Anjali Jimiwal : Empowerment through Education

Anjali Jimiwal obtained her graduate degree in Commerce from Moti Ram Babu Ram Government Post Graduate college (affiliated to Kumaon University), Haldwani. She completed Intermediate schooling  in 2020 from Himalayan Inter College (HIC), Chaukori. While studying at HIC, she received a scholarship from Himalayan Education Foundation. Anjali aspires to make it big in the fashion industry as an entrepreneur. 

Anjali hails from Didihat, a town located 40 km to the east of Chaukori. Her mother is a homemaker and father is employed in the transportation business as a driver. Her younger brother is studying automobile engineering and specialising in mechanical trade in an Industrial Training Institute (ITI). 

Anjali at HIC, Chaukori

As a graduate student of commerce, Anjali is interested in business enterprises, particularly entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial management. Exploring how businesses operate is something she is excited to learn about.

After her Bachelors degree, Anjali enrolled in a course in social media management to enhance her skills in managing online platforms for businesses and brands. She would like to study further and get hands-on experience in Digital marketing.

Having set her sights on business management, Anjali wants to build her career in the textile industry. She has a strong interest in textiles especially in areas like design, manufacturing, and supply chain management. Eventually she wants to start her own small textiles business.

Now as a resident of Haldwani, a town in the foothills of the HImalayas, Anjali feels living in the hills for schooling has its own unique advantages. The serene environment and fresh mountain air is conducive for one’s studies. The beautiful countryside gives a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, for her, living in a city is an exciting experience. Life in a city  is fast paced and crowded. There are a lot of interesting things to do but living there is expensive.

Anjali likes to  cook and garden and listening to music is how she relaxes in her spare time. Taylor Swift and Prateek Kuhad are her favourite singers. Her favourite book is “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott. She is inspired by the story of four girls, and their journey, including their struggles, from childhood to womanhood. Anjali says, “If I get a chance I would love to travel all over the world. I have been to Agra, Mathura and Vrindavan so far as a part of our school tour.

Anjali thinks the challenges faced by the hill communities include poor road connectivity, sub standard healthcare, and education, and the challenges in farming and agriculture.They also deal with landslides and lack of clean water. Employment opportunities are also very limited in the rural areas. Protecting the environment is the need of the hour. Anjali would like to see  quality education facilities for the rural children.

Asked about what she likes to do to improve her native place, she says, ”Given a chance, I would like to contribute to the betterment of my native village by opening a school. Education is a powerful tool for personal and community development.”

Remembering her days at the HIC, Anjali states, “during my time in the school, I made many good friends and learned new things. These experiences have enriched my life and shaped me to become who I am today.” 

To her juniors, Anjali’s advice is to stay curious, work hard, and be kind to others. And not to forget to have fun and enjoy the learning journey. “Most importantly”, she counsels them, “Always remember, your grades don’t define you. Chase your dreams and believe in yourself.”