Childhood is a promise, a canvas of boundless potential. On this Children's Day, we pause to celebrate a group of exceptional young people from Indore whose journeys are defined by more than just school curricula—they are defined by resilience, fierce passion, and a profound commitment to excellence.
From a gold medallist boxer fuelled by a mother’s sacrifice, to a young writer challenging societal norms, and a wheelchair fencer driven by Paralympic dreams, these students are proving that age is no barrier to impact. Their stories are a poignant reminder that with unwavering support, every struggle can become a springboard for triumph, and every young dream can be transformed into a national achievement.
Triumph of spirit: Stories of profound resilience
Against all barriers: Lovenesh Khanna's rise
What does it mean to fight when world tells you to stay down? For Lovenesh Khanna, answer is simple: rise. Now, at age 28, Lovenesh is Indore's first wheelchair fencer, preparing to step onto mat for Indore District Fencing Championship. This story is not about a man in a wheelchair—it’s about a warrior who refuses to stay seated.
When tragedy struck with recent passing of his mother, Nirmala Khanna, Lovenesh faced a darkness many would never come back from. He found his anchor in his father, Nitin, who stood by him like a rock, pushing him when he had no energy left. Lovenesh found fencing, a sport of speed and precision, and under coach Sayeed Alam, transformed his pain into purpose. His goal is colossal: "District selection is just beginning. I want to represent my country one day, to bring home a medal from Paralympics”.
Against ropes, for gold: Rakhi Bhalse
A Class 11 champion, fuelled by grit, a mother's fierce love, and a dream to serve nation.
Path to boxing ring for Rakhi Bhalse (Class 11) (Shri Maheshwari H Sc School) was paved with heartbreaking sacrifice. Rakhi grew up in a very humble family, having lost her father at a very early age. Her mother became family’s sole warrior, taking on low-wage work. When Rakhi decided to become a boxer, she faced significant financial and emotional barriers, enduring crushing negativity of critics who told her, "you won't be able to do anything".
Yet, Rakhi simply refused to listen. That quiet defiance, coupled with her mother’s unwavering, unconditional love, became her shield. School management offered a vital lifeline by waiving her fee completely. Her spirit has led to monumental achievements: a celebrated 4-time state champion and a Gold Medal in 69th SGFI State Championships and selection for Nationals. Her ambition transcends personal gold—she dreams of channeling her courage to do something for nation.
Artist within: Avisha Jhariya
A Class 5 student who chose determination over definition, celebrating her unique, shining light.
Avisha Jhariya (Class 5) (Choithram School) was diagnosed with a Specific Learning Disability (SLD), but she made an empowering decision: she would never let a label define her true self. Supported fiercely by her parents, Hitesh and Dr. Vini Jhariya, Avisha embraced her passion.
She developed a beautiful hand for writing and uncovered a brilliant creative spark. Today, Avisha shines brightest through her art—she loves singing devotional bhajans, immersing herself in painting, and expressing her soul through various creative mediums. Her journey is a profound reminder that we must look beyond struggle to see a child's unique and precious gifts.
A whisper becomes a song: Bhavya Soni
A Class 1 student who, with a mother's fierce hope and a father's gentle patience, discovered his beautiful voice.
When Bhavya Soni (Class 1) (JPS, Jawra) was four, his small world felt frustratingly distant; he spoke very little. His parents, Ravi and Priyanka Soni, met this silence with an unwavering patience and a fierce, quiet hope. With early intervention, consistent therapy, and his parents’ tireless dedication, Bhavya began to blossom. Today, he greets his friends, participates with enthusiasm in every class activity, and expresses his feelings with growing ease. Bhavya’s story reminds us that with profound love and timely support, every child can overcome silence and make world listen to their own triumphant song.
Leaders and innovators: Community, literature, and technology
Architect of unity: Aarav Malviya
A young visionary who measures success not in trophies, but in strength of his community.
Aarav Malviya (Podar International School, Indore) stands out as a powerful advocate for unity and social action. He is Architect of School Spirit, consistently spearheading initiatives to strengthen bonds between students, parents, and teachers. His philosophy is to build bridges. His commitment extends far beyond campus: Aarav is a devoted volunteer, regularly dedicating his time to serve at local Old Age Homes and orphanages. He also raised funds for national 'Rupee for Change' campaign (Habitat for Humanity India), demonstrating that age is no barrier to making a substantial impact.
Channelling revolution: Gurneet Kaur Bhatia
A Class 8 emerging author who believes reading today shapes leaders of tomorrow.
Gurneet Kaur Bhatia (Class 8) is an emerging author and poet whose mind is a constant bloom of thoughts and feelings. She developed a profound passion for writing, earning honour from Free Press School platform in Indore, and having her work appear on RobinAge’s website and StoryMirror. Her philosophy is simple and powerful: "either question, or become answer". She has published several books on Bribooks.com, including UNSTOPPABLE and LOST AND FOUND. Gurneet wants people to devote time to reading, because, as she puts it, "reading today shapes leaders of tomorrow".
Young innovators' club: Avika Dubey
A Class 8 student leading her peers to make science fun and champion environment.
Innovation begins in classroom for Avika Dubey (Class 8) (Sandipani Ahilyashram No.1, Polo Ground), who founded “Young Innovators’ Club”. Avika and her club members organised creative activities like science skits, tree plantation drives, and awareness seminars. Their science-based nukkad natak (street play) was presented at state level in Jabalpur. Avika is also a techno-savvy student with a deep interest in AI and coding, proving that young learners can be powerful catalysts.
Champions of the mat and court: Excellence in discipline
Black belt ambition: Diti Jain, national karate champion
A 14-year-old athlete who is living her parents' dream, one gold medal at a time.
Diti Jain (Class 9) (C M Rise Ahilya Ashram Girl's Higher Secondary School No 1) is a formidable competitor and a Black Belt holder who started Karate four years ago. Her dedication has led her to secure a Gold Medal in Bharat Ratna National Karate Championship 2025—her third consecutive national gold medal. Diti's future plan is clear: to represent India at international level.
Quiet strength: Meesha Patel
A master of mind, body, and art, winning gold and capturing hearts.
Meesha Patel (Class 9) (The Daly College) embodies rare combination of athletic discipline and artistic grace. Through over seven years of rigorous Yoga practice, she has won around 50 medals at state and national levels. Her mastery was recognised with victories in CBSE Zonal Yoga Championship and a haul of three medals (two gold and one silver) from prestigious IPSC competition. Meesha’s brilliance extends beyond mat: she is an international-level artist and a seasoned violinist.
Unwavering spin: Radhika Bhargava
A Class 12 student whose commitment turned a game into a national journey.
For Radhika Bhargava (Class 12) (Podar International School), her journey began in 2019, earning her a spot on Madhya Pradesh Girls State Team in 2019 and leading her to proudly represent state at national level in Ladakh. She clinched 1st position in Under-17 category and prestigious Vidhayak Cup in Indore in 2023.
Double victory: Aastha Raikwar clinches state gold and national berth
A Class 8 karate champion who is heading to SGFI National Games for second time.
Aastha Raikwar (Class 8) (EKAYANAA School) secured Gold Medal in –42 kg weight category at 69th SGFI State Level Karate Championship. This achievement marks second time she has qualified for prestigious SGFI National Games (U-14 category), which will be held in December.
Spirit of chase: Angel Daur
A 14-year-old national Kho-Kho player who found her path to success through determination.
Angel Daur, a 14-year-old student (Sandipani Government Ahilya Ashram Girls Higher Secondary School No. 1), whose father, Shailendra Daur, is a vegetable seller, has carved out a special place for herself in world of sports despite adverse circumstances. Inspired by her aunt, Mamta Daur, Angel trained under coach Devendra Dagor for five years, achieving her goal of participating in state-level and national-level Kho-Kho competitions many times.
Badminton bronze brigade from NDPS
Students of New Digamber Public School (NDPS) showcased their talent at national level in Badminton in Haryana.
- Aarav Raj Singh Bagga (Class 7) won a Bronze Medal at CBSE National competition and was Winner in Madhya Pradesh State Badminton Championship in Under-15 Singles category.
- Advait Patidar (Class 4) secured a Bronze in CBSE National Under-14 team event and was Winner in Madhya Pradesh State Badminton Championship 2025-26 in both Under-11 doubles and Singles events.
- Bronze Brigade also included Siddhant Pawar (Class 8) and Praveer Mujumdar (Class 6), both of whom secured a Bronze in CBSE National Under-14 team event.
Speed and dedication: Aquatics and field sports
Rising star Aarush Kirodkar makes a splash at CBSE Nationals
A Class 5 student whose dedication earned him top ranks on national stage.
Representing EKAYANAA School at CBSE National Swimming Competition in Rohtak, Haryana, Aarush Kirodkar (Class 5) secured remarkable top-ten finishes: a phenomenal 4th Position in 50 metre Breaststroke, a strong 6th Position in 50 metre Backstroke, and a solid 7th Position in 200 metre Individual Medley.
From state silver to national currents: Kanak Vijayvargiya's leap
A Class 6 student who dove for silver and qualified for National Championship.
Kanak Vijayvargiya (Class 6) (EKAYANAA School) claimed a brilliant Silver Medal in 100 metre Freestyle (Under-14 category) at 69th State Aquatic School Games 2025. This outstanding performance secured Kanak a coveted spot at National Event to be held in December 2025.