Passion Drives Perfection
Like most little girls, I grew up in a bustling joint family, where my parents ensured I explored every extracurricular activity possible. My father, Rtn. PDG AKS Abirami Ramanathan, has always been a visionary—a man who believes in treading the road less travelled. True to his nature, one day, he surprised me with a visit to an unfamiliar place in Egmore. I was intrigued as we walked into the Police Commissioner’s Office. Confused? So was I—until we stepped into a space where the air was filled with gunshots and cheers.
I was instantly electrified. This was no ordinary place; this was The Chennai Rifle Club. As I stood there, wide-eyed, my father saw the unmistakable spark in my eyes. He knew right then—this was my arena. Despite protests from my grandparents (because let’s be honest, back then, a girl with a rifle wasn’t exactly conventional), he encouraged me to take the shot—both literally and figuratively.
And what a shot it was! Within just two months of training, I bagged a gold medal and set a state record. That was just the beginning. I climbed the ranks, winning nationals, setting records, and even securing my place in the National Games. The pinnacle? Making it to the Asian Games trials.
Thirty years ago, shooting wasn’t a sport most people spoke about—especially for young girls. Today, it’s a game-changer. The lessons I learned from this passion have shaped me in ways I never imagined. Shooting honed my focus, enhanced my hand-eye coordination, and even improved my breathing techniques. It demanded my fitness, discipline, and precision—all while I balanced academics and sports. The reward? Not just medals, but a deep-rooted understanding that “No time” is merely an excuse. If you have the willpower, dedication, and an unyielding mindset, you make the time.
My journey with shooting also instilled in me an unwavering eye for detail and a relentless pursuit of perfection—traits that continue to shape my life, both personally and professionally.
For every little girl, her father is her first hero. Mine led by example, guiding me toward my passion and purpose. And today, I stand where I am because he believed in me before I even knew what I was capable of.
Life is a journey, but passion? That’s the fuel that keeps us moving forward.
Rtn. Meenakshi Perikaruppan is a past president of the Rotary Club of Madras T Nagar and served as the District Conference Chairman during 2023-24. A dynamic entrepreneur with interests spanning multiple domains, she embodies the perfect blend of discipline, ambition, and an unshakable passion for excellence.
