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Multi-Talented Oak Valley Student Holds Black Belt, But Ultimate Goals Still Higher

Posted on October 31, 2011
Student final

At the age of 13, Oak Valley Middle School student Mallika Shanti Parlikar already is very goal oriented.

“I promised my parents that I would get my first degree black belt (in karate) by the time I was 10 years old,” said Mallika, who lives in Bernardo Springs. “When I achieved that goal, my mother took me to Okinawa, Japan, to train with the goju ryu grand master, Sensei Morio Higaonna.”

Still training today, she noted that she continues to pursue her martial arts goals. “My sensei at the Rancho Bernardo Karate Center, Steve Duz, encourages me to remain steadfast in my commitment to accomplish my goals and works with me every day to keep me focused and on track to make sure I get my second degree belt by next summer,” said Mallika.

Aside from her commitment to karate, she is a very dedicated student as well. “I have been recognized by getting 4th chair as a flutist among 25 students within the first four months of starting in Oak Valley Middle School’s band program,” said Millika, adding that she absolutely loves her school because of her wonderful friends, and the fact that she feels safe and that she can be herself.

[pullquote_right]“She has also taught me to be patient and helped me understand that disability does not mean inability.”
~ Mallika Shanti Parlikar,
Oak Valley Middle School[/pullquote_right]

“I have also trained in the traditional Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam under a local 4S Ranch teacher, Ms. Yogitha Bharathur, who has provided me with the opportunity to perform at various cultural functions throughout San Diego County,” she said.

But Millika – who hopes to one day be a marine biologist and singer/entertainer – still finds that her quiet time is the most special time.

“I am a home body who likes to spend quality ‘alone time’ listening to music and reading,” she admitted. “I am exceptionally close to my parents and we can talk about anything at all and we have a very honest and open relationship.”

She also keeps the rest of her family close, including her 10-year-old sister, Meera and younger brother Eshaan, who is age 7. As much as she strives to be a good example for them, she actually finds inspiration from her siblings. “Meera successfully fought brain cancer when she was 2 years old and has taught me to do my best at everything and never give up,” Mallika said. “She has also taught me to be patient and helped me understand that disability does not mean inability.”

Based on an experience when she was younger, Mallika is working with her school to make a difference in the lives of others. “When I was five years old and visited India, I noticed some very poor people – especially children who did not have access to books and clothes. I felt a desire to do something about it,” she explained. “My father and grandmother encouraged me to talk to my school and now I am working with Oak Valley to start a drive to collect old books and clothes and ship them to India” where they will be distributed to needy children.

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