The gene in the genius

Chitra Sanam / TNN / Sep 7, 2006, 20:28 IST

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Scientists have identified the 'intelligence' gene. This, they believe, explains child prodigies.

Scientists have identified the 'intelligence' gene. This, they believe, explains child prodigies.
Meet Nischal Narayanam, a Hyderabadi kid, who surprised his father when he spotted errors in the latter's financial statement. He is the youngest Hyderabadi to make it to the Guinness Book of World Records for a memory feat that he memorised 250 random objects to achieve.
This 10-year-old has already published 6 books that discuss mathematical principles, and is also the youngest ganitavadhani – a title that is conferred after having answered a barrage of questions asked by eight mathematical pundits.
He remarks, "I am happy to be where I am, and really excited with all that I have accomplished." But he also adds, "I think this is something that most people, those even younger than I am, can achieve with a lot of hard work, concentration and determination."

History is replete with instances of child prodigies. Some examples in point are Mozart – who made some of the world's most amazing compositions, when he was toddler, Shakuntala Devi – who was a mathematical calculator since the time she was three, and even of Parimarjan Negi – the 13-year-old chess master. When encountered with geniuses like these, you can't help but wonder what sets them apart, intellectually.
Scientists and researchers have tried to figure out if the answer could be in the genes. Interestingly, some of them have now been able to trace the 'intelligence' gene that humans possess. But it's not easy to pinpoint that in the human DNA.

For an analogy, the gene is like the various parts of a vehicle that are equally necessary to keep the vehicle going. And all that has been decoded so far is the wheel of the vehicle...
...
But just being born with a high level of IQ will not suffice," adds Dr. Niranjan Reddy, a renowned psychologist in the city.
He adds, "The way the child is nurtured is equally important, or over time he or she will lose that extraordinary ability. It is also necessary that the child be given extra attention during the formative years of schooling.
Ramanujan, who was the renowned mathematician of our country, often failed his exams at school. That was because his teachers were not equipped to fathom his answers. They also didn't accept his unique responses that were often deviant from that of the rest of the class."
Padmavathi Narayanam, Nischal's mother says, "I had to search every nook and corner to find the apt guru for my child. It was a difficult process. And my search doesn't end here."
What is also important to ensure is that the child is not pressured to perform, or taxed with an overload of work. The childhood years must be enjoyed.
There have been numerous prodigies who have either disappeared, or turned insane when unable to deal with the stress levels.
Bobby Fischer, a chess expert, or Mozart the musician who died a pauper, are perfect examples of that. Jaya Simha who taught Nischal says, "Parents and teachers must understand that a balance of success and satisfaction is needed. One must bear in mind that it's not all about achieving the final goal, but also enjoying the journey that takes you there. A gifted child must never look back to his/her childhood in disappointment."
Famous child prodigies
• Shakuntala Devi, mathematical abilities recognised at the age of three
• Akrit Jaswal, performed surgery at 7
• Parimarjan Negi, Became the chess grandmaster at 13
• Balamurali Ambati, youngest doctor to enter the Guinness Book of World Records
• Alia Sabur – 15-year-old doctoral candidate at Drexel University
Intelligence trivia
• The average human intelligence varies between a count of 90-110, whereas those who score above 140 are considered superior or child prodigies.
• While some believe that intelligence is something that one is born with, others think it can be acquired. There are also those who take a more neutral stand.

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