Meet Anika Jha, a vibrant class X student from Apeejay School, Nerul in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, who finds joy in dancing, music, and delving into the pages of captivating books. Among her favourites are mystery novels, especially those crafted by Agatha Christie, whose intricate plots and fascinating characters transport her into a world of suspense and intrigue.
In a candid conversation, Anika shared how her passion for the subject fueled her writing journey, leading to her earning the prestigious title of ‘Scholar Journalist of the Week’.
Tell us about yourself.
I am a class X student who enjoys dancing, listening to music, and reading books. I have a particular fondness for mystery novels, especially those written by Agatha Christie.
This is your second time being selected for ‘Scholar Journalist of the Week’. Has this impacted you?
The first time I was selected for this opportunity, it gave me a huge boost. This experience inspired me to write more frequently, which has significantly improved my writing skills over time. The progress I’ve made has been remarkable, and I feel more confident in my ability to express myself through writing.
Who is your role model?
My parents have always been a great source of inspiration and support for me. As soon as I saw this topic, I got excited and couldn’t wait to put my feelings on paper with this topic, especially on Father’s Day! My father, in particular, has been my greatest inspiration, supporting me at every step of the way. As I mentioned in my article, “Whenever my mom says no, my father says yes.”
How do you balance your academics with your passion for writing?
While I write passionately depending on the topic, I’m not fully immersed in writing as a profession. However, certain topics, like Father’s Day, can be quite intimidating for me. Expressing my feelings about such significant themes requires a lot of thought and emotion, making it both challenging and rewarding to write about.
What was your process of researching and writing this article?
I have penned down all my feelings and experiences for my father, expressing everything I feel about him and recalling the memories we’ve shared. His important role in my life is evident, and I wrote from the heart, without needing to research, capturing the essence of our relationship and my gratitude towards him.
Any challenges you faced while writing this article? And how did you overcome it?
Sometimes, when writing about your emotions, everything you want to say is in your head, but it’s difficult to put it into words exactly as you feel. You might have a topic and strong feelings but struggle to find the right words to express them. In those moments, I find myself closing my eyes, recalling the experiences, and writing in a raw, straightforward language — just letting the words flow from my heart onto the paper.
Any advice for aspiring writers?
When writing an article, it’s crucial not to search for fancy or perfect words. What matters most is expressing genuine feelings about the topic. The language should be clear and readable, allowing people to easily comprehend and connect with your emotions.