Every child is special in their own way, but when a young mind showcases extraordinary talent at an age when most are still finding their way, they earn the unique title of ’child prodigy’. The term ’child prodigy‘ defines someone who achieves success and recognition well before adulthood. Also known as a ’Wunderkind‘ or ’Wonder Child’, a child prodigy’s accomplishments often leave people amazed and raise the age-old question: are prodigies born or made?
These young individuals inspire millions, proving that age is no barrier to greatness.
1. Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa: The Chess Mastermind
(Image Courtesy: IG/Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa)
A name well-known in the world of chess, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has not only excelled, but achieved the esteemed title of Grandmaster. Praggnanandhaa burst onto the chess scene by winning the World Youth Chess Championships under-8 title in 2013 at just age seven years, and the under-10 title two years later. At age 10, he became the youngest international master in history, setting an extraordinary benchmark.
In 2021, he won the prestigious Polgar Challenge, an online rapid chess event organised by the Julius Baer Group and Chess24.com for young talents. Recently, Praggnanandhaa competed in the Chess World Cup 2021, where he advanced to the fourth round before being eliminated. His exceptional achievements in the world of chess have firmly placed him on the global stage.
2. Pari Sinha: Young Chess Sensation
Bihar’s Pari Sinha may only be four years old, but she’s already making waves as a chess prodigy. Competing against opponents twice her age, Pari clinched a podium finish at a State Level Championship, where she was the youngest contestant. Under the guidance of her coach Subhendu Chakraborty, Pari’s journey continues to captivate audiences and promises to add a new dimension to India’s love for chess.
3. Tilak Mehta: The Young Entrepreneur
(Image Courtesy: IG/iam_tilakmehta)
At a young age, Tilak Mehta has already proven himself a visionary entrepreneur by founding ‘Paper N Parcel’, a digital courier company. His start-up offers a door-to-door pick-up and delivery service, particularly focusing on stationery. He uses Mumbai’s famous dabbawala network to ensure speedy delivery. For his pioneering work, Tilak received the Global Child Prodigy Award in January 2020, demonstrating that age is no boundary to business success.
4. Kautilya Pandit: India’s Google Boy
(Image Courtesy: IG/kautilyapandit1)
Known across India as the ’Google Boy’, Kautilya Pandit stunned the nation with his encyclopaedic knowledge of geography, general knowledge, and current affairs. At just six years old, he made a historic appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati, impressing the host, Amitabh Bachchan, with his knowledge of 213 countries. Kautilya’s expertise led to him co-hosting the show’s Children’s Day special episode and winning the Global Child Prodigy Award in January 2021. His intellectual abilities, without any formal assistance, highlight his innate genius.
5. Master Truptraj Pandya: The Tabla Virtuoso
(Image Courtesy: IG/Instagram)
Truptraj Pandya’s journey with the tabla began incredibly early – at just 18 months. Initially using aluminium boxes as makeshift instruments, he soon graduated to the actual tabla and performed publicly at the age of two. By age three, he performed live on All India Radio and soon followed this with a performance on Doordarshan. At six, he was recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest-ever tabla master, an achievement which paved the way for over 200 public performances. Truptraj’s musical journey showcases the depth of talent that India’s younger generation has to offer.