Eighteen-year-old Rutba Showkat from Kashmir is a remarkable example of perseverance and determination, having recently secured a spot in the Guinness World Records. While her story exemplifies the power of hard work, it also showcases how young Kashmiri girls are making their mark in various fields, from sports to art, proving that talent and resilience know no boundaries.
Rutba’s achievement is truly extraordinary, especially considering that she achieved it at such a young age. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “I am an athlete, and during COVID, all the academies were closed, so I started exploring art. I began making landscape art, and during that time, I got my name registered in the India Book of Records. That was the moment I decided to aim for something bigger.”
It was during the pandemic that Rutba, already an accomplished athlete, found herself with more time to explore her creative side. As she researched the process of getting a world record, Rutba came across the origami paper art world record, which stood at 150 paper boats in one hour. Motivated to surpass this record, she set her sights on breaking it. She didn’t stop after her first two attempts failed. With unwavering determination, she succeeded on her third attempt, making an impressive 250 paper boats in one hour and etching her name in the prestigious Guinness World Records.
Rutba’s story is one of persistence, having faced challenges along the way. She recalls, “A lot of people criticized me and said I was wasting my time, but I didn’t give up. My family’s support kept me going. Many girls are either too shy or held back by their families, but I believe they should be independent. Even if they have to start small, they should.”
Athletics had always been Rutba’s first passion. She has been competing at the national level for over a decade, winning more than 50 medals in state and national championships. Alongside her athletic success, she also excels in martial arts, and her room is decorated with trophies from these achievements. However, her latest recognition in the Guinness Book of Records is the pinnacle of her accomplishments so far.
Rutba’s passion for sports and art is a reminder of the importance of balance in life. She believes that while sports are crucial for both physical and mental health, art plays a key role in helping refresh the mind.
Beyond her personal accomplishments, Rutba serves as an inspiration for young girls, particularly in Kashmir, encouraging them to push past limitations and take charge of their own futures. She is a shining example of how one can turn dreams into reality by dedicating oneself to a goal, refusing to give up even when obstacles arise.
Her story embodies the belief that “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Rutba found a way to channel her energy productively, turning what could have been a time of uncertainty into an opportunity to achieve greatness. Her journey proves that with dedication, passion, and the support of loved ones, any goal is within reach.
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