Pallavi Sharma
Dharamshala:
Delivering an inspiring address as the special guest at the TNR Shining Star Little Champ Awards in Dharamshala, IAS officer and Dharamshala Municipal Corporation Commissioner Zaffar Iqbal urged students to pursue life with patience and perseverance.
Recalling his own journey, Zaffar Iqbal shared how expectations weighed heavily on him during his early attempts at the civil services exam. “In my first attempt, I cleared the prelims. Everyone around me expected that I would soon become an IAS officer. But I could not clear the exam even in three years. Finally, I secured All India Rank 37 and since then, I have had the privilege of serving in different capacities, including as Municipal Commissioner in Solan,” he said.
Zaffar Iqbal stressed that setbacks are stepping stones and patience is key. “Life gives you a lot — you just need to be patient,” he remarked. Offering a direct message to the young achievers in the audience, he said: “In life, whatever work you choose to do, do it with full dedication. If you can’t, then don’t do it at all.”
Aspire Institute’s message: Use AI wisely, avoid reel culture
The event sponsor, Aspire IIT-Medical Institute, Shimla, also gave a strong message to students: avoid the distractions of social media and focus on meaningful learning. “Don’t waste your time scrolling reels or becoming thumb warriors on social media. Instead, embrace tools like ChatGPT and sharpen your skills in one chosen field. The future belongs to those who master their art in an AI-driven world,” Aspire representatives said at the ceremony.
They underlined that while technology can be a powerful tool, it should be used smartly to support education and personal growth, not as a means of distraction.
400 young achievers recognised
The glittering felicitation, hosted by The Newz Radar, was held at the Government Degree College auditorium in Dharamshala on Friday. Around 400 meritorious students from Classes VI, VII, VIII, IX and XI of CBSE, ICSE and HP Board schools were honoured for their academic excellence in the 2024-25 session.
Former Dharamshala Municipal Corporation Mayor Devinder Jaggi graced the occasion as the chief guest, alongside IAS officer Zaffar Iqbal as the special guest.
A movement of academic pride
The TNR Shining Star Little Champ Awards extend the legacy of the flagship TNR Shining Star Awards, launched in 2023 to felicitate Class X and XII board examination toppers. Over the years, the initiative has evolved into a people’s movement of academic pride, uniting students, educators, parents and communities.
Sunil Chadha, Executive Editor of The Newz Radar, said, “These awards are not just about marks. They are about resilience, motivation and reminding students that their hard work matters.”
S Gopal Puri, Political Editor, described the awards as “a salute to the silent supporters — parents and teachers — who fuel the dreams of meritorious children.”
Abhinav Sharma, Head of HR, The Newz Radar, added, “Results bring both joy and pressure. Through these awards, TNR stands with students not only as journalists but also as partners in their journey.”
For more updates on the TNR Shining Star Little Champ Awards, visit thenewzradar.com or follow The Newz Radar on YouTube, X, Facebook and Instagram.
