The table, widely used in chemistry, physics and other sciences, comprises 118 elements, each with its atomic number as well as symbol. During the session, two officers from MBR randomly picked a number, and Pranav had to name the element as well as the symbol.
The entire session took about 18 minutes, after which Pranav was awarded the certificate for his incredible achievement.
Speaking with FMT, he says he was not nervous throughout the entire process. “I prepared well before that, and my parents tested me every day for about two weeks,” he shares.
On how he feels about his accomplishment, he replies: “I feel proud.”
Although he clearly enjoys science, Pranav likes mathematics – his favourite subject at school – more. He starts Year 3 next week, and when he grows up, he wants to be either an animator or a chemist.
Why a chemist? “Because I know the periodic table,” he jokes.
Elaborating on his son’s achievement, Praveen Visuvalingam, 40, tells FMT: “What’s amazing is that he actually did this last year, when he was eight. We realised he was going way above his age, because [learning the periodic table] is something you would do at 16.”
Pranav’s mother, Nisha Sivarajasingam, says he started exploring the periodic table after coming across a song on YouTube.
“At age two, he could recite the alphabet backwards,” the 38-year-old Federal Court research officer reveals. “It’s actually very difficult; it caught our attention that he has something unique in him.”
Mum and Dad also share that Pranav can read and write in several foreign languages such as Japanese, Korean, and Russian.
Sacrifices and hopes
According to Nisha, the boy enjoys learning things on his own. “From the moment we know he loves something, we encourage him. For example, when we realised he could name the flags of many countries, we bought him a world map.”
She draws from her own childhood experiences in guiding her son. “I was always a bookworm, so my parents encouraged me by buying a lot of books. I also like art, so my father sent me to art classes.
“I was never forced to do something I did not like.”
Praveen, an IT manager, adds that Pranav has a very inquisitive mind, and they credit the daycare centre he began attending at age two. “They really encouraged him and did a lot of activities that boosted his enthusiasm to learn,” he says.
He also recalls making the most of the time spent driving Pranav to daycare by quizzing him. “That kept him on his toes because he likes being challenged. I would test him and encourage him to go further.”
Daycare was expensive, but the proud parents were willing to sacrifice so their son could get a good foundation in education. They plan to enroll Pranav in an international school in the future.
The record is not the only prestigious feather in the boy’s cap, as he has also been admitted into Mensa Malaysia.
“It is very overwhelming,” Praveen says. “I feel very happy and proud. Our sacrifices are paying off, and although we didn’t expect it to happen at this stage of his life, it is very encouraging. We are now thinking of what more we can do for him.”
At the same time, they are careful not to put too much pressure on their son. “We will take it step by step, and ensure he gets the right support.”
As for Pranav’s future? “He doesn’t have to be rich or earn millions,” his parents agree. “At the end of the day, we want him to just do what he likes and contribute back to society in any way he can.”
Incidentally, today happens to be Nisha’s birthday, and Pranav has this simple wish for her: “I would like to wish my ‘amma’ a very happy birthday, and I love you.”