Teen Show On R-Day

Ludhiana: It will be a show of youth and their never-say-die spirit during Republic Day celebrations today. TOI features young achievers who made a mark in different fields and brought laurels to the city.
Stamping her success
Muskaan Malhotra, 13 | Philatelist
At 13, she is the bronze medallist in 31st Asian International Stamp Exhibition Hong Kong-2015.Taking her hobby to the international level, Muskaan Malhotra, a student of Class VIII at BCM School, Sector 32, started collecting stamps when she was just 9. Till date, she has more than 7,000 stamps in her kitty with 1,000 of them relating to elephants.
Though she started with a random collection, her collection of elephant stamps fetched her international recognition in Hong Kong. "The collection was not the only motive. I started reading stories on their habitat as well. From collecting books on elephants, I read about herds, habits and even places where they are worshipped."
"The presentation I gave at Hong Kong was indeed a complete story on elephants."
"The moment I received information on felicitation, I was overjoyed," she says.
Her elated father Mukesh, who is also a philatelist, said, "It's very proud moment. My daughter has taken forward my hobby. I believe she will set an example for others and motivate youth to take up this hobby, which has lost its presence in today's time."
Waging a war against fuel misuse
Guntas Kochar, 14 | Essay writer
Winner of second prize in a national-level essay competition on 'save petroleum', organised by the ministry of oil and petroleum, Government of India, Guntas was reluctant to participate in the contest.
A student of Class VIII of BCM School, Basant City, Guntas says, "I had refused to participate in the contest, as I was busy with other school activities. But when my school principal motivated me to write an essay on the topic, I had no second thoughts. I wrote the essay in Punjabi for which I got guidance from my parents and teachers. I even took help from Gurbani that I have been reading for long."
Her father Gurinder said, "My daughter was one of the youngest participants in the competition and I believe she is blessed with intelligence that makes her successful in every aspect. Looking forward to more such appreciation and recognition."
Anything for a clean city
Jahnvi Behl, 15 | Swachh campaigner
She did not like her city to be in a mess. Jahnvi Behl stood up for the cause and made efforts to clean her city. She actively participated the cleanliness campaign under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
A student of DAV Public School, Pakhowal road, Jahnvi says, "I believe my father is the biggest motivation for me. I have seen him work diligently for many causes. I was in Class V when I started noticing filth and garbage almost everywhere. That pushed me to work in this direction."
She says, "Besides holding debates in many school and college events, I have worked hard in influencing people to keep their surroundings clean and hygienic. This might be the reason that I got the opportunity to meet Prime Minister twice in this regard. Getting acknowledged on Republic Day is indeed great, which I will continue for long."
Finally, she turns topper
Bhawna, 14 | Essay writer
She won the first prize in the national-level competition to save petroleum by the ministry of oil and petroleum, Government of India. A student of class 9 at BCM School, Focal Point, Bhawna says, "It was not even once that I had thought of getting such honour for writing an 11-page essay. Though I work hard during my examinations, I have never featured among the top three. Attaining the first position at a national-level contest and getting honoured in your city is indeed a dream come true. Moreover, the excitement increases manifold, when I realise that I am the first one to achieve such an honour in my family."
A resident of Jamalpur, her father Muluk Raj says, "It certainly will be a memorable moment for the entire family. How badly we wish to see her attain good marks, but receiving such an honour is priceless."
Skates earn him laurels
Tejvir Singh Grewal, 16 | skater
A gold medallist in Skating National School Games-2015, Tejvir got success in the competition for the first time after trying his luck for the past six years.
"Hard work is the key to success. I had been participating in the national competition for the past 6 years and every year I returned empty handed. But this time, I aimed high. From early morning sessions to taking the 26-km route on weekends, I left no stone unturned in my training and practice. And it paid off. Getting recognised on Republic Day is actually a feather on the cap."
His coach G S Dhaliwal said, "Tejvir was 5 years old when he used to come to me during summer vacations. During his casual practice, I noticed the spark in him and encouraged him to work hard. I am glad that he took it in his stride and worked hard for it. Certainly I feel proud that I am his coach."
His mother Ranjit said, "Being in class X, Tejvir has never neglected his studies. The balance, he has maintained, is indeed commendable. I always believed he will achieve something big. He is the first one from the family to be honoured on Republic Day."