The US foreign secretary, Hillary Clinton has narrated a large number of people a story of a young girl in India, who stands as a shining example of confidence.  Met during her trip to Kolkata, Hillary Clinton still remembers the 16-year-old karate girl Poonam Khatoon.

Addressing an elite gathering, Hillary recalled the girl in Bihar. She said this girl came up to her and introduced herself as a karate girl.  Clinton said the girl also asked whether she (Clinton) wanted to watch some of the karate moves. And when Clinton nodded, the girl stood strainght and confident, added Hillary Clinton. She said there was pride and sense of accomplishment in karate girl's eyes, which was inspiring.

Notably, this is the second reference of the girl by Hillary Clinton. On returning to Washington from Kolkata then, Hillary narrated the story of this girl who was born in a prostitution ring. She then said that it was not much about the karate but she was impressed with the way she stood straight and looked at her eyes with pride.

(AW Phani)