Hardworking and technologically savvy, yet knowing the importance of staying in touch with one's roots as well as doing their bit for society — this describes many of today's youngsters, one among them being Pooja Shinde.
The zeal and talent of the 14-year-old artist, who donated her earnings of a footpath portrait-making competition to the Uttarakhand flood victims, has not gone unnoticed. Shinde was recently adjudged as the national winner in a Bank of Baroda art competition.
"I participated in Bank of Baroda's Canvas Competition, the theme was to show a 'Modern Bank'. My vision was of a completely automated bank — everything run by robots and automatons. I was really happy the judges liked it as well," she said.
But the teenager, who has participated in 12 art competitions at school, wants to become a doctor and aid those who cannot afford medical care.
"My intention isn't to just make money. I really want to help the urban and rural poor, who can't afford medical facilities. The social potential of the profession is what has always appealed to me," said the Std X student of IESE School in Dadar.
She's equally passionate about Kathak. Having just gotten a distinction in her Madhyama Pratham exam, she hopes to be able to continue dancing even with the onslaught of board exam preparation.
