During my homecoming event following my national win, I was fortunate to visit my second home, Aman Vedika Rainbow Home, the NGO I have been associated with for over three years now. Spending time with the kids here, I grew a strong desire to be a voice for many other children and help create an impact in society.

Connecting with these children made me appreciate the fact that behind every smile, behind every action, lies a story, and these stories — sometimes happy but often sad — mould us. It is easy to pay attention to the way people look and act, but our fears and traumas are very personal experiences. I heartily wanted to reach out and make as many children feel safe and understood, because the health of the mind is just as important as that of the body.

I am thankful to my team and everyone at Aman Vedika Rainbow Home for arranging a warm welcome. I am grateful to have had the chance to spend time and play with the kids. This opportunity to share my victory with the kids by cutting a delicious cake, is something I'm deeply grateful for.