From Neeraj Chopra to BTS: Kolkata kids pick their idols of 2021

The past one-and-a-half years of the pandemic have been difficult for each one of us. The students were the worst affected, as for months together, they haven’t being able to attend school or meet their friends. A lot has happened that has changed their lives and the way they look at things. On Children’s Day today, we asked some city students about the personalities who inspire them. Here’s what they told us.
Sonu Sood’s selflessness makes him my biggest idol
During the pandemic when everything in our surroundings fell apart and we desperately searched for a ray of hope and positivity, one person emerged seemingly out of nowhere to do something good — Sonu Sood. The reason he inspires so many people is his remarkable work during the pandemic. From supporting migrant workers, students to common people, he tried to help all. His selflessness is what makes him an idol for me. To put it into simple words, anyone could’ve done it; probably more famous actors, but Sonu utilised his fame for good and created a platform where anyone could ask for help.
— Misha Chakrabarty
Class XII, Apeejay School Salt Lake

I feel Kamala Harris is a truly inspiring leader
Kamala Harris, the first female Vice-President of the US, is a global icon. An activist of women’s empowerment and child rights, she aims at the development of the middle class and eradication of poverty to enrich human resources. I feel she’s an inspiring leader. Her determination has not only led her to achieve impeccable heights but is also an incentive for people across the world to live dignified lives on their own terms. I look up to her courage as a political leader, which gets portrayed through her noble deeds towards the nation. One such instance was her active participation in a pride walk that showed her support towards the LGBTQIA+ community.
— Samadrita Majumder
Class XI, Shri Shikshayatan School

Neeraj Chopra’s journey inspires me
Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra is my idol. The son of a farmer hailing from a small village named Khandra, Neeraj, a chubby child, grew up to be what he is today — fit and athletic. He was inspired by the heavy men in his village who would flex their javelin throwing skills, and before anyone knew it, he ended up being India’s first Olympic gold medallist in the sport. Neeraj’s journey of fulfilling his parent’s dream came as a jubilant news amidst this mostly unpleasant pandemic and many youngsters across the nation now look up to him as an idol for various reasons. Some are impressed by his journey and some, by his dedication to the sport.
— Aryamaan Biswas
Class XI, Apeejay School Park Street

I love BTS’s music and jeon jung-kook
Initially, I really enjoyed not going to school and then slowly, I started realising that it was much different from the holidays. Not meeting with my friends and not being able to get out of the house didn’t feel like a vacation. During those mundane days, books and music were my new best friends and I fell in love with the South Korean band BTS. I love their music and their songs and it often feels like they are reading my thoughts. I’m particularly fond of band member Jeon Jung-kook. I’ve even styled my hair like him. My fav BTS song is Dynamite. I’ve even requested my father to take me to Seoul once so that I can try and meet them.
— Kazima Mirza
Class VII, Loretto House

I find American singer-actor Olivia Sanabia inspiring
During the lockdown, for the first time, I started watching web series and just loved American actor and singer Olivia Sanabia. In one of the TV series, she played a strong, independent character by the name of

Kelly Quinn

. I loved the way she portrayed the character and the confidence she exuded. I want to be more like her when I grow up. I find her very inspiring.
— Tilottama Chatterjee
Class V, Delhi Public School