Book Review & Reflections from Palli Reads
“What do you want to become when you grow up?”
As children, we answered this with the usual: doctor, engineer, or teacher. But how often did we say soldier? Rarely. The risks seemed too high, and if anyone dared to dream of the Armed Forces, society and often our own families called it “too dangerous.”
Now imagine a young girl with that very dream. Not just to wear the uniform, but to earn it against all odds.
That is the journey of Avni, the protagonist of A Girl Behind the Stars by Sneha Sathyanathan. Avni Nair comes from an ordinary background, but her ambition is extraordinary: to become an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. Her path is filled with injuries, rejections, societal pressure, and countless hurdles. Yet, she never lets go of her dream.
This story resonated deeply with us at DCKAP Palli. Like Avni, our people at Palli choose a road less travelled, one that doesn’t depend on privilege or degrees, but on perseverance and grit. Many cannot afford expensive education, but that should never limit ambition. That is why DCKAP Palli exists; to provide an ecosystem where learning goes beyond technical skills, preparing students for real-world challenges.
DCKAP Palli Students
As part of Palli Reads, where we read, reflect, and grow together, we chose A Girl Behind the Stars because Avni’s journey embodies the values we believe in: resilience, determination, and courage.
Key Lessons from A Girl Behind the Stars
Perseverance Turns Barriers into Bridges:
Avni’s path was anything but easy; injuries, bureaucracy, and personal losses tested her resolve. Yet, she pressed on. Her story reminds us that perseverance is the foundation for every big dream.
Break Stereotypes, Not Spirits:
Choosing a male-dominated field, Avni challenges the idea that women should always pick “safe” careers. Passion and skill know no gender.
Support Systems Multiply Strength:
Even the most determined individuals need encouragement. Avni’s circle of family and friends amplified her courage and kept her moving.
Self-Belief is Non-Negotiable:
“You have to believe in yourself for others to believe in you.” Avni lived this truth. Her unwavering belief often became her strongest weapon.
Discipline Makes Dreams Sustainable:
Dreams alone are fragile. Discipline, patience, and consistent effort transform them into reality.
Why This Book Matters to Us?
Avni’s journey is more than a story about the Armed Forces, it’s about dreaming differently and daring to follow through. At DCKAP Palli, we nurture the same mindset. Our students read books like these, reflect on them, and ask:
“What can we learn from this?”
Share with us the lessons you learnt from the book. And if you have a book that changed your perspective, we’d love to explore it next.
