Sanchi Aggarwal and Risheek Kumar, Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardees, share their inspiring journeys in an exclusive interview | X
Exclusive Interview: Sanchi Aggarwal, Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Awardee
Consulting Editor, Afrida Rahman Ali, speaks with 8-year-old Sanchi Aggarwal, recipient of the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Award
Afrida Rahman Ali: Congratulations on receiving the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Award! Can you share your experience of receiving the award?
Sanchi Aggarwal: Thank you! It was an amazing experience. I got to meet the President and receive the award from her.
Afrida Rahman Ali: That’s wonderful! You excel in Kathak, semi-classical dance, and Sanskrit shlokas. How do you manage your time between studies and these activities?
Sanchi Aggarwal: I study hard and make time for my passions. I also practice taekwondo and have a black belt.
Afrida Rahman Ali: Impressive! You’re a multi-talented youngster. What message would you like to convey to our readers?
Sanchi Aggarwal: I’d like to say that with dedication and hard work, anyone can achieve their goals.
Afrida Rahman Ali: Thank you, Sanchi, for inspiring us with your achievements.
Exclusive Interview with Risheek Kumar, Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Awardee
In a remarkable display of innovation and dedication, 18-year-old Risheek Kumar from Jammu and Kashmir has founded the state’s first cybersecurity company. Recently, he received the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar award in the field of science and technology.
Afrida Rahman Ali: Risheek, congratulations on your achievement. You’ve already made a significant impact in the field of cybersecurity. Can you tell us more about yourself and your work?
Risheek Kumar: Thank you, ma’am. I’ve been interested in coding since I was 12, and I started learning Java. As I grew older, my interest in cybersecurity deepened, and I realized the importance of creating awareness about online safety. My company’s initiative, Hack Free Bharat, aims to eradicate cybercrime and cyber frauds from India and eventually the world.
Afrida Rahman Ali: That’s a commendable goal. Can you share some of your achievements in this area?
Risheek Kumar: We’ve trained over 100 police officers at the Sherry Kashmiri Police Academy and conducted cybersecurity education programs for over 5,000 students in top-tier cities like Bangalore. We’ve also provided free live hack shows to demonstrate the importance of online safety.
Afrida Rahman Ali: How did you decide to pursue cybersecurity as a career?
Risheek Kumar: Growing up in Jammu and Kashmir, I faced challenges due to limited internet access. However, when I was 15, I got back online, and my interest in coding and cybersecurity grew. My culture and spiritual values also played a significant role in shaping my mindset. I realized that I could use my skills to serve the nation and contribute to social positivity.
Afrida Rahman Ali: You’ve received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar award. How did you feel when you received the news?
Risheek Kumar: It was a proud moment for my family and me. However, I also felt a sense of responsibility, knowing that this recognition is just the beginning. My work towards creating a safer online community has just started.
Afrida Rahman Ali: What’s next for you, Risheek?
Risheek Kumar: We’re proposing an edtech model to the government to provide practical cybersecurity education to all rural schools in India. We believe that creating awareness about online safety is crucial, especially among the younger generation.
As Risheek Kumar continues to pave the way for a safer online community, his dedication and innovative spirit serve as an inspiration to us all. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
