What if the greatest superpower we possess isn’t a magical ability, but our own voice and our fundamental rights? This is the core question that drives the work of writer and social worker Indu Balakrishnan. She believes the path to a better tomorrow isn’t a distant fantasy—it’s a formula for action that begins with each of us.
For over a decade, Indu’s journey started not with a book, but on the ground. Her commitment to community welfare began with the co-founding of a trust that funded specific activities for an orphanage to provide a safe home for children in need. She has also served as a dedicated volunteer with Child Rights and You (CRY), offering hands-on mentorship to help underprivileged children succeed in their exams. This foundational belief in sustained, personal investment also led her to initiate a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program at her company, transforming individual efforts into a collective, powerful force for good.
While these experiences were deeply rewarding, they also revealed a deeper need: to not just provide resources, but to empower individuals with knowledge. This realization led Indu to pursue a master’s degree in Human Rights and Duties, and she is currently working on a second master’s in Social Work. Her mission is clear: to bridge the gap between government initiatives and the people they are intended for, and to help citizens understand their constitutional power.
This passion for civic empowerment is the foundation of her book, The Superhero Formula: Starts with You. As a science-fiction adventure for young readers, the book serves as a powerful guide to our brilliant Indian Constitution. It’s a narrative that makes a bold claim: the principles enshrined in the Constitution are not just abstract legal concepts, but the true moral compass for every Indian citizen and resident.
The book’s central thesis is a crucial one: our fundamental rights and duties are two sides of the same coin, and to take one for granted is to risk losing the other. Through the inspiring actions of her characters, Indu shows that our rights are powerful shields that protect our freedoms, but they are maintained by the silent, ongoing commitment of every citizen to their duties. The book elegantly demonstrates how a duty to cherish our heritage, to protect public property, or to strive for excellence in all spheres of life is an act of civic courage. By presenting this symbiotic relationship in an engaging, story-driven format, The Superhero Formula encourages young readers to recognize that being a citizen is an active, not passive, role.
The issues addressed in the book—civic awareness, social responsibility, and youth empowerment—are not unique to India; they are a universal challenge. The vibrant, complex democracy of India, with its diverse populace, provides a compelling case study for the world, demonstrating how citizens can work together to build a stronger society. By sharing these stories, the book aims to inspire a global conversation about the importance of active citizenship.
Ultimately, Indu Balakrishnan hopes that The Superhero Formula will be a tool for dialogue, encouraging young people everywhere to ask questions, discover their own unique strengths, and make a positive difference. This book needs to be shared widely, and it can be integrated into school extra-curricular activities or used by parents and guardians to spark meaningful conversations with their children. At its heart, the book teaches readers to make the right call and to act with courage, demonstrating the importance of doing the right thing at the right time.
It is a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to build a better, more united society, and the formula for success is within us. It is time to act.
Conclusion:
In the end, The Superhero Formula is more than a book—it’s an invitation. It calls on each of us, regardless of age, to step into the role of everyday heroes, using our voices, choices, and actions to strengthen the fabric of our communities. By understanding our rights, embracing our duties, and standing up for what is just, we become the very force that shapes the future we dream of. The path forward does not lie in waiting for change—it lies in being the change. And that journey, as Indu Balakrishnan reminds us, starts with you.
