EmpowerHer Exclusive: Salika Tariq on Breaking Barriers & Inspiring Change

In our latest EmpowerHer series, we are proud to feature Salika Tariq an accomplished athlete, author, public speaker, and youth leader. A 41-time State Gold Medalist, National Gold Medalist, and four-time Young Women Achievers Award recipient, Salika has excelled across sports, literature, and leadership. In this exclusive conversation with Media Mohalla, she shares her inspiring journey, the power of resilience, and her vision for empowering the next generation of women.

1. From becoming a 41-time State Gold Medalist to winning national titles in multiple disciplines, you’ve consistently pushed your own limits. What has been the biggest mental battle behind these victories that the world rarely gets to see?

“The toughest battle was never against my opponents…it was against self-doubt, setbacks, and the pressure to keep proving myself. There were moments when I questioned whether all the sacrifices were worth it. But every challenge taught me resilience. I realized that champions aren’t made only by winning medals; they’re made by getting up every time life tells them to stay down.”

2. You have built an extraordinary journey across athletics, debating, Model United Nations, and writing. Was there a defining moment when you realized your purpose was not just to win awards, but to inspire other young women to dream bigger?

“I think that realization came when younger girls started reaching out to me, saying they had joined sports or public speaking because they saw my journey. That was the moment I understood that achievements fade with time, but the courage you inspire in someone else can last forever. Since then, my purpose has been bigger than collecting awards it’s about opening doors for others.”

3. Representing India at national championships and being selected four times for the International MUN Conference in Istanbul, where you earned the Best Delegate Award each time, reflects exceptional consistency. How have these global experiences shaped your perspective on women’s leadership and youth empowerment?

“Representing India internationally taught me that leadership isn’t about having the loudest voice; it’s about listening, understanding different perspectives, and finding solutions together. Meeting young leaders from across the world showed me that women everywhere face challenges, but they also share incredible strength. It reinforced my belief that empowered young women can become powerful agents of change.”

4. As the author of Veins of the Silent Storm and The Fire No One Saw, your writing explores emotions that many people struggle to express. What inspired you to tell these stories, and what conversations do you hope your books encourage among young readers?

“My books were born from emotions that often remain unspoken…struggles, resilience, hope, and silent battles. I wanted readers to know that vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s part of being human. If my writing encourages even one person to believe in themselves, to speak about their emotions, or to keep moving forward despite hardships, then I’ve achieved what I set out to do.”

5. You’ve earned recognition as a 26-time Gold Medalist in debates, a State Speaker’s Award recipient, and a National-Level Speaking Competition winner. In an era where every voice competes for attention, what do you believe makes a voice truly influential?

“A powerful voice isn’t measured by how loud it is but by how truthful it is. Influence comes from authenticity, empathy, and consistency. People may forget your words, but they’ll always remember how your words made them feel. That’s why I believe every speech should come from conviction, not just confidence.”

6. Receiving the Young Women Achievers Award four times is a remarkable milestone. Looking back, what does this recognition mean to you personally, and what responsibility comes with being seen as a role model for the next generation?

“I’m deeply grateful for every recognition because each award represents years of hard work and sacrifice. But for me, these awards are not a finish line…they’re a reminder that people are watching. That brings responsibility. I want to lead by example, remain humble, and continue proving that success should inspire service, not pride.”

7. Excelling in academics, sports, literature, and public speaking requires extraordinary discipline. How do you manage expectations, stay motivated, and continue striving for excellence without losing sight of who you are?

“Balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly every day. It’s about setting priorities and staying disciplined. I remind myself why I started, celebrate small victories, and accept that growth takes time. Most importantly, I never let achievements define my identity. They are part of my journey, but they are not who I am.”

8. If a young girl watching this interview believes her dreams are “too ambitious” because of her age or circumstances, what would you say to convince her that resilience, consistency, and self-belief can create opportunities beyond imagination?

“I want every girl watching this to remember one thing: your dreams are never too big…only your doubts can make them seem that way. Your circumstances may shape your beginning, but they don’t have to decide your future. Stay consistent, work hard when no one is watching, and believe in yourself even before the world does. One day, the same people who questioned your dreams may be inspired by your story.”

“Dream fearlessly. Work relentlessly. Rise gracefully. The world doesn’t need another copy…it needs the original version of you.”