It is a matter of immense pride and joy for the community to see a youngster excelling in his or her field of interest, who is driving themselves and striving to become better than what they were yesterday.
Recognising such a face who has, in her very little time in this country, made a name for herself and has become an inspiration for several hundreds of her age group.
A young writer, an avid reader, motivational speaker, radio jockey, and an indomitable spirit who defied the medical sciences and fought for her survival from the very day she was born.
Ms Devta loves mystery novels, has conducted radio shows in Auckland’s popular radio station, is a member of New Zealand Asian Leaders and has also been featured on Forbes India in 2014.
Born with partial Hemiplegia, and a severe string of other complications, Muskaan fought back, despite her parents being told that she may not live longer than 100 hours. Her parents moved to New Zealand to give her a better life.
At the age of 13 in 2013, she underwent a corrective surgery that changed her life. While in hospital, she realised the gift of life and choice of being happy –that inspired her to start writing her feelings. This eventually gave birth to an idea of her biography which was later included in the Year 9 English curriculum of her school.
In 2014 she delivered a speech at the TEDx Auckland as a young motivational speaker. With her drive to give back to the community and help people through her speeches, she was bestowed with several awards and recognition.
Muskaan is a recipient of Attitude ACC Supreme Award, Attitude Junior Award twice, Youth Disability Award by Youth Week, Carol Somerville Award by Quota International. She also spoke at the Festival of the Future and Zeal Poppy Event in 2015 and 2016.
Ms Devta is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and employed at Farmers Northwest as a Sales and Services Assistant.
Muskaan Devta, now 18, is chosen from a bunch of several nominations to be The Indian Weekender’s Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the Year 2018.
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