Nayana J C
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, Oct 16: At an age when most children are still learning to speak clearly, two-year-old Pradhya Y Kulal from Daipala in Bantwal taluk has achieved a remarkable feat, earning recognition in the India Book of Records for her exceptional memory and ability to recite Sanskrit shlokas and sing devotional songs.
The daughter of Yadava Kulal and Vijayalakshmi, Pradhya has memorised five Sanskrit shlokas and four devotional songs in Kannada and Tulu. Her ability to recite the verses clearly and sing devotional compositions at such a tender age has earned her recognition as an India Book of Records achiever. She was presented with a certificate and medal in recognition of her achievement.
Pradhya's repertoire includes devotional verses praising Lord Ganesha, Lord Rama, Goddess Bhadrakali and Goddess Sharada. She also sings devotional songs dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Kateel Durga Parameshwari, captivating listeners with her melodious renditions.
Speaking about her daughter's remarkable ability, mother Vijayalakshmi said the devotional atmosphere at home had played a significant role in nurturing her talent.
"Shlokas are recited at our home every day, and we hold bhajans on Fridays. Pradhya would watch her elder sister, Sanidhya, who is studying in Class 7, recite shlokas regularly. We also used to take her to the weekly bhajans held every Wednesday at the local Sri Rama Bhajana Mandira in Daipala," she said.
According to Vijayalakshmi, Pradhya began humming devotional songs in tune on her own at around one-and-a-half years of age. Her ability to memorise verses and songs quickly impressed family members and well-wishers, who encouraged her to showcase her talent. This eventually prompted the family to apply for recognition from the India Book of Records.
Born on November 11, 2023, Pradhya has demonstrated a remarkable ability to remember and reproduce what she hears. She is currently studying in the nursery section at S V S Vidyagiri School.
Expressing her happiness over the recognition, Vijayalakshmi said the family was proud that Pradhya had brought honour to their hometown and Dakshina Kannada district at such a young age.
Her father, Yadava Kulal, said the family's traditional and devotional environment had helped nurture her interest. He emphasised that her achievement was driven by her own enthusiasm rather than parental pressure.
"The most important thing is that she has learnt these shlokas and songs out of her own interest, without any pressure. Receiving recognition at the national level for her achievement is a matter of great happiness and pride for our family," he said.
Pradhya's accomplishment has drawn appreciation from people across the region. Her ability to recite Sanskrit verses and sing devotional songs at just two years and nine months stands out as a heartwarming example of how a child's natural interests and remarkable memory can flourish with encouragement, family support and exposure to cultural and devotional traditions.