Finding his tempo: The rise and rise of tabla maestro Truptraj
Written by: Amrita Priya
(March 5, 2022) A tabla gifted to his father by a friend caught Truptraj Pandya’s eye even before he had learned to walk. The instrument lay unused in a corner of the house. By the time he was 15 months old, he was already playing it, showing, even then, a prodigious talent for music which his parents noticed and encouraged. Today, at the age of 15, the young tabla maestro is well on his way to becoming the face of India’s tabla landscape and has given over 200 public performances. He has been a guest of honour at major events and seminars and created a buzz in the media – local, national and international. In 2019, dressed in maroon attire, he stood proudly before Prime Minister Narendra Modi to receive his Bal Shakti Puraskar.
Truptraj Atul Pandya is a master percussionist He is an established radio and TV artist as well, who has given more than several live performances. Proud that he has been conferred the Bal Shakti Puraskar. pic.twitter.com/iZu8ThvxH0
Fame and accolades have not robbed the young tabla maestro of his humility – he is modest and friendly during his interview with Global Indian. Sound family values have had their part to play – good parenting has kept him grounded and Truptraj describes his father as his mentor and guide. “Who I am today is because of my father. I would not have reached this point without his nurturing and encouragement. All credit goes to him,” says he.
Finding a guru
When Truptraj was about two years old, his father took him to attend Ustad Zakir Hussain’s concert. The maestro took notice of the young prodigy and helped him out, connecting him to his disciple, Dhyaneshwar Popalghat, from the Ustad Allarakha Institute of Music for proper guidance. “My taalim started when I was about three and my association with my Guru still continues, even after 12 years,” Truptraj smiles. He is now undergoing advanced training under Pandit Nayan Ghosh and has also been blessed by legends like Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasiya and Ustad Iqbal Ahmad Khan.
Little Truptraj with Guinness Book of World Records certificate
Encouraged by his parents and his Guru, Truptraj made his bid for the Guinness World Records when he was six years old. Even that, he believes, could have happened earlier. “My father applied for it a little late because he wanted to be sure that it was more than just a short-lived interest to me.” His father’s fears were unfounded, for Truptraj’s love for the tabla has only grown stronger with time. The young tabla maestro devotes himself to perfecting his craft, leaving the details of managing his schedule to his father.
Truptraj Pandya
A student and a star
Truptraj is in the middle of the all-important Class X and exams are around the corner. Nothing holds him back from his riyaaz, however. “I might cut short the duration of my practice if I have exams but I never skip it,” he says. The Covid-19 lockdown left him with ample time on his hands, with classes taking place from home. And the ace performer doesn’t just juggle school and music, he also loves sports, serving as his school’s basketball team captain for four years until 2019.
“My teachers and friends are very supportive,” he says. “I have always taken proper permission from school before traveling for live performances. They make sure I don’t miss out on notes and important assignments,” adds the young maestro.
Truptraj with President, Ram Nath Kovind
In fact, no school event is complete without the musical stylings of Truptraj Pandya. “My teachers give equal opportunity and support to every pupil and my friends aren’t my friends because of the tabla, our friendship comes from the heart,” he says. The young maestro remains unconcerned by the looming exam season – he knows he has studied enough to do well. “My last performance was in December but if something comes up, I will take the opportunity,” he says, now seasoned at juggling his many priorities. His favourite subject, he says, is history and he prefers documentaries to reading a textbook.
Truptraj’s family
Follow your heart, he tells teens
Being on stage across India, with lakhs of people watching him, gives Truptraj a thrill like no other. “This is just the beginning, I have a long way to go,” he says, modestly. “I love stage performances, though. I feel a little nervous just before I begin but once I begin playing my tabla, my fears vanish. The music takes over me and I’m confident that I won’t let the audience and myself down,” he says.
“Do what you love” is his advice to other teenagers. “Don’t give into pressure at home or from family, if you do, you will only get tired and quit someday. But if you do things that you love, you will not get tired of it, you will always be hungry for more. You will remain motivated and passionate. Practice more and be patient,” he signs off.
(December 2, 2022) 2022 proved to be a golden year for Indian boxer, Nikhat Zareen. The sports star, who started her journey as the only girl in Nizamabad's boxing academy, won several gold medals in various international boxing championships held this year, including Commonwealth Games, IBA Women's World Championship, and Strandja Memorial Boxing Tournament. And on November 30, the pint-sized boxer was conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. "It’s an absolute honour to be conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award by the Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji. Gratitude to the Almighty for guiding me on my journey and to all those who shared it with me. Onwards and upwards!" the champion tweeted after receiving the Arjuna Award. [caption id="attachment_24916" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen receiving the Arjuna Award from President Murmu[/caption] Although there were several hurdles in life - from relatives and close family friends not agreeing with her choice of career, to facing a financial crunch to support her boxing - Nikhat held on to her dreams and emerged victorious. "I remember telling my father that someone had told me that boxing is not meant for girls. He
of career, to facing a financial crunch to support her boxing - Nikhat held on to her dreams and emerged victorious. "I remember telling my father that someone had told me that boxing is not meant for girls. He told me, there is nothing one can’t do if they are determined," she shared with Global Indian during an exclusive interview, adding, "After I first stepped inside the box, there was no turning back. I knew boxing is what I wanted to do. My father supported me throughout my journey, encouraging me. Today, after I have won many medals, I feel that all the hard work was worth it. However, I have much more potential and a long way to go."
[caption id="attachment_24917" align="aligncenter" width="616"] Nikhat with Prime Minister, Narendra Modi[/caption]
Despite winning so many medals, the boxer feels that she "cannot afford to take a break." Passionate and focussed, the 26-year-old boxer is training hard to claim many more medals for the country. "I took a short leave to visit my family in Nizamabad after winning the World Championship. But I am back at the training camp now. My next aim is the 2024 Paris Olympics. I dream of winning gold there for my nation," Nikhat said.
Humble beginning
Nikhat started her sporting journey in a town called Nizamabad, in erstwhile Andhra Pradesh. Participating in several school competitions, Nikhat was a junior sports star. The Indian boxer shares that her father is not only her biggest support but also an inspiration. “My father was also a sportsperson. He was working in Saudi Arabia, but when he got to know that one of his daughters is interested in sports, he left his job and came to India. Despite many people saying that I am a girl, and can’t box, my father constantly encouraged me and reminded me that the first rule of any sport is to not give up,” shares the girl boxing champ whose father mentored her early on.
[caption id="attachment_24918" align="aligncenter" width="638"] Nikhat with K. T. Rama Rao, MA&UD Minister, Telangana[/caption]
It took her just one year to prove her mettle in boxing. She won several state and national level championships and was inducted into the Sports Authority of India in Vishakhapatnam to train under Dronacharya awardee, IV Rao in 2009. With her hard work, Nikhat was selected to represent the country at the 2011 Women’s Junior and Youth World Boxing Championship in Turkey.
"I took a short leave to visit my family after winning the World Championship. But I am back at the training camp now. My next aim is the 2024 Paris Olympics. I dream of winning gold there for my nation."
“I defeated the Turkish boxer Ulku Demir, which everyone said was going to be very difficult as she had the support of the crowd. But frankly more than winning the competition, the greatest moment of that tournament was when India’s national anthem was played after I won gold. I was overwhelmed and that was the moment I decided that I will become a professional boxer,” she shares.
Not only was this the first win at an international tournament for the Indian boxer, but this was also the first time she sat on the flight. Just before leaving the country for the competition, Nikhat shares an amusing incident, “I have motion sickness, so I requested a window seat on the flight. I didn’t know that you can’t use those windows.”
Scaling new heights
After the Turkey win, there was no looking back for Nikhat. She won medals at various national and international events, including the 2014 Youth World Boxing Championships, in Bulgaria, the 2014 Nations Cup International Boxing Tournament, in Serbia, and the 2015 16th Senior Woman National Boxing Championship, in Assam.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_TOjHM6sBU
However, in 2017 the champion’s shoulder snapped during an Inter-University Championships bout, forcing her out of the ring for a year. “As sportspersons, we are often told that injuries are a part of our journey. But, there is nothing more difficult than sitting out of the ring and watching compatriots do so well. I always found myself thinking about all those tournaments I could have been winning medals at. I was mentally down. Many people said that I was finished and had no chance of representing India again,” shares the Indian boxer.
But just when people were about to write her off, the girl boxing champ made a resounding comeback after winning gold at the 56th Belgrade Winner International Championship 2018. “Before that tournament, I remember I was determined to show everyone who thought that my career was finished, what I was made off. I practiced a lot and finished on the podium,” says the smiling girl boxing champ.
Winning the world
Currently at the national camp taking place at the Indira Gandhi Stadium as a flyweight boxer, she feels she doesn’t just need power. Explaining further, the girl boxing champ says, “(I need) speed to step in and out, duck, weave and throw punches. For any tournament, I do strength training – to convert strength into power. We also do cardio, and train in the ring.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeqVH6VfVcs
A foodie, Nikhat enjoys trying new things. “When I travel for tournaments, I hardly get time. I just keep training. However, whenever there is a chance of getting a break, I go out and eat with my team members. In fact, whenever I am back in Nizamabad, I catch up with friends over street food. Although, I have to keep a tab on what and how much am I eating,” shares the Indian boxer.
(November 29, 2024) When Arjun Nimmala first picked up a baseball bat as a child, his father, Balu, had one simple instruction: “Drop the bat and run.” That moment, like so many others in his early life, marked the beginning of a journey that would lead him from the streets of Florida to the MLB Draft. Arjun’s path wasn’t just about playing a sport—it was about navigating a new world, blending two cultures, and building something entirely his own. In 2023, the Global Indian made history when he was selected as the 20th overall pick in the MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. This groundbreaking achievement marked him as the first-ever first-generation Indian-American to be drafted so prominently in any of the four major sports in the U.S. His selection didn’t just change the trajectory of his career—it brought visibility to a community that has long been underrepresented in American sports. The 19-year-old's rise in baseball didn’t follow a typical script. Growing up in a family with deep roots in India, he was first introduced to cricket—a sport that runs deep in the veins of his homeland. But in the United States, Arjun’s family embraced a new sport—baseball—that quickly
p in the veins of his homeland. But in the United States, Arjun’s family embraced a new sport—baseball—that quickly took hold of him. This blend of his Indian heritage and new American influences would shape the way he approached sports, pushing him to adapt, learn, and grow in ways he never expected.
A Family's New Beginning
Arjun Nimmala was born in Tampa, Florida, to Balu and Neeru, who had made the bold decision to leave Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, in 2002 and move to the United States. Neither had any connections to the U.S., and they had no idea how challenging their journey would be. But they were determined to make a better life for themselves and their children. Cricket was a significant part of Arjun’s childhood, a bond he shared with his father, who played the sport back in India. “My dad used to play cricket when he was younger,” Arjun recalls. “It was the first sport we knew, so naturally, that’s where I started.”
However, life in the U.S. was different, and so were the opportunities. When Arjun Nimmala was introduced to baseball, it wasn’t an easy transition. “At first, it was strange,” he says. “Cricket is so different from baseball, but my dad saw the similarities and thought it would be a good fit for me.” Though his father didn’t know much about baseball, he recognized the connection between the two sports and supported Arjun’s new interest.
Choosing Baseball: A New Path
By the time Arjun Nimmala was 12, he was faced with a decision that would shape his future: continue with cricket, or fully commit to baseball. “I was a batsman in cricket, and I loved the idea of hitting in baseball too. That’s when I knew I wanted to make baseball my focus.” Despite his cricket background, Arjun chose to pursue baseball, and his commitment to the sport paid off as he quickly became a standout player.
His family, though unfamiliar with the American sports system, supported his decision to follow baseball. “We didn’t know much about the recruiting process,” Arjun admits. “But we learned quickly, and I just went with it.” His dedication to the sport pushed him through various milestones, leading to his recognition as one of the top prospects in the country.
The Rise to Prominence
Arjun’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. Throughout high school, his skills blossomed, and he quickly became a key figure in Florida’s competitive baseball scene. His combination of power, bat speed, and instinct for the game set him apart from other players his age. By the time he was 16, Arjun had become one of the most promising young baseball players in the nation, and being an Indian-American made him a rare breed. His abilities on the field earned him a commitment to Florida State University (FSU) at just 14 years old, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
But it wasn’t just his on-field talent that caught the attention of scouts. Arjun’s ability to handle pressure and remain focused on his goals made him an appealing prospect. “In baseball, you fail a lot,” Arjun says. “It’s part of the game. What matters is how you respond. I’ve always tried to stay calm and learn from every mistake.”
As his reputation grew, so did the expectations. In 2023, Arjun Nimmala was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays with the 20th overall pick in the MLB Draft. This historic selection made Arjun the first-ever first-generation Indian-American to be drafted so prominently in any of the four major U.S. sports, solidifying his place in history.
The MLB Draft: A Groundbreaking Moment
Arjun’s selection by the Blue Jays was a groundbreaking moment—not just for him, but for Indian-American athletes in general. “I was honored to be the first Indian-American to be drafted like this,” Arjun reflects. “But it wasn’t just about me—it was about showing the next generation of kids that they can make it, too. We’re capable of so much more than people think.”
In the same year, Arjun’s rise to prominence continued. He made history as one of the most highly touted shortstop prospects in the draft, earning comparisons to players like Carlos Correa. His raw power and bat speed caught the eyes of MLB scouts, with one remarking, “He has the potential to hit 30-plus home runs a season.” Arjun’s defensive abilities at shortstop were also recognized, though some scouts worried that his growing strength might lead him to outgrow the position and eventually shift to third base.
Despite these concerns, Arjun’s focus remained on improving every aspect of his game. He continued to develop his approach to hitting, his fielding, and his mental game—all while staying grounded in the values his family instilled in him.
The Mentorship: Francisco Lindor
One of the most pivotal figures in Arjun’s development was New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, a player Arjun has admired for years. “Lindor’s been my favorite player,” Arjun says. “I love the way he plays—he has fun with the game, and that’s something I try to carry with me.” Lindor’s mentorship went beyond just technical advice—it was about mindset and approach. “He taught me to stay calm, no matter what’s happening around me,” Arjun explains. “In baseball, things don’t always go your way, but you have to keep your focus and stay true to yourself.”
Lindor’s example of staying confident and grounded resonated deeply with Arjun, helping him navigate the intense spotlight of being a top prospect. “It’s about working hard, but also about being smart and knowing how to handle pressure,” Arjun says. With Lindor’s guidance, Arjun became not only a better player but a more mentally tough one.
A Future Full of Potential
As Arjun Nimmala enters the next phase of his career, his accomplishments continue to pile up. After being selected by the Blue Jays, he quickly made his presence felt in the minor leagues, where his development has been closely watched. Though his early games showed promise, Arjun’s ability to adjust quickly has been his strongest asset. After a brief stint to work on his swing mechanics, Arjun returned to the field with a refined approach and made an immediate impact.
Now, as Arjun’s career continues to unfold, the question is no longer whether he will succeed—it’s how far he will go. His selection as the 20th overall pick is just the beginning, but for Arjun, the work is far from done. “I’m just focused on getting better every day,” he says. “The goal is to make it to the big leagues and help the team win. I know it’s going to take time, but I’m willing to put in the work.”
Arjun’s story is a matter of pride for Indians everywhere. “I want to make India proud,” Arjun says. “I hope one day, people in India can watch me play and know that we can compete at the highest level, just like anyone else.” With each step, the young baseball star is not only building his own career but paving the way for future generations of Indian-American athletes to follow in his footsteps.
(April 18, 2024) Having doctor parents, who work as a gynaecologist and an anaesthesiologist, emergency cases were the norm. But with no one to take care of him at home, Archit Patil would often accompany his parents to the hospital. After successful surgeries, he could see happiness on his parents' faces but maternal deaths left them devastated. "I witnessed the emotional trauma my parents would go through. Feeding my curiosity, I learned from my parents that there is no single/ideal method to measure post-delivery blood loss accurately during childbirth. This information gap leads to a delay in diagnosis and the tragic death of mothers despite marathon efforts by the medical team. This inspired me to find a solution to the problem," said Archit, who ended up designing a PPH cup that can efficiently measure postpartum blood loss, thus preventing maternal deaths. The innovation earned him Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in 2021. [caption id="attachment_37254" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Archit Patil[/caption] How it began It all began in Grade 6 when while working on a science project on sanitary waste for the Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition, he learnt about menstrual cups. Understanding their design and functionality gave Archit the idea of a
in Grade 6 when while working on a science project on sanitary waste for the Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition, he learnt about menstrual cups. Understanding their design and functionality gave Archit the idea of a postpartum haemorrhage cup. He discussed the idea and started building up the initial prototype using a spare menstrual cup from his mother to create a metal mold. This prototype was then showcased to obstetricians within his parents' professional circle who could help perfect the design with their feedback.
After a few modifications, the prototype underwent testing for safety and toxicity at the Indian Drugs Research Laboratory (IDRL) in Pune in March 2020. Explaining the usage of the PPH cup, Archit said that made from medical-grade silicone, the cup is inserted into the birth canal either before or after a cesarean section, or following a natural childbirth. "It has two ports at the end. One is for attaching the blood collection bag, while the other provides a facility for suction to avoid blockage of the system due to blood clots. As we create negative pressure in the suction machine, we can directly suck out the blood clots and that can help prevent atonic postpartum haemorrhage, and thus present a real chance of saving the mother’s life," he added.
Creating an impact
Archit's father - Rahul Patil, a gynaecologist, calls it a life-saving device as it provides doctors with precise real-time measurements of blood loss, crucial for managing postpartum haemorrhage, especially within the critical 'golden hour.' "At present, there is no such prevalent method to measure blood loss. My son’s innovation will revolutionise the way post-delivery blood loss is monitored in clinical practice and reduce maternal mortality and morbidity," he had added.
In the last few years, the device has been used by over 50 hospitals across the country, and Archit is happy that his innovation is saving the lives of mothers. Moreover, the device doesn't add to the issue of medical waste as it can reused after autoclave and sterilisation.
Archit credits his parents for encouraging him in this journey of innovation. "From networking with professionals from their field to offering financial support needed to take my innovation from an idea to an actual product, they played a pivotal role," he said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTGJfHVtURc&t=51s
Keen to learn artificial intelligence, machine learning, and coding, the teenager wants to get into the best universities in the world. He believes it's important to work hard and push towards your goals. "This world needs to think of developing many more smart and sustainable solutions for a variety of problems."
His remarkable achievement at a young age epitomises the power of innovation and compassion. His invention of the PPH cup, designed to potentially save countless lives during childbirth, marks a significant leap forward in maternal healthcare. With his dedication and determination, Archit has not only demonstrated his talent but also his commitment to making a positive impact on the world. His story serves as an inspiration to young minds everywhere, reminding us that age is no barrier to making a difference and that even the simplest of ideas can have profound and life-saving implications.
(April 26, 2023) The growing concern around the arsenic contamination of groundwater has become a public health distress in recent years. So much so that the number of people affected by arsenic-contaminated water has meteorically gone up in more than 20 countries, including India and Bangladesh. It was these statistics that made Indian-American teen Ankush Dhawan comb through reams of research to come up with an innovative project - an advance and cost-effective method to test arsenic concentration in water - which made him one of the finalists at the Regeneron Science Talent Search award 2020. Not only has his research earned him a spot among the most promising young scientists in the United States, but it has also opened the door to a brighter future for millions of people at risk from arsenic-contaminated water. [caption id="attachment_29537" align="aligncenter" width="495"] Ankush Dhawan[/caption] Ankush's journey into the world of science began at a young age. Growing up in a family of engineers and doctors, he was surrounded by people who encouraged his curiosity and nurtured his love for learning. As a child, Ankush was fascinated by puzzles and riddles, which later translated into a passion for scientific research. It wasn't long before
uraged his curiosity and nurtured his love for learning. As a child, Ankush was fascinated by puzzles and riddles, which later translated into a passion for scientific research.
It wasn't long before Ankush's interests led him to explore the fields of chemistry and environmental science. When he learned about the devastating impact of arsenic contamination in water supplies, particularly in countries like India and Bangladesh, he felt compelled to address the issue. "Arsenic is a poisonous heavy metal that is found in drinking water all across the world. Over 130 million people have suffered from arsenic-contaminated water. I developed a method to test arsenic and quantify it at trace levels that is an improvement in cost and effectiveness over current tests methods,” the Global Indian said in a statement.
Ankush's project - An Improved Method for Trace Level Arsenic Quantification in Water - involved developing a method that was more sensitive, accurate, and cost-effective than existing techniques. His approach combined the use of gold nanoparticles with a unique surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique.
As arsenic is naturally present at hazardous concentrations in much of the world's groundwater, EPA US, recognising its adverse effects on human health, reduced the arsenic drinking water standard in 2006 from 50 ppb to 10 ppb. However, accurately measuring arsenic below 20 ppb requires water supply companies to use costly analytical techniques. Recognising his work, Regeneron Science Talent Search mentioned that by refining a previously developed method, Ankush was able to reduce the detection limit to 3.5 ppb. Moreover, to detect arsenic in remote areas, he developed a fast and portable visual test that, once commercialised, could be used to detect arsenic concentrations of about 50 ppb for less than one-tenth the cost of existing methods.
His dedication to his research has earned him numerous accolades and awards, including a spot in the top 40 finalists of the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2020 as well as the 2018 Top Young Scientist Award at the Hoosier Science and Engineering Fair.
In addition to his academic accomplishments, Ankush is an active member of his school's science club and chess clubs and has volunteered for Vanderburgh County’s Teen Court system. Moreover, he has an asteroid in the Milky Way galaxy named after him through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory. Ankush's enthusiasm for research and problem-solving has led him to mentor younger students interested in science and to conduct workshops on the importance of clean water and environmental conservation.
Ankush, who is currently an undergraduate student at Stanford University majoring in Electrical Engineering, credits his interest in engineering and the environment to his parents. He believes that science has the power to transform lives and that young scientists can make a meaningful impact on the world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owdfqIgg-uE
As a finalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Awards, Ankush has already made a mark on the scientific community. His research has the potential to revolutionise the way arsenic contamination is detected and managed in water supplies across the globe. He wants to economically commercialize his award-winning arsenic test kit once it is patented so that people suffering from arsenic contamination in developing countries can benefit from it. "I would like to potentially commercialize this in the future and get it out to the people who are suffering from arsenic contamination, in areas such as Bangladesh and India. Those are places where contamination is the worst," he said.
(June 18, 2023) Srushti Sudhir Jagtap, a 16-year-old student hailing from Latur in Maharashtra, etched her name in history by achieving a remarkable feat, shattering the previous Guinness record for the longest individual dance marathon. With an extraordinary duration of 127 hours, she surpassed the previous milestone of 126 hours established by Nepalese dancer Bandana Nepal five years back in 2018. “After dancing for five days straight, Srushti Sudhir Jagtap (India) has broken the record for the longest dance marathon by an individual,” reported the Guinness World Records (GWR) website. [caption id="attachment_31198" align="aligncenter" width="898"] Shrusti's record-breaking attempt[/caption] The youngster's record-breaking dance marathon started on the morning of May 29 and continued until the afternoon of June 3 at her school auditorium, where an enthusiastic crowd of supporters kept her spirits alive. Determined to break the record, the Latur teenager had held two practice sessions of non-stop 126 hours of dancing before making the official attempt. “Due to strong practice, I was familiar with all the changes in my mind and body, so I was calm and composed until the end,” Shrusti said. The youngster showcased the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India in her five-day-long performance. Perseverance and record-breaking performance
e Latur teenager had held two practice sessions of non-stop 126 hours of dancing before making the official attempt. “Due to strong practice, I was familiar with all the changes in my mind and body, so I was calm and composed until the end,” Shrusti said.
The youngster showcased the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India in her five-day-long performance.
Perseverance and record-breaking performance
Srushti’s remarkable journey as a dancer and record-breaker exemplifies her unyielding determination, passion, and patriotism.
From a young age, she displayed extraordinary talent and a profound admiration for Indian culture. Her aspiration to represent her country through dance motivated her to take on the formidable challenge of surpassing the record for the longest dance marathon. “I wanted to promote Indian culture,” the teen said.
To prepare herself physically, mentally, and spiritually for the dance marathon, she had been following an intense training regimen. Her daily routine included up to four hours of guided meditation, six hours of dance practice, and three hours of additional exercises.
As part of her preparation, she slept at 10 in the night and woke up at three in the morning every day for 15 months.
Finding support
It was under the guidance of her grandfather and the unwavering support of her parents that Srushti embarked on a rigorous training regimen, diligently preparing her mind and body for the awe-inspiring achievement that awaited her.
Her parents, Sudhir and Sanjivani Jagtap, who are both teachers, played a pivotal role in her journey. Looking at the extraordinary talent of their daughter, they had fostered the virtue of hard work since a young age so that she does well in what she loves the most.
Her grandfather, Baban Mane, also has a crucial role to play in the youngster’s feat. He taught her Yoga Nidra (Yogic sleep), a form of guided meditation, which helped Srushti to develop exceptional control over her mind and body. “It gave me control over sleep,” she said.
[caption id="attachment_31191" align="aligncenter" width="842"] Jampacked auditorium where people thronged to see her achieve the feat[/caption]
Years of training
Born in 2007, the teenager’s feat is the result of years of training combined with the support and encouragement of a nurturing family.
Shrusti has been dancing since a young age and has won many awards and accolades along the way including the Asia Book of Records for 24 hours nonstop Lavani (folk dance of Maharashtra) in 2021.
During the official dance marathon where she shattered the record, she captivated the audience with Kathak dance performances. Though the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as Shrusti was coming closer to her goal, there were moments when she felt exhausted. To keep her refreshed, her parents sprayed water on her face during the event from time to time.
“As per our guidelines for ‘longest marathon’ records, the participant is permitted a five-minute rest break for every continuous hour of activity. These rest breaks can be accumulated if not taken. They were the only times Srushti could sleep or use the bathroom during the attempt,” the GWR website mentioned.
The youngster used to take rest breaks at midnights using the time to nap or talk to her parents to refresh her mind.
Besides coffee, she did not take any stimulants to stay awake. “Coconut water and chocolates also helped me to stay fresh,” she remarked.
[caption id="attachment_31190" align="aligncenter" width="793"] Shrusti has won several awards and accolades since childhood for her dance performances[/caption]
Triumph over challenges
The dance marathon presented its fair share of challenges, especially on the final day, when the continuous dancing took its toll on Srushti's body. The physical and mental exhaustion became more evident. However, she persevered, maintaining an unwavering focus on her goal.
It was a mentally and physically demanding feat, nonetheless the dancer’s extensive practice and thorough preparation enabled her to stay composed and calm until the very end.
A student at Podar International School, Latur, Srushti Sudhir Jagtap peacefully slept for one whole day after achieving her goal.
Nikhat with Prime Minister, Narendra Modi[/caption]
Nikhat with K. T. Rama Rao, MA&UD Minister, Telangana[/caption]
Jampacked auditorium where people thronged to see her achieve the feat[/caption]
Shrusti has won several awards and accolades since childhood for her dance performances[/caption]