Kolkata girl gets advanced Microsoft accolades at 12 – Times of India

KOLKATA: At 12, Asaawari Sahai has achieved the distinction of clearing three Microsoft Technology Associate certifications.
The class VII student of Modern High School for Girls has cleared her MTA certification exam for Introduction to Programming using HTML and CSS with 85% marks. The cut-off grade stands at 70%. Her previous MTA certifications were in Python and JavaScript. MTA is a certification for young professionals keen on building a career in IT and Technology.
“I was confident that I could clear it. But 85% certainly enthuses me,” Asaawari said. The experience of the first and second MTA exams prepared her for the third, she said. Asaawari was introduced to the world of coding and technology when her parents signed up with a now leading coding educator for children three years ago. “I was hooked to it when I learnt basic coding. As I progressed from basic to advanced to professional levels, I found there was so much more that could be done. It helped me think in a more structured way and indirectly gave me a better understanding of other academic subjects”, she says.
Microsoft Technology Associate is an entry-level certification that validates fundamental technology skills and knowledge in Microsoft products. MTA exams are designed to assess core technical concepts in Databases, Development and IT Infrastructure. MTA certification is especially meaningful for college students and young professionals keen to pursue careers in IT.
Introduction to coding and various other technology subjects for young students has become a rage in the past few years and is now a mandate in the government’s new education policy. “She has received various in-house certifications from the leading coding ‘edutech’ firm where she learns her coding. She is now working on her first app based on two topics close to her – environment and quizzing,” informs Asaawari’s mother Sushma Sahai, head of department of Geography, Loreto College, Kolkata.
“I have completed the app but have been doing some rework on the backend technology so other children can use the quizzing app seamlessly across multiple devices. I am keen on doing something in the field of cybersecurity when I grow up because it’s challenging”, the 12-year-old quipped.
She is an avid piano player and trains in badminton as well. “We have always encouraged her to try out what she likes and are genuinely impressed how she manages time between studies, coding, friends and other activities”, smiles father Amit, who is an international business consultant.