Dhruv Pandit is a boy of multiple talents. His recent achievement is in the field of abacus. He has won a trophy in the National Abacus competition for solving 100 Math sums in 17 minutes and 7 seconds while getting 98 of them right. In a special interview, the shy wizard tells us how and when his abacus journey began. Read edited excerpts:
When did you start learning abacus?
Since the previous year. I learn abacus at the Brainathon Abacus Academy. There are 7 levels in abacus and I am in the fourth level currently. I have completed four levels within a year.
When do the abacus classes take place?
They take place twice a week, on Monday and Wednesday. I have the classes online from 6:30 – 7:30 in the evening.
Does abacus help you in the Math sums at school?
My Math teacher, Rajni ma’am, teaches us very well. I don’t often have doubts. But since learning abacus, I observe that I do calculations very quickly as well as understand the concepts very easily.
You are in abacus level 4. So, you must be doing the calculations on fingertips?
No, by now I am able to do the tough calculations mentally using visualisation techniques.
Tell us about your experience at the national level competition?
This was an online competition. I solved 100 math questions within just 17 minutes and 7 seconds. I got 98 questions right and I was awarded a trophy. I have been preparing for the last four months. The participants were given a link series with all questions papers for practice by the abacus academy.
How does your school support you in this journey?
My school motivated and supported me a lot. My teachers encouraged me to do the sums not just correctly but with speed, and that is important. They also supported me to participate in the competitions and gain knowledge.
So Dhruv, what are your next targets?
I want to complete the upcoming levels very quickly and I am focused on that.