Janhavi Panwar Becomes IIT Delhi’s Youngest PhD Scholar at 21, Earns Praise as India’s ‘Wonder Girl’
Janhavi Panwar Becomes IIT Delhi’s Youngest PhD Scholar at 21, Earns Praise as India’s ‘Wonder Girl’
Panipat Prodigy’s Research to Focus on Haryanvi Folk Literature and Feminist Studies
In a remarkable achievement, 21-year-old Janhavi Panwar from Haryana’s Panipat district has become the youngest-ever PhD scholar at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. Known widely as the “Wonder Girl of India,” Janhavi cleared the GATE examination on her first attempt and secured one of only five seats offered nationwide for the PhD program.
Her doctoral research will delve into cultural and feminist studies of Haryanvi folk literature, an area that has received limited academic attention but holds deep regional and literary significance.
A Trailblazer in Indian Academia
Janhavi’s academic journey is extraordinary by every measure. She passed Class 10 at the age of 11 and completed Class 12 by 13. At 19, she became the youngest assistant professor in India. She has also cleared the UGC NET exam twice, scoring an impressive 95 percentile each time.
Born on November 8, 2003, in the village of Shahrmalpur in Panipat’s Samalkha tehsil, Janhavi has long been celebrated as a child prodigy. Her journey began early, she was admitted directly into Senior KG at the age of three after showcasing an advanced vocabulary and learning pace.
Master of Accents and Languages
Janhavi’s talents extend beyond academics. By age 10, she could fluently mimic nine English accents, including British, American, Scottish, and Cockney. She has also learned French, Japanese, and Spanish. Her linguistic skills were honed with help from her father Brijmohan, a government school teacher, who supported her passion for English by exposing her to BBC news clips and hiring local linguist Rekha Raj for accent training.
From IAS Lectures to YouTube Stardom
At just 12, Janhavi delivered her first lecture to Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers at the Bombay Institute of Public Administration in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who gave her a standing ovation. Since then, she has spoken at multiple high-level forums and gained a reputation as a motivational speaker.
Beyond academia, Janhavi is a digital educator. Her YouTube channel, where she teaches English and motivational skills, boasts over 2.27 million subscribers. She has also authored a book and records song covers in her free time.
Rooted in Values, Soaring in Vision
Janhavi’s achievements are a testament not only to her brilliance but also to her family’s unwavering support. Despite early financial hardships, her father ensured that his daughter’s talents never went unrecognized. He recalls proudly how Janhavi began learning by watching animal and picture books rather than playing with toys.
Her father has always celebrated her birth and growth in a patriarchal society where male children are often prioritized. “I’ve always maintained that my daughter is my pride,” he says. “Girls are in no way secondary to boys.”
Looking Ahead
Janhavi has big plans for the future. She aspires to become a BBC news anchor and is interested in mass communication. She is also preparing for the UPSC civil services examination and continues to read voraciously, often finishing entire books in two days.
From delivering lectures to top bureaucrats to now pursuing groundbreaking research at IIT Delhi, Janhavi Panwar’s story is a beacon of inspiration for millions. Her journey, from a village in Haryana to the forefront of Indian academia, proves that with determination, support, and vision, no dream is too distant.
