SRINAGAR: Sanidhya Saraf, a Grade 12 student at Narayana e-Techno School in Mumbai, has achieved remarkable success across a wide range of academic disciplines. His journey, marked by an insatiable curiosity about the world around him, has led him to excel in subjects like Astronomy, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
Sanidhya’s fascination with the cosmos began in Class 7 when a book on stars and constellations sparked his interest. This early curiosity propelled him to the international stage, where he won a Silver Medal at the International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) 2024 in Brazil, the first from J&K to do so.
The journey was not without its challenges, but his dedication and calm approach helped him overcome the hurdles of adjusting to a new environment and competing at such a high level.
In an interview with The New Indian, Sanidhya shared, “Ever since I was a kid, I have been curious about how things work and why they happen. This curiosity drove me to explore subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy, and Chemistry.”
In addition to his success in Astronomy, Sanidhya has also excelled in his academic studies, scoring an outstanding 99.6% in his Class 10 ICSE exams and securing the All India National Merit Rank 2. His ability to balance his rigorous Olympiad preparation with schoolwork is a testament to his discipline and time management skills.
Sanidhya told The New Indian, “During my Class 10 ICSE exams, I dedicated about two hours daily to school studies. My Olympiad preparation covered a lot of ground for Mathematics and Science. As the board exams approached, I increased my study time to ensure I was well-prepared in all the subjects.”
Sanidhya’s achievements extend beyond Astronomy and academics. He ranked 1st in Pune City and qualified for Stage 3 of the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) 2024. His passion for Mathematics is driven by his love for problem-solving and continuous learning, with particular interest in number theory, abstract algebra, and discrete mathematics.
His success is not limited to national competitions. Sanidhya has also earned numerous medals in international Olympiads like SIMOC, SASMO, and IMOCSEA. He attributes his success to consistent effort, regular practice, and a deep-seated passion for the subjects he loves.
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Beyond his academic pursuits, Sanidhya is an all-rounder, participating in cultural events, sports, and extracurricular activities. Despite the increasing demands of his academic life, he continues to find time for his hobbies, including reading, cycling, and playing the flute, which help him relax and stay focused.
Looking ahead, Sanidhya is considering a future in astrophysics or engineering, driven by his desire to contribute meaningfully to these fields. His message to other students is clear: while intelligence is important, it’s hard work and dedication that truly make a difference.
Saraf’s parents expressed their pride, saying, “As parents, we are immensely proud of Sanidhya’s dedication and hard work. His achievements reflect his love for learning and determination to excel. We cherish every moment of his journey and wish him all the best.”
Sanidhya Saraf’s story is a shining example of what can be achieved with passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.