Indian kids share…

AABP: Congratulations on being selected for the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps. What was your reaction when you came to know about your selection?

Ananyaa ChopraAnanyaa Chopra: I am extremely happy to have been selected as a Kid Reporter for the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps.

Initially when I got the news, I really couldn’t believe it. But now, it has definitely sunk in. I really feel blessed and am grateful to be given this incredible opportunity. To be associated with a global children’s publishing company is truly phenomenal.

Rohan Saketh Devulapalli: I was on a family vacation when I heard the good news that I had been selected as a Kid Reporter in the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps. I jumped with joy around the room and everyone in my family was happy for me!

Roopkatha Roy: I had always longed to get the opportunity to write articles making the inspiring struggles of people known to the world. So, when I discovered that I had been selected for the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps, I was thrilled! I remember excitedly calling my family and friends up immediately after my call with Scholastic. Finally, the feeling of exhilaration when I saw my name and picture on the Scholastic website was unparalleled.

AABP: When did you start writing and what topics interest you?

Ananyaa Chopra: Writing has been my passion since I was 7 years old. I love to uncover my creativity, to see the story unravel, and to see where the adventure takes me. There are so many topics that interest me; the list could go on and on! But some in particular are how people became successful, travel, art and technology. I am interested in everything, from sports to politics to entertainment. Moreover, any topic that challenges my way of thinking and helps me grow as an individual is always something that will fascinate me!

Rohan Saketh DevulapalliRohan Saketh Devulapalli: I started writing when I was in kindergarten. I am interested in various topics but specifically child labour in India and its consequences and the emotional impact it has on kids.

Roopkatha Roy: When I was in second grade in Calcutta International School, my English and history teacher, Swati Lal, first led me into the world of creativity and writing. I have been passionate about writing ever since. I wrote for my school magazines and wrote annual drama scripts. A year ago, I realized how much I liked travel blogging, and started doing that too. Today, penning down narratives, articles and short stories have become a window to express my thoughts and opinions. Travel, news-articles, historical incidents, and current social themes are the topics that interest me the most.

AABP: What kind of books interests you? Any favourites?

Ananyaa Chopra: Reading is truly amazing. Reading books to me is like breathing. To read is to fly. It feels magical to sit in the lap of nature with a cup of coffee and a book in my hand. I am a true book lover and I read all kinds of genres but my favourites are mystery, fiction, horror and thrillers.

Rohan Saketh Devulapalli: I like books that deal with detectives and mystery. The Sherlock Holmes series is my favourite.

Roopkatha Roy: I have never restricted my reading to a few specific genres. I read books of many different kinds.

Of these, I particularly like books which speak about the richness of life amidst various social, political and emotional conflicts, like two of my favourites, Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Chained by Lynne Kelly. Apart from this, I absolutely love Agatha Christie, and have read the whole Hercule Poirot and Jane Marple series! Certain classics are also very close to my heart, like Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter and What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge. I have also read utopian/dystopian novels like The Giver by Lois Lowry.

AABP: Do you wish to pursue journalism as your career? Why/ Why not?

Ananyaa Chopra: I would love to pursue journalism as my career, not just because writing is a vital part of my daily life but because I want to write stories that bring out the voices of people who otherwise would not be heard. I think it is important to let every community have its time to shine. I want to educate people and produce passion in them. I want to travel the world, meet amazing people, discover glory of this beautiful planet and string words together that allow others to realize how amazing these people and these places are. I want to write stories that spark change.

Rohan Saketh Devulapalli: Being a journalist is very interesting and challenging and I would definitely consider it as one of my future career options. I like writing, researching and presenting facts, hopefully therefore bringing about a change in the society.

Roopkatha RoyRoopkatha Roy: I would definitely like to pursue journalism as my career, as I consider it an honour to have the opportunity to write stories that people all around the world can relate to and be inspired by. Writing about an issue spreads awareness and always helps to make a difference. There are so many people out there who have done amazing things, and yet are unheard of. Being a journalist would help me to make these unsung heroes’ voices heard, so that they can get the help and recognition they deserve. However, being equally interested in science, I would also love to become a scientist when I grow up. As of now, I am keeping all my options open.

AABP: What do you love to do in your free time? What are your favourite subjects at school?

Ananyaa Chopra: In my free time I like to read books, write journals and do photography. I also enjoy going out, either shopping or just hanging out with friends and family. I love going out for long nature walks too. My favourite subjects are Maths and Science because they are logical and give you the exposure to learn new things every day. My other favourite subject in school is English because I love reading literature and I’m passionate about a creative writing.

Rohan Saketh Devulapalli: In my free time, I like to spend time with my friends and family, watch TV, play video games (much to my mother’s dismay), read books and draw.

Roopkatha Roy: In my free time, I am an obsessive compulsive reader! From English to Bengali, and fantasy to detective books, there is no stone unturned! Other than reading, I love photography, listening to music, dancing Odissi, writing, pencil-sketching and talking to my close friends. My favourite subjects in school are English literature, History, Math and Science. I recently joined the Heritage School in seventh grade and have been immensely lucky to have teachers who support and motivate me.

Pics courtesy: Scholastic News Kids Press Corps