AK Akatheesh from Erode, Tamil Nadu, is the latest Indian addition to the world prodigies. He can not only name but also identify more than 190 countries along with their flags on the world map. Akatheesh who is a student of Bharathi Vidya Bhavan has also received a certificate of appreciation from the India Book of Records for his excellent knowledge of Geography.

His interest developed at 7

According to a news report, Akatheesh started displaying a keen interest in knowing the names of the places as early as seven. In two years, he has memorised them all by heart. According to Akatheesh’s mother, the fascination started when he heard about Mettur, a city in Tamil Nadu, from his friends and subsequently asked his mother to buy him a map of the state for him to locate Mettur on it.

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The interest only grew from there on, as he slowly moved to other Indian states and their capitals and further to other countries of the world. It has now reached a point that with his extensive knowledge of Geography, Akatheesh can now locate even the remotest of islands on the world map.

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His mother also said that he is solely responsible learning prowess as she only contributed in getting him maps and Atlases as and when she saw him investing his time in learning about places. He took it on himself further ahead after that.

Technology has helped him grow - Akatheesh's mother

In a time where most parents complain about how their children waste their time on mobile phones and computers, Akatheesh’s mother credits technology for her child’s rapid interest and ever-growing knowledge of Geography. She said that her son is the perfect example of how mobile phones can also be a boon for growing children. Supposedly, Akatheesh uses Google Maps to understand Geography better and it has only strengthened his base on the subject.

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Akatheesh said that he loves identifying places on maps and that he wants to find the most beautiful places, rivers, and mountains on Earth. He said that all of this makes him extremely happy.

Akatheesh is only the latest among India's many child genuises. Priyanshi Somani, a 12-year-old Indian girl became the youngest participant of the Mental Calculation World Cup in 2010. In another case. seven-year-old Akrit Jaswal created history by performing surgery on his neighbour and later became the youngest student to be admitted to a medical school. Additionally Indian children have gained a monopoly in international Spelling Bee Competitions.

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