Numbers caught my attention: 8-year-old earns India Book of Records recognition
In Short
Puraanjay Vats can recall the corresponding days for 89 different dates from 2026 in five minutes, while pursuing interests in memory skills, calculations and cube solving
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Numbers caught my attention: 8-year-old earns India Book of Records recognition
“Numbers have always caught my attention, and I enjoy working with dates and calculations. To find the day for a particular date, I use a combination of calculations based on the date and the year. I also use different memory techniques to help me remember information and practise them three times a day, especially to improve my speed. My exact method is my top secret, because Papa-Mumma told me not to disclose it. I jokingly call one part of it ‘abra-ca-dabra’. Regular practice has helped me become quicker and more confident with calculations and memory challenges. I enjoy learning new techniques and taking on new challenges.”— Puraanjay Vats
At an age when children are learning to work with calendars and numbers, eight-year-old Puraanjay Vats from Gurugram has developed a particular interest in dates and mental calculations. A Grade 4 student, Puraanjay has been recognised by the India Book of Records as an ‘IBR Achiever’ for recalling the corresponding days for 89 different dates from the year 2026 in five minutes.
The achievement was officially recognised when Puraanjay was eight years and five months old. His preparation involved memory, concentration, speed and mental calculation, which he developed through regular practice.
Puraanjay says his ability was first noticed by his mother. “Actually my mumma discovered this ability of mine, that I have a sharp memory. I always surprised her by telling her about incidents that occurred when I was very young,” he says.
His interest in remembering dates developed gradually. He recalls being particularly good at remembering birthdays because of the return gifts he received. “Slowly I realised numbers caught my attention and inspired me to improve my ability,” he says.
When asked about the technique he uses to work out the day corresponding to a particular date, Puraanjay is not ready to reveal his method. “It’s a top secret. Papa-Mumma toldme not to disclose it,” he says with a laugh. He adds that it involves a combination of calculations based on the date and year, along with what he jokingly describes as “some abra-ca-dabra”.
Behind the record is regular practice. Puraanjay says he uses different memory techniques and practises three times a day, particularly to improve his speed. The practice is fitted around his school routine and other activities.
“Everything is planned and divided as per timetable,” he says. After school, he has lunch and takes some time to relax before studying. He later spends time playing in the evening. On weekends, he attends Pepmind classes, which he says have helped him while preparing for the record.
Puraanjay believes his memory and calculation skills have also helped with his schoolwork. He says quick calculations allow him to solve mathematics questions faster, while his ability to memorise information has helped him learn multiplication tables. He also feels that he now takes less time to complete his homework.
Calendar recall is not his only area of interest. Puraanjay also enjoys solving different types of cubes and is interested in remembering information about inventors and the flags of more than 100 countries. These activities reflect his broader interest in memory-based challenges and problem-solving.
For Puraanjay, the record is also a lesson in consistency. “I have learnt that every success begins with starting slow and consistency can lead to big results,” he says.
His next goals are already taking shape. He wants to become a faster cube solver and is currently learning calculations involving a decade of dates. “It’s a new challenge for me. Learning should never stop,” he says.
For now, the India Book of Records recognition marks a specific achievement in calendar recall, while Puraanjay continues to explore calculations, cubes, flags and general knowledge. His focus, he says, remains on learning new skills and taking on new challenges.
