(May 17, 2024) Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as the cornerstone of our future, reshaping industries and societal landscapes. What’s truly remarkable is the growing fascination among the younger generation. Today, even children are eagerly immersing themselves in the world of AI, showcasing an innate curiosity and aptitude for the technology. One such youngster is Abu Dhabi-based 13-year-old Sajini Varadharajan.
A ninth grader at Gems United Indian School in Abu Dhabi, she is an author and an innovator. Having authored 16 books till now, Sajini is also one of the youngest to complete the Artificial Intelligence Internship Program under Ken Kahn, Senior Researcher at Oxford University. “With AI, we can process and analyse vast amounts of data quickly, making it easier to find and access the information we need. To gain practical knowledge about this technology, I developed a keen interest in AI,” she said in an interview.
Sajini Varadharajan
Early tryst with AI
Her interest in AI began as early as five years old and soon started learning. A few years ago, she joined Clevered, an organisation specialising in customised AI coding programs for children and teenagers, in the Junior Data Scientist course. Currently, at the A1 Expert Level, she is learning computer vision techniques and neural networks.
Developing apps
Having an interest in collaborating AI with the environment, she is already working towards an AI tool that promotes sustainable development. Last year during her three-month internship, she developed Nutrihome, an Automated Restaurant, showcasing her skills in coding and programming. Among its innovative features are a Sentiment Analysis App, a Tkinter Online Ordering System, a Speech Emotion Detection App, and a Conversational Talking Chatbot. This impressive project demonstrates her multifaceted skills and her ability to leverage technology to enhance user experience and streamline operations in the food industry.
As per Sajini, the automated restaurant initiates a user survey, facilitates online ordering, and collects feedback via speech or chat. It prioritises serving nutritious and delicious meals, aligning with the current demand for healthier food options.
“AI education is highly significant in India today,” said Sajini, adding that through AI education, India can equip individuals with essential skills to utilise AI technology effectively, fostering innovation and driving economic growth.
The teenager is currently developing Astounding Agridon, which merges a Plant Disease Prediction App with a Crop and Fertilizer Prediction App. Agridon serves as a reliable companion for farmers, aiding in the detection of plant diseases and enhancing crop yield in agriculture.
A passionate author
Even some of the books authored by her delve into the world of AI, especially Kelly Lunature Thrillers – Face in the Mirror and Kelly Lunature Thrillers 2.0 – A Looming Shadow. In the first book, a girl’s close friend disappears, prompting the use of a robot to locate her missing companion. Contrastingly, the second tale transports readers to the bustling city of Yellowsberry, where an unidentified flying object sparks chaos. Amid this crisis, a robot emerges as the city’s saviour. “I find inspiration for my stories from Bollywood movies,” said the Global Indian teen whose books are available on Amazon.
Originally from Andhra Pradesh, she earned a place in the India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records for ‘Maximum books written by a child at the age of 10 years, 3 months and 16 Days’ in 2021. Sajini was just four when she penned her first poem. Sajini’s mother, Radhika Varadharajan, credits a CD ‘Your Baby Can Read’ gifted by her mother which she played for 10 minutes every day ever since her daughter turned six months. “She used to watch, grasp and try to read the word tiles that appeared on the screen. She tried to read placards too and it was probably the rhymes that interested her, because she also has a flair for music,” she added. Sajini soon started penning down more poems about everything she saw. “So, my parents collected and stored all those poems, and that is how my third book, one with 108 poems, came about,” said the young author.
AI is the future
Keen to learn more, she wants to pursue a course in animation and also dabble in ethical hacking and cyber security. “AI is the future and kids should explore, discover, and create more.”
Sajini is truly passionate about harnessing AI to improve our world. Continuously exploring new ideas and advocating for change, she firmly believes in AI’s enormous potential for the future and actively works towards realising it. Through her dedication, Sajini not only develops apps but also writes books that delve deep into the realm of AI, offering insights into its transformative capabilities. Her relentless efforts serve as a testament to the profound impact AI will have on our lives.
