The Award has helped me reach new heights of success

Manika Sharma from Jodhamal Public School, Jammu, received her Gold Award in 2014 at New Delhi. Manika shared her life transforming Award Journey with us.

My journey of achieving the Gold Award completed in 2014 when I was in Jodhamal Public School, Jammu. This Award added an extra dimension to my personality. After becoming a Gold Award Holder, I have been able to develop greater levels of confidence and self-esteem. My beliefs have strengthened and I have become more persuasive. I have learnt how to voice my concerns and contribute my bit in bringing about positive changes in society. I have learnt all this through community service and the residential project. These projects have made me flexible, enabling me to adjust in every situation. As part of the Residential Project, I lived the life of the residents of small villages, interacted with their culture and organized a literacy campaign. Doing this, I’m overwhelmed that I have been a productive part of society.

IAYP has enlightened me about the productive use of my leisure time to acquire new skills. The ‘adventure’ aspect of my journey has helped me cultivate abilities like cooperation and leadership. It has helped me measure my physical strength through various adventurous tasks. This Award has given young people like me the phenomenal gifts of exuberance and the ability to choose among skills, physical recreation, etc. This 18-month long journey has been a marvellous experience that has offered me a lot to learn at every step.

Nostalgia has overcome me as I write this article. The Award has been a major life changer in boosting my self-confidence, teaching me life skills and enhancing my personality.

I must thank my school for introducing me to IAYP, my Award leader for guiding me throughout my journey and my family for being a pillar of support and encouragement.

Thank you IAYP