children and adults. What message do you most enjoy sharing, and what feedback have you received from your audiences?

A: In every motivational address I deliver, I take great care to recount my personal odyssey and the profound lessons I have gleaned. These narratives are not merely anecdotes but are indispensable for the young minds I engage, as they offer invaluable guidance for their own journeys. Furthermore, by unveiling my experiences, I aspire to ignite a spark in another child, encouraging them to emulate my path and strive towards making a meaningful impact on the world.

The feedback from these engagements has been resoundingly affirmative. Attendees laud my fervor for both writing and empowering others, urging me to persist in my noble endeavors. Educators, administrators, and other dignitaries commend my intellectual acumen, composure, and commanding stage presence. They express admiration for my eloquence and the fearless confidence with which I address the audience.

Q: Can you share a memorable experience or story from your visits to schools and clubs for motivational sessions?

A: In the realm of clubs, a particularly resonant moment unfurled during my oration at the Goregaon Sports Club in Mumbai. Addressing an assemblage of over 500 adults and 200 children, the gravity of the occasion was palpable. As the session drew to a close, the esteemed motivational speaker and former Indian basketball luminary ascended the stage. He galvanized the audience into applause, extolling my audacity, fervor, and accomplishments at the tender age of eight.

Within the sphere of educational institutions, an indelible memory was forged when I inscribed my inaugural autograph at Wisdom World School in Hadapsar, Pune. Similarly poignant was an encounter at Sanjivani International School in Mumbai, where a young aspirant, with earnest admiration, proclaimed that I served as his role model and that he harbored aspirations of emulating my journey as an author.