When Akrit Jaswal was seven years old he was doing things that were way ahead of his time. While other kids were watching cartoons and playing with action figures, Akrit was performing surgery on human beings. He began by helping a local girl who had burnt her hand but could not pay for medical services. She had nerve damage and her hand was constantly clenched in an unopenable fist. With no medical experience and no formal training, Akrit managed to give her use of her hand back.
Five years later Akrit turned all of his studies towards medicine and he claimed to be on the verge of discovering a cure for cancer. Currently he is studying for his degree from Chandigarh College and is the youngest student ever accepted by an Indian University. On top of being accepted to Punjab University, the famed Imperial College in London requested his presence to discuss advancements in the medical field. In his local village he is considered a leader and villagers from neighboring villages come to him from miles around to seek advice on any ailments they may have.
Growing up, Akrit says he used to see cancer patients lying on the side of the road because they couldn’t afford treatment or hospitals had no space for them. Now, he wants to use his intellect to ease their suffering. “I’ve been going to hospitals since the age of 6, so I have seen firsthand people suffering from pain,” he says. “I get very sad, and so that’s the main motive of my passion about medicine, my passion about cancer.” Currently, Akrit is working toward a bachelor’s degree in zoology, botany and chemistry. Someday, he hopes to continue his studies at Harvard University.
When he is not saving people and literally trying to find a cure for cancer, Akrit enjoys local sports such as cricket and watching them on TV. But when you’re on the verge of being one of the biggest medical personas in recent history, he can be allowed to watch TV when he has the time.
Accomplishments
- Been called “The World’s Smartest Boy”
- IQ of 146
- Performed his first medical procedure at age 7
- Youngest student ever accepted to Indian University
- Working on a cure for cancer
- Featured on Oprah
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(Photo Via xbolly)
