Three Delhi boys have made it to this year's shortlist for the annual Pogo Amazing Kids Awards. Dishaddra Poddar, Soham Paul and Neeraj Bhatt are among five shortlisted names chosen from across the country for the awards. They would be put to test by a jury including quiz master Derek O' Brien in their chosen categories.
Produced by Miditech for Turner Entertainment Network Asia, the awards have grown from being a one-night event to a 19-part series this year to be given in categories titled music, dance, singing, genius, leadership, entertainment, sports and arts.
Meeting mediapersons at an event organised by POGO in New Delhi the other day, Sohan Paul — shortlisted for the arts category — said, “I love to play with colours, they attract me. Seeing my sister painting was my source of inspiration. Then, as time passed, I took it as a challenge and began taking part in various competitions. I started learning newer techniques of painting from my sir, Mohammad Asif Aslam.”
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Neeraj, nominated in the music category, said, “I followed the footsteps of my elder brother, who plays different instruments on stage. I play instruments like dhol and drum.”
Dishaddra gives credit to his parents for instilling in him a love for painting. “I began by painting Durga idols and gradually painting became my hobby.” Winning the award, says the Ryan International School student, “will give me more confidence.”