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CREATIVE talent Neha Jagadheesh is celebrating a winning streak of more than 200 awards since she began her ‘remarkable’ journey participating in competitions at the tender age of four, her latest being the Bahrain Pratibha drawing award, which she received from MP Dr Maryam Al Dhaen.
The Indian expatriate, who attends The Indian School Bahrain, has already bagged eight awards this year across activities like art, clay modelling, vegetable carving, and poetry.
Neha started her journey with drawing and painting but over the years, expanded her interests and creative pursuits to include poetry recitation and writing, storytelling, essay and short story writing. Even within the art realm, she has showcased versatility, excelling in cartoon drawing, poster design and sketching, among others, winning honours for the styles.
“I am grateful to my parents who are my pillars of support, and all my well-wishers who have encouraged me at every step and I hope to continue making them proud,” the 13-year-old told GulfWeekly.
Last month, the powerhouse of talent clinched the Bahrain Pratibha drawing award, a popular competition now in its fourth season, which was preceded by her bagging Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam’s (BKS) Balakalolsavam award for young talents in May.
Her 200-plus collection of prizes and recognitions includes honours from local associations like BKS, Kerala Catholic Association, Palakkad Arts and Cultural Theatre (PAACT), and Kerala Social and Cultural Association. Neha also bagged the titles of ‘Kalaratna’ and Group 4 ‘Champion’ from BKS and has been a regular participant in the prestigious annual Spectra Drawing competition organised by the Indian Community Relief Fund.
“Neha has always exhibited potential and we’re so proud of her efforts and achievements,” dad Jagadheesh Kumar Vasu, who works at Al Hilal Direct Services, said.
“We have always supported Neha and encouraged her creative talents,” mum Jayasree, who is a homemaker, added.
A person of varied interests, Neha also enjoys acting, dancing, making vlogs and doing voiceovers.
“My sister plays the keyboard and follows musical trends, particularly K-pop sensation like BTS. She is also an avid reader and fan of the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson book series, as well as contemporary Indian author Savi Sharma,” sister Sneha, who also attended The Indian School Bahrain, and is currently pursuing her Chartered Accountant certification in India, added.
Speaking about her goals for the year, the young talent, fondly referred to as Paru (short for Parvathi) by her maternal grandfather, said: “I am looking forward to the upcoming competitions, including poetry recitations in English, Hindi and Malayalam, and hope to win.”
