Astro Ulagam had the pleasure of curating an article for the talented Anoushri, where she shares her inspiring success journey in an exclusive interview session.
Born and raised in Shah Alam, Selangor, Anoushri's story is one of grit, determination, and unwavering dedication. Coming from a modest nuclear family of four, her upbringing was shaped by her father’s role as the sole breadwinner, a retail manager supporting her homemaker mother and two daughters through their educational journeys. Despite financial constraints, her parents instilled in her the value of education, which became the cornerstone of her success.
Her sister, a recipient of Double Gold Medals (Anugerah Canselor & Naib Canselor) at UPSI, set the bar high, inspiring Anoushri to pursue her own milestones. But life wasn’t always smooth. The family worked hard to make ends meet, yet they remained steadfast in their support, ensuring Anoushri could focus on her studies.
Driven by a desire to uplift her family’s circumstances, Anoushri embraced education as the key to transforming her life. Her parents’ words, “Education is the key to success,” became her guiding mantra. Alongside her academic pursuits, her empathy for others and passion for creating a positive impact fuelled her dreams further.
Anoushri’s achievements culminated in her receiving the prestigious Anugerah Pelajaran DiRaja (Royal Education Award), a testament to her academic excellence and active involvement in extracurricular activities. For her, this recognition symbolizes the countless sacrifices made by her parents and the unwavering support from her family.
“My parents are my pillars of strength. My mother took care of everything at home so I could focus on my studies, and my father worked tirelessly to provide the resources I needed,” she shares. Her sister, who always encouraged her to explore leadership opportunities, and her best friend, Trisha, offered emotional support throughout her journey.
Anoushri balanced academics with multiple leadership roles, serving as the Secretary of Persatuan Mahasiswa Selangor, a member of Majlis Perwakilan Kolej (MPK), and Head of Alumni Relations at GPS UPM. Despite late-night meetings and back-to-back commitments, she developed a disciplined routine and refined her time-management skills.
Her resilience shone during the pandemic, as she navigated the challenges of online learning. From organizing a fully virtual career guidance program to participating in an online cultural mobility program in Indonesia, she consistently sought growth opportunities, showcasing adaptability and innovation.
What drove Anoushri to excel?
- Commitment to Family: She wanted to improve her family’s circumstances and ensure a secure future for her parents.
- Personal Goals: Her determination to graduate with first-class honors and qualify for PTPTN fee exemption allowed her to minimize financial strain on her parents.
- Passion to Inspire: She aspired to show others, especially Indian students, that success is achievable with hard work and perseverance, regardless of background.
- Role Models: Her sister’s achievements motivated her to push boundaries and aim higher.
Anoushri takes immense pride in representing the Indian community, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities through education and skill development. She encourages students to actively participate in extracurricular activities and explore professional platforms like LinkedIn to enhance their career prospects.
“Education is a powerful tool, and with the right mindset and opportunities, anyone can achieve greatness. I hope my journey inspires others to dream big, work hard, and make a difference in their communities,” she says.
Anoushri’s passion for education extends to teaching English to underprivileged students through programs like the ADRF Creative English Workshops. At her workplace, she continues to champion community development initiatives, believing that communication and education are transformative forces for societal growth.
Today, Anoushri works at one of the Big Four multinational companies, a dream come true born out of her relentless pursuit of excellence. Her story is a beacon of hope for others, demonstrating that success is not reserved for the privileged but for those who dare to dream and work toward their goals.
“Life’s challenges have shaped who I am today. Hard work, perseverance, and self-belief have been my guiding principles, and I hope to inspire others to follow their dreams and create a better future for themselves and their families,” she concluded.