At just 12 years of age, Advait is a shining example of enthusiasm, energy, and absolute joy. He is that one soul whose love for life is infectious, and his friendly nature makes bonding seamlessly easy. Football and guitar are his two constant companions, as is his thirst for knowledge and adventure. He is an insatiable learner, always searching for something new to tackle, whether in the way of music making, drawing, coloring or his favorite passion- building the most complex LEGO sets imaginable.
While most kids his age drift towards normal, mundane hobbies, Advait is unique and riveting. Absorbed in the world of LEGO construction, with each set being a new challenge he goes through very seriously.
Spark of Lifelong Passion
Advait was introduced to the wonderful world of building blocks at the age of ten months by his mother via a wooden train set with stackable pieces meant to create a lovely locomotive. Even as a baby, Advait was very inquisitive and keen, fitting all the pieces together to make the train. Of course, at that age, he needed assistance but his interest in the process was very real.
With age, he graduated from stacking cups and constructing towers to more complicated tasks such as jigsaw puzzles and mazes. By the time Advait reached two years of age, he could
complete all puzzles with 8-10 pieces without one ounce of trouble, manifesting a natural ability for problem-solving skills. All who met him were astonished at his grasp of these ideas.
A LEGO Obsession Takes Shape
Advait first experienced the magic of LEGO on his fourth birthday when he received his first LEGO set as a gift. The enthusiasm was palpable as he entered the set with all the determination to finish it. Most striking, though, were his patience and persistence qualities that would later turn out to be his trademarks. He sat beside his grandfather, sorting pieces, while his grandfather studied the diagrams in the manual, carefully going through them, and guided him to build the set with precision. This was no passing interest; it was the beginning of a lifelong love for building LEGO.
Over time, his family would bring him small sets of LEGO, and he wouldn’t let them go. A chance find of a ‘LEGO Rental Service’, was the break for him. This rental service provided him with the opportunity to have better sets than they could have purchased, and Advait found his skills soar. His mother then enrolled him in LEGO workshops to maintain his interest and challenge his LEGO-building skills.
Blessing in Disguise – The CORONA Lockdown
The lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a massive step in Advait’s LEGO-building journey. When schools closed and outdoor activities were suspended, he had more free time
than ever to focus on this passion. He showed remarkable proficiency in finishing sets with pieces running in thousands that adults found tricky to complete.
The most complicated model he has so far done is the Liebherr Crane model; which had a movable component and involved high-level building techniques. Advait still worked on it and completed it in record time.
The Value of LEGO: A Pathway to Development
Most children find it challenging to sit still for a long time, but Advait’s focus and concentration enable him to work on one project for hours together.
The cognitive benefits of playing with LEGO bricks are enormous. Among these activities, Advait has gained vital skills like sorting, grouping, sequencing, and logical problem-solving. These all will help him lay down an excellent foundation for mathematical and scientific concepts in the higher classes. Furthermore, building bricks enhances visual discrimination, eye-hand coordination, and spatial awareness. It encourages creativity and imagination. He never feels that he has just completed a set. What he gets from the satisfaction and joy of creating something with his hand cannot be described in mere words.
Building a Future, Brick by Brick
This journey for Advait with LEGO is not just a hobby or passion but much more. His inspiring story acts as excellent advice to parents on the advantage of having their children engage in constructive and thought-provoking activities like building with LEGO blocks. As he masters more complex projects, brick by brick, there is little doubt that Advait is mastering the skills that will help him navigate the world with confidence and creativity.
With Inputs from Apeksha & Advait Yagnik
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