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TIME's first ever Kid of the Year is only 15

TIME's first ever Kid of the Year is only 15

"I was 10 when I told my parents I wanted to research carbon nanotube sensor technology. My mom was like what?" said Gitanjali Rao
05 Dec, 2020

At only 15, Gitanjali Rao has been selected from a field of more than 5,000 US nominees as TIME’s first ever Kid of the Year.

Rao's astonishing work includes using technology to tackle issues ranging from contaminated drinking water to opioid addiction and cyberbullying, with her mission to create a global community of young innovators to solve problems the world over standing out as an inspiration to many.

"I was like 10 when I told my parents that I wanted to research carbon nanotube sensor technology at the Denver Water quality research lab, and my mom was like, A what?” the young scientist told actor and activist Angelina Jolie in an interview over Zoom from her home in Colorado.

"I'm a very curious person if there's one thing you need to know about me. I just love learning about the environment, the ecology, I just like learning in general so everything in school is super fun," she revealed, saying she cannot see a world filled with kindness without science and technology being involved.

One of her latest innovations, an app called Kindly, is here to help prevent cyberbullying.

"I started to hard-code in some words that could be considered bullying, and then my engine took those words and identified words that are similar," Rao revealed, talking about how the app worked.

"You type in a word or phrase, and it’s able to pick it up if it’s bullying, and it gives you the option to edit it or send it the way it is. The goal is not to punish. As a teenager, I know teenagers tend to lash out sometimes. Instead, it gives you the chance to rethink what you’re saying so that you know what to do next time around."

In a way, Gitanjali thinks this is not micro-managing teenagers but instead giving them an opportunity to learn from their mistakes.

She also spoke about how her goal had shifted not only from creating her own devices to solve the world’s problems, but inspiring others to do the same as well, since she wanted to see more people like her in the field.

"I don’t look like your typical scientist. Everything I see on TV is that it’s an older, usually white man as a scientist. It’s weird to me that it was almost like people had assigned roles, regarding like their gender, their age, the color of their skin."

"It’s not easy when you don’t see anyone else like you. So I really want to put out the message that If I can do it, you can do it, and anyone can do it."

Gitanjali also revealed currently working on an easy way to help detect bio-contaminants in water—things like parasites.

"I’m hoping for this to be something that’s inexpensive and accurate so that people in third-world countries can identify what’s in their water."

"I recently hit my goal of 30,000 students who I have mentored, which is super exciting. It’s like creating a community of innovators. I really hope the work that all of these kids are doing identifies innovation as a necessity and not something that’s a choice anymore. I hope I can be a small part of that."

Rao also has an inspiring message for other youngsters: “Don’t try to fix every problem, just focus on one that excites you."

Comments

Zaidhaq Dec 05, 2020 03:37pm
Good to see the Indian diaspora excelling in the sciences.
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Awalmir Dec 05, 2020 04:08pm
She is Indian? Why am I not surprised?
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Baasha Dec 05, 2020 04:11pm
America is a country of innovators and indians have colonised that territory too.
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Teddy Dec 05, 2020 04:21pm
Malala not on the list?
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MALI Dec 05, 2020 04:25pm
Hindu kid. With invention like sugar, Hindu numerals, algebra, threading machine, world's first true steel the wurtz steel Hindus have been the driving force of humanity.
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Surya Kant Dec 05, 2020 04:28pm
Kids are doing great work. They are genius. Miles ahead of us.
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Ibrahim S Dec 05, 2020 04:41pm
When you treat your girls with respect , they shine like diamond. When you cut them wrong they just turn into another stone.
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Chrís Dăn Dec 05, 2020 05:00pm
Impressive. Congrats to the young lady:)
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Vijay B. Dec 05, 2020 05:10pm
What a kid! What a distinction at her age! Let us hope she will be a shining star getting brighter every year of her life for many many decades, shedding more light on our planet, and inspires many others to do the same.
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Bhadrakumar Dec 05, 2020 05:13pm
Future Nobel Winner.
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nit Dec 05, 2020 05:35pm
Proud moment for everyone in south east asia.
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Truth Dec 05, 2020 05:37pm
She was also young scientists
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joe Dec 05, 2020 05:40pm
Future noble prize winner. That is how one keeps name of their country of origin in high esteem .
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Sikan Dec 05, 2020 06:21pm
Very bright youngster with a great future
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LgbtqX Dec 05, 2020 06:37pm
Great achievement.
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Dr Vikas Jamwal Dec 05, 2020 06:46pm
Proud of you, Proud of your parents, Proud of your roots.
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well-wisher Dec 05, 2020 07:02pm
Proud of you, Gitanjali and your mission. Congrats to parents as well. And to TIME for boldly recognizing this Gem, Gitanjali.
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shahid khan Dec 05, 2020 07:08pm
Brilliant!!
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Jehengir khan Dec 05, 2020 07:34pm
Amazing kid.....
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Multani Dec 05, 2020 08:03pm
Indians have been sending educated workforce to USA to gain positive influence for India there. IK must push for it too, get highly qualified scientists to move to USA on work visa and to EU also who will project positive image of Pakistan. Must double our education budget now.
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Multani Dec 05, 2020 08:09pm
Modern education , research, encouraging science education in schools is urgently needed , IK has to take up this challenge.
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Sachin Dec 05, 2020 08:16pm
Is she a Hindu?
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Vikas Dec 05, 2020 08:16pm
So proud of you!!! Keep up the great work and make world a better place!!
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lalit Dec 05, 2020 08:17pm
amazeing- i am dumb founded- am an engineer
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lalit Dec 05, 2020 08:17pm
impressed- greatly- amazeing for dawn to publish it
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JustSaying Dec 05, 2020 08:23pm
The Indian Connection......
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JustSaying Dec 05, 2020 08:24pm
Investing in Education ( by India ) is Paying Rich Dividends....
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JustSaying Dec 05, 2020 08:25pm
Indians Contributing to the Host Country......and Welfare of Mankind too...... ( While some are.......)
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JustSaying Dec 05, 2020 08:28pm
" I recently hit my goal of 30,000 students who I have mentored, which is super exciting. It’s like creating a community of innovators. I really hope the work that all of these kids are doing identifies innovation as a necessity and not something that’s a choice anymore. I hope I can be a small part of that.".. What a Vision and Mission....... Positive impact on Humanity.....
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Ibrahim S Dec 05, 2020 08:34pm
@Sachin does it matter . I see a beautiful angel
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JustSaying Dec 05, 2020 08:36pm
Power of Modern Education...... Contributing Positively to the Society...Country and Planet.....
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joe Dec 05, 2020 08:43pm
How I wish Malala interviews her. ?Both represents their country of origin as young generation in a foreign land. But both have a very different reason for leaving their country.
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manzer Dec 05, 2020 09:04pm
This is great, congratulations.
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GK Dec 05, 2020 09:13pm
Nothing compared to what Malala has achieved
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Barry Lynch Dec 05, 2020 09:14pm
@Sachin Yup she is any problem with that mate?
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Gulshan Dec 05, 2020 09:36pm
@Sachin Isn't it clear from the name ? Gitanjali from Geeta.
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Dispassionate Dec 05, 2020 09:42pm
Why always Times doesn't see such kids in places away from US.
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RAja Raman Dec 05, 2020 10:44pm
Proud of you... Gitanjali Rao. Girls like you are the role model for the youths. Wishing you many more success. Proud of your achievements and Proud of your roots.
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Sridhar Dec 05, 2020 10:48pm
@Sachin Wake up! She is a sane, smart human being who cares about helping those in need. "vaishnava jana to, tene kahiye je peed paraayi jaane re"
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John Houston Dec 05, 2020 11:05pm
@Multani , to produce another AQ Khan to say the least.
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lena Dec 05, 2020 11:33pm
blessed by saraswati-hindu godess of leaning. bless you wonderful girl
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Mario Dec 05, 2020 11:40pm
What does the character want to say,asking if she is a hindu.does it really matter.why bring religion into this discussion.grow up.
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C T Rao Dec 06, 2020 12:43am
Prodigal kid. Lucky parents. Good upbringing. Motivating teachers. Great US ecosystem for seekers of knowledge.
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Anand Dec 06, 2020 12:55am
Indian American
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farid Dec 06, 2020 01:00am
Indian American, couldnt see a mention anywhere.
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B.Patel USA Dec 06, 2020 01:04am
@Sachin, please. Such questions are irrelevant. There is a saying in Sanskrit “Bahuratna, Vasundhara”, which says that this earth is blessed with many jewels. The earth covers, all races, countries, religions. Congrats to young lady.
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Majid Dec 06, 2020 01:43am
Ordinary stuff
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Ali Mehdi Dec 06, 2020 02:36am
Well done Gitanjali. Such a beautiful happy news. World need bright stars like you. We are so thankful to you for your thoughtfulness. All success to you.
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pa99 Dec 06, 2020 03:18am
Sachin, does it matter?
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Agrippa the Skeptic Dec 06, 2020 06:24am
@nit S.E Asia? Thailand or Laos?
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Agrippa the Skeptic Dec 06, 2020 06:26am
@Multani , sure. Per pahale scientist banao toh.
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Agrippa the Skeptic Dec 06, 2020 06:27am
@Sachin , use your grey cells. Gitanjali Rao !
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Safwan. Dec 06, 2020 06:42am
Just amazing. Congrats kido.
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Indian Dec 06, 2020 06:47am
As an Indian proud of you girl
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Indian Dec 06, 2020 06:51am
Well done kid you made Hindu Americans proud of your achievement
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Ravi Sanku Dec 06, 2020 07:47am
Kids are kids anywhere, be it India or Pakistan, or elsewhere. They should be positively encouraged to manifest their potential they have and change the future of society. for better instead of the dogmas that most of us sadly adhere to.
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Sameer Dec 06, 2020 08:18am
What? They couldnt find another malala?
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Tamilselvan Dec 06, 2020 08:49am
She has the same vision as Modi. Both want to help humanity and borders are irrelevant for humanity to progress. Mood has said India would provide Covid vaccine to the world and thus young scientists also says same about her inventions. Both are way ahead in their thinking .
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sachi Dec 06, 2020 08:50am
@Sachin No sachin. She is a normal human being
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spg Dec 06, 2020 08:55am
@Sachin Does it matter?.Going by the name Yes
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purogami Dec 06, 2020 09:06am
She is similar to Ms. Malala. But Malala has to face more dangerous situation. It is good to see both are away in nice , cultured countries and non have to deal with ignorant dDeshis.
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johnpapa Dec 06, 2020 10:03am
Proud moment for Pakistan
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Comments Dec 06, 2020 10:20am
Yet another exceling Indian...
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nerus000 Dec 06, 2020 10:22am
Damn Indians everywhere!
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Srinath Dec 06, 2020 01:08pm
Thanks Dawn for sharing a story that is bound to inspire kids around the world.
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Saravjeet Dec 06, 2020 01:28pm
All the credit goes to Indian education system.
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RAja Raman Dec 06, 2020 02:18pm
@nerus000, "Damn Indians everywhere!" The comments are in very bad taste. You making mockery of hard working people from Asia. Success of the Asian community in Silicon Valley is through their sheer hard work and determination.
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bharat Dec 06, 2020 02:58pm
Indian Hindus are always role model of the world.
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Ajo Dec 06, 2020 05:49pm
@JustSaying is it being discussed in any Indian talk show or published in any leading daily?
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Sri Dec 06, 2020 07:36pm
@Sachin No.
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mian Dec 06, 2020 07:37pm
No wonder. She is an Indian.
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biju Dec 06, 2020 08:11pm
@Multani Thats what AQ Khan did
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biju Dec 06, 2020 08:12pm
@Sachin Is that important ?
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biju Dec 06, 2020 08:14pm
@Sachin What has religion got to do with her achievement. She is of Indian origin - thats not good enough ?
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ROHIT PANDEY Dec 06, 2020 08:34pm
This is the BEST of the USA. The properity and the openess of the system is a poweful magnet that draws talent from all over the world. She is probably a first generation American of immigrant parents from India. I am glad that people of Indian origin pursue science and innovation and make the country of origin very very proud. I saw a Youtube video about her and she wants to enter MIT.:).
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Awesome Asam Dec 06, 2020 09:00pm
Why the surprise that she’s only 15 ?? We’re you expecting the kid of the year to be 32?? But well done!! Brilliant achievement for someone of her age. Less to be said for the one who came up with the headline for this article.
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Lalit Dec 06, 2020 09:04pm
@Multan You need to have 'highly qualified ' scientists at the first place ,before even bothering to send them abroad.
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faps Dec 06, 2020 09:27pm
@Sachin She is but why does it matter?
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Kate Angel Dinara Dec 06, 2020 09:48pm
@Majid Because you can't achieve !!!
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Kate Angel Dinara Dec 06, 2020 09:50pm
@nerus000 Yes exactly Right.. They are in all over world with their talent ... Roughly 32 millions...
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Ganesh Dec 06, 2020 10:36pm
Thanks to Dawn and moderators of this forum for publishing this article and keeping the conversations objective and decent. It takes some courage to publish an article that is likely to be against public sentiments. More than Geethanjali's achievement, it is for India and Pakistan to introspect why our countries could not provide the same ecosystem as US for their citizens.....would she have had the same sucess if her parent would have not emmigrated....?
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secular Dec 06, 2020 11:05pm
South Indians are exceptionally intelligent.
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Jagan Dec 06, 2020 11:54pm
@johnpapa ...why is it a proud moment for Pakistan?
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k k tiwari Dec 07, 2020 12:22am
Dr Salaria Ahmed did you read this
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sultan Dec 07, 2020 01:05am
@Sachin No; she is a human child. And definitely not Hindutva influenced, or Gujarati or related to modi or shah or or a cowbellter relative or follower of U P's Something Sing Bhishit. Brains ? Then she must be from South India who by and large are more balanced, cultured and civilised. They do not discriminate or are against accepting as full participating citizens their muslim citizen brother and sisters.
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Firangi Dec 07, 2020 03:20am
@Sachin does it matter?
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Gopinath Dec 07, 2020 04:33am
@nerus000 Indians have the highest family income in US of all the ethnic groups even outstripping whites!!!
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Gopinath Dec 07, 2020 04:36am
@nerus000 Chief executives of the very big international companies like Alphabet (Google), Microsoft and IBM are Indian Hindus!
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Observer Dec 07, 2020 05:13am
@Sachin , Why is that important? The selection was not based on religion but on talent.
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Alexa Dec 07, 2020 06:13am
This girl is just the hype of the moment. America is trying to project a positive image of the foreigners settled there. People in South Asia get impressed with these kids and then try to settle abroad to chase the American dream. But actually leaving your homeland is not that easy and the migrants find their lives get harder than before. Not all migrants can get super successful in America.
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Sid Dec 07, 2020 06:30am
@GK Please enlighten us, what has she contributed
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Vidyut Bharadwaj Dec 07, 2020 07:18am
@Awalmir Yes she is a Hindu from Indian origin.
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nikhil Dec 07, 2020 07:40am
@Awalmir , she is American born but yes Indian Parents .
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NickSharma Dec 07, 2020 09:26am
@Sachin Why do you want to bring religion into this? Everyone here is praising her and celebrating South Asian decent. But you had to stir up trouble?
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WhatsInTheName Dec 07, 2020 10:15am
Proud of Gitanjali for her vision and work. There is a lot of talent, enthusiasm, energy, love, care out there; countries that recognize, respect and provide support without any differentiation are creating hope for future.
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Josh joshiley Dec 07, 2020 11:09am
It’s going to be a huge burden for the child. Usually child prodigies have a hard time coping up. Hopefully she enjoys her childhood and grows up to continue to do extra-ordinary things. It will be interesting to follow her journey!
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Esh Dec 07, 2020 12:09pm
i am from pakistan yet still i felt proud of her
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Imtiaz Ali Khan Dec 07, 2020 01:41pm
@B.Patel USA this is what a great human always says and you are such a beautiful soul. Well done brother stay clear from all distraction of races, culture, creed etc., because your heart is pure and shinning with humanity. People like you are the blessing for this earth. I hope my words gives you happiness because you sure deserve it. Love from Pakistan. I'm a Sindhi and I adore and admire all beautiful beings. Every day I sing along the banks of my Sindhu river and I have peace and harmony in my heart. One day rise of Sun will bring a lot of rays of shine and hope for IndoPak. The real brotherhood as I know it will overcome this man made distance, we have so much love for each other deep down in our hearts as two nations of Sindhu/Tamil River. IndoPak Blood Brothers 4 Life!
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RAja Raman Dec 07, 2020 07:50pm
@Imtiaz Ali Khan, Great words... Brk
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JudtSaying Dec 07, 2020 09:08pm
@GK " Nothing compared to what Malala has achieved... " Malala ( reached great heights) Achieved in a Foreign Country... ( she was shot in her head in her own country for going to school.. )
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Ramesh Dec 08, 2020 07:48am
@Multani Surely you jest. Pakistani scientists to move to USA? Most of the Pakistan diaspora in the world is taxi drivers!
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