Punjab kid masters UCMAS Championship; attains merit

Attaining education is an enjoyable experience when you possess the proper motivation and harness creativity for it. With the right mindset and a dash of imagination, this process of learning can transform into a thrilling adventure, igniting curiosity and making knowledge acquisition not just a necessity but a joyful pursuit. By treading along this course,Eshan Sehgal, a bright and accomplished student of class VI at Apeejay School, Tanda Road in Jalandhar has achieved a meritorious position in the highly esteemed 22^nd National Level UCMAS Championship.

His exceptional journey through the world of mathematics and problem-solving is a testament to his passion and dedication to learning. In the following interview, Eshan shares his inspiring experiences, from discovering the championship to the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way. His story sheds light on the importance of support from loved ones, the thrill of competition, and the pursuit of both hard work and smart work as keys to success. Read On. Edited excerpts.

How did you get to know about the championship? What motivated you to register for it?

My UCMAS instructor informed me about it. As soon as I heard from him, I knew I wanted to participate. So, I asked my parents to help me register for the competition.

Were you always keen to learn math and problem-solving?

I’ve always had a love for math but my passion for it really took off about 2-3 years ago when I joined the UCMAS Academy. There, I found real joy in solving problems. At present, I’m on the second-to-last level of UCMAS, and I’ve been enjoying my learning journey so far.

How was your experience of participating at the UCMAS Championship?

It was great. The centre for the championship was Lovely Professional University.  However, the competition coincided with my regular exams, so we had to change my UCMAS slot to the evening. There were only a few students in that session but I got a glimpse of the university’s environment which was very vibrant.

What is that one thing about UCMAS that fascinates you the most?

What I love most about it is the practical and creative approach to problem-solving. The mental arithmetic system allows us to use our minds to the fullest, and I also enjoy working on multiple-choice questions.

Who has been your biggest supporter in your endeavours? How have they encouraged you?

My mother. She has been my biggest supporter in my quest to participate in various competitions. In fact, she was the one who got me into UCMAS. Interestingly enough, she never pushes me to study all day, instead encourages me to make the most of my study time and assures me that I can enjoy my free time later.

How does it feel to be an achiever at your age?

My mom is quite proud of me and that is what really matters. She believes that I’m on the right path. She also encourages me to explore extra-curricular activities as well. Last year, I even received an appreciation from the India Book of Records for my talent in making Legos.

What valuable lesson have you learned from this experience?

One thing I’ve learned is that we should always keep our goals in mind. If we fail once, it doesn’t mean we’ll fail again. We just need to keep trying and stay focused.

What is the importance of hard work, according to you?

Hard work is essential but working smart is just as important. In today’s fast-paced world, finding the right balance between hard and smart work is the key to success.