Mental Arithmetic Marvels: Over 1,200 Children Shine at SIP Regional Prodigy 2026
In a spectacular display of mental arithmetic prowess, over 1,200 children from across the region gathered at CK Conventions in Mangalagiri on Sunday to participate in the SIP Regional Prodigy 2026 competition. The event, one of India’s largest mental arithmetic competitions for children, saw young minds between the ages of 5 and 14 years put their mental arithmetic skills to the test.
A Star-Studded Inauguration
The competition was inaugurated by AIIMS Mangalagiri Director Col. Shashikanth Thumma, who was accompanied by a host of dignitaries, including SIP Academy India director Sibi Sekhar, New Franchisee Acquisition head Uma Swaminathan, Regional Business head – South and International Acquisition head Praveen E.G., and Andhra Pradesh head Jabeer Baig. The ceremony marked the beginning of an exciting day of mental arithmetic challenges for the young participants.
Developing Life Skills through Mental Arithmetic
In his address to the gathering, Col. Shashikanth Thumma praised the participants as ‘live supercomputers’, capable of solving problems faster than calculators. He emphasized that the SIP Prodigy programme not only develops skills to solve mathematical problems but also equips children with the ability to tackle life’s challenges. “You are human calculators, solving problems faster than calculators,” he said. “This programme develops skills to solve not only mathematics problems but also life’s challenges.”
The Importance of Mental Arithmetic in the AI Era
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sibi Sekhar highlighted the relevance of mental arithmetic in the artificial intelligence (AI) era. While AI can provide answers, children still need strong cognitive abilities, logical thinking, concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills. “Mental arithmetic develops these foundational capabilities, enabling children to think independently and confidently,” he said.
Expanding the Reach of SIP Prodigy
Ms. Uma Swaminathan, New Franchisee Acquisition head, announced that SIP Academy India currently operates 25 centres in Andhra Pradesh and plans to double this number to 50 in the coming years. The expansion of SIP Prodigy centres will provide more opportunities for children to develop their mental arithmetic skills.
Qualifying for the National Finals
The SIP Regional Prodigy is the regional championship of the annual SIP Prodigy competition and serves as a qualifying event for the national finals. The winners of the Andhra Pradesh regional competition will qualify for the National SIP Prodigy 2026 to be held in Kochi in November, where nearly 5,000 children from across the country will compete. The national finals will be a thrilling culmination of the regional competitions, and the winners will be crowned as the best mental arithmetic talents in the country.