News: Shodhan Prasad
Sharjah, Mar 8: In a testament to her exceptional achievements and dedication to education and community service, Saanvi Hemachandra Rao, a grade 7 student at Delhi Private School in Sharjah, has been bestowed with the prestigious 'Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence'. The honour was conferred upon her by His Excellency Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammed Al-Qasimi, the esteemed Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah, in a ceremony held at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre on March 5.
The award ceremony, graced by Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, deputy ruler of Sharjah, saw deserving student winners receiving a cash prize of Dhs 20000 each and handed over the awards individually. Dr Muhadditha Al Hashimi, chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority, extended gratitude to Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi for his steadfast support in enhancing education and culture within the emirate.
The latest cycle of the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence witnessed an impressive turnout, with 1151 participants initially vying for recognition. Following rigorous screening, 486 participants proceeded to compete across various categories, with 41 emerging as champions of excellence, creativity, and innovation. Among them stood Saanvi Hemachandra Rao, the sole Mangalorean native girl student, honored under the 'Distinguished Student Category' for the 2023-24 academic year.
Saanvi, born in Mangaluru and currently residing in the UAE with her parents Hemachandra Rao and Sarika Rao, demonstrated outstanding talents and interests from a young age. Her diverse accomplishments include:
- Proficiency in Bharatanatyam under the tutelage of Nrithya Ratna Guru Rohini Ananth.
- Numerous accolades in national, international, interschool, and organizational drawing competitions since grade 1.
- Recognition for her creative writing skills, including short stories and poems.
- Previous roles as Youth Ambassador for Water Alliance and Student Ambassador for Ecobee, organizations dedicated to sustainability.
- Membership in 'Ahlan Wa Sahalan' and 'Emirates Environment Group,' reflecting her commitment to environmental causes.
- Leadership roles such as Head Girl of the primary wing and participation in various competitions.
- Philanthropic endeavors recognized with a school award for contributions to society.
- Appointment as one of the Country Captains of UAE by Thirst Foundation CEO Mina Guli for representation in global marathons supporting water conservation and climate action.
- Active involvement in environmental activities with EEG such as beach clean-ups, desert clean-ups, and tree plantation events.
Saanvi's achievements are also a testament to the support and guidance she receives from her family, including her grandparents, the late Shree J Shekar Anchan and Shobhavathi Anchan, and the late Shree Honnappa Rao and Leelavathi Rao.
Through her dedication to academics, extracurricular pursuits, and community service, Saanvi Hemachandra Rao exemplifies the values of excellence and service that the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence seeks to recognize and celebrate.