TiE celebrates young achievers

Back in the summer of 2013, the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Himalayas was like a distant dream for 13-year-old Malavath Poorna, staying at a remote Telangana village.
A year later, Poorna became the world's youngest female climber to have scaled the Mount Everest.
Extraordinary stories like these, of three young girls, hailing from few of the most impoverished pockets of the country, were celebrated at The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Entrepreneurial Summit 2014 at an event here today.
Along with Malavath Poorna, Sushma Verma (14), the youngest Indian matriculate; and Kusum Kumari (14), football team member of not-for-profit organisation Yuwa, which made waves at two football tournaments in Spain last year were presented the 2014 TiE-Aspire Young Achiever awards.

The audience, comprising mainly of corporate leaders, were caught in rapt attention as the girls narrated their stories of grit, courage and determination in finding success fighting fierce societal objections and official apathy.
"Initially villagers ticked off my parents for wearing shorts while playing football and later on they tried to dissuade them from sending me to Spain saying that I will be sold there," said Kusum who wants to be the "first university student of her village".

According to father of Sushma, who matriculated at the age of seven years, is pursuing Msc in Microbiology now. Her father said the family could first spot her talent when she recited the Ramayana at the tender age of two.

Sushma, who directly took admission in class nine, "wants to be a doctor" although she first wants to pursue Phd.
Amit Bhatia of Aspire Human Capital Management, said, "Their journeys were not easy but their grit, determination and exceptional talent paved the way for their success. Their stories are inspirational, so are their dreams."
The last year's TiE-Aspire Achievers were maritime sailor Abhlilash Tomy, hockey player Rani Rampal and Paralympic High-Jumper Girisha HN.