Saayuri Karmarkar, at the age of 9, is an avid reader and writer. She has written more than 50 stories and has distinguished herself in various writing and reading competitions and Olympiads. Here’s what Saayuri had to say about her hobbies and interests, her sources of inspiration, the benefits of reading, what she writes about, Tinkle, and more!

Saayuri, give us a brief introduction of yourself. What are your likes and dislikes?

I study in the third standard at Smt. Sunitidevi Singhania School, Thane. The things I like most are books, cats, and jelly! My favourite cartoon is Pete the Cat. I’m not a big fan of noodles or burgers. I also do not like seeing unfairness in the world.

We see you have been exploring and working on a lot of things. Which of your achievements are you most proud of?

I am very proud of the first ever stories I wrote, which I can still remember vaguely. I am also very interested in cats and dogs, and in the French language and music. I am currently learning French from Alliance Francaise, Mumbai, and music at the Kalangan centre in Mumbai. I was also learning gymnastics until the pandemic started.

It appears that you read avidly. What do you love most about reading, and how do you think reading has helped you?

My mother bought me my first book when I was a year and a half old. She used to show me story books while feeding me. Gradually, I developed a liking for reading on my own and used to derive great happiness from each book I read. I love storybooks the most, be it magic, fantasy, nature, and so on. I think reading has increased my vocabulary a lot. My love for reading has inspired my friends and now they have started reading too.

You also write a lot, correct? What kinds of pieces have you been writing? What inspires you to write? And again, how do you think writing has helped you?

Yes, I have written more than 50 stories. They are mostly imaginative and fantasy stories about various things such as superheroes, pets, adventures, space journeys, and so on. The creative writing passages in my school worksheets inspired me to write stories of my own. I think writing has helped me by improving my grammar and handwriting, and increasing my writing speed.

I also see you have been a frequent participant and winner of various competitions and Olympiads. What motivates you to take up such opportunities?

My mother usually enrolls me for all the competitions and Olympiads that she is confident I will enjoy preparing for and will excel at. When I bag prizes or medals, that in turn motivates me to participate in further competitions and contests.

Have you ever thought about what you’d like to do when you grow up? If so, tell us about that.

I have made up my mind to become a world-famous writer when I grow up and write thousands of stories for kids. I like being creative, writing stories every day, and making others happy. If not a writer, I have various other careers in mind that I would like to try, like teacher, singer, storyteller, veterinarian, spy, superhero, detective… the list is endless!

What do you do in your free time? Tell us about your hobbies.

During my free time, I either read books, write stories, or think about cats and dogs. Sometimes, I watch cartoons and animation movies. In the evenings, I play with my friends. We cycle, play badminton and frisbee. My hobbies are singing, listening to music, cycling, gardening, and collecting seashells and colourful pebbles.

Who’s your favourite Tinkle toon and why? No wrong answers 🙂

My favourite character is Suppandi, because his stories are light-hearted and very funny.

How did you feel on seeing your first book published?

It was a huge surprise for me when I was presented with my first ever book of my own stories on my birthday. When I came to know that my stories had been published, I felt as though I was in an incredible dream! Now I am very happy about my wonderfully illustrated book of stories and can’t wait to find out my friends’ and relatives’ reactions on reading my stories.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?

I think I am too young to give any tips yet, but I would like to advise everyone to read as many books as possible. Believe me, the saying, “Books are a man’s best friend” is true!

Finally, if there’s anything else you’d like to say to us, go ahead!

I would like to thank you for featuring me as a ‘Little Achiever’. I hope that my love for reading and writing will inspire other kids to take a storybook in their hands and start reading as well! 🙂

If you would like to be featured as one of our Little Achievers, write to us at tinklemail@ack-media.com with the subject line “Little Achievers” and a cover letter telling us why we should interview you. Send in your emails now!