By P. Sarojini
New York, USA (CWBN)_ Time magazine has called a brilliant young scientist and inventor, the 15-year-old Indian-American Gitanjali Rao, the first-ever ‘Kid of the Year’ for her stunning work using technology to solve modern-day issues. The problems range from polluted drinking water to drug addiction and cyberbullying.
A statement from Time Magazine said, “The world belongs to those who shape it. And however uncertain that world may feel at a given moment, the reassuring reality seems to be that each new generation produces more of what these kids have already achieved: positive impact, in all sizes”.
Ms Rao was chosen from a field of more than 5,000 candidates. For the Time Magazine special, the 15-year-old was interviewed by the famous actor and activist Angelina Jolie. During the online interview with Ms Jolie, Ms Rao explained the details of her work. She said, “Observe, brainstorm, research, build and communicate”. Ms Rao discussed her amazing work using technology to address problems ranging from contaminated drinking water to drug addiction and cyberbullying, and also spoke about her goal to form a global community of young innovators to solve worldwide problems.
A statement from Time Magazine discussed her brilliance and spirit. Time Magazine said, “Even over video chat, her brilliant mind and generous spirit shone through, along with her inspiring message to other young people: don’t try to fix every problem, just focus on one that excites you”. The young girl revealed her optimism during the interview when she said, “If I can do it, anybody can do it.” Ms Rao also said that the present generation faces serious issues that were not common before.
The 15-year-old spoke about the general problems faced by the world today, saying “But then at the same time, we’re facing old problems that still exist. Like, we’re sitting here in the middle of a new global pandemic, and we’re also like still facing human-rights issues. There are problems that we did not create but that we now have to solve, like climate change and cyberbullying with the introduction of technology”. She added, “I think more than anything right now, we just need to find that one thing we’re passionate about and solve it. Even if it’s something as small as, I want to find an easy way to pick up litter. Everything makes a difference. Don’t feel pressured to come up with something big”.
The young innovator was asked when she knew that science was her passion. Ms Rao revealed that her intention was to make everyone happy. She said, “That was my everyday goal, just to make someone happy. And it soon turned into, How can we bring positivity and community to the place we live?”. Ms Rao also spoke about the typical appearances of a scientist. She said, “I may not look like your typical scientist. Everything I see on TV is that it’s an older, usually white man as a scientist. It’s weird to me that it was almost like people had assigned roles, regarding like their gender, their age, the color of their skin.”
Ms Rao said that she wanted to inspire others to come out and solve the problems of the world. “My goal has really shifted not only from creating my own devices to solve the world’s problems, but inspiring others to do the same as well. Because, from personal experience, it’s not easy when you don’t see anyone else like you. So I really want to put out that message: If I can do it, you can do it, and anyone can do it,” she added. She said that she started dreaming about how she could use science and technology to generate a positive impact when she was in the second or third grade. She also said that she was only 10 when she discussed her plans with her parents to research carbon nanotube sensor technology at the Denver Water Quality Testing Lab.
Ms Jolie asked her whether she does the same things other kids her age do. “Actually I spend more time doing 15-year-old things during the quarantine. I bake an ungodly amount. It’s not good, but it’s baking. And, like, it’s science too,” she replied.
