A Virtual Sit-Down with Author Keshav Porwal 

The other thing that makes Keshav Porwal’s work stand out is that he refuses to sell it. He will only distribute on platforms where he can offer it to readers for free. He wants to reach other young people—and as it turns out, he reached an older person too.

Porwal just released his fifth e-book, titled Dreamers Who Did It: Stories From Entrepreneurs Who Started From Zero and Achieved Greatness. It doesn’t read like a collection of biographies; instead, each chapter highlights a trait or habit—a “key lesson”—that is part of the recipe for success, and each key lesson is illustrated with outtakes from various successful people’s life stories. It’s a format organized with thoughtful intention, focused on actions, and delivered with clear-cut illustrations. (And did I mention already? It’s well-written. Clearly I’m a fan. I even admire his chapter titles. “Turning Failure into Fuel.” “The Art of Taking Risks.”)

“Failure is feedback, not defeat. Successful people don’t fear failure. They analyze it, adapt, and use it to come back stronger… This mindset transforms fear into curiosity and setbacks into opportunities.” (Keshav Porwal, Dreamers Who Did It)

I usually try to avoid “boring” questions like education when I interview someone, but in this case, for someone still at the front-end of the education journey, I really did want to know what he saw as a future path for himself, and what role writing might have in that future.

Keshav: I am currently a student in Class 9, and my clear goal is to become an IAS [Indian Administrative Service] officer in the future. I have always admired leaders and individuals who work to make a meaningful difference in society, and I want to contribute in a similar way. Becoming an IAS officer will allow me to serve my country, solve real problems, and help improve the lives of people, which is very important to me. At the same time, I plan to use my writing talent to inspire and guide young readers. Even if writing does not become my career, it is a way for me to make a positive impact alongside my education and future profession.

“Innovation begins with curiosity. When you question the ordinary, explore the unknown, and experiment fearlessly, you create space for new ideas to grow. It’s not about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about being the most curious.” (Keshav Porwal, Dreamers Who Did It)

Kana: You very articulately explained your wish NOT to be selling your writing. Can you expand on whom you want to reach, and what you want your writing to accomplish? You’ve put a good amount of work into this book (and, I presume, your previous ones as well). Is there a story behind WHY you feel you have this mission to reach other young dreamers?

Keshav: I write because I want to reach students and young dreamers worldwide, especially those who may feel unsure of themselves or lack access to guidance. My goal is not to sell my writing for profit, but to share knowledge, inspiration, and practical lessons freely, so that anyone can benefit, regardless of age, background, or location.

The motivation for this mission comes from my own experiences. As a young student, I often found it challenging to access the right guidance, mentorship, or motivation. I realized that many young people struggle with self-doubt, unclear goals, or lack of resources, and I wanted to create something that could help them navigate these challenges. Writing became my way to reach out and empower others, giving them tools, ideas, and encouragement to dream big and take action.

Every book I’ve written, including Dreamers Who Did It, is a result of extensive research, reflection, and personal experience. I carefully select lessons that are practical, relatable, and actionable, so readers can apply them immediately in their own lives. My previous books all share this mission of educating, inspiring, and motivating young readers.

“In each case, failure was not the end, but a lesson—an opportunity to learn, adapt, and come back stronger. Visionaries see failures not as barriers but as stepping stones. They embrace the discomfort of uncertainty, knowing that every mistake carries invaluable insight for growth” (Keshav Porwal, Dreamers Who Did It)

Kana: Can you summarize your previous four books? Is there a common theme, or are they very different projects? What’s next?

Keshav: Certainly! Here’s a summary of my previous four books:

1. UPSC: The Unsung Heroes highlights inspiring UPSC [Union Public Service Commission] officers and the dedication, perseverance, and values behind their journeys. It aims to motivate students to appreciate public service and hard work.
2. The Luxury Code focuses on mindset, ambition, and strategies for success in modern life. It explores how young people can develop discipline, confidence, and habits that lead to meaningful achievement.
3. Examination: The Collapse of India’s Government Exams is a critical look into India’s examination system, analyzing its flaws and challenges. It aims to raise awareness and provoke discussion on improving education approaches.
4. The Alive Buried Nation: Balochistan explores social, political, and humanitarian issues in Balochistan, encouraging readers to think critically about global challenges and reflect on social justice and awareness.

While each book covers different topics, there is a common theme running through all of them: education, awareness, personal growth, and inspiring young minds to think critically and take action. Each book is designed not just to inform but also to motivate and empower readers, particularly students and young dreamers.

My upcoming book is Dwarka – The Lost City of Krishna: Where Myth Meets History, which will launch this month. This book will explore history, mythology, and research in an engaging way, continuing my mission to share knowledge, inspire curiosity, and connect young readers with meaningful stories and lessons from the past.

“Vision is not just about seeing the future; it’s about believing in it so deeply that you begin to build it piece by piece.” (Keshav Porwal, Dreamers Who Did It)

Kana: Is writing your secret superpower, or do your friends and people around you know what you’re working on?

Keshav: Writing is definitely one of my secret superpowers. No one in my family, among my friends, or even my teachers knows about the work I’m doing. I enjoy keeping it private because it allows me to focus fully on my ideas, research, and creativity without distractions or outside opinions.

At the same time, I write with the goal of reaching and inspiring others, so even though it’s a personal endeavor, it’s meant to connect with readers worldwide. Writing quietly allows me to explore ideas freely, experiment with new thoughts, and grow as a writer, while still keeping the ultimate purpose — helping young dreamers and students through knowledge and motivation — at the heart of everything I do.

Kana: Are you going to let your family in on the secret someday?

Keshav:  I hope to share it with them in the future, once I’ve made some progress and feel proud of my work. Writing is my personal journey, but I hope that when they do find out, they will feel inspired and supportive of my mission.

“As you reflect on these stories, remember this: that adversity is not the enemy—it is the teacher.” (Keshav Porwal, Dreamers Who Did It)

Kana: You describe yourself as an “avid researcher,” which I find fantastic. (Lots of people do research, but few would describe themselves so enthusiastically with regard to doing it.) What are some research projects you’ve undertaken? Were they all tied to writing projects, or is the research sometimes something separate?

Keshav: I am passionate about research because it allows me to explore topics deeply, learn new things, and understand the world better. Many of my research projects are tied directly to my writing. For example: for The Unsung Heroes, I studied the lives, interviews, and career paths of successful UPSC officers to understand what makes them disciplined and inspiring. For Balochistan, I researched social, political, and historical sources to present accurate insights on a complex and sensitive region. For Examination, I analyzed government reports, educational studies, and news articles to investigate the challenges in India’s exam system.

At the same time, some of my research is independent of any writing project. I enjoy exploring history, science, psychology, and social issues just to broaden my knowledge. This helps me connect ideas across different fields, which then often inspires new writing projects or adds depth to my books.

Research, for me, is both a tool and a passion. It fuels my curiosity, strengthens my understanding, and ensures that what I write is accurate, thoughtful, and meaningful for readers.

“Key lesson: A lasting legacy is built on purpose, not possessions.” (Keshav Porwal, Dreamers Who Did It)

Kana: Your book highlights “key lessons” that are illustrated by the people about whom you’re writing. Did you go into the writing project already knowing you wanted to highlight those specific lessons, or did they grow out of your research?

Keshav: The key lessons in Dreamers developed through a combination of planning and discovery. When I began writing, I had some ideas about the types of lessons I wanted to share, such as confidence, discipline, and taking action, because these are the principles I value and practice in my own life.

However, as I conducted research, explored stories, and reflected on examples from real-life achievers and young dreamers, many additional lessons naturally emerged. Some lessons were inspired directly by the experiences and insights of the people I studied, while others came from observing patterns and connecting ideas across different stories.

This process allowed the lessons to feel authentic, practical, and relatable. I wanted readers to not just read about success or motivation, but to take actionable steps in their own lives, guided by real examples. In this way, the lessons grew organically out of research while staying aligned with the core vision of the book — helping young people believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.

“Consistency matters more than perfection.” (Keshav Porwal, Dreamers Who Did It)

Kana: Describe your creative process. You already hit on a truth that takes some writers a longer lifetime to understand: that consistency is more important than perfection. I imagine that key point has shaped the development of your craft?

Keshav: Consistency is the foundation of my creative process. I write every day, even if it’s just a small section or an idea, because I believe that small, regular efforts accumulate into significant progress over time. Perfection is not the goal — instead, I focus on improving step by step, learning from research, reflection, and feedback.

When I start a project, I first research thoroughly to understand the topic and gather meaningful examples. Then I organize my thoughts and lessons, draft chapters, and refine them gradually. I often revisit earlier sections to make them clearer or more engaging, but I don’t let the fear of imperfection stop me from moving forward.

This approach has shaped my craft by teaching me discipline, patience, and attention to detail. It also allows me to explore ideas freely, experiment with writing styles, and produce work that is both thoughtful and practical for readers.

“Relationships and networks are amplifiers of success. They provide support, knowledge, opportunities, and perspective… Strategic and authentic connections often define the difference between surviving and thriving.” (Keshav Porwal, Dreamers Who Did It)

I gave up his age right out of the gate, but I saved another bombshell for last. Here’s a kid whose writing is more insightful and better-crafted than that of any number of “grownups” whose books I’ve read… and English isn’t even his first language. He writes in English in order to reach more readers, but he speaks Hindi at home.

He’s an impressive young man.

You can’t buy Keshav Porwal’s book in any of the “usual” places because, well, you can’t buy it. But you can get it, HERE… And I recommend doing so.

I was shocked to hear that his family and teachers don’t know about his writing. “Secret Superpower” indeed!