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Teenage dreams
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City girl Ankna Arockiam has recently won the Teen of the Year award
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Teen talent Ankna Arockiam is charm personified
One usually doesn’t come across a teenager who wants to pursue her higher education in dance and her parents happily consenting to it. But then, not every 17-year-old is like Ankna Arockiam, who has won the Teen of the Year award and is determi
ned about the career she chooses and wants to excel in it. “Yup. I am ready for it,” a beaming Ankna makes herself comfortable as she is excited and eager to share her happiness. “ Youth magazine The Teenager conducts the contest every year. The teens need not have killer looks to be under the spotlight as they are assessed on their public speaking skills, talent and capabilities as a leader,” she says. Although Hyderabad doesn’t fall under any zone, city youngsters can still apply from other zones, and that’s what Ankna did to take part in it.
For this Senior Intermediate student of St. Francis College, the experience was enriching. “The Mumbai tour was amazing starting from a trip to Mahim National Park, which was a dumping ground and has now been transformed into an entertainment spot to spending time with the slum children,” she recalls. Her forthright and unbiased comments about the performance of Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy and former chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, simple steps which can be taken by the youngsters to save environment did the trick. The real clincher, however, was the Q/A round. Says she, “I went through a serious round of self-doubt when the winner’s name was announced. Being chosen as the best teenager makes you feel special. But the happy feeling did not last long since I couldn’t share it with my parents, who were in Hyderabad.” Ankna thinking appears different as she says: “God wants us to share our skills in helping others. Talent is never for self-glory.”
All those who think the bubblegum generation is only about partying all night and having fun can think again.
“It is only a section of youth for whom life begins and ends with parties. The exuberance of teenagers has to be channelled in a right direction and they will transform to be a creative force to reckon with,” she asserts. Besides studies, her Bharatanatyam performances, violin classes and painting sessions keep her occupied.
NEERAJA MURTHY
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