5 child prodigies of India and what their parents did differently

India has been home to some of the world's most remarkable child prodigies, each demonstrating extraordinary talent at a young age. Behind every prodigy is a unique parenting approach that nurtures their genius. Here are the stories of 5 Indian child prodigies and what their parents did differently to support their journey.


Akrit Jaswal, born on April 23, 1993, stunned the world when he performed his first surgery at the age of 7, becoming the youngest surgeon globally. With an IQ of 146, the highest among children his age in India, Akrit showed an extraordinary affinity for medicine from an early age. Akrit’s parents recognised his exceptional intellect early on and encouraged his passion for learning. The family’s belief in Akrit's potential and their commitment to nurturing his medical interests played an important role in his early success. This nurturing environment allowed Akrit to flourish, leading to his medical achievements.


Dommaraju Gukesh, now a top-ranked chess player, became a Grandmaster at just 12 years old, surpassing the legendary Vishwanathan Anand. Gukesh's journey to becoming one of India's chess prodigies is a testament to his talent and the support of his parents. Gukesh's mother, Dr Padma Kumari, played a pivotal role in shaping his mental strength. By teaching him to recover quickly from losses and maintain focus, Gukesh’s parents built a sense of discipline and maturity that has been vital to his success. Their approach ensured that Gukesh developed not just as a player, but as a well-rounded individual capable of handling the pressures of high-stakes competition.


Truptraj Pandya, born on October 23, 2006, showed an extraordinary talent for music from the age of two. He became the youngest tabla player to enter the Guinness Book of World Records, capturing audiences with his performances. Truptraj’s parents noticed his natural inclination toward rhythm and music early on. His grandmother played a significant role by introducing him to devotional songs, which he would accompany using kitchen utensils as makeshift instruments. Recognising his potential, Truptraj's parents provided him with formal tabla training while ensuring he had the freedom to explore and enjoy music. Their approach of balancing discipline with encouragement allowed Truptraj to develop his unique style and passion for music.


At just 13 years old, Tilak Mehta founded "Paper n Parcels," a logistics company that revolutionised same-day delivery in Mumbai. His innovative idea was born out of a personal need to retrieve forgotten study materials, leading to the creation of a business that achieved success. Tilak’s parents built an environment that encouraged curiosity and problem-solving. His father, Vishal Mehta, provided both financial and emotional support, allowing Tilak to pursue his entrepreneurial vision. They treated his ideas with seriousness and provided the necessary resources, showing faith in his capabilities.


Lydian Nadhaswaram, hailing from Chennai, started his musical journey at the age of three. By the age of 18, he had mastered 25 instruments and gained international fame through his performances on shows like "The World’s Best." Lydian’s parents, particularly his father, Varshan Satish, who is a music director, immersed him in a musical environment from a very young age. They recognised his natural talent and provided him with diverse musical experiences, ranging from classical to contemporary genres. Exposing Lydian to different instruments and encouraging his experimentation, allowed him to develop a deep and broad musical knowledge.