4 days ago
Agnimitra Paul Shares Lessons on Dreams, Change and Public Service
Agnimitra Paul spoke with two young award winners at an event for talented teenagers.
She told them that her own career changed direction several times.
She first wanted to become a doctor, then studied and worked in other fields before entering public life.
Paul encouraged students to keep learning and not give up when plans change.
She said they can help their communities through small acts, like helping classmates or volunteering.
She also said women should be empowered and that boys should speak up when women are treated unfairly.
Her main advice was to follow what interests them without becoming too stressed.
At the Edugraph 18 Under 18 Awards 2026, Agnimitra Paul spoke with awardees Rishika Banerjee and Ranaay Datta.
Paul described a winding path from hoping to become a doctor to studying botany, earning an MBA, working in fashion design and entering politics.
She urged students to pursue their interests alongside their studies and to consider alternative plans when setbacks arise.
Paul said remaining humble and willing to learn is important, and encouraged young people to help classmates and volunteer in their communities.
She called for women to be empowered and urged boys to challenge disrespectful or unequal treatment of women.
- Who
- West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul spoke with awardees Rishika Banerjee and Ranaay Datta.
- What
- Paul discussed her career journey and offered advice on learning, pursuing interests, community service and women's empowerment.
- Where
- At the awards event in West Bengal; the article does not specify the venue.
- When
- At the fifth edition of The Telegraph online Edugraph 18 Under 18 Awards 2026.
- Why
- The conversation was part of the awards programme and focused on Paul's experiences and advice for young achievers.
Protection-focused approach
Empowerment-focused approach
Women's safety
Protection-focused approach
The article describes the conventional framing of women as needing protection.
Empowerment-focused approach
Paul argued that the focus should shift to empowering women, including through self-defence workshops, and urged boys to challenge disrespect and unequal treatment.
Key facts
- Event
- The Telegraph online Edugraph 18 Under 18 Awards 2026
- Edition
- Fifth edition
- Guest
- Agnimitra Paul, West Bengal Minister for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs
- Student interviewers
- Awardees Rishika Banerjee and Ranaay Datta
- Paul's career path
- She described moving from an early ambition to become a doctor to studying botany, earning an MBA, working in fashion design and entering politics.
- Advice to students
- Pursue interests alongside studies, keep learning, and consider alternative plans when setbacks occur.
- Community advice
- Help classmates, volunteer and start small initiatives around civic responsibility.
Quotes
Agnimitra Paul
West Bengal Minister of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs
“You should always pursue your love, your interest. What you are doing right now, your parents would tell you to do studies and that is also very, very important. But side by side, whatever you are doing, the extracurricular activities... don't compromise, just follow your dream”
telegraphindia.com
“You need to shed your ego. Shed your ego and be a learner. There is no harm in being a learner. You can learn from your PA also. You can learn from your PS also. You can learn from your peon also. So there is no end to learning.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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