Out of over 5,000 nominees, TIME has named Rao as its first ever “Kid of the Year” for her "astonishing work" using technology to tackle several issues ranging from contaminated drinking water to cyber-bullying and opioid addiction.
“My goal has really shifted not only from creating my own devices to solve the world's problems, but inspiring others to do the same as well. Because, from personal experience, it's not easy when you don't see anyone else like you. So I really want to put out that message: If I can do it, you can do it, and anyone can do it", TIME quoted the young scientist-inventor as saying.
In India, the news has met with overwhelming responses, with netizens cheering the “daughter of the nation” on to achieve more success in her bright future.
Prominent Indian industrialists and politicians, including Anand Mahindra and Shashi Tharoor, also joined in the cheering choir on Twitter.
Recalling her journey in science so far, Rao revealed to Jolie that she was in second or third grade when she started thinking about ways to use science and technology to create social change.