Young Mathematical Prodigies Shine at 18th SMA Abacus National Talent Contest in Kochi

Kochi: The 18th SMA Abacus National Talent Contest witnessed an exceptional display of mental agility and mathematical brilliance, with over 3,000 students from SMA centres across India participating in one of the country’s largest skill-based academic competitions.

In the prestigious Mental Math Abacus Oral Competition, Sreehari J. Nair of Jyothi Nivas Public School, Aluva, emerged as the overall champion. Abhinav P. Sudheesh of Bhavans Vidya Mandir, Elamakkara, Ernakulam, secured second place, while Rahul S. of Warwin School, Vaikom, Kottayam, finished third.

In the Senior Category, Sreehari J. Nair went on to claim the Senior Champion title. Arghya V. Sunil of Vishwabharathi Public School, Neyyattinkara, Thiruvananthapuram, secured second place, followed by Abhinav N. S. of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Port Trust, Ernakulam, in third place.

The Junior Category was won by Lakshmi R. Baliga of Chavara Darshan CMI Public School, Ernakulam. Muhammad Raihan of Vimala Public School, Thodupuzha, secured second place, while Hridu Shyam of St. Thomas Public School, Kazhakoottam, Thiruvananthapuram, stood third.

The competition also featured captivating demonstration segments. Manha Fathima and Abhirud amazed the audience by recalling 20 objects within a minute using memory techniques. Shrihaan and Satwik demonstrated extraordinary calendar calculation skills by accurately identifying the day for any given date across a span of 600 years.Adding to the excitement, Sakshi Kishor Chondekar and Adinath Sharad Kashmire from Pune recited complex two-digit multiplication tables, while Aradhya Kumbare from Bengaluru, along with Geon Joji and Jessica from Thodupuzha, confidently handled advanced three-digit multiplication tables. Young talents Anashwara Anish, Anaya Ammal Azim, and Jian K fetson further impressed the gathering with their exceptional mathematical abilities.

The official function was virtually inaugurated by Dr. S. Somanath, Former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation. The event was graced by Dr. Ambat Vijayakumar, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at Cochin University of Science and Technology, as the Chief Guest. Senior Advocate T. P. M. Ibrahim Khan presided over the function, while Suresh Babu R. G. delivered the welcome address.

The event stood out as a vibrant celebration of intelligence, discipline, and perseverance, underscoring the impact of abacus-based and skill-oriented learning in nurturing young talent. It concluded on a high note, leaving a lasting impression on students, parents, educators, and spectators alike.