THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: ‘Why do I love doggies? They are too loyal. No, I don’t have a pet because I stay in a flat. Yes, I like roses and my favourite tree? give me a minute.’ Writer and model Inku Rahmath sat surrounded by a group of curious kids as the questions continued - Have you seen Baahubali 2? Do you eat vegetables? Can you tell us a ghost story?
“Interacting with kids is always a wonderful. At a time when we all are hooked to social media, it feels great to have such gatherings that remind us of old times. They want to know everything from my personal details to social issues and it’s fun talking to them,” says Inku at the vacation camp organised by Kerala Gandhi Smarak Nidhi.
‘Maths’, she instantly answers when quizzed on the subject she finds difficult. As many of the children nod in agreement she elaborates, “Some people will be good at Maths while some others are not. If parents or teachers scold you for scoring less marks in Maths don’t be sad. That simply means you are good at something else.” She also asked the children to pursue their passions, “If all of us want to be doctors and engineers what will happen to the world? We need lawyers, teachers, journalists and artists as well,” she says.
The young writer considers Gandhiji the most inspirational figure in history, a thought she shared with the kids. “He faced the British army with non-violence, a quality that makes him godlike. And then he sacrificed his life for us.”
Currently a law student, Rinku says she sees herself as a competent lawyer from some years now. “I want to be a lawyer affordable to all, helping underprivileged people fighting for their rights.”
Inku, who started writing at the age of 5, now has a handful of books to her credit. She is also the winner of Miss God’s Own Beauty 2016, a state-level beauty pageant.
“I started modelling at the age of 15 and represented Kerala at Miss Teen India contest.” Inku adds that she likes a lot of authors, but each for a different reason. “When we read Chetan Bhagat we feel it’s our story and when we read Paulo Coelho it’s like going through someone’s mind. All writers have their own merits.”
She winds up the session with a story. “While walking through a desolate road he saw a crooked-looking man. He was a little scared but went forward after a silent prayer. Later the man was arrested for attacking another kid. When questioned by police the man said that he didn’t harm the first child because he felt the kid was not alone. This story has a message. If you have faith in God, it will save you. In other words the child seemed confident because he thought God will protect him. So be confident always,” she signs off.