‘I aspire to be a better person every day,’ says Soumee Bhaumik, 18 under 18 winner

Soumee Bhaumik, a student of class 12 of the Garden High School was declared as one of the winners of The Telegraph Online Edugraph 18 under 18 Award 2024 for her exemplary contributions in the realms of literature, music, table tennis, and Model United Nations. She is truly an all rounder who has displayed her musical prowess, proven to be a literary luminary and has seamlessly embraced the world of sports, particularly excelling in table tennis.

Soumee, from a young age, has exhibited an extraordinary passion for words. Her poems have found a place in the January 2023 issue of Poetcrit, ISSN 09702830. Her poems have also been published in the International Journal The Dawn Journal Vol.12, No1, January-June 2023 issue, ISSN 2277-1786. She has published in a peer-reviewed journal titled International Journal of English Literature, Language and Skills (Impact Factor 3.235), Vol 11 Issue 4/ January 2023. Her short story has been published in Tales of Our Times: An Elixir for the Wise Volume II, ISBN 978-93-5529-202-5. In creative writing, she won the M.P. Birla Smarak Kosh Award (English, Senior Category) in 2023.

‘I am so grateful to ‘The Telegraph Online Edugraph’ for giving me this opportunity. I believe that with the award comes great responsibility to always be the best version of myself while staying true to my values. This belief was strengthened by our Honourable Chief Guest, Mrs Sudha Murthy's moving speech. She has always been my role model and I was so excited when I found out that she would be the Chief Guest. I resonate with her so much and she is truly an inspiration for not just me but for so many people,’ Soumee expresses in a recent interview with The Telegraph Online Edugraph, after her 18 under 18 Award 2024 win.

Passionate about MUN, she received the High Commendation Award as part of the EU Committee, at the Don Bosco School MUN, in 2020. She is a music lover and is certified as a Level 5 Young Artiste in SIFF Young Artiste 2020. She has bagged several prizes in Inter-House Music Competitions in her school. Beyond the realm of music, Soumee has also excelled in table tennis. She was placed first in the Garden High School Inter-House Table Tennis Competition in 2016 and second in 2017.

On asking who she would like to thank for her achievements, Soumee says, “There are so many people who have shaped me into the person I am today and they are all important chapters of my life. I am grateful to every single one of them. My mother has given me so many values which will help me throughout my life. She has also helped me foster my love for English literature. My teachers have not only taught me subjects but also to be humane. I would like to thank them all.”

Her journey is truly exceptional for her ability to balance and excel in diverse fields. Navigating the demands of music, literature, and table tennis requires not only talent but also an unwavering commitment to honing each skill.

As the Telegraph Online Edugraph celebrates her remarkable journey, it is a reminder that exceptional individuals, no matter their age, have the power to inspire and shape the future.

‘I aspire to be a better person every day. I am someone who believes in the goodness of peoples' hearts; so I try to nurture kindness as much as I can. I want to continue to write and infuse the emotions of people in my words and let people find a reflection of themselves in my work,’ signs off Soumee.

Click here to learn more about Soumee’s journey.