Ras htriya Bal Puraskar

‘Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2020’ – the words alone stir a sense of pride. So, imagine our ecstasy when this year, not one but two Amitians were bestowed with this esteemed award. Gauri Mishra of AIS Gur 46, a prodigious pianist, and Sanchita Tiwari of AIS Vas 1, a phenomenal archer, were amongst 49 exceptionally talented students to be conferred upon the Bal Shakti Puraskar (erstwhile known as National Child Award), with a medal, a cash prize of 1 lakh and a certificate from President Ram Nath Kovind on January 22, 2020.
Induja Tyagi, GT Network, brings you the remarkable stories of the students  who brought honour to Amity.

Successful symphony

“Life is like a piano. What you get out of it depends on how you play it.” Gauri Mishra, a Class VIII student of AIS Gurugram 46 has well played both – the journey of life and the piano. The result, a symphony that has now been adorned by a prestigious from the president of India. She shares her musical sojourn. 

Starting notes 

Just as she is now, Gauri had been brimming with enthusiasm at the raw age of four. Curious to try her hands at everything that came her way- be it swimming, dancing, theatre, etc, she came across the piano. What started as a fickle interest soon became a passion. “I really loved playing with keys, and it was then that I requested my parents to allow me to learn music,” she says. And that was the beginning of her musical journey.  

Setting the tune

For Gauri, piano is not just an instrument, but a tool to discover oneself and her guide to life. “The 88 black and white keys represent the ups and downs that define your life. They help you develop harmony and balance. The strings of the piano represent the support and guidance you receive from your family, school, friends; basically everyone who loves you. Without the strings, a piano is nothing. Likewise, a person is nothing without their support system,” opines Gauri. Who thought that the piano could teach more than just music to us. 

Syncing it right

Upon asking how she juggles between academics and extra-curricular; Gauri simply says it has never been a task for her. She attributes her synchronised life to her support system and idols. Gauri shares, “Chairperson ma’am has always taught us the importance of balancing studies and extra-curricular. My principal, teachers take time to attend all my concerts despite their busy schedules. My parents have always supported and encouraged me throughout my journey till here.” Apart from this, religiously following the mantra of ‘work management’ has helped her strike a balance between studies and passion. 

Striking a chord

From showcasing her talent for the first time at the age of eight, in 2015, to being awarded ‘Youngest pianist in the country’ by India Book of Records in the same year, to effortlessly mastering different genres of music including Indian, Western and fusion, to pursuing music certification from the esteemed Trinity College of London and Prayag Sangeet Samiti in Allahabad, Gauri’s achievements are indeed endless; the latest one being the award at Rashtrapati Bhawan. “Every success drives me to perform better. I am grateful for this award by the President and I will cherish it forever. I wish to take my passion to numerous international platforms in future,” Gauri humbly signs off. 

Achievements

•Recipient of appreciation letter from PM Narendra Modi for her experiment with Indian classical music on Piano in 2017.
•Recognised as ‘Youngest Piano Player’ by International Association of Educators for Peace.
• Awarded Delhi Pratibha Puraskar by Shri Vijay Goel, MP Rajya Sabha
•Recognised as one of the Top 100 Record Holders for excellence by World Records Union.
•Certified as ‘Youngest Pianist’ at the age of 9 by India Book of Records and other world record organisations.

Amity’s Arjuna

We are all familiar with Mahabharata – India’s mythological tale and Arjuna, a hero from the same story. While Arjuna was known for many virtues, he stood out in the war for being a fine archer. The same can be said for Sanchita Tiwari, a student of AIS Vasundhara 1, Class XII, Amity’s own Arjuna. And now she has hit the bull’s eye with the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. And here, we present to you her journey in her very own words.

How does it feel to be Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardee?

It is nothing less than a dream come true for me. After all, every child in the country wishes to be a part of an event as grand as the Republic Day parade. Moreover, receiving an award from the revered President of India was the cherry on the top. When I first came to know about it, I was on cloud nine.  

Having received so many awards, is it as exciting as it used to be in the beginning?

Each time I receive an award, the euphoria escalates to a different level. Receiving such prestigious awards has never made me complacent. Rather, each honour motivates me to prove that I am worth the appreciation. The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar has given me the inspiration to work even harder.

Would you like to share the secrets that helped you achieve so much so early in life?

Well, I’d rather call these secrets my driving force. My school and coach have left no stone unturned in honing my skills as an archer right from the nascent stage. My parents have been cooperative beyond imagination. I would also like to thank my brother who has alway encouraged me.

How do you balance between your academics and archery?

Well, I have not really been able to attend my classes regularly, given my hectic schedule. But my teachers have always been very helpful. They keep providing me with notes of whatever is taught in the class. I can always reach out to them via video calls or any other medium available. It is generally opined that sports and academics cannot go hand in hand, but I think differently. 

How has this sport shaped you as an individual?

Archery is all about maintaining focus. My coach has taught me  the concentration techniques and minor skills related to the sport. I have now become very focused in whatever I do. Also, this sport has instilled in me a decision-making power. 

What is archery to you?

To be honest, I had never thought I would find my calling in archery. It was only during our work-ex classes in school that I got introduced to this game. At that point in time, it was just another sport for me. But after a month of practice, I got selected for nationals. And I owe a great deal of it to Chairperson ma’am for offering me with  a brilliant platform.  

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

With the view that children are important partners in nation development, the government of India, in the year 1996, instituted two awards- Bal Shakti Puraskar and Bal Kalyan Puraskar under the umbrella category, Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. While the former award acknowledges children with outstanding abilities and feats in the fields of academics, innovation, sports, bravery, and art and culture; the latter bestows recognition to dedicated individuals and institutions; whose relentless efforts have contributed towards child welfare.