Parsippany Sixth Grader Uses Rubik's Cube Passion To Help Others

PARISIPPANY, NJ – If it is true that the solution often turns out to be more beautiful than the puzzle, Parsippany resident Anikait Sota seems to be putting this sentiment into practice.

What’s more is that the Central Middle School sixth grader is doing it for a good cause. As local residents are living through a summer in ways they didn’t expect thanks to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Sota is using his time to find solutions on Rubik’s Cube while also giving back to his community at the same time.

Sota has combined his passion for mathematics and algorithms with his joy for solving the Rubik’s Cube, the multicolored twisting toy that has entangled players around the world for nearly half a century.

“I was able to take strategies and develop an algorithm, and created a new method overall,” Sota said in a news release.

Sota’s passion for the 3x3 Cube included hosting weekly cube-solving lessons online for donations. As of Tuesday, Sota has raised more than $850, and has donated it all to Parsippany’s local food pantry to assist residents during this challenging time.

Sota’s parents also see the importance in their son’s project and of giving back to his community i a unique way. His mother’s company offers 100% matching donations to charities. Because of this, Sota and his family have donated $1,700 to the Township’s food pantry, all thanks to Sota’s Rubik’s Cube infatuation.

According the U.S. Census, Parsippany has a poverty rate of 4.5%, meaning thousands of Parsippany residents may struggle with regular food accessibility. Because of this, Parsippany’s food pantry continues to be an important part of the community, as economic challenges persist for families, seniors, unemployed, and people with disabilities.

Sota is hoping to continue to do his part to help the community.

Sota is currently enrolling for his next round of Rubik’s Cube classes. He teaches four students, aged 10-12, in 90-minute classes, once per week for four weeks. If you’d like to enroll in Sota’s Rubik’s Cube class, call 973-795-2014 or email asota@hotmail.com.

To find out how you can donate to the Parsippany Food Pantry, call 973-263-7163.