Anurag Pathak

Anurag Pathak is a Hindi author, born in Gwalior in August 1976. He attended Maharani Laxmibai Arts and Commerce College, where he earned his MA and PhD in Hindi Literature.

Pathak made his literary debut with “WhatsApp Par Kranti”. But he gained widespread recognition with his second book “Twelfth Fail”. This was recently adapted into a movie in 2023 by Netflix.

Anurag’s work has been praised for its insightful portrayal of life’s complexities. While Anurag is an author by profession, he is also passionate about Hindi literature. Something we can see through in his engaging Hindi narratives. He continues to captivate audiences with his compelling storytelling and remains a prominent figure in the world of Hindi literature.

Praises for books by Anurag Pathak:

‘Motivational and lucid! I believe this novel will inspire millions of youth to fulfil their dreams.’—Sachin Tendulkar, cricketer

‘A novel that gives hope and strength to face any adversity.’— Vijay Kumar, former advisor to the Governor, Jammu and Kashmir

‘Characters in this novel sometimes remind me of characters in the film 3 Idiots.’— Rajkumar Hirani, filmmaker

‘An amazing book that teaches determination, dedication and discipline.’—Sunil Gavaskar, cricket icon

‘An inspirational story.’—Rajat Sharma, editor-in-chief and chairman, India TV

Excerpt from Twelfth Fail by Anurag Pathak:

A visibly enthused Manoj reached Rakesh’s house and found Vishnu already there. ‘Rakesh,’ Manoj announced, ‘I wish to become an SDM, just like Dushyant Sir.’

‘I am sure you will,’ said Rakesh, collecting buffalo dung in a basket. ‘It isn’t such a big deal. They do not come down from the sky. Those who become SDMs are also mortals like us.’ Vishnu had dissolved into laughter at twelfth-fail Manoj making such grand plans and now clapped hysterically, still laughing. Once he calmed down a bit, he told Manoj not to be a braggart. ‘Forget about becoming a deputy collector; it’s a tall ask anyway. You aren’t good enough for even a clerical job. A twelfth fail wants to be an SDM! Huh! A man shouldn’t dream beyond his means.’

This truth crushed the seeds of ambition beginning to take root in Manoj’s heart; the ridicule shattered his dream. A twelfth fail had no right to nurture such high goals. He sat down dismayed, his head drooping. But Rakesh was not convinced. ‘I still hold that if a man perseveres, he can become whoever he wants to be,’ he said, scooping up a second pile of dung. Vishnu turned to him with scorn. ‘What do you know about studies? Focus on the dung in your basket. When someone like me with a first division in class twelve, doesn’t have the nerve to think of becoming a deputy collector, can a twelfth fail achieve this feat? Out of the millions who sit for the exam, barely fifteen or twenty candidates make it through.’

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