Aaryan Shukla, a ninth-grade student at Delhi Public School Nashik, has etched his name in history by clinching a Guinness World Record for the ‘fastest time to mentally add 50 five-digit numbers’. His remarkable achievement, accomplished in an astounding 25.19 seconds, was set on the prestigious Italian TV show, Lo Show Dei Record, in Milan, Italy on February 29, 2024.
But Aaryan’s journey to mathematical glory didn’t begin with this Guinness World Records. His fascination with numbers and mental arithmetic burgeoned from an early age, as he delved into the intricacies of abacus learning at the tender age of six. Drawing inspiration from abacus and Vedic mathematics, Aaryan meticulously analyzed techniques and tricks, tailoring them to enhance his speed and precision in mental calculations. His fearless approach to numbers, coupled with relentless practice, led him to devise customized strategies, adapting them to the nuances of each mathematical puzzle.
Beyond his Guinness World Record triumph, Aaryan’s prowess in mental mathematics has garnered him widespread acclaim on both national and international platforms. His participation in numerous Olympiads and Mathletics competitions has been met with resounding success, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the field.
Notably, Aaryan’s journey has taken him across continents, where he has left an indelible mark with his mathematical prowess. At just eight years old, he represented India at the Memoriad Turkey Open Championship 2018 in Istanbul, Turkey, clinching an impressive tally of 10 medals, including seven golds, one silver, and two bronze. His stellar performance earned him the distinction of setting a record for winning the highest number of medals in a single competition at the Memoriad—an achievement that remains unmatched to this day.
In 2022, Aaryan ascended to the pinnacle of mental calculation glory by clinching the title of World Champion at the Mental Calculation World Cup held in Paderborn, Germany. Reflecting on his journey, Aaryan reminisced about the pressure and exhilaration of competing on the international stage, from the relative ease of his debut in Turkey to the heightened expectations in Germany.
Throughout his journey, Aaryan has found unwavering support from his teachers and school, with Delhi Public School Nashik accommodating his competition commitments and providing a nurturing environment for his academic pursuits.
Yet, Aaryan’s achievements come against the backdrop of concerns about the evolving educational landscape. His father, Nitin Shukla, lamented the trend of curriculum rationalization by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), expressing apprehension about its impact on students’ long-term learning.
Amidst his academic pursuits and mathematical triumphs, Aaryan finds solace in cricket matches and enjoys immersing himself in books on mysteries and adventures. As a founding board member of the Global Mental Calculators Association (GMCA), he aspires to make significant contributions to the field of mental math, shaping its future trajectory.
As Aaryan prepares for the next chapter of his academic journey post-Class 10 exams, his passion for Sanskrit, mathematics, science, and social studies shines through. With his extraordinary talent and boundless enthusiasm, Aaryan Shukla continues to inspire awe and admiration, leaving an indelible mark on the world of mental mathematics.
