I have made my way into the India Book of Records by naming 165 rivers of the world in one minute. I have also attempted to create a unique record by naming 1,000 rivers in a span of eight minutes.

I am grateful to my father, Prafulla Kumar Swain, who encouraged me to spot countries in maps. My parents realised my inherent talent at an early age and gave me support in the form of books and atlases to hone my skills.

I went through the atlases and books and gradually memorised names of places, rivers, seas over the years. Now, I take just eight minutes to name 1,000 rivers in 196 countries. I also know the origin of a river and where it ends.

I am fortunate to have a good memory. My favourite book has been the atlas and my aim is to become an expert in geography. I also aim to contest in the Guinness World Records. It is a great feeling when people call me a human encyclopaedia or a search engine in the making.

I dedicate about one hour a week to my passion. I am equally serious about my studies. I also love to play the violin and play with friends and cousins of my age.

Meghali Malbika Swain, Class V, Sai International School, Bhubaneswar