Gauri Maheshwari, born on May 12, 2008, exemplifies the belief that dreams are achieved through hard work, determination, and a clear vision. With the unwavering support of her parents, Meenakshi and Gaurav Maheshwari, Gauri has not only recognized the value of life’s opportunities but has also committed herself to making a meaningful contribution to society.
While many children involve in various artistic skills like drawing, painting, and calligraphy, Gauri has transformed her passion into a powerful tool for development. Through her love for calligraphy, she is making a significant impact both locally and globally. To date, Gauri has taught this beautiful art form in 100 government schools across India, positively influencing over 10,000 students. She provides essential supplies and enhances their fine motor skills, enriching their educational experience. Gauri knows 150 designs, has given training to more than 1500 people in this creative skill.
With ambitions to expand her reach to 500 schools, Gauri collaborates with various NGOs, including FICCI, Rotary, Red Cross, and Round Table. Her initiatives resonate with the #VocalForLocal movement endorsed by the Indian Government, emphasizing local engagement and empowerment.
The impact of Gauri’s teaching extends well beyond the classroom. Feedback from corporate and college participants indicates increased creativity and productivity, as they discover calligraphy to be an effective stress-relief activity. Gauri also conducts specialized training sessions for art teachers, ensuring that her influence continues even after her direct involvement.
With growing concerns about self-harm among students, Gauri encourages her students to use calligraphy as a positive way to express their feelings. This gives them a healthy outlet for their emotions. By utilizing online platforms, she connected with students in the USA, London, Australia, Nepal, and Africa, promoting cross-cultural dialogue and understanding. Her involvement in a cultural exchange program at Downe House in London enabled her to showcase her artistic skills and share her cultural heritage with peers from across the globe. Gauri continued to nurture these relationships, mentoring her exchange partners and establishing a foundation for future global collaborations.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Gauri has conducted sessions in jails, focusing on promoting self-sustainability and mental health among inmates. She raised 400 dollars through crowdfunding efforts to provide essential menstrual products to 54 women in need, with plans to offer them calligraphy classes as a form of vocational training. In all her endeavors, Gauri’s lessons serve as a remedy for cognitive challenges and mental health issues, contributing to overall well-being. Her initiatives have also led to a decrease in dropout rates in government schools, highlighting the profound impact of her work. Gauri Maheshwari is truly a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, showing that one person’s passion can ignite change in countless lives.
Amid rising concerns about self-harm among students, Gauri has inspired many students and teenagers to use calligraphy as a creative emotional outlet. This approach allows them to express their feelings in a constructive way. Through online platforms, she has reached students from the USA, London, Australia, Nepal, and Africa, effectively breaking down barriers and promoting cross-cultural dialogue.
Recognitions and Achievements
Gauri’s accolades include being listed in the India Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, International Book of Records, and World Book of Records. The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, which carries a cash prize of INR 100,000, is awarded to exceptional children under 18, and Gauri is proud to be one of the 29 recipients in 2022.
During a video conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she expressed gratitude towards her family and teachers, who played a crucial role in her journey. Gauri aims to utilize her recognition to inspire others to pursue their passions and be self-reliant.
Her efforts have received positive feedback from both corporate and educational institutions, where her workshops have been noted for increasing creativity and productivity among participants. Gauri also conducts specialized training sessions for art teachers, ensuring that her impact extends beyond her direct involvement.
Commitment to Social Welfare
Gauri’s commitment to social service extends to conducting calligraphy sessions in jails, promoting self-sustainability and mental health among inmates. Her crowdfunding efforts raised 400 dollars to provide menstrual products to 54 women in need, and she plans to offer them calligraphy classes, empowering them with a new skill. Her teaching methods have proven to be beneficial for cognitive development and mental health, contributing to a decrease in dropout rates in government schools. Through her dedication, Gauri Maheshwari has become a beacon of hope, illustrating how art can serve as a tool for healing and growth.
Gauri Maheshwari is not just a young calligraphy teacher; she is a trailblazer, inspiring countless individuals through her passion and dedication. As she continues to teach and innovate, her story serves as a reminder that age is no barrier to making a significant impact on society. With dreams of creating an app to showcase children’s talents, Gauri is poised to make even greater contributions in the future, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
Gauri expressed that giving back to society holds immense significance for her. She mentioned that she has actively participated in various service projects, including one at MGD Girls School in Jaipur. Additionally, she stated her commitment to spreading the joy of calligraphy to underserved communities, having taught the art in over 100 government schools and empowering students with this skill. Gauri also noted that she had the opportunity to share her calligraphy expertise with soldiers of the Border Security Force (BSF) in Jaisalmer. Furthermore, she highlighted her experience teaching calligraphy to corporate employees and teachers. As the Brand Ambassador for Nagar Nigam, Jaipur Heritage, she emphasized her efforts to encourage students in government schools to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings and educate them about the importance of hygiene and the principles of the 5Rs.
Brand Ambassador for Jaipur Nagar Nigam
Gauri Maheshwari serves as the Brand Ambassador for Jaipur Nagar Nigam, where she plays a pivotal role in promoting cleanliness and hygiene initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Through her position, Gauri actively encourages students and community members to adopt practices that contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment. Her efforts not only highlight the importance of cleanliness but also inspire young people to engage in civic responsibilities, fostering a sense of community pride and environmental awareness. Gauri’s passion for social service and her commitment to these initiatives make her an exemplary representative of Jaipur Nagar Nigam.
Gauri and her parents have set an example that if family supports any girl can come out with flying colors. all the children are born with unique skill sets and it is totally in the hands of the parents to help children identify, learn, acquire those skill sets for their best. When Mahatma Gandhi said, “ Be the Change you want to see.” It has been brought to life by young children like Gauri.
No man is an island himself; so to fulfill Gauri’s dream to help the society and make others realize their dreams even Jaipur Municipal Corporations came forward and stood by her side, so that a young mind can impact the society. As a change maker Gauri embarked this journey at a very tender age but has never looked back since then. She is utilizing her time as much as she can in service of the society; while studying and paving a way forward to create a future that will include her family and her vision for her country.