Anshika Sharma is an 8th-standard student at Smart Model School Paharpur, Lucknow. She was made the head girl of her class because of her academic performance and people management skills. “When children become restless, they go to teachers and complain frequently. Although our teachers take care of serious matters, they made me one of the head girls to address issues within the classroom. They chose me because I was one of the top scorers and handled tasks skillfully,” she says. Anshika is responsible for getting children ready to say the morning prayers and guiding them to their respective classrooms after the assembly.

The 13-year-old likes coming to school because she gets to play, study, eat and practice her hobbies. “I have multiple hobbies. I like studying as much as I like playing and making art. The teacher sometimes gives us themes to draw on and I enjoy that very much. When it comes to playing, I like everything, be it kho-kho, badminton and so on. I take part in sports events and always bag the first or the second prize. But when I take part in drawing or mehendi competitions, I always come first! I receive a lot of support at home for all these activities. They tell me to work hard and be focussed on whatever I do!” the 8th-standard student says in a cheerful tone.

When asked about her ambitions, she replies, “I aim to join the police force when I grow up and maintain law and order in the country. I want to punish wrongdoers, protect good people and ensure that justice prevails. I am not preparing for it right now but will start soon. The meals we get here give me the energy I need to study and persevere. We get dal rice, kheer tehri, kadhi rice and roti subzi. But my favourite is kheer tehri!”

Anshika lives in a joint family with her parents and siblings. Her father and uncles drive the trucks carrying cement, sand and grocery items. Her mother and aunties take care of the house.