She is just a simple, charming, poised Goan teenager turning 19 this month but the fire that burns within her and the light that shines in her eyes make her invincible. She has no competitors except herself. She sets out to achieve better than what she has achieved. And she does not stop till she achieves it. There is only one level for her – making the most of all opportunities that are available to her. Her sense of purpose, determination, clear focus and pursuit of excellence are her secrets of success.

In her eighteenth year, her talent knocked on the doors of the Associated Board Colleges at Manchester and London and was welcomed in with open arms. The Trinity College of Music London bestowed the Fellowship Crown with rave comments from the examiner on the youngest recipient of the F.T.C.L. in India. Sweeping the first prize in the First David Menezes International Violin Competion is another jewel in the crown.

As she played Bach’s solo violin Chaccone, she was in a world apart. Her delicate multilayered white dress speckled with gold stars echoed the angelic purity of the intricate pillar of glowing sound she erected as she probed deeply into complex structure of Bach’s most challenging work for the violin. Seasoned artists approach the work cautiously but Sanya’s assured fingerwork and impeccable bowing brought the towering composition to life in one of the best performances I’ve ever experienced. It was flawless. The experienced violinist judges from Germany were awestruck. Saint Saens’s Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso showcased the bravura virtuosity of our young wonderkid.

She approached the Violin Competition as an occasion for self realisation. I chose my pieces carefully to challenge me into giving my best. They had to reflect “what the violin meant to me and my personality and ability”. Winning competitions, appearing on German TV, being selected to play in orchestras, receiving praise, publicity in the press are stepping stones on a very steep path up a very challenging mountain. And Sanya is steadily climbing to the top. In May this year, the judges, fellow competitors and audiences in Frankfurt will be privileged to experience the Sanya magic. How do you see yourself in five years’ time? The answer was simple and glamourless: “Studying in England or Germany and gaining experiences.”

Sanya’s advice to teenagers: “Follow what your heart tells you to do. You may not know what you are good at but keep trying and you will certainly find the right thing. And when you find it, don’t divert yourself to anything else”.

She is a great achiever not weighed down by the glory of shining. The light is ever before her leading her on to greater brilliance. And the light forever shines on her because she is living in it.