Rural Rajasthan's Rising Stars: One Eyes Olympic Gold, Other Teaches Yoga to Lakhs
From Olympic dreams to teaching yoga to lakhs, discover how two young girls from rural Rajasthan are breaking barriers with grit and discipline.
In the heart of rural Rajasthan, two young girls are rewriting the narrative of what is possible for children from small villages. Through an unwavering blend of discipline, grit, and familial support, Pooja Bishnoi and Pariniti Bishnoi are transforming their ambitious dreams into reality, inspiring thousands across the country with their achievements in athletics and yoga.
Pooja Bishnoi: The Sprint Toward Olympic Glory
Hailing from Guda Bishnoiyan village near Jodhpur, Pooja Bishnoi is not just running races; she is chasing a dream of Olympic gold. Her journey began at a tender age when her maternal uncle, Sarwan Budiya, spotted her raw talent and stepped in as her coach and mentor.
Pooja's dedication is staggering. To reach the pinnacle of international sports, she commits approximately eight hours every day to rigorous training, leaving no stone unturned in her preparation. This relentless work ethic has already yielded impressive results:
- Early Prodigy: At the age of eight, she clocked a remarkable 12 minutes and 50 seconds in a three-kilometre race.
- Recent Triumph: At the 2024 Under-19 All India IPSC Athletics Meet, she dominated the track, securing gold medals in the 800-metre, 1,500-metre, 3,000-metre, and four-kilometre events.
Her ascent has not gone unnoticed, earning her support from the Virat Kohli Foundation. For her coach and uncle, Sarwan Budiya, the journey has been emotional. He recalls the moment Pooja received an award in the presence of icons like Virat Kohli and Amitabh Bachchan, noting that the experience brought tears to his eyes as he reflected on the long, arduous process that began in 2018.
"Athletics requires eight to nine years of continuous hard work and a long process of preparation," Budiya shared, emphasizing the sacrifice behind the success.
Pariniti Bishnoi: A 12-Year-Old Yoga Guru
While Pooja conquers the track, 12-year-old Pariniti Bishnoi from Bhagsani village is conquering the world of wellness. Her journey into yoga began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 lockdown, when she started practicing with her father, Ramchandra Bishnoi.
What began as a personal health journey quickly evolved into a mission to help others. Pariniti started organizing free yoga camps at the age of seven, utilizing social media to share her practices and reach a wider audience. Her impact has been immense; she claims to have taught yoga to over six lakh people through her various camps.
Pariniti’s efforts have earned her praise from renowned figures, including yoga guru Baba Ramdev. Her father, Ramchandra, expresses a vision that extends far beyond their village borders.
"Our dream is to take it to every country in the world. Through Pariniti, we hope to spread the message of yoga across the globe and help people lead healthier lives," he stated.
A Shared Legacy of Determination
Though their paths differ—one pursuing the adrenaline of competitive athletics and the other the serenity of yoga—Pooja and Pariniti are united by a common thread: the power of a strong support system and consistent effort. Their stories serve as a powerful testament to how rural youth, when given the right guidance and opportunity, can achieve extraordinary milestones and inspire a nation.