Anand Indukuri, an 18-year-old student at the International School of Hyderabad, brings a fresh and powerful voice to fiction. In his debut novel, Mahavira: The Torchbearer, he masterfully blends mythology and personal experience, crafting a story that resonates with both emotional depth and epic scope. Inspired by the Mahabharata, Anand’s characters defy traditional archetypes, confronting timeless dilemmas of duty, power, and sacrifice. Drawing on real-life traits and emotions, his characters are vivid, authentic, and relatable. The mythological backdrop adds layers of meaning, enriching the narrative while enhancing the personal stakes. Mahavira: The Torchbearer is a testament to Anand’s talent for fusing grand mythological themes with the intimate, raw struggles of human nature, delivering an immersive and compelling read.