In a world driven by rapid change and fleeting attention, true brilliance continues to shine through — sometimes in the form of a quiet, determined seventh-grader who spells his way into history. Bruhat Soma, Spelling Bee Champion of 2024, is one such beacon of hope, intelligence, and perseverance.
At just 12 years old, this Indian-American prodigy from Tampa, Florida, etched his name into the annals of academic excellence by winning the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee 2024. But Bruhat’s journey to the championship wasn’t simply about spelling tough words—it was about dedication, deep cultural roots, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence.
Bruhat Soma: A Victory Carved in Determination
The road to the national title wasn’t a straight path for Bruhat Soma. In 2022, his journey ended early with a rank tied for 163rd place. A year later, he climbed higher, securing the 74th position. Most would have given up or shifted focus. But not Bruhat. He returned stronger, sharper, and more determined than ever before — proving that resilience is often the secret ingredient behind true greatness.
His final moment of triumph came in a nerve-wracking tiebreaker round, where he spelled 29 words in just 90 seconds, clinching victory over fellow finalist Faizan Zaki of Texas, who managed 20. The winning word? “Abseil”—a term meaning to descend using a rope, often in mountaineering. Symbolic, perhaps, of the steady yet sure descent from difficulty into the pinnacle of success.
The Legacy of Excellence
With his victory, Bruhat Soma Spelling Bee Champion joins a proud lineage of Indian-American winners — becoming the 28th Indian-origin champion since 1999. This cultural trend, rich in values of education, memory, and discipline, began with Nupur Lala, whose win inspired millions through the Emmy-winning documentary Spellbound.
It’s no surprise, then, that Bruhat’s win carries not just personal triumph but a collective pride—felt deeply by Indian-American communities across the U.S. and relatives rooting from back home in Telangana, India. “A lot of my relatives watched it live,” Bruhat shared joyfully, “They sent me their blessings and congratulations. That means the world.”
Bruhat Soma: From Slokas to Spelling—The Power of Discipline
Bruhat’s brilliance extends far beyond the stage. A voracious reader and a dedicated learner, he has accomplished what few adults even attempt—memorizing 80% of the Bhagavad Gita. His feat is the result of devotion through a program called Pragma, which taught him sacred verses from the Gita and Vishnu Sahasranamam.
“The Bhagavad Gita has 700 shlokas,” he explained. “I learned a few each week until I had memorized most of it. It gave me focus, clarity, and peace.”
In Bruhat’s words, “God made it happen.” That spiritual connection — bridging culture, tradition, and ambition — has been a pillar of strength throughout his journey.
A Multi-Talented Young Star
Far from being a one-dimensional talent, Bruhat Soma is an all-rounder in the truest sense. When he’s not memorizing sacred texts or spelling complex words, he is active on the sports field or drumming up rhythm in his school band.
An avid basketball fan, Bruhat names LeBron James as his favorite player. He plays badminton, ping-pong, and contributes musically through the snare drum in his middle school band. Clearly, he balances academic discipline with physical and creative outlets — a recipe for holistic growth.
The Prize and a Purpose
The Scripps National Spelling Bee victory brought with it a USD 50,000 prize, but Bruhat’s heart lies in giving. “I’ve decided to donate it to a good cause,” he revealed. “I’m not sure what cause yet, but it will help people.”
That one sentence alone defines his character — humble, generous, and forward-thinking.
And what does the future hold? Bruhat dreams big. “I want to become a doctor,” he says with conviction. “This championship will help me get into a good university. I’ll work hard and hopefully make a difference in people’s lives.”
A Champion of Heart and Heritage
Bruhat’s father, Srinivas Soma, originally hails from Nalgonda in Telangana, a region that has seen many of its sons and daughters rise to global success. This proud heritage, infused with timeless Indian values, has clearly shaped Bruhat into the exceptional young man he is today.
And yet, he remains grounded. “I might go back to India soon for vacation or a wedding,” he smiles. “I love visiting and connecting with my roots.”
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