“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it”, this quote by Paulo Coelho is an inspiration for every dreamer who wants to turn their dreams into reality.
Ankita Raina, the 193rd WTA ranked Indian, has been qualified to enter the main draw of the French Open at Roland Garros this year after being included in the list of qualifiers, released by the WTA on Wednesday. In her tweet, she thanked PM Modi for his support. She expressed her gratitude and happiness on twitter.
‘Thank you sir @narendramodi for believing in a little girl’s dream way back in October 2013 and supporting me in pursuit of my dreams. On my May 22nd I’ll be playing my first Grand Slam ever. #gratitude #firstgrandslamever #dreamcometrue #jaihind” (sic).
Thank you sir @narendramodi for believing in a little girl’s dream way back in October 2013 and supporting me in pursuit of my dreams. On my May 22nd I’ll be playing my first Grand Slam ever. #gratitude #firstgrandslamever #dreamcometrue #jaihind pic.twitter.com/gJAhjjSL5l
— Ankita Raina (@ankita_champ) May 4, 2018
Way back in 2013, when PM Modi was the CM of Gujarat, during a meet she spoke to him of her hard work. And he promised to support her in pursuit of her dreams. This shows how much Modi is serious about his promises and people’s vision. Ankita remembers, when during the time of financial constraints, she met the then Gujarat CM, Narendra Modi and told him about her issues.PM Modi asked her to give her best in the game and assured her that everything will be taken care of. The then Gujarat CM, Modi immediately worked on the solutions of her problems.Eventually she was granted funds from the Shaktidhoot Yojna. Since then most of her travelling costs have been taken care by the Gujarat government, allowing her to concentrate on her game. “He gave me a patient hearing. I told him that I am India’s number one player and the first from Gujarat to achieve it but still struggle to get sponsors. I can’t travel much due to financial constraints. He promised me that something would be done. And within a month I got a cheque of Rs 5 lakh and now all my travel expenses are taken care of (sic)”,Ankita said. Money which she received from the Gujarat government helped her a lot in establishing her career and become a successful player.
Ankita’s coach Hemant Bendre, accompanied her when the meeting with Modi took place. He said the state government is working on a policy to support Gujarat players from different disciplines during that time. “It all happened very fast. They launched the policy within a month of that meeting and Ankita along with others started receiving the financial support. It was a fantastic move by them and I hope other state governments also follow the same policy”, Bendre said that Ankita has been promised Rs 25 lakh per year.”
Now, we all can see that all the help and Ankita’s hard work has finally paid off as she has qualified for the French open 2018. This 24 year old girl will definitely make India proud in the French Open. Other state governments should also take the example of the Gujarat government and come up with similar policies. Ankita Raina has become a huge inspiration for the youth of this country. And not just the government but the citizens are also equally responsible for making India great .The historic words by J.F Kennedy “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”should be a mantra to make India a great nation.