Let’s hear this untold story in this special Interview with Anjali Sanghi, who is the mother of Manikya Sanghi – an internationally loved, 16 years old Indian prodigy author achiever; youngest certified screenwriter in the world, polymath, philatelist, philanthropist, advanced yoga and meditation practitioner.
Q1: Anjali ji, thank you for being with us. Manikya is known worldwide for his remarkable achievements at such a young age. Could you tell us where it all began?
Thank you for having me. Manikya’s journey has truly been guided by love and blessings of innumerable people. At birth, Manikya was given only few days to live. But he bravely fought his way out of the impossible. Who knew that this little one would one day be known as ‘The Gem of India’.
Seeing the empowering environment of several Indian traditions being meaningfully followed around him, Manikya took to them wholeheartedly from a very young age. That was his first stepping stone to success.
Q2: That’s incredible. At what age did you start noticing signs of his extraordinary talents?
Very early on. As a toddler, Manikya showed an intense interest in Meditation and Yoga. This early discipline really shaped his mind and sparked an insatiable curiosity for learning. By the age of 3, he was not only reading complex words & encyclopaedias, but actually understanding and comprehending them.
Q3: That’s amazing. How did meditation and yoga impact him so early in life?
We often hear recommendations about how kids should start with meditation right from their early years. Most kids cannot sit with their eyes closed even for few moments. But if kids can actually be introduced to meditation under the able guidance of a Mentor, who truly understands them; then the results which can come out, cannot be called nothing short of miracles. Manikya is a shining example of this Indian tradition.
Starting Yoga and Meditation early, helped Manikya’s inner talents sparkle. He also developed extraordinary focus and the ability to learn from everywhere and everyone. Meditation seemed to nurture his inner calm, strengthen his senses, enhance his ability to learn deeply and observe keenly. Most importantly, it helped Manikya to understand life from a deeper and positive perspective, right from childhood.
Q4: That’s remarkable! How did he channel all this knowledge at such a young age?
Manikya began converting his learnings and observations by creating and narrating original, on the spot stories. These weren’t just simple childish tales; they were actually empowering, and reflected Manikya’s deep comprehension of inner experiences and life itself. Manikya’s stories would often enthral his listeners about the depth of inner experiences that he had at such a young age.
We loved them, but never thought about recording them at that time. But as he grew, I started audio recording most part of his novel series at the age of 9 years. He narrated each chapter separately, and then typed it out from that recording.
Q5: That’s so wonderful. Did his food and lifestyle choices also reflect traditional Indian values?
Manikya’s early childhood was difficult due certain food sensitivities he had at that time. Thus, as a young child, he was very mindful about what he consumed. He predominantly had food rich in Indian millets and also chose to follow Indian phalahari (seasonal fruit-based) diet during the times of his recovery. He also learnt and followed several other holistic healthcare practices which stem from Indian origin, as well as different parts of the world.
In fact, he inspired innumerable kids and families on the go, to explore and adapt into good food habits and lifestyle choices.
Q6: We heard that you had to home-school Manikya initially for some time. Please share something about your experience.
We were advised to educate Manikya at home while he was in the phase of overcoming his food sensitivities. He had an amazing time learning in those years. Seeing his knowledge, achievements and interests, Manikya later received admission in one of the best schools in India, in grade 3.
During his years of home-schooling, Manikya was fortunate to observe and interact with many kids and people from different backgrounds. They included — Indian artisans, farmers, chefs, woodworkers, musicians, dancers, doctors, healthcare professionals, parents, teachers, and even international speakers whom we met during our travels, and programs in which I was often invited to speak. These real-world exposures gave him practical insights, far beyond his years.
He also continued to learn from everything around him — plants, animals, nature, experiences, even the silence.
Q7: We also heard that Manikya developed a keen interest in philately. How did that come about?
Manikya began collecting stamps and coins from the age of 3 years, often requesting them from travellers. It became a passion. He was not just a collector; but he also spent a lot of time studying and learning through them. This hobby opened his mind to global cultures, their histories, flora, fauna and so much more. He also helped other kids learn through his collections, along with setting a new world record in Philately.
Q8: When did Manikya begin engaging with the public and sharing his ideas more widely? How did he serve the society?
Manikya’s prudent lifestyle choices eventually led him to deeper understanding of life, exceptional achievements and service of the society. By the age of 4 years in 2013, Manikya had his own homemade website and a social media page, through which he became the source of inspiring families in India and around the world. People, parents and celebrities have applauded his efforts time and again.
Press and Media regularly encouraged, covered and featured Manikya and his endeavours.
Manikya also regularly (and anonymously) donated all his income from books and proceeds he received (as gifts from elders), towards various public welfare initiatives. He often donated stationary, food and other things of need to children from economically weaker sections of the society. He specially took lot of initiative to collect funds for children with special needs.
Manikya believed in doing little acts of kindness daily, and also became a part of various philanthropic initiatives at a weekly level under the guidance of his Honourable Mentor.
Manikya has also helped many Students writers to become authors. He gave many talks and took online session for children and their parents especially during the pandemic. Also, Manikya’s efforts to fulfil all his endeavours at minimum cost, have been very inspiring for families of different income groups, to help their talented children succeed in life.
Q9: At what age did he officially become an author and a certificated scriptwriter?
Manikya eventually wrote and published his first book at the age of 5 years, second book at 6, First Novel at 9. Manikya became certified Screenwriter at the age of 13 years and wrote his first screenplay, which was turned into comics and widely appreciated. By the age of 14 years Manikya became a successful author of over 21 books.
Manikya has set many new World Records, National Records and Group World Records in the fields of writing, screenwriting, philately, pranayama, coding, music, dance, sports among others. His achievements have been acknowledged by International Book of Records, Record Holders Republic, Hope International World Records, India Book of Records, Guinness Book of Records, among others.
Manikya has also been conferred with most prestigious national and international awards as an author, scriptwriter, polymath, philatelist, coder, student and more.
Q10: That’s truly phenomenal. How does Manikya view his journey so far?
Manikya says, “From a child who could not go to school, I became an internationally award-winning author achiever and multiple world record holder under the constant guidance, and by doing meditations of my Honourable Mentor.”
This invaluable guidance and his deep meditation practices have been the bedrock of his journey.
Q11: Where can readers, parents, kids and educators find Manikya’s books today?
Manikya’s books are available globally through Amazon, Flipkart, Pothi, and Scholastic India. His work includes impactful short storybooks, life-skills-inspiring comics, Hindi alphabet learning books, Games, and award-winning Novel series, among others. His writing continues to impact lives around the world.
Q12: Lastly, as a mother, how do you feel seeing this journey unfold? And where can we follow Manikya’s work and updates?
It’s humbling and deeply fulfilling. Watching your child not only survive but grow into someone who inspires and uplifts others — it’s a blessing. Gratitude to everyone who has directly and indirectly helped to make this possible; and continues to do so.
You can visit Manikya’s website www.ChroniclesOfTierra.com or follow him on Instagram @manikya.official
