How do you feel about receiving the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, the highest civilian award for those under 18?
When my name was announced, I was excited and overwhelmed. It was unbelievable! My parents were also elated. It is a dream come true. I received this award for both my app and my achievements in Olympiads.
Tell us about the app you developed.
It is Raksha, a women’s safety app. I created this app since women’s safety is a concern across the globe. I developed the app during the lockdown. The inspiration for this app came from my mother. She is a healthcare worker, and we care for her safety.
You have received various awards and accolades in Olympiads as well. Which is the most special to you?
I’ve been receiving awards for Olympiads since I was in Class II. But to me the most special one is the international first rank that I got in the National Cyber Olympiad last year. It furthered my interest in technology, eventually helping me develop the app. That was probably the turning point in my life.
You’ve also received the Silicon Valley Code of Honour award.
When I started learning programming, I wanted to challenge myself. If I just kept learning without a test, I wouldn’t know where I stood. So I participated in the Silicon Valley challenge, conducted globally. The rule of the challenge was to create an app helping a social cause. After consulting my mother, I was inspired to create the Raksha Women Safety App. And I won the award.
You’re also interested in public speaking.
My mother is an excellent debater, and she trained me. The credit also goes to my school. From Class I, I have been attending many debates conducted by my school. My first award motivated me to get my second, my second to get my third, and so on. It also helped me realise I had a knack for public speaking.
What are your plans for the future?
As a STEM enthusiast, I want to become a data scientist. I want to work for prestigious organisations such as ISRO, DRDO, etc.
What do you want to do for society?
I have been developing two apps. One is to help children from less privileged backgrounds. The app will help people donate books to such children. The other app focusses on mental healthcare. I have seen lots of people going into depression because of loss of jobs and such because of the pandemic. The app works on motivation.
Picture Credit : Google
