Mangaluru: Two-year-old Pradhya Y Kulal from Bantwal has earned a place in the India Book of Records for her ability to recite Sanskrit shlokas and devotional songs with remarkable clarity.Daughter of Yadava Kulal and Vijayalakshmi, Pradhya developed an interest in devotional music by observing her family’s daily spiritual practices. Her parents said she would sit with them during prayers and gradually began repeating the verses she heard at home.“We recite bhajans at home on Fridays and visit the nearby Sri Rama Bhajana Mandira on Wednesdays. When we light the evening lamp and recite our prayers, she always sits with us and joins in,” her father, Yadava, said.Her mother, Vijayalakshmi, said Pradhya began to display her talent when she was around one and a half years old. She initially hummed along with family members before learning to repeat the verses independently.“Whenever we sang bhajans or recited shlokas, she would carefully listen and begin repeating the verses on her own,” Vijayalakshmi said.Pradhya’s 12-year-old sister, Sanidhya, has also helped her learn and memorise the chants. The sisters practise together during the family’s evening prayers.“I recite five shlokas every day while lighting the lamp, and she repeats them after me. I teach the verses to her,” Sanidhya said.Manjula Anil Rao, Dakshina Kannada BJP Mahila Morcha district president and a psychologist, helped the family recognise the significance of Pradhya’s ability and apply for the record.“According to our Indian culture and traditions, reciting bhajans and shlokas is a practice today’s generation often forgets. To see a child of this age naturally engaged in preserving our culture, with such clarity of speech, is truly special, and we wanted to ensure she was recognised,” Rao said.Following the announcement, Pradhya received appreciation from school officials, Bantwal MLA U Rajesh Naik and Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta.Pradhya and Sanidhya study at SVS Vidyagiri School in Bantwal. Pradhya is in the nursery section, while Sanidhya is a class 7 student.
