Hyderabad, November 07: Two teenagers from Andhra Pradesh have brought acclaim to the State with their unparallel talent and achievements.
14-year-old Rishi Tej, an artist and 13-yearold Vennam Jyothi Surekha a professional archer have represented India on various international platforms and won laurels for the country.
Rishi Tej, who is from Hyderabad has won awards in the International Child Art Exhibition, Child Art Centre at Skopjee and 6th International Competition in Moscow.
“I was in Standard Three when I went to my school situated in my native where my grandfather taught. He gave us topics to draw and liked my paintings which were sent to an international competition,” says the child prodigy.
Rishi who was awarded by the Chitra Kala Parishad prefers making live portraits more than anything else. “I observe things and memorise them. Later I try to produce the same on my work space. Every time I get an award, I feel like I have done a good job,” says the 14-year-old painter.
Like many other kids of his age, Rishi Tej likes watching TV and reading books.
He draws inspiration from Rob who is the host of the M.A.D show on Pogo. “I would like to make animated films when I grow up,” says the confident artist.
Vennam Jyothi is another child who took the road less travelled and made archery his passion over more conventional sports like cricket. “Initially I was interested in swimming, however, when I saw my cousin practicing archery, I was immediately interested,” says Jyothi.
The individual gold medallist at the Mexican Grand Prix at Tijuana in Baja California manages to maintain a smooth balance between his school and practice.
“I generally practice for an hour and go to school. When there is a competition I take leave from school to practice,” says the archer. He adds that it very important to concentrate in the class so that his studies don’t take a back seat.
Mangal Singh Champia who is his hero in archery has already set his next goal.
“I want to participate in the Olympics and win medals for the country,” says Jyothi.
Both Rishi Tej and Vennam Jyothi Surekha have been nominated in the Amazing Kid Artist and Amazing Sports Star category respectively at the POGO Amazing Kids Awards 2009. It is the firstever televised kids’ award in India where kids across several cities have been nominated for their outstanding performance in multiple areas.
–Agenies