Indian-American Girl Scientist Named First-Ever TIME ‘Kid Of The Year’

New York: TIME magazine has named 15-year-old Indian-American Gitanjali Rao, a “brilliant” young scientist and inventor, as the first-ever ‘Kid of the Year’ for her “astonishing work” using technology to tackle issues ranging from contaminated drinking water to opioid addiction and cyber-bullying.

“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,” Time said.

Gitanjali was selected from a field of more than 5,000 nominees for the ‘Kid of the Year’ honour, news agency PTI reported. She was interviewed by actor and activist Angelina Jolie for the TIME special.

“Observe, brainstorm, research, build and communicate,” Gitanjali told about her process during a virtual talk with Jolie from her home in Colorado.

She spoke about her astonishing work using technology to tackle issues ranging from contaminated drinking water to opioid addiction and cyber-bullying, and about her mission to create a global community of young innovators to solve problems the world over.

“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,” Time said.

“If I can do it, anybody can do it,” Gitanjali said in the interview.

“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,” she added.