In a truly extraordinary feat of memory and geographical knowledge, Maayra Hayat, a 4-year-old prodigy from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, has been recognized as an IBR Achiever by the India Book of Records for her incredible ability to recall the capitals of 28 Indian states and 123 countries in just 4 minutes and 38 seconds. This remarkable achievement was officially confirmed on August 21, 2024, making Maayra one of the youngest individuals to set such a record.
Born on July 18, 2020, Maayra demonstrated an uncanny ability to absorb and retain geographical facts from a very early age. Her passion for learning, particularly about world capitals, has been evident since she began identifying countries and their capitals as early as age 3.
“I love learning about the world, and the capitals of countries are so fun to remember,” Maayra said with a shy smile. Her parents, who have nurtured her love for learning, were both amazed and proud of her achievement. “We never imagined that her interest in geography would lead to something so remarkable,” said Ayesha Hayat, Maayra’s mother. “She surprises us every day with her knowledge.”
Maayra’s achievement was confirmed during a live event where she flawlessly recalled the capitals of not only the 28 Indian states but also 123 countries, all while maintaining perfect accuracy. The panel of experts was left in awe of her concentration and focus, noting that she was able to recall the capitals without hesitation or error, despite the vast number of countries and states involved.
Dr. Rohit Verma, a cognitive psychologist, praised Maayra’s remarkable memory. “It’s incredible to see a child of Maayra’s age exhibit such advanced memorization skills. Memory at this level requires not just rote learning, but also understanding and organization of information, which is highly unusual for someone so young,” he said.
Her parents have fostered an environment where Maayra’s natural curiosity is celebrated. “We always encourage her to explore different subjects, and she’s always been particularly drawn to geography,” her father, Ahmed Hayat, shared. “Her interest in capitals started with just a few, and before we knew it, she had memorized so many.”
With her achievement now recognized in the India Book of Records, Maayra has not only set a remarkable record but has also inspired countless other young learners. Her dedication and passion for learning are a shining example of how children can excel when encouraged to pursue their interests.
Maayra’s next goal? She dreams of becoming a geographer or a world leader, driven by her fascination with the world’s diverse cultures and geography. “I want to know everything about the world,” she says.
