Revert- you mean reply. Definitely let your kid be a kid. Just because past generations focused too much on the adult to be and did not let children be children does not mean it should be done now. ALL parents make mistakes and children vow not to repeat their parents’ mistakes(and then make their own). Relax. There are many ways to be a good engineer, if that is what your son chooses when he is 18 or older. Right now he does not know all of the options in his life. You sound too intense, which may be typical for some Indian parents. Again, relax. In the next few years your child will undergo many changes as s/he matures both physically/mentally/emotionally and in other ways.
Top grades and test scores are not enough to get into most US colleges. So called “extracurricular activities” are also needed. It is not enough to just be an academic whiz, kids are expected to broaden their horizons. Other posters have mentioned various activities your child may be interested in. If cricket is the passion, allow that. If playing any instrument or singing is let your child spend time doing that instead of an extra academic study period. Sports, arts, music and other activities enrich one’s life. But- do not force your child to continue in any just because you think it will look good on an application.
So many good posts here. Remember- times have changed since your youth. Plus, with any intention of being in the US, even if only for some schooling, it is important to embrace the American mindset regarding college and the years preceding it. Do not sell yourself short- you are and will do a fine job. It is important to realize that your child will become more and more autonomous, eventually taking charge of decisions such as what to major in and where to apply to colleges. Now it is important to reassure him/her that things will work out. Also remember to tell your child it is important to have fun in life and not just worry about the future.
No parent can ever answer all of a child’s questions. Telling them to look things up is a good idea. So, at this time your child thinks s/he wants to be an engineer. Encourage him/her to look up what types engineering there are and what subjects are needed in college. This may be motivation to do well in school subjects in the coming years. btw- when I was in 8th grade I vehemently stated I hated science and would only take the minimum required in HS (I was an A student in all academic subjects). I took all of the science offered to me in HS and majored in Chemistry in college, then went on to medical school, having changed my focus while in college. So much for a girl’s statements at age 12 or 13.