“12-Year-Old Punjabi-Origin Girl Wins Prestigious Award in Australia”

Ashleen Khela, a 12-year-old Australian-born girl of Indian origin, has been honored with the prestigious “New South Wales Woman of the Year” award in the Ones to Watch category (ages 7-15). The award was presented by NSW Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison, during a state-level ceremony at the International Convention Centre Sydney on March 6, as part of NSW Women’s Week celebrations marking International Women’s Day.

Ashleen, who hails from Sajawalpur village in Punjab’s Nawanshahr district, was recognized for her philanthropic efforts through her writing. She has donated all proceeds from the sale of her two books—17 Stories (published at age 11) and Journey Through Her Jersey (published in December 2024)—to support underprivileged children globally. Her charitable contributions include donations to UNICEF, UN Women, Starlight Children’s Foundation, and Cancer Council Australia, as well as providing laptops, clothing, shoes, books, and nutritious food to children in Punjab.

Remarkably, Ashleen funded the publication of her debut book by recycling bottles and cans and gardening from ages 8 to 11. Her second book addresses gender biases faced by women in sports and has been praised for its inspirational message. In a letter to Ashleen, Minister Harrison commended her efforts in highlighting gender inequality through her writing.

Following the awards ceremony, Ashleen was invited by NSW Governor Margaret Beazley to Government House Sydney for tea, where she was lauded for her philanthropic work. Ashleen’s journey began during her visit to India in 2019 when she decided to help migrant workers’ children living in roadside slums. Now internationally recognized as Australia’s youngest female author, she continues to inspire change through her literary and charitable endeavors.