A Fireside Chat with Rishika Kathuria: The Winner of Edge Stars Competition

In a world where digital entertainment often overshadows traditional reading, some young minds still find joy and growth in the pages of newspapers and books. One such inspiring young reader is Rishika Kathuria, a student of class eight from Delhi Public School, Vadodara.

Recently, Rakshit Mohan, a researcher at StudentEdge, had the pleasure of conversing with Rishika about her reading habits, her favorite books, and the impact of the StudentEdge newspaper on her life. What unfolded was an enlightening and engaging discussion that truly underscored the importance of reading in personality development.

A Day in the Life of a Voracious Reader

Rishika is not just any reader; she is a disciplined reader. Her day during school vacations is a perfect blend of leisure and learning. “During the school days, there was a proper routine set for me,” she shares. “But during summer vacations, I woke up at 10, sometimes took breakfast … read books, played the flute, did gardening, went out to play with friends, and then ended the day by writing in my diary.”

This structured yet flexible approach allows Rishika to indulge in her hobbies without feeling overwhelmed. She dedicates about an hour each day to reading the StudentEdge newspaper, followed by additional reading time in the afternoon. It’s a testament to her commitment to personal growth and learning.

The Power of Fiction and Non-Fiction

When asked about her reading preferences, Rishika enthusiastically responded, “fiction!” She is currently engrossed in the third volume of the Shiva Trilogy, a series that has captivated her imagination. However, she also recognizes the value of non-fiction. Her upcoming reading list includes “Mindset” by Carol Dweck. She also has “Malgudi Days,” a recommendation from StudentEdge, on her reading list.

“Mindset is a good book because it contains the lifetime insights of a brilliant researcher,” Rakshit added. “Carol Dweck is a psychologist who has devoted her life to studying people with different mindsets. There’s much wisdom packed into such books.” Non-fiction books, despite their dense concepts, often use stories to make learning enjoyable and easy to understand.

This blend of fiction and non-fiction not only broadens Rishika’s horizons but also ensures a well-rounded intellectual development.

Recommendations and Reflections

Rishika’s love for books extends beyond her reading list. She actively recommends books to others, with “Atomic Habits” by James Clear being a favorite. “It’s also a non-fiction book that makes you give up bad habits and inculcate good ones,” she notes. “James Clear uses very simple language, making it easy to understand.” The StudentEdge team was delighted to note that Rishika finished reading the book when she was in class 6.

Her journey with books began at the tender age of 10, when her mother gifted her first book to her. Since then, there’s been no looking back. She recalls, “My friends were very engaged in reading books, and I used to observe them keenly. But I thought they were wasting their time. Then, when I was 10, my mother gifted me a book, and I got engaged in it too.”

The Role of the StudentEdge Newspaper

As a regular reader of the StudentEdge newspaper, Rishika finds immense value in its content. “My favorite page is the life skill page because there are always new topics that are never repeated,” she shares. The newspaper helps her stay updated with current affairs, which she proudly discusses with her parents and teachers.

“The newspaper has really helped me, especially in Social Sciences and History classes,” she said. “When fresh news comes related to a concept we are learning, I take part in class discussions and express my thoughts.”

Rishika’s commitment to the StudentEdge Newspaper is clear in her daily routine. She has made a promise to herself to read at least one page of the newspaper every day and complete three worksheets. This self-motivation is a key factor in her consistent engagement with the newspaper.

Suggestions for Improvement

Despite her overall satisfaction with the StudentEdge newspaper, Rishika has some thoughtful suggestions for improvement. She proposes adding a mythology section to help children learn about their heritage. However, she acknowledges the challenge of relating mythology to the latest developments in news. The suggestion, though, reflects her desire to contribute to continuously improving her favorite newspaper.

Celebrating National Reading Day

National Reading Day, celebrated in honor of the library man of India, PN Panikkar, holds special significance for Rishika. She plans to read new books and make highlighted notes to implement what she learns. “More awareness should be spread regarding this important day,” she asserts, emphasizing the need for a reading culture among the youth.

Inspiring the Generation She Belongs To

When asked what advice she would give to her peers who do not read as much, Rishika’s response was wise beyond her years. “There are many ways to develop your personality. Reading is a very important milestone, but try other ways if you don’t feel good about reading. You have the right to choose your own life,” she advises.

Her words reflect a mature understanding of personal growth and the importance of finding one’s own path. For those who do read, she encourages a balanced approach to fiction and non-fiction, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

Conclusion

StudentEdge’s conversation with Rishika Kathuria was a delightful journey into the mind of a young reader who is passionate about learning and growth. Her disciplined approach to reading, her appreciation for both fiction and non-fiction, and her commitment to the StudentEdge Newspaper are truly inspiring.

Rishika’s story is a reminder of the profound impact that reading can have on personal development. It encourages young readers to embrace the habit of reading and highlights the importance of nurturing this habit from an early age. As Rishika continues to explore new books and ideas, she sets an example for her peers, proving that the world of books is a treasure trove of knowledge, wisdom, and endless possibilities.

StudentEdge team wishes Rishika all the success in her life and hopes that more and more young minds understand the value of reading the way Rishika does.