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Journalism of Courage
She was a reluctant star primed to walk the red carpet. At the British High Commissioners residence in Delhi on Tuesday night,Pinki Sonkar was dressed in a bright red flowing gown,complete with laces and frills,with red ribbons in her hair,and a pair of black ballerinas. The 11-year-old from Uttar Pradeshs Mirzapur became famous across the world after a cleft surgery six years ago.
She was escorted on stage by the British High Commissioner Sir James Bevan KCMG. As she was introduced to the media and other assembled guests,the shutterbugs went trigger-crazy. The event was a send-off dinner for Pinki the night before her flight to London,where she would officially toss the coin at the 2013 Gentlemens Singles Final at Wimbledon on July 7. Her father Vijender Sonkar was also present on the occasion,along with officials of The Smile Train,an organisation which arranges free cleft palate surgeries for underprivileged children in 80 countries across the world. Smile Pinki,a documentary by American filmmaker Megan Mylan that showed how Pinkis life changed after her surgery,had won an Academy Award in 2009.
She may not speak English now but that doesnt worry her. Maam sab sambhaal lengi (Maam will handle it), she said,pointing to Mamta Carole,Director,The Smile Train,who is accompanying her on the trip.
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