ON HER WAY TO STARS
ASHIMA is a girl-next-door with dreams as gigantic and spectacular as the moon and stars shining in the night sky. In her early twenties, Ashima is pursuing Masters in Public Administration and Urdu from University of Jammu. After his father, a Head clerk in Education department, passed away, Ashima has been living with her mother and two sisters. So what is it that makes Ashima stand out than many others like her? Well, she is chasing her dreams and there is something extraordinary about it. Isn't it? Without further ado, let’s know more about this 'Girl on Rise'. Shall we?
Ashima is a Folk Dancer, Theater Artist, Model and an Anchor. She has presented J&K's folk at national level in Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Mumbai with J&K Tourism, J&K Cultural Academy, South zone culture Department, North Zone Culture Department and many more stages of repute. She has participated in almost 400 Plays, Nukkad Nataks, for public awareness of ‘Beti Bacchao Beti Padhao’ campaign. She has also hosted various mega events for several brands. She is an advocate and active volunteer in Prime Minister Project “Swach Bharat Abhiyan” in J&K. And this is not all!
Ashima holds a world record in Genius world record Book in her name for the longest Ramp walk, for which she walked for about 26 hours continuously without any break. She has received ‘Duggar Di Shaan’ Award 2012, Young Women Achiever 2014 by Indian Blood Federation, Women Achiever Award 2016 by Betiya foundation, a National NGO for Girl Protection and Great Women Achiever 2016 by the Performer’s NGO. She has also bagged in field of modelling achievements like Miss J&K 2010, Miss Face of the year 2014, Miss North India Best Skin 2015 and Miss IAWA 2016.
Ashima is first in her family who is into modelling, dancing, acting and anchoring while others are Doctors and Engineers. However, it was not planned; all she ever wanted was to be like Saroj Khan, the famous choreographer. But it was her father who ignited in her the passion to be on 'Silver Screen'.
"My father wanted me to be on the Television, but after being crowned. I don’t know from where he got inspired to make me one with a crown," shares Ashima. She started her career as professional dancer in 2010, during the time she got an opportunity to walk on the ramp for the first time. The experience motivated Ashima to strive to be a model too, along with dancing. And according to her rest of the things just fit into the puzzled journey eventuality. "Now, I believe I have all sorts of artistic interests. I love painting and reading books," introspects Ashima.
Every field requires hard work, dedication and patience, and has its fair share of hurdles and struggles. Before fighting against society for her so called 'odd' dreams, she had to survive through her condescending kin. "My family supported me through everything. Many times I couldn't give proper time to my studies but I managed to get through due to my sisters’ support" tells Ashima.
But due to her hard work and achievements, things are changing; 'Nays' are becoming 'Yays', even those who used to criticize now admire her. "I am a girl who is still struggling for recognition but there has been a huge difference now into my life; from being a normal girl to be someone people recognize," tells Ashima. She described this transition like from B&W Television to a coloured one. At the end of the day she loves to unwind herself in the lap of her mother telling her all about her day.
Talking about her most recent experience and victory at the event ‘Mr & Miss IAWA 2016’, Ashima shares, "It was like a dream come true to be crowned at National Level. I was nervous and apprehensive about beating 25 contestants from all over the country who were obviously best in their respective States. But the hard work paid off when I got crowned as Miss IAWA." She adds, "The experience was awesome. I learnt many things under the guidance of Daljeet Kour (Mrs Universe 2016). The night when I was crowned, I felt like I am on the top of the Sky and only few stairs are left for my goal."
Talking about women and their role in the society, Ashima says, "Women are undoubtedly the backbone of any society. An empowered woman is the one who believes in herself. She embraces the essence of who she is; her intuition, intelligence, kindness and power. She is someone who knows her strength and is not afraid to let her guards down. She can control her life; she is aware of her capabilities and ready to take on her biggest dreams. She messes up a lot but she learns from her mistakes. She is not afraid to get back up even after a grave fall. To be empowered women means not only believing in herself but also believing in those around her."
To every women out there, this 'Girl on Rise' has few wise words too, "There are many who will condescend you and stop you from achieving your goals but never stop, keep going because a person can never achieve without critics; they push us to improve ourselves and give us more energy to achieve what we want."