READY SET GO!

How young were you when you become a ‘driven towards your goals’ person and started making conscious choices and decisions towards it? How old were you when you became aware about the problems that prevail in this worlds or suffering of the people around you and realized that you have a role to play in the betterment of the society and environment? What am I talking about? Well, you will get it once you get to know her. Today ‘We The Women’ has brought to you about a girl who belongs to Jammu but has recently won the prestigious Sheikh Hamdan Award in Dubai, for outstanding achievements in academic and extra-curricular activities.

Aaratrika Singh Jamwal was born to Nitin and Vidushi Jamwal, currently living in Dubai with her family. While Nitin is working with Emirates Airlines, Vidushi is a teacher. Aaratrika, a student of Delhi Private School, Dubai and former Head Girl for the Primary wing in her school, has won accolades in many competitions and events in the last few years which include Best Poetry Performance in Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature, Best Poem performance in ‘Post Cards of India’ organized by Indian Consulate in Dubai, Winner of the Budokan Cup International Karate Tournament- 2016 in Kata and Kumite, Winner of Inter dojo Karate Championship in 2015 and 2016, Champions trophy in Brain-o-Brain, Winner of Wiz-kid award for creative writing in 2015 and 2016, 1st position in both English and Hindi Elocution competitions conducted by RED 97.4 FM Youth Festival, 1st position in drawing competition held by RED 94.7FM youth Festival, Winner in interschool elocution competitions, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in swimming competitions in her school, Award for proficiency in Public speaking, Ignited Mind Award and Whiz kid ( for outstanding academic results) award in her school, besides securing many certificates for charity/volunteer work and community service to list a part of her lengthy list of accomplishments. Her extra-ordinary zeal and potential to excel at various fronts has led to such achievement as winning the prestigious Sheikh Hamdan Award. But what amazes even further is the fact that this girl is a student of grade Six. Surprised?

Read the following excerpts from the conversation that followed with this amazing kid:


• What are the instances that led you towards the above mentioned achievement?

Education and values have always been of utmost importance to my family and I believe, my parents have instilled in me the importance of these virtues at a very young age. I am high spirited competitor and I leave no stone unturned to put my best foot forward. When I started participating in competitions and won accolades it was then that I realized my potential. That was the time when I thought of working towards winning this prestigious award.

• How exactly is a normal day in your life? What constitutes your busy day and how do you unwind yourself at the end of such long day?

I attend my school and come back by afternoon. Then I have different classes on week days; I go for swimming classes twice a week and for Karate classes and drawing sessions on other weekdays. I study and prepare myself for the next day’s class. I love to make best out of waste so I recycle things and make new stuff. I am also an avid reader and love to spend time in small library I have in my home. I also like writing poems and short stories, so I try to take out time for it every now and then.
On weekends I go for recycling campaigns or other community services like Walk for Autistic children, Awareness for Education/ Diabetes/Saving Environment, Earth Day events etc. I also do sketching and drawing whenever I have spare time. I have a YouTube channel and I create and upload my videos there. And that’s how I pretty much unwind myself.

•What personal and professional goals are you striving for? Where should we expect you few years from now?

When I grow up I want to become an environmentalist and create awareness by becoming an inspirational speaker. I want to research and develop ways which can help all living beings to have a sustainable world and share them. I want to take up the profession of a journalist as I am curious by nature. To reciprocate the love and support that both India and the UAE have bestowed upon me I would give my best and stand for the nations at all times.

•What is that one thing that keeps you moving on; that makes you do what you are doing? What is your ideology?

My mantra for success is to never give up. Success doesn’t come easy and one has to face failures many times but I take it as a challenge and I never give up.
I strongly believe that nothing can replace hard work, perseverance and dedication. More than aptitude it is the attitude that makes us what we want to be. So stay positive and stay focused.

•What according to you is an empowered woman?
An empowered woman is one who believes in her thoughts and speaks her mind. She knows her goal and utilizes each day to pursue the purpose and achieve her goal.

•Any message for women out there, especially girls of your age?
I would quote Melissa Etheridge – “You are more powerful than you know; you are beautiful just as you are.” Be strong and never succumb to storms.