New York: A 15-year-old Indian-American has been named by Time magazine as the first ‘Kid of the Year’ for her “astonishing” use of technology to tackle issues ranging from contaminated drinking water to opioid addiction and cyberbullying.
“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 while selecting Gitanjali Rao from more than 5,000 nominees.
The “brilliant” young scientist and inventor was interviewed by actor and activist Angelina Jolie for the Time special.
“Observe, brainstorm, research, build and communicate,” Rao 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 cyberbullying, and about her mission to create a global community of young innovators to solve problems the world over.
Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others.
“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,” she said in the interview, “anybody can do it.”
Rao said her generation is facing many problems that they have never seen before.
https://www.ndtv.com/indians-abroad/indian-american-gitanjali-rao-15-first-ever-time-kid-of-the-year-2333894