At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Khushi Patel for an exclusive interview with us. Khushi is a Young Leader, Author, Storyteller, Aspiring Marketing Consultant, Influencer and Change Enabler. Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, her background, and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Khushi:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
God has been very kind and I had the privilege of attending Presidency School, where I discovered my passion for dancing and achieved notable successes in this creative field. During my secondary school years at GCIS, I developed a strong inclination towards leadership and sports, particularly in athletics and throwball.
One of the highlights of my journey was the opportunity to represent my school and country at the AFS US STEM Competition in 2019 and I was privileged to stay at Houston University Campus USA where I connected with students of different nations which made me more culturally sensitive.
This experience broadened my horizons in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and it was a memorable journey. Upon my return, I felt compelled to express my creativity through writing, leading me to write my first book, “Sikandar of Life,” later that same year.”
This endeavour allowed me to delve into storytelling and share my perspectives with a wider audience, and by the end of 2019 I also won a silver medal in The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (By the Royal Commonwealth Society).
In addition to my artistic pursuits, I completed my high school education at Jain University in Bangalore, majoring in commerce and achieving a commendable score of 95% in 12th grade followed by my publishing of the sequel of the first book.
Currently, I am studying at NMIMS, a prestigious double-accredited business school, where I recently completed my first year. This educational journey has provided me with valuable insights into the business world and further fueled my aspirations.
Overall, my background encompasses a rich tapestry of artistic achievements, academic excellence, and a drive for personal growth. I am excited to continue exploring new opportunities and applying my diverse skill set to make meaningful contributions in the future.
How did you discover your passion?
After winning a silver medal in the Queens Commonwealth Essay Competition in 2019, my passion for writing received a tremendous boost when my mother discovered the pages where I had drafted my stories.”
Her genuine interest and excitement about my writing talent fueled my motivation to take the next step and publish a book of my own.
Her unwavering support and belief in my abilities became a driving force behind my decision to share my stories with a wider audience. Seeing her encouragement and enthusiasm, I realized the impact my words could have not only on myself but also on those closest to me.
With my mother’s encouragement as a constant source of inspiration, I embarked on the journey of transforming my stories into published books, determined to make my mark in the literary world. Her belief in me served as a powerful reminder that my stories deserved to be shared and that my dreams of becoming a published author were within reach.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
As a young author, my journey has been filled with numerous challenges and obstacles. However, my unwavering passion for writing and the burning desire to share my stories with the world are the driving forces that keep me going.
The process of writing and creating new worlds allows me to express my thoughts, emotions, and imagination in a way that is both cathartic and exhilarating.
The support of my loved ones, the encouragement of readers who connect with my stories, and the knowledge that my words have the power to inspire and touch lives all fuel my determination.”
The joy I find in crafting narratives and the belief that my stories have the potential to make a difference are the driving forces that push me to persist, grow, and evolve as a young author, ultimately ensuring that my voice is heard and my dreams are realized.
Please share with us a brief about your books?
Sure, so the first book is ‘The Sikandar Of Life’ which talks about Meera a girl from Gen X, who is dispossessed of love from every person she ever loved. A mother is usually considered the main driver of any child’s life, who guides her kid at every stage of life, but Meera wasn’t fortunate.
Her mother was the root cause of all the hardship she faced. Whether it was boyfriends or friends, no one stayed permanent in Meera’s life. Yet she won her battles on her own terms. Finally, there was a ray of hope in Meera’s life, a handsome husband and a lovely child, a chance to start fresh, but Sikandar died in the palace even before returning to the throne. She never gave up, fought until her last breath and tried overcoming struggles at every stage. So it’s a murder mystery.
The second book is a sequel to it, The Sikandar of Life: Mystery Unveils, where Meera, our Sikandar’s little reflection (Karma), grows up to become a learned lawyer to unveil the mystery of her mother’s gruesome death.
Through my authoring books, I want to inspire young adults to pen down their thoughts and give wings to their imagination!!
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
When asked about what motivates me in my daily life, I can confidently say that my mother has been an incredible source of inspiration and motivation. Her unwavering support, love, and belief in my abilities have been a constant driving force behind my pursuits.
Whether it’s overcoming challenges or pursuing my passions, my mother’s encouragement and guidance have pushed me to strive for excellence. Her strength, resilience, and dedication have taught me invaluable life lessons and have shaped my character.
Each day, I am motivated by her unwavering presence, her unwavering belief in my potential, and her unwavering belief that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. My mother’s unwavering motivation has become an integral part of my daily life, propelling me forward and empowering me to reach for my dreams.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
When reflecting on my personal growth, I attribute it to several key strategies that have shaped me into the person I am today. First and foremost, I believe in the power of continuous learning and self-improvement.
I actively seek opportunities to expand my knowledge, whether through formal education, reading, or engaging in thought-provoking discussions. Embracing challenges and stepping out of my comfort zone have also been crucial in my personal development. By taking risks and confronting obstacles head-on, I have gained resilience, adaptability, and the ability to learn from failure.
Additionally, fostering meaningful relationships and surrounding myself with supportive individuals who inspire and challenge me have played a vital role in my growth. Regular self-reflection, introspection, and setting goals have helped me stay focused and driven.
Finally, practising gratitude and maintaining a positive mindset has allowed me to find joy in the journey and appreciate the progress I have made. These strategies, combined with my determination and the support of my loved ones, have been instrumental in my personal growth, enabling me to become the best version of myself.
I love to educate underprivileged children and it gives me immense pleasure when I am with them and I firmly believe we should give back to the society in the most humble way that we can.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
In my opinion, the keys to success lie in a combination of factors. Firstly, having a clear vision and setting specific goals is crucial. By defining what success means to you and outlining the steps to achieve it, you create a roadmap for progress.
Secondly, cultivating a strong work ethic and maintaining discipline is essential. Success often requires consistent effort, dedication, and the willingness to go the extra mile. Thirdly, embracing a growth mindset is vital.
Seeing challenges as opportunities for growth, learning from failures, and continually seeking knowledge and self-improvement are traits of successful individuals. Additionally, building a supportive network and surrounding oneself with positive influences can provide valuable guidance, inspiration, and collaboration opportunities.
Lastly, perseverance and resilience are key. Success rarely comes overnight, and setbacks are inevitable. It is the ability to bounce back, stay motivated, and persevere in the face of obstacles that ultimately leads to success.
By incorporating these factors into one’s approach to life and work, one can unlock their full potential and pave the way for success.
What advice would you give to our readers?
As an author, the advice I would give to our readers is to embrace their creative potential and trust in their unique voice. Believe in the power of your stories and the impact they can have on others.
Set clear writing goals and commit to the discipline of honing your craft. Embrace the editing process and be open to constructive feedback, as it can lead to significant improvements in your work.
Surround yourself with a supportive writing community that understands and appreciates your journey. Stay curious and continuously seek inspiration from diverse sources, allowing it to fuel your creativity.
Prioritize self-care and find a balance between writing and rest, as taking care of your well-being is essential for maintaining a sustainable creative practice. Finally, persevere through rejections and setbacks, knowing that every successful author has faced them. Keep writing, keep learning, and never lose sight of the joy and fulfilment that writing brings to your life.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What makes my journey as an author truly satisfying and exciting is the ability to bring my imagination to life through words. The thrill of crafting unique characters, building intricate worlds, and weaving captivating narratives is an experience like no other.
Each story I create is a journey of self-discovery, as I uncover new depths within myself and explore the endless possibilities of the written word. The connection I forge with readers, witnessing how my words resonate with them and evoke emotions, is incredibly rewarding.
Moreover, the continuous growth and evolution as a writer, constantly pushing the boundaries of my creativity and honing my skills, keeps me engaged and excited about the journey ahead. Being an author allows me to leave a lasting impact, inspire and entertain, and leave behind a legacy of stories that will endure beyond my lifetime.
This combination of personal fulfilment, the power to touch lives, and the endless potential for growth make my journey as an author immensely satisfying and exhilarating.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
