Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveIndian American golfer, Akshay Bhatia, is creating waves in the international circuit

Indian American golfer, Akshay Bhatia, is creating waves in the international circuit

Written by: Team GI Youth

(August 1, 2023) Imagine being one of the best amateur golfers in the United States of America, dreaming to become a professional player and winning several tournaments for the country in the coming years. However, when the opportunity came, you couldn’t perform up to your potential. 21-year-old Akshay Bhatia was quite heartbroken when he couldn’t cut in any of the six PGA Tour starts in September 2019. “I struggled mentally, I missed every cut,” the golfer recalled, “I had a lot of people expecting me to play well and it didn’t happen.”

Golfer | Akshay Bhatia | Global Indian

But while several others would have lost hope, Akshay dug in further and worked very hard on honing his skill further. The golfer, who acknowledged that he faced challenges upon turning pro, took the pandemic as an opportunity to pause, re-evaluate, and gain valuable insights. “I got to sit back, talk to my coach, realise where I’m at in my life. After that, you know, I’ve just climbed the mountain slowly and slowly and slowly,” he shared. And he might have just made a significant stride by winning his maiden PGA Tour title at the Barracuda Championship in California, defeating Patrick Rodgers. The win will earn the Indian American golfer earned him full Tour status and a spot in the FedEx Cup playoffs.

Inspired to greatness

Born in Northridge, California to an Indian couple, Akshay’s childhood was not unlike other immigrant kids in the USA. However, his life was shaped due to his sister’s passion for the sport. As a young child, the golfer witnessed his elder sister, Rhea Bhatia, swinging a golf club for the first time. In the following years, Rhea’s dedication to the sport paid off, as she achieved the title of 2015 4A Regional Champion during her high school days. Notably, she continued her golfing journey as a valued member of the women’s team at Queen’s University of Charlotte.

Soon the young golfer started playing the sport and found it quite immersing. Having a remarkable junior career, the Global Indian achieved the distinction of being the first high-schooler ever to participate in the U.S. Walker Cup team. Coached by George Gankas since he was 13, Bhatia kept on piling up amateur victories till he began getting noticed. In 2017, the golfer caught the nation’s attention when he contributed to the victorious team in the 2017 Junior Presidents Cup. Remarkably, at the age of 15, Bhatia made his mark at the Boys Junior PGA Championship by setting multiple records. According to the JuniorPGA website, the golfer, “carded an all-time course and championship record 61, at the 42nd Boys Junior PGA Championship at the Country Club of St. Albans in Missouri.”

In 2018, Akshay secured the runner-up position at the U.S. Junior Amateur tournament. The golfer showcased his talent at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics, where he earned two silver medals – one in the boy’s event and another in the mixed team event alongside Lucy Li. Moreover, his pivotal performance contributed to the triumph of the US team in the Junior Ryder Cup held in the same year.

Looking past his failures

After failing in the September 2019 golfing season, he kept working on his game. And just four months before turning 20, Akshay achieved a historical feat. The golfer lifted his maiden Korn Ferry Tour (KFT) title at the $750,000 Bahamas Great Exuma Classic. He became only the third Indian-origin golfer to do so after Daniel Chopra and Arjun Atwal. At the age of 19 years, 11 months, and 19 days, the golfer achieved the distinction of being the third-youngest professional golfer to secure a victory on the development circuit, joining the ranks of notable players such as Jason Day and Sungjae Im.

Akshay after winning The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic

And now, the golfer is now one step closer to his dream of being on the PGA Tour. After winning his first PGA Tour title, Akshay got emotional while interacting with the media. “I can’t even talk,” he said, adding, “I’m just excited. I love playing golf, I love playing on the PGA Tour, and it’s just a dream come true to have it.” Recognising the challenges he faced along the journey, the golfer acknowledged that it had been “a really tough road.” However, he said that he always knew that he was “going to get here, it was just a matter of time. For it to happen this year with Special Temporary Membership and now to get to play all these events and to get it done today was, I can’t even describe it.”

The young golfer is looking forward to playing several international tournaments in the upcoming season and winning many as well. “Good golf takes care of itself and if I play good golf, the rankings will go up. I don’t look at it too much. My goal is to get into the US Open,” he shared.

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Published on 01, Aug 2023

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Chess brilliance: Young Indian players carving a legacy on International boards

(September 1, 2023) Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa's triumph, securing the silver medal at the 2023 FIDE World Cup, marks just the initial step for India. Not too long ago, Magnus Carlsen, the World's No. 1 chess player showered Indian chess players with praise, predicting that it's only a matter of time before India emerges as the 'foremost chess nation in the world.' Carlsen remarked, "I believe India is on the right track, and it's only a matter of time before it unmistakably leads the global chess arena." Although apart from Viswanathan Anand, who clinched the coveted crown five times, no other Indian has been challenged for the World Championship title, the rise of numerous young Indian chess players to the esteemed 'Grandmaster' status suggests a promising trajectory. This surge in talent hints at India's potential to capture numerous international trophies in the years to come. Global Indian takes a closer look at these young chess prodigies, who have impressively carved out their names on the international stage even at a tender age. Aditya Samant Meet the 17-year-old chess prodigy, Aditya, who recently achieved the prestigious title of Grandmaster (GM) at the young age of 17. Hailing from Pune, Maharashtra, Aditya's journey into

y achieved the prestigious title of Grandmaster (GM) at the young age of 17. Hailing from Pune, Maharashtra, Aditya's journey into the world of chess began when he was just 6 years old. His first taste of competitive play was at the National Under-7 Open 2013 tournament held in his hometown. Chess runs in Aditya's blood as his father, Sachin Samant, was also a passionate chess player during his college days. "My father used to give the positions to me and then we used to solve them together," the chess player said in an interview, adding, "Till I was around 2200, he was my trainer. Now I have started working on my own. Even he created opening files for me sometimes by looking at the database."

[caption id="attachment_32839" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Grandmaster Aditya Samant[/caption]

The young chess player's path to becoming a Grandmaster started to take shape at the 28th Abu Dhabi Masters in 2022. And in an impressive display of skill and determination, Aditya's FIDE Rating soared past 2500 points on the May 2023 FIDE Rating list, merely four months after his remarkable victory at the Abu Dhabi Masters. "I'm excited about enhancing my gameplay, diving into more matches, and giving it my all. At the moment, I'm planning to participate in maybe one or two tournaments before dedicating time to my upcoming board exams," Aditya said after the tournament.

Divya Deshmukh

During a press conference, the 17-year-old chess player was asked about her future chess plans. With a confident smile, Divya replied, "I don't really have any specific plans. My main focus is to continuously improve my game." That's the level of assurance radiating from this remarkable talent in Indian chess. Her journey with chess began at an early age, and her passion for the game shines brightly. By the time she turned 12, she had already secured an astounding 14 gold medals for India on the international stage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QSiTABXeT4

Hailing from Maharashtra, this young chess prodigy clinched the title of National Women's Chess Champion in 2022. Adding to her impressive list of achievements, she recently emerged victorious at the Asian Continental Women's Chess Championship held in Kazakhstan. "I am very happy to win my maiden Asian women's gold medal," the chess player said after the tournament, adding, "In fact, this is my entry to the World Cup through one more route."

Nihal Sarin

At just 14 years old, he achieved an impressive Elo rating of 2600, securing his place as the third youngest player in history to accomplish this feat at that time. Nihal, hailing from Thrissur in Kerala, is the child of Sarin Abdulsalam, a dermatologist, and Shijin Ammanam Veetil Ummar, a psychiatrist. His remarkable abilities were evident from a young age, as he could identify the capitals and flags of 190 countries by the age of three. He also astounded many by memorising the scientific names of insects and plants during the same period.

[caption id="attachment_32840" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Grandmaster Nihal Sarin[/caption]

The story of how his journey in the world of chess began is quite fascinating. To keep his son engaged during school vacations, his father introduced Nihal to a chess set, while his grandfather A. A. Ummar taught him the game's rules. By the tender age of seven, this budding chess enthusiast had already clinched multiple titles, including the Kerala State Championship in the Under-07 category, two Under-09 titles, two Under-11 titles, and one Under-15 title. "I want to play the best players of the world. I don’t know if I would be able to defeat them, but playing is something I can surely do," said the chess player who won the Gold Medal as part of the Indian team in the FIDE Online Chess Olympiad 2020.

Rakshitta Ravi

Achieving a remarkable 93 percent in her 10th board exams, Rakshitta Ravi's exceptional academic performance was closely followed by her attainment of the title Indian Woman Grandmaster (WGM) in 2019. However, the fact that her father, T.S. Ravi, is a former International Master (IM), made her achievement less of a surprise for those who knew her story. “My parents are aware of the rigors that come with the sport. They help me stay grounded and motivated. In fact, my coach, RB Ramesh sir has also been instrumental in helping me raise my game in the last few years,” Rakshitta said in a recent interview.

[caption id="attachment_32841" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Grandmaster Rakshitta Ravi[/caption]

Recipient of the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievements in 2016, presented by the former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, this young achiever took her first steps on the chessboard at the tender age of two. Rakshitta's journey into competitive chess commenced when she was only four and a half years old. A significant breakthrough arrived in 2012, marked by her notable performance at the Asian Youth Chess Championships in Sri Lanka, where she secured a bronze medal. Swiftly following this triumph, merely a year later, Rakshitta claimed gold in the U-8 rapid blitz category at the World Youth Chess Championships in Dubai. "I have been working hard on becoming more consistent in the last one year and that has paid dividends. But, I do not want to compromise on my education as well, so I take time out to make sure I study," the chess player said.

Raunak Sadhwani

Raunak, the fourth youngest Grandmaster from India, achieved an Elo rating surpassing 2500 before even entering his teenage years. Just recently, he showcased his remarkable skills by maintaining an undefeated streak and securing the championship in the Masters group of the Serbia Open chess tournament held in Belgrade, where he competed among a formidable gathering of 233 participants. "Nothing in the world can beat the pleasure of winning strong tournaments. I am happy that I played some good chess and consider myself deserving of this title. I am happy that I can put our Indian flag on the top of this list of Serbia Masters. This is just the beginning, I will work harder and try to bring home more titles," the chess player said after winning the tournament.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGOk_YpFkJs

Ranked as India's 13th player, this Grandmaster stands tall among the world's most accomplished chess prodigies in his age group. Crediting his parents for his success, the young player said, "As it is rightly said - behind every young child who believes in himself is a parent who believes first. So I want to thank my parents for their strong belief in my strength, and standing rock solid with me in my chess journey of highs and lows. I also want to thank Indian Oil Corporation, my coaches, and West Bridge Anand Chess Academy."

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Zain Samdani: The innovator’s robotic glove is helping patients with paralysed hands

(June 10, 2022) As a 15-year-old visiting India from Saudi Arabia, Zain Samdani had no idea that this family vacation was set to change the course of his life. A meeting with his partially paralysed distant maternal uncle left him "shocked." In the era of technology, seeing his uncle dependent on others for every small thing was nothing short of a horror. That encounter nudged this robotics enthusiast and innovator to develop Neuro-ExoHeal, an exoskeletal hand rehabilitation device that utilises neuroplasticity and Azure technology to help patients with neurological damage recover faster at an affordable price. The innovation not only left Google CEO Sundar Pichai impressed but also made the 21-year-old win Microsoft 2022 Imagine Cup World Championship, which is considered as the 'Olympics of Technology' with more than 10,000 participants from 160 countries. "Having been interested in robotics from a very young age, I started working with prosthetic designs in 2013. But I realised that cosmetic prosthetic hand could cost between ₹1-₹2 lakh while a robotic prosthetic hand was available anywhere between ₹40-₹50 lakh. I knew that affordability was the key. But the meeting with my uncle only strengthened my passion to find an affordable solution," Zain tells Global Indian.

ells Global Indian.

A robotics enthusiast in the making

The Hyderabad-born moved to Saudi Arabia at a very young age with his project manager father and homemaker mother. When he noticed that his mom was always busy with household chores and raising kids, the then five-year-old Zain promised to make her a robot that would ease her burden. "It was that early that my love for robotics began," laughs Zain who is currently in India after wrapping up his first-year exams at Jacobs University in Bremen, Germany.

For the Ashoka Young Changemaker 2021, it all started with that one idea and later progressed into in-depth research on the subject. However, things started to move when he began programming at age 12 and within a year, was into prosthetic designs. "For me it's a two-step process. I visualise the product in my head first, and then make it with a cardboard. Back then 3D printing was booming but was also expensive. To cut the cost, I reached out to Make India, a 3D printing company in Saudi Arabia who sent the code free of cost after hearing about the purpose behind it," says the innovator whose biggest takeaway from the incident was "to never stop asking."

How passion turned into a mission

The passion turned into a mission after the chance encounter with his paralysed uncle which led him to create ExoHeal. "It was upsetting to see that despite technological advancement in the world, nothing was done to help him move around." This nudged Zain to build a device based on the concept of neuroplasticity. Divided into a sensory glove for the functional hand and an exoskeletal robotic hand for the paralysed hand, the first prototype came into existence post extensive research and innumerable meetings with neuroscientists and physiotherapists.

[caption id="attachment_17917" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Zain Samdani[/caption]

During his research, the Global Teen Leader 2019 found that "the patients were frustrated with the system and had given up hope." This made Zain even more determined to give them a "sense of independence" and do things on their own, and led to the creation of Neuro-ExoHeal which helps a paralysed hand replicate a movement made by the functional hand. "The mirroring allows the neuron to trick the brain into believing that the paralysed hand is working perfectly, thus forming new neural connections."

The earliest prototype made him one of the 16 global finalists at the Google Science Fair in 2016, and later the advanced version recreated the magic in 2019. "My uncle could feel the sensation on the very first day of using Neuro-ExoHeal. It’s something that otherwise takes weeks or months to achieve," Zain beams with pride as his creation is on its way to a proper clinical trial in the next few months. "Pandemic in 2020 pushed the plans but now we are back on track," says the innovator who is happy with the initial response from many patients. "Seeing it work, many have been enquiring as to when it will be launched in the market."

Looking for a silver lining, always

Zain, who began as innovator and later moved to entrepreneurship, calls the journey transformative. "It essentially enabled me to look outward – to see what was going around me and make the right connection," reveals Zain who wants to make a two-fold impact. "I want to enable paralysed patients to regain independence and also want to work in the space of mental health."

The entrepreneur feels that overachievers like him are often under pressure to outdo themselves, and this takes a toll on mental health. It hit him hard in 2018 when was diagnosed with intermittent exotropia, a rare medical condition that doubles your vision every two or three hours. "It happened right before my boards and my studies were affected. My brain would shut down every few minutes due to constant doubling of my vision." Not one to give up, amidst the chaos, Zain decided to find the silver lining. "It gave me time to think about myself and that's when my raw artistic expression came out. I have been a painter but this break gave me time to explore my passions beyond innovation," says the innovator who recovered completely within two years with the help of rehabilitation. A poet and a painter, Zain loves unwinding with board games. For him, life is about knowing yourself but most importantly, making a positive impact that can change people’s lives.

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Jasraaj Singh: Embracing the road less travelled in Australian rural medicine

(April 20, 2024) When Jasraaj Singh gained admission to the University of Melbourne's medical school, her initial ambition was to become a neurosurgeon. However, she soon discovered her true passion for rural medicine. Due to her dedication to rural healthcare and the significant contributions she made in this field, the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) honoured her with the Medical Student of the Year Award in 2022. Since 2006, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and RDAA have been recognising the achievements and commitment of medical students working in rural and remote health. This annual award honours the most deserving candidate who has demonstrated a strong passion and commitment to rural healthcare. [caption id="attachment_37298" align="aligncenter" width="470"] Jasraaj Singh[/caption] “I was over the moon when I found out that I have been chosen for the award,” the Indian-origin healthcare expert said in a podcast. “By being part of the Extended Rural Cohort and moving from one rural place to another and getting a broad and interesting rural clinical experience, and exposure to the awesome rural communities was great. And then getting the RDAA Medical Student of the Year Award was a super proud moment,” she said. The

have been chosen for the award,” the Indian-origin healthcare expert said in a podcast. “By being part of the Extended Rural Cohort and moving from one rural place to another and getting a broad and interesting rural clinical experience, and exposure to the awesome rural communities was great. And then getting the RDAA Medical Student of the Year Award was a super proud moment,” she said.

The joy of working for rural healthcare

Born in Nambour on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Jasraaj grew up on a macadamia nut farm at Didillibah, a semi-rural locality in the Sunshine Coast Region. At school she undertook a voluntary work at a local children’s hospital, which sparked her interest in the field of medicine.

“Being in that hospital environment and seeing the doctors, nurses and the allied health teams all working together with families and patients to help them get better was inspiring.” It left an indelible mark on the impressionable mind and Jasraaj realised that this is what she would like to do when she grows up – to take care of patients as a doctor.

Later, when she went to medical school, she got the opportunity to be part of the Extended Rural Cohort. As part of the University of Melbourne's commitment to rural health, the Melbourne Medical School launched a Rural Pathway option within the MD programme. Hailing from a semi-rural locality in Australia, Jasraaj calls herself ‘a country girl at heart’. She felt drawn towards this option and ended up falling in love with rural healthcare, becoming totally immersed in it.

Jasraaj completed all her medical training in rural areas since the second year of her medical degree, including some internship opportunities at the interiors of Shepparton, Wangaratta, Ballarat and Bendigo.

[caption id="attachment_37296" align="aligncenter" width="740"] Jasraaj Singh while receiving the award[/caption]

“It has been such a rewarding, eye-opening and exciting adventure. I strongly believe all healthcare students should be undertaking rural placements in some way, shape or form,” she remarked.

While working at Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land, she developed a deep appreciation for the ‘incredible skill set’ of generalist doctors working in remote communities.

“I have had the opportunity to meet incredible and inspiring people, undertake hands-on and practical clinical placements, become part of rural and remote communities across Australia, and develop my clinical and life experiences along the way,” she shared.

ALSO READ: Indian-origin Omishka Hirachund is bridging healthcare divides in South Africa

Misconception – excitement and real medicine exists in cities only

Not all students studying in big towns opt to work in rural settings. They do not find that exciting enough. “I aim to challenge the common misconception that all the excitement and ‘real medicine’ happens in the city,” remarked the youngster.

Based on her own experiences, she has come to realise that rural settings offer much more than commonly believed. She firmly believes that this segment provides a diverse range of learning opportunities for medical professionals.

“You get exposure to all different sorts of things and quite a balancing act is required for what you are often dealing with. There are sometimes complex social issues such as geographical isolation, issues with health literacy - and so there's a lot to unpack. It's a challenging but really interesting space, I think to work in.”

[caption id="attachment_37319" align="aligncenter" width="747"] Jasraaj Singh and others[/caption]

As a passionate advocate for rural health, Jasraaj has undertaken various volunteer roles aimed at changing perceptions. She served as the President of her university’s rural health club, Additionally, she held the position of President of the Surgical Students Society of Melbourne where she worked to improve accessibility to surgical research in rural areas. Jasraaj also chaired the society’s Rural Committee.

Finding bliss in the rural path

After graduating from the University of Melbourne Medical School, Jasraaj Singh started work as a junior doctor at the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service in 2023 and began practicing in Far North Queensland.

Following her graduation from the University of Melbourne Medical School, Jasraaj Singh commenced her career as a junior doctor at the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service in 2023, where she began practicing in Far North Queensland.

[caption id="attachment_37295" align="aligncenter" width="619"] Jasraaj Singh with one of her colleagues[/caption]

During her final year as a student, she had already gained some experience in the hospital through short-term work there. “I was drawn to the friendly atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and opportunities to expand my knowledge of rural and remote health,” she had remarked adding, “I’m looking forward to the warm weather, close-knit community atmosphere, beautiful landscapes, tropical and rural medicine opportunities, exploring a new place and developing practical and useful skills to apply as a future rural generalist.”

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Reading Time: 5 mins

Innovator, STEM whiz, TEDx speaker, Global Teen Leader: Neha Shukla is inspiring teens to solve real world problems

COVID-19’s aftermath deeply vexes her. It changed a carefree 16-year-old to a thinking and inventing one. Innovator and STEM whiz Neha Shukla spent the pandemic-driven lockdowns leveraging science and technology to create social change. She invented a device — SixFeetApart — a wearable social distancing sonic sensor cap which beeps or vibrates when the six foot distance is breached, thus helping slow the spread of Covid-19. Even more credible is that her expectant childlike smile adorned the Nasdaq screen at New York City’s Times Square in 2020 as a ticker congratulated Neha for developing SixFeetApart. The recent Diana Award recipient is thrilled as she speaks with passion about STEM and spreading knowledge on her travels across the US on science and entrepreneurship. [caption id="attachment_8062" align="aligncenter" width="536"] Neha Shukla on the Nasdaq screen at Times Square[/caption] The Indian-origin Pennsylvania resident from Cumberland Valley High School taught herself engineering and technology during lockdown, and her invention is an attempt to address world problems. Honored with the Diana Award for social action and humanitarian work, it was her research on SixFeetApart and running global Innovation and STEM workshops to build the next generation of young problem-solvers and innovators tackling the world’s biggest problems that set her apart. “I’ve impacted over 45,000 students through my sessions. I aim to reach over 100,000 students

e Indian-origin Pennsylvania resident from Cumberland Valley High School taught herself engineering and technology during lockdown, and her invention is an attempt to address world problems. Honored with the Diana Award for social action and humanitarian work, it was her research on SixFeetApart and running global Innovation and STEM workshops to build the next generation of young problem-solvers and innovators tackling the world’s biggest problems that set her apart. “I’ve impacted over 45,000 students through my sessions. I aim to reach over 100,000 students around the world by partnering with corporate companies and local organizations! It means so much to be recognized by Princess Diana as she represents kindness, humanitarian spirit, and service above self. It was also a wonderful surprise to hear Prince Harry’s words of encouragement at the awards ceremony,” Neha Shukla told Global Indian in an exclusive interview.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cAkARPZl_U[/embed]

Evolving with the times

The world of science is ever changing, and her invention too has evolved. It has grown to three devices to be more accessible — an original SixFeetApart hat, a lanyard for school and corporate settings and an armband for on-the-go safety, and is now available on the Google Play Store as a companion app for the device.

“I’m most excited about the potential of creating real-world impact amid the new wave of Delta variant seeing a surge, especially in India. I hope that SixFeetApart is a small part of the solution to saving lives. The research paper detailing the creation and data behind SixFeetApart will be published in the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) in London this September,” adds Neha.

Neha was recently chosen by Masayoshi Son, CEO, SoftBank, to join the Masason Foundation and will receive grants, lab facilities, and mentorship for all future innovations too. The recipient of the National Gold Presidential Service Award from President Joe Biden, her scientific explorations have come a long way from when she would code apps using a block coder, and even started designing a heart rate-oximeter. Neha believes that caring enough about a problem, and being willing to take action, and solving it is the key to growth.

Mentors to nurture her mindset

[caption id="attachment_8063" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Neha Shukla and her inventions[/caption]

That, and having parents who are amazing mentors has nurtured her scientific mindset. Her parents Bharti and Rajiv Shukla are IIT and Harvard alumni — thus asking questions and exploring was encouraged at home.

“I’m currently working on a new innovation to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers' and Parkinsons' at an early-stage using brain-computer interfaces and artificial intelligence. I’m excited to begin my research and create my innovation starting Fall 2021,” she says.

Even through the pandemic which was “definitely a struggle”, Neha kept focused. “The silver lining of being at home during quarantine has been the ability to explore new research, innovate, and be able to expand the scope of my innovation sessions to students across the world.” By Spring 2022, she plans to launch her book Innovation for Everyone - a guide on Innovation, Problem-Solving, and STEM. The book aims to equip students, adults, and organizations to leverage science and technology to solve problems.

Advocate for innovation

[caption id="attachment_8064" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Neha Shukla with the Presidential Award[/caption]

The entrepreneurship ambassador for girls, TEDx Speaker and global teen leader also runs Innovation and STEM workshops for students. As an advocate for innovation and youth in science and technology, she says, “Seeing children from even the first or second grade getting excited about innovation and coming up with tangible solutions to pollution, etc, within a 45-minute session is amazing. I see this as a testament that young people need to be a part of the dialogue to solve global problems," says the girl who believes in harnessing her knowledge for positive action. (You can sign up for workshops on her website at: https://bit.ly/NehaShuklaWorkshop)

Selected as a 2021 Global Teen Leader from the 3 times Grammy-winning artist Nile Rodgers’ We Are Family Foundation, she aims to continue her mission to help build the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators. “As a Global Teen Leader, I had the opportunity to spend the summer attending the virtual Just Peace Summit, where we learned from experts around the world, met iconic peacemakers and industry experts, and celebrated the work that all the 40 amazing Global Teen Leaders are doing.”

Neha is also the Youth Ambassador for NYU Stern School of Business’ Endless Frontier Labs where she sits amidst venture capitalists and emerging startups in deep tech, to unscramble the world of VCs and startups. For her, this augurs her foray into business, product development and entrepreneurship, which incidentally, she is already doing as executive director at Boss Ladies. She was recently awarded the Whitaker Centre's 2021 Women in STEM - Rising Star. One of Neha’s most fervent drivers is the urge to solve climate change, healthcare and cybersecurity.

Of family ties and roots

[caption id="attachment_8065" align="aligncenter" width="633"] Neha Shukla working on SixFeetApart[/caption]

Quite Indian at heart, she loves celebrating Diwali with her grandparents, cousins, and family in Mumbai and Pune. Ever thankful for parents who are proud and supportive, she adds, “It means so much to me that they believe in the work that I’m doing. I definitely couldn’t have created SixFeetApart or any other innovation without their support."

"They have always encouraged me to be curious about the world, but let me figure out things on my own — no spoon feeding. My dad is an avid reader who inculcated in me the idea that it is possible to have a super deep knowledge of all subjects. His knowledge is so deep and wide, it’s crazy,” she smiles.

A piano player who loves Beethoven, Mozart, and even contemporary tunes like Rag Time, Neha also strums the acoustic guitar. She paints too — oils and acrylic, with a love for landscapes and still art. Her sister Niharika, her playing companion, is incidentally also a budding innovator.

If science excites you, she urges,

“Start now! The world needs your unique talents and ideas, so find a real-world problem and begin innovating. Put your creativity and imagination towards solving a problem and use frameworks like my three-step process to guide you. Anyone can be a problem-solver, anyone can be an innovator.”

Her goal is to follow her parents’ footsteps and join Harvard, or MIT, but before that, Neha Shukla is busy — taking STEM knowledge to the world.

Reading Time: 8 mins

Trash to Triumph: Vivek Gurav’s global impact with Pune Ploggers

(November 15, 2023) Imagine being dubbed a ‘Kachra Wala’ while striving to keep your city's river banks clean. This was something that software developer and environmentalist Vivek Gurav faced. With a deep passion for environmental cleanliness, he weathered the initial backlash and founded Pune Ploggers. His community of volunteers engages in ecological rehabilitation through clean-up drives and plogging (combining jogging with picking up litter), and adopting rivers like Mula-Mutha, Indrayani, and Pawana in Pune for rejuvenation. What began as a modest initiative in Pune has blossomed into a movement spanning 32 cities across India with more than 10,000 volunteers, and has also expanded to the United Kingdom, impressing the prime minister of UK, earning the ‘Points of Light’ award and wide recognition in UK’s media. [caption id="attachment_34111" align="aligncenter" width="533"] Vivek Gurav[/caption] Pune Ploggers in the UK After completing his bachelors in computer science engineering in Pune, Vivek went on to pursue a master's in environmental policy and management at the University of Bristol in the UK. Undeterred by cold weather and snowfall, he extended his community-benefit efforts in the United Kingdom as well, and gradually got successful in establishing plogging communities in several cities of the UK with thousands of

d management at the University of Bristol in the UK. Undeterred by cold weather and snowfall, he extended his community-benefit efforts in the United Kingdom as well, and gradually got successful in establishing plogging communities in several cities of the UK with thousands of volunteers.

Vivek's initiatives earned him the Point of Light award from the UK PM, leading to an invitation to 10 Downing Street. He met PM Rishi Sunak who showed immense interest in the youngster’s plogging initiatives. Reflecting on this journey, Vivek remarked in a speech “What made this small campaign transform into a global voice was the intention to make an impact. My purpose didn’t allow me to sleep, and keep my dreams confined to one location. I wanted to expand and reach out to as many youngsters as possible and build a community that would thrive on the simple idea of change making.”

The life changing journey

In 2014, Vivek moved to Pune from a small village of Maharashtra with aspirations to attain something big in life, oblivious of the milestones he would soon achieve in the sphere of community development. “As a village boy the first thing that caught my attention in the big city was the poor condition of Mula-Muttha river. It was filthy and looked like a drainage.” It stinked and the water was black due to the trash that flowed through the heart of the city. Vivek witnessed the same filthy condition of another river that flowed near his engineering college.

[caption id="attachment_34118" align="aligncenter" width="860"] Pune Ploggers Team[/caption]

“I come from a village where clean rivers flow. We can actually go and drink the clean river water. When I came to Pune I was disappointed to see that rivers of the city in such a polluted state,” said Vivek adding, “People from villages go to cities to study, to build their dreams but the problem in the cities is that people are not mindful enough about their natural resources.” This discovery compelled him start changing the scenario, one step at a time.

Initiating change

In his first year of college, he launched a cleaning drive along the littered river near his campus. To begin with he approached the local municipal council but encountered a blame game between residents and authorities regarding their responsibilities. Frustrated with finger-pointing on each other, he decided to take action on his own. Igniting his inner eco warrior, he started cleaning the river at five am daily, inviting friends to join. Over three months his efforts transformed the once filthy riverside into a clean and popular hangout spot for students. This became a powerful example of an individual initiative and team effort bringing about positive change.

The birth of Pune Ploggers

In 2019, after graduating, Vivek finally transitioned from recognising a problem, working for community around him to launching a city-wide movement—Pune Ploggers. Combining jogging and picking up plastic, a concept originating from Sweden in 2016, the campaign aimed to make a positive impact for the residents of Pune. Volunteers would pick up trash during their morning walk or jog, engaging in a dual purpose - personal fitness and environmental clean-up. “Since our inception in October 2019, Pune Ploggers has evolved into a global community with over 10,000 active participants, spanning four years of dedicated efforts,” Vivek shared.

[caption id="attachment_34119" align="aligncenter" width="685"] Vivek's plogging efforts in the UK[/caption]

Movement to the UK – dream come true

Vivek got so steeped into the cause of tackling climate change by managing garbage that he wanted to gain expertise as a climate scientist and environmental policymaker that he thought was crucial for his non-profit’s growing environmental initiatives.

With no funds and limited financial backing, securing a loan also proved difficult as the only asset that the family could project for guarantee against the loan repayment was a small farm land in the village.

As he had been trained as a software developer, his decision to study a master’s in climate science was also met with rejection from several universities, who said he had no prior academic exposure to the subject. However, the University of Bristol finally recognised his achievements beyond his engineering course and offered him a full scholarship. Vivek Gurav left his IT job and seized the opportunity. “Coming from a humble background with no financial support, securing full scholarship was a boon and strengthened my determination to mitigate the impact of garbage and trash on the climate,” he said.

[caption id="attachment_34114" align="aligncenter" width="663"] Vivek Gurav at BBC's studio, UK[/caption]

The cause in UK

When Vivek moved to Bristol for his studies in 2021, he went on to establish a plogger community there. “When thousands woke up early on weekends, gathering to pick up trash, their collective positive intentions became a powerful force for better environment,” the Global Indian said.

“Against all odds, I found myself in a foreign land, talking to climate scientists, conducting research, and expanding my knowledge. Last year, I undertook a remarkable journey, traveling to 30 cities in the UK in 30 days, facing challenges like snowfall. This journey expanded the plogging community with thousands of active ploggers in the UK.”

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Chalk of Shame

To reshape mind-sets, Vivek Gurav and Pune Ploggers team has introduced an innovative initiative called ‘Chalk of Shame’. “Using chalk, we circle cigarette butts and other such litter on the streets, and write sarcastic slogans to make people realise their shameful act,” he says. This creative tool became a nationwide phenomenon, garnering millions of views on social media. It not only tackled the litter problem but also fostered creativity and awareness. The Pune Ploggers community has further expanded its focus on solving problems and encouraging values like equality and diversity, allowing like-minded individuals to thrive in generating ideas and solutions that contribute to positive societal change.

Good intentions can bring change

What began as a small initiative in Pune expanded across 32 cities in India and several cities of the UK, with a significant presence in London. Vivek Gurav’s journey, from a small town to studying climate science, exploring UK as a climate activist, and establishing a global task force, stands as a testament to the power of intentions and the transformative impact of a small yet significant issue of litter management with the big goal of averting climate change.

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