A six-year-old boy named Vishakan Thanarajan has secured a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) by answering 53 multiplication questions in only one minute. He set this record on June 12, 2026 in the category of “Most Multiplication Completed By A Child In One Minute.”
Vishakan’s Early Interest in Numbers
Vishakan’s mother, Mira, stated that Vishakan showed an interest in mathematics when he was just 3 years old. Unlike other children, Vishakan was unique in his focus on house numbers. His parents were surprised to find that he could remember those numbers and recall the families or friends associated with them. This demonstrates his remarkable memory skills.
“We first recognized his exceptional mathematical talent in 2025 during a car ride. As he looked around, he began spontaneously reciting the multiples of 9 and 12 with remarkable accuracy and speed. What amazed us most was that he did it effortlessly and without any hesitation. We had never specifically taught him to do this, which made the moment even more surprising,” said Mira, Vishakan’s mother.
Parents’ Unwavering Support Behind Vishakan’s Success
Vishakan’s learning journey began naturally, driven by his curiosity and love for numbers. From an early age, he took pleasure in noticing numbers in everyday situations, such as house numbers, vehicle registration plates, and signs around him.
“We never pushed him; instead, we followed his interest and provided support whenever he showed curiosity about numbers. To help develop his multiplication skills, we introduced short multiplication practice sessions of about five minutes a day. We encouraged his interest by engaging him in simple number-related conversations and activities during daily routines.”
Vishakan’s parents, Thanarajan and Mira, said that this consistent and regular practice helped Vishakan build his confidence and strengthen his understanding. Over time, it improved his speed and accuracy.
An Enjoyable Practice Session for Vishakan
Mira stated that despite having a structured and strict practice, they made the practice sessions short and enjoyable for Vishakan. They usually spend 15 to 30 minutes engaging in multiplication and math exercises.
“We often turn everyday situations into learning opportunities. For example, when we are traveling, we use the numbers on car license plates to help him practice mental math. If we see a plate with the numbers “1234,” we might ask him to calculate 1 × 2 and 3 × 4 or create other multiplication combinations using the digits. This simple activity keeps him engaged, sharpens his mental calculation skills and makes learning a natural part of daily life.”
Vishakan notices mathematics in all aspects of life and loves discovering innovative ways to engage with numbers. This led his parents to prioritize recognizing his hard work, curiosity, and determination. Above all, they refrain from placing pressure on him. By enabling him to explore mathematics through play, discovery, and daily experiences, they have successfully fostered his enthusiasm and love for the subject from an early age.
53 Multiplication, One Minute: One Remarkable Achievement
Vishakan’s remarkable achievement of completing 53 multiplications in one minute and earning a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records brought immense pride to his parents, Thanarajan and Mira. They not only felt proud of his accomplishment but also of his passion for learning mathematics.
“One person who has greatly inspired us is Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Thambirajah of Sri Murugan Centre. He often says and firmly believes that every child is a diamond. As parents, our responsibility is to discover that diamond, polish it and help it shine and soar. Those powerful words encouraged us to look deeper into Vishakan’s unique abilities and recognize the special talent he has in mathematics.”
Vishakan’s parents cherished spending quality time together as a family. They treated him to his favorite meals and toys. His mother, Mira, expressed that seeing Vishakan’s excitement made the celebration even more meaningful for them. This milestone has become a cherished family memory and has also motivated the parents to continue supporting Vishakan in exploring mathematics more deeply.
Vishakan’s achievement has showcased that age is just a number to pursue your passion. Apart from Vishakan’s dedication and passion for learning mathematics, his parents, Thanarajan and Mira, have also won everyone’s hearts through their hard work and unwavering support.
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