Dr.Balu Natarajan, a doctor from Hinsdale is the first person to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 1985. Now his son Atman Balakrishnan who is 12 years old is alll set to equal his father’s achievement in this year’s edition.

One could say that the Spelling Bee is savagely dominated by Indian-Americans. Imagine this: 18 of the past 22 champions have been Indian-Americans. And this year, the competition has attracted 516 spellers. But Atman has a very able mentor in the form of his father.

“He does help me and try to make me work harder, because he knows that I want this. If he knew that I did not want this, he would not push me,” Atman said. It is also worth mentioning here that Atman’s father Natarajan is also on the board for North South Foundation, which hosts competitions in spelling and other subjects as well.

All the best,Atman!