Dubai's Young Genius: Shaurya Thakkar Recognized Among the World's Brightest by Johns Hopkins

Eight-year-old Shaurya Yashesh Thakkar, a Grade 2 student from GEMS Modern Academy, Dubai, has recently been named one of the brightest young minds in the world by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY). With an exceptional performance that places him in the 98th percentile globally, Shaurya has earned the prestigious Grand Honors SET recognition, a feat achieved by fewer than 30% of students worldwide.

A Benchmark in Early Academic Excellence

Shaurya’s recognition stems from his extraordinary results in the School and College Ability Test (SCAT), a standardized exam used by CTY to identify gifted students from across the globe. Despite being only in Grade 2, he achieved a score equivalent to a Grade 6 level, securing his place among the highest-ranking students from over 90 countries who participated in the CTY Talent Search.

As a Grand Honors awardee, Shaurya now has access to more than 250 advanced CTY programs. These offerings include summer sessions at prestigious U.S. universities and specialized enrichment courses in mathematics, computer science, and critical thinking.

Accomplishments Beyond the Classroom

Shaurya’s brilliance is not limited to academic scores. He has already achieved an impressive roster of accolades in various fields, from mathematics to public speaking and environmental advocacy. Some of his noteworthy achievements include:

• Silver Medalist in Abacus, Vedic & Mental Math at Whizz Kidz Academy International (2023)
• Spelling Bee Champion (2024-25) at GEMS Modern Academy
• Silver Young Performer Certificate from Trinity College London (2023)
• 4th Place Winner at the Yas in Schools Formula Ethara UAE National STEM Final (2023)
• Winner of the ADNOC Environment Day Challenge as a Citizen Scientist, documenting UAE biodiversity on iNaturalist
• Tech Communicator through his YouTube series "Shonty. Shaurya," introducing kids to technology and machine learning
• Honored as a Young Innovator by Brainy n Bright for designing a flood prevention system using robotics and creative engineering

Endorsed by CTY Leadership

Amy Shelton, Ph.D., Executive Director of CTY, praised the accomplishments of the young prodigies being recognized. "This is not just recognition of students' performance on one test, but a testament to their curiosity and capacity for learning. These students have demonstrated enormous potential, and now we encourage them to seek out experiences and communities that help them challenge and stretch their knowledge," she said.

For Shaurya, this recognition is more than a milestone; it represents his passion for learning and a disciplined journey of mental growth and creativity. His mother, Sapna Yashesh Thakkar, expressed pride in his accomplishments, stating, "Shaurya’s recognition is not merely a reflection of exceptional test scores—it is a celebration of his boundless curiosity, tenacity, and love of learning. We anticipate his journey will continue to inspire peers and bring honor to the academic community in the UAE."

Inspiration for a Generation

In a world where early academic excellence is often celebrated in isolation, Shaurya stands out for embodying intellect and social engagement. Whether solving complex math problems, exploring biodiversity, or teaching others through tech videos, his multi-faceted talents make him a role model for global young learners.

His story is a powerful reminder that curiosity, consistency, and a strong support system can help students reach incredible heights. Shaurya has shown that age is no barrier to academic excellence and impactful innovation in less than a decade.

A Bright Future Ahead

With his entry into the Johns Hopkins CTY community, Shaurya joins an elite group of globally recognized young scholars. This honor marks a significant milestone in his academic journey and sets the stage for a promising future.

His journey also reflects the nurturing environment provided by GEMS Modern Academy and the opportunities available in Dubai’s diverse and progressive education system. With the proper support, guidance, and platforms like CTY, students like Shaurya are redefining what it means to be a young achiever in the 21st century.

As he continues to excel and inspire, all eyes are on Shaurya Yashesh Thakkar—Dubai’s math prodigy, tech communicator, citizen scientist, and now, one of the world’s brightest young minds.