She is the dancing queen

Fourteen-year-old, Debosmita Bhattacharya has recently won the prestigious Bal Shree award for dancing

One would imagine a class nine student taking their studies seriously. However, along with her studies, Debosmita Bhattacharya also takes dancing, her passion seriously. She is a student of DAV Public School in New Panvel and has recently secured the second position for the much coveted Bal Shree award. For this award the participant is judged on all three skill sets that include drama, dance and music. Like most performers, she has the much needed innocence in her voice and glitter in her eyes.

Interests
Since childhood I had a keen interest in dance and music. My older sister too is a classical dancer. I used to watch practice and tried to emulate her steps.
After realising my interests, my mother enrolled me at a classical dance class. I was only five years old at that time and only after joining that class, I understood what dancing was.
Later I developed an interest in western dance and joined a western dance class. Gradually, I started dancing, singing and performing at local functions. When I gained enough confidence, I started choreographing for local events. Two teachers I would like to thank is Ulhas sir, our school’s cultural head and Pravin sir, my dance teacher. The appreciation from people motivates me and this is how I got into the field.

Managing studies
Though my academic performance is good, I don’t study much. However, I manage to balance out my extra curricular activities and studies. I think both are equally important for the all round development of ones personality.
Students should not only concentrate on their studies, but also enhance their skill and talents in the field of their interest. I have not made any specific time table and I live a flexible life. But I am also aware of my responsibilities.

Mom is my inspiration
It was my mother’s dream to achieve success in life and make a name. Though I am only taking baby steps, she feels proud whenever I get an award. She gave up a lot for me and my sister, but now it no holds bar for her. She goes all out to fulfill my needs and lets me take my decisions independently. She has brought me up well and has given me the freedom to choose whatever career I wish. I idealise her and she is my super woman. 
My sister too is my inspiration and support system. She encourages me to participate in various competitions. She is one of the few people who know me best and understands all the drama that I do.

Memorable day
The most memorable day was when I secured the second position for the Bal Shree award. I did not expect it at all as there were many excellent participants. I am glad that the judges chose me over them.

Future goals
In the future, I want to opt for medicine as a career. I want to become a brain surgeon. I will simultaneously continue my other curricular activities because without them I am incomplete.

My message
Do not get disheartened when you fail to achieve what you want. Failure is a stepping stone to success. Trying is more important than achieving. Therefore one should always aim high and then try achieving the goal.

Prizes Galore
Achievements
•Stood second across Maharashtra for the Bal Shree award
•Secured first position in a mono acting competition
•Has won many prizes for classical Hindustani sangeet over the past 7 years
•Performed as a background dancer at the grand finale of Chote Ustaad, aired on Star Plus
•Performed and represented Maharashtra in the 15th International Children’s Theater Festival (2011)
•Secured third position in the spiritual dance competition at Kanha Megh Utsav in 2010

Other achievements:
•Secured second position in the Inter school debate competition at The Bombay YMCA
•Secured second position in the Justice Meherchand Mahajan Declamation Competition
•first position in the quiz competition at DAV Public school (2010-2011)

--Indira Thakur