Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveA ‘stem’per of brilliance: These Indian-origin science whizzes win big at the US’ junior Nobel

A ‘stem’per of brilliance: These Indian-origin science whizzes win big at the US’ junior Nobel

Written by: Namrata Srivastava

(April 9, 2022) Proving President Joe Biden’s words, “Indian Americans are taking over the country,” right, several Indian-origin kids have been winning big at the Regeneron Science Talent Search every year. Also called the US’ Junior Nobel, several Indian-origin high school students have secured positions among the top 10 finalists at this STEM competition, which discovers the most innovative budding scientists. Inspired by compelling issues that cripple the pace of day-to-day life, these students have developed simple, unique, low-cost solutions for humankind.

Established in 1942 to recognise the best and brightest young scientists for demonstrating exceptional scientific leadership potential, Regeneron Science Talent Search, a programme of the Society for Science, is USA’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science and mathematics competition. Global Indian takes a look at five Indian-origin students, who have the potential to become scientists and innovators.

Neil Chowdhury, 18, Washington, US

An 18-year-old from Washington, Neil Chowdhury’s success in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2022 is inspiring. He finished fifth among the top 10 winners of the United States’ Junior Nobel in stem and received a cash award of $90,000 for his project, “Modeling the Effect of Histone Methylation on Chromosomal Organisation in Colon Cancer Cells,” an innovative computational method of studying the role of histones implicated in colon cancer.

Neil Chowdhury

The project he submitted to the Regeneron Science Talent Search shows that histone proteins cause changes to the way a long string of DNA loops and coils fit inside the nucleus of a cell. Explaining his project, Neil had earlier said that being able to simulate biological systems and develop models of 3D genome, can help us to better understand the inner workings of the cells.

In his experiment, Neil tried to replicate the method of modulating the DNA’s physical formation using molecular simulations of DNA polymers and coded the simulation in Python, an open-source programming language. His experiment shows that a modification of histone proteins can help with colon cancer by causing changes in the folding of DNA strings. Neil is exploring DNA, the basic building blocks of life, and will use the money to help pay tuition at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is currently studying at the Phillips Exeter Academy (New Hampshire) and has applied for Primes, a research programme offered to high school students by MIT.

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Pravalika Gayatri Putalapattu, 17, Virginia, US

Just 17 and already going places. Indian-American student, Pravalika Gayatri Putalapattu won the seventh place at the 2022 Regeneron Science Talent Search. Pravalika, a resident of Virginia, received a cash award of $70,000 for her project on real-time monitoring of laparoscopic surgeries. A student at the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Pravalika designed a video-assisted programme that uses machine learning to detect errors, if any, in surgical steps that doctors take in the operating room so that a corrective measure can be taken immediately.

“My programme was inspired by my cousin in India, who died of a preventable brain surgery complication,” Pravalika had shared during the competition, adding, “I wanted to create a tool that alleviates surgeons’ stress and helps them perform better in the operating room.”

Pravalika Gayatri Putalapattu

Pravalika started working on Dynamic Operating Room Companion (also known as DORC) in July 2020 and her goal was to reduce the potential for mistakes in gallbladder surgeries. Using machine learning, DORC analyses live surgery videos and tracks the movements of surgical tools, such as the acceleration and velocity in use. DORC uses this info to flag potential errors.

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Gopal Krishna Goel, 17, Portland, US

This 17-year-old from Portland, Oregon secured the fourth position at the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021. A homeschooled math genius, Gopal made it to the top 10 for his research on mathematical properties of random matrices, for which he received a $100,000 award. For his project, he made connections between two mathematical objects related to randomness and probability.

Speaking about his journey, Gopal shared during an earlier interview that homeschooling gave him the opportunity to explore the areas of study he loved at his own pace. His father piqued his interest in physics, and they started going through most of Halliday Resnick 2nd edition together. The young scientist believes that his work may be useful to the fields of nuclear physics, quantum field theory, and meteorology. He hopes that it will aid in the search for the true nature of quantum gravity, more commonly known as “the theory of everything.”

Gopal Krishna Goel

Gopal, who is currently pursuing his undergraduate in math, science, music, and philosophy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is confident that the award-winning research will play a key role in the field of meteorology, nuclear physics, and quantum field theory. His research is on the connection between randomness and probability.

The math genius was also a coach for the USA Physics and Math Olympiads and volunteers in the memory care unit of an assisted living facility. He also holds a Taekwondo black belt and enjoys performing Indian classical music.

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Alay Shah, 17, Texas, US

Among the top 10 winners of the 2021 Regeneron Science Talent Search, 17-year-old Alay Shah from Texas finished seventh and earned a $70,000 award for developing a possible low-cost alternative to MRIs. Through his research titled, “identifying eye-movement patterns in neurological disorders to assess cognitive and motor function,” Alay developed a tool to test eye movement as a low-cost, non-invasive method of quantifying deep brain function. He wrote the software, built the hardware, and conducted clinical testing on dementia, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and ADHD patients.

On knowing that injured footballers are immediately taken for an eye check-up to find concussions, Alay started working on the idea of using abnormal eye movements for accurate detection of several neurological disorders. During a session with the media, Alay, who is currently studying computer science and cognitive science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, had shared that he is a big believer in project-based learning. And that he took a look at the current eye-tracking standard, and used a combination of a set of intelligent algorithms to redefine the technique at its core.

Alay Shah

A resident of Plano, Alay has integrated into the device an infrared camera that uses his coded software. The device also uses deep learning algorithms to analyse and interpret the data on pupil movement. He has already tested the tool successfully on 200 patients.

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Indrani Das, 21, New Jersey, US

Currently pursuing a degree in chemical and physical biology at Harvard University, Indrani Das took home the top prize of $250,000 for her winning project focused on brain injury at the 2017 Regeneron Science Talent Search. By manipulating astrocytes, a type of supporting brain cell in an injury model, Indrani worked to promote neuron repair.

Indrani Das

A contributor to neuron death is astrogliosis, a condition that occurs when cells called astrocytes react to injury by growing, dividing, and reducing their uptake of glutamate, which in excess is toxic to neurons. In a laboratory model, Indrani showed that exosomes isolated from astrocytes transfected with microRNA-124a both improved astrocyte uptake of glutamate and increased neuron survival. Explaining her research, Das said that when Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, or a traumatic injury affects the brain, the neurons, which are the main signal cells of the brain, are killed. Next, the supporting cells – astrocytes – that are supposed to nurture and protect the neurons, go awry and create a toxic chemical environment, poisoning the neurons.

Though Indrani comes from a family of bankers, she decided to take a very different path. Sharing how her family’s journey helped her win the award, Indrani had said that her parents worked full-time day jobs while securing additional degrees by night, and saved religiously for over a decade before her birth to give Indrani a quality education.

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Published on 09, Apr 2022

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America’s Documented Dreamers: Pareen Mhatre leads charge for immigration reform

(October 10, 2024) As her twenty-first birthday grew closer, Pareen Mhatre began to panic. An accomplished STEM student at the University of Iowa, Pareen would call her parents, who also live in Iowa City and cry, overcome with worry about her future in the US. This was back in 2021 and Pareen's life has since been an unending flurry of visa applications and waiting on tenterhooks for the next portion of her stay to be approved by authorities. This sounds like the life of any foreign student in the US, and the anticipated stresses of going from an F1 (student) visa to a coveted H-1B. Pareen, however, has lived in the US since she was four months old. A midwesterner through and through, Pareen is one of around 200,000 youngsters all facing self-deportation, and being compelled to return to countries of origin that are completely alien to them. This is the story of America's Documented Dreamers - the children of immigrant who have entered the country on long term visas like H4, L2, E2, who fell through the cracks in a work visa policy that has not yet taken them into account. So, instead of landing the internships and living

ternships and living her best lifeon campus, Pareen is familiarising herself with the proverbial alphabet soup of visa categories to be able to stay on the country she calls home.

Long way home

"I have been in constant fear for the past five years," Pareen said at the House Judiciary Hearing in 2021. "Over the past 21 years my parents and I have received help and love from this country but our hearts break when we think of my immigration status." Although the US is the only place she has ever really called home, she says, "I am treated as a foreign student, on par with newly-arrived international students." After the 'ageing out' in April 2021, she applied for the F1 student visa and spent the interim in the States on a B2 visitor visa, which didn't allow her to take classes or apply for internships.

Every year, the visa policy decides the fates of thousands, who are compelled to self-deport or if they stay on, do so as illegals. Pareen Mhatre is among a handful who have found an avenue to spread awareness and has also testified before Congress at a House Judiciary Hearing, hoping to shed more light on the size and scale of the problem. It's a forgotten part of the American Dream, where immigrants make their way to the US to build a better life for themselves, but don't foresee the impact it will have on their children. She and her family discovered Improve The Dream, an organisation started by Canadian Dip Patel, which acts as a platform for children of documented immigrants. Pareen has not allowed the fear of self-deportation to overwhelm her – she is a strong voice for Documented Dreamers, has testified before the US Senate, been named in Teen Vogue’s 21 Under 21 and made sure that her cause resonates among the political class.

A Midwesterner through and through

"What I know of India is purely from trips to see my grandparents. This is my home. I'm a midwesterner," she said, during her address." Pareen was four months old when she first arrived in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her parents. Shortly after, they moved to Iowa, where they studied at the University of Iowa on student visas. Pareen's mother, Sampada Mhatre, holds master's degrees in German, educaitonal psychology and business administration and works as an instructional services manager at the UI College of Nursing. Her father, Girish Mhatre, has a master's in computer science and is a senior application developer for UI Hospitals. Their visa processes were handled by the University itself and Pareen was listed as a dependent on her mum's visa.

Growing up, Pareen was aware that wasn't a citizen, but didn't really understand what that meant until the time came. Iowa City was home in every way - "I learned how to ride a bike about a mile from my current home. I have attended kindergarten through high school in the Iowa City Community School District," she told the Des Moines Register. She learned to read at the Iowa City Public Library and when she grew older, became a volunteer there. She also volunteered at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and witnessed first hand the "top-tier care" that staff were providing. She represented Iowa City West High at STEM and student journalism competitions at the national and state levels, bringing home several individual and team awards. At school, she served as the newspaper's online managing editor and photo editor and as a member of the student senate for three years, as well as on the principal's advisory committee. Now, Pareen studies biomedical engineering at UI, a sector that is full of opportunities for great social change through the integration of technology and healthcare.

The Documented Dreamers

Interestingly, she is not alone even in this respect. A large number of Documented Dreamers are high performers and STEM graduates, many from Asia, born to parents who living in the US on work visas. "At least 10,000 Documented Dreamers are ordered to self-deport every year," says Dip Patel, founder of Improve The Dream. Pareen found a ray of hope when she discovered Improve the Dream, and has become an integral part of the platform since. And all the while, the Global Indian is fighting for the right to live in the country she has always called home.

As her 21st birthday approached, Pareen applied for an F-1 student visa, along with a B-2, which is 'bridge' visa for visitors. The latter wouldn't allow her to either study or work, but at least it would keep her there until her student visa arrived. And surprisingly, actually having grown up in the US could hinder her case for a student visa, because she is unable to show ties to her country of birth. Her F-1 visa did come through and she will remain in the US until she graduates, after which she will join the long queue of immigrants from around the globe waiting for a H-1B.

Stuck in limbo

The family did get in line for a Green Card in 2012, which also involves a decades-long wait that might not ever end. The wait for Indian nationals is anywhere between 39 and 89 years due to visa caps and backogs. The process has left Pareen struggling - "I have been diagnosed with clinical depression and Generalised Anxiety Disorder," she said, in her hearing.

High-performing children of documented immigrants are the only ones stuck in this limbo. Back in 2014, President Obama establised DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. However, this was designed only to help individuals who entered the US as minors without legal permission. They are given temporary protection from deportation and can work legally in the US for two years with the possibility of renewal. However, DACA failed to account for children of legal immigrants. As Pareen's mother, Sampada, pointed out in an interview, "We did everything right, and yet here we are."

In 2021, Pareen, who was in Washington to testify at the House Judiciary Committee hearing, meet with US Representative Miller-Meeks, an Ottumwa Republican. The efforts of activists like Dip Patel and Pareen Mhatre, along with political support, have resulted in the proposed American Dream and Promise Act of 2023, which will give people like Pareen some relief. It would allow people who moved to the US as dependents who have lived in the US for 10 years and graduated from a higher education institution, to obtain permanent residency.

Hope on the horizon

But all is not lost. The efforts of activists like Dip Patel and Pareen Mhatre, along with political support, have resulted in the proposed American Dream and Promise Act of 2023, which will give people like Pareen some relief. Pareen Mhatre has become a symbol of hope and resilience for immigrants in the US, who are constantly facing the threat of their families being torn apart after decades spent contributing to the country. She has channeled her anxiety into advocacy and continues to excel both as a student and as a mamber of her community.

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NYC dancer Jainil Mehta twirls into millions of hearts with the #MenInSkirts Campaign”

(September 14, 2023) How many of us are comfortable with dancing in public? And how many would do so without inhibition, to break gender stereotypes for art? 23-year-old Jainil Mehta has captivated Instagram, thanks not only due to his great dance moves but also because of his fashion choices! He has taken the streets of New York by storm, matching his steps to Bollywood numbers, and rocking them in colourful skirts. Mehta’s dance to Jume Re Gori from Gangubai Kathiawadi went viral with over 17 million views, while many of his reels including Saami Saami from Pushpa were widely appreciated. Mehta’s journey is much more than making an Instagram reel. It is about living a dream, shedding centuries old stereotypes and inspiring others to follow their passion, no matter the hurdles on the way. That he gets a million likes in the process is an added bonus! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jainil Mehta (@jainil_dreamtodance) Dancing star Jainil Mehta had quite a sheltered life due to health concerns which restricted his activities and diet. “Despite my initial shyness as a child, I never compromised on my deep-seated love for dance, which has been a

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Dancing star

Jainil Mehta had quite a sheltered life due to health concerns which restricted his activities and diet. “Despite my initial shyness as a child, I never compromised on my deep-seated love for dance, which has been a significant part of my life from a young age.” he recalls, in an interview with Global Indian.

At 18, the youngster relocated to the United States to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance at the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, part of the University of Southern California. Subsequently, he moved to New York City to work with the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, specializing in Contemporary dance styles. Currently, I am a freelance dancer, performer, teacher, and choreographer.

From Garba nights to the Glorya Kaufman School

As a Gujarati, Navratri has always held a special place in Mehta’s heart. “The festival's vibrant colors, richness, and the joy of Garba have consistently appealed to me. My dance journey began at the age of 5 when my mother enrolled me in Garba Folk Dance classes.” he reminiscences. He later transitioned to Shiamak Davar International, where he spent 12 years honing his skills in ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, and Bollywood.

One memory which puts a smile to the dancer’s face is recalling the times in his childhood, when he often put on living room performances for my family. He smiles, “I distinctly remember one performance where, in the middle of a twirl, I lifted one of my skirts above my head, holding it with my hands. My grandfather was so delighted that he gave me 500 rupees. This skirt performance was fueled by my fascination for skirts.”

[caption id="attachment_33068" align="aligncenter" width="602"] Jainil Mehta[/caption]

Embracing his true self

However, as Mehta grew older, he felt some uneasiness and insecurity about dancing in a skirt. It wasn't until he moved to New York in 2021 that he embraced wearing skirts again for his dance performances. “My first adult performance in a skirt was, fittingly, a Garba performance dedicated to Navratri, focusing on the theme of unified love transcending gender boundaries.” he shares.

The concept for his first video came during Navratri, when he wanted to show the love between Radha and Krishna as one. In the video there are two guys wearing skirts and Mehta was one of them. “You cannot identify who is Radha and Krishna. And that was the whole magic of that.” he notes. That video birthed his popular dance series #MenInSkirts.

Blurring boundaries

Twirling in brightly coloured skirts, Jainil Mehta has chosen the garment as his signature outfit. “I chose skirts for their flowing and graceful qualities. When I dance, the skirt acts like wings, adding a beautiful texture to my movements with its flares.” he says. He picks up skirts based on multiple criteria - the song he is performing, the vibe of the music and the texture of the garment.

When Mehta first started performing in public places wearing a skirt, he was quite apprehensive about people's reactions. Therefore, his initial skirt dance videos were shot in a studio, even though people would ultimately view them on Instagram. He says, “However, my love for outdoor performances gradually made me more carefree about dancing in public while wearing a skirt. Building confidence took time, but I now relish the experience, despite occasional challenges like traffic and weather conditions. Dancing in a natural environment is truly exhilarating for me.”

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A post shared by Jainil Mehta (@jainil_dreamtodance)

Emerging stronger

With his videos garnering millions of views, not all reactions are positive. There are homophobic comments as well as those who belittle the dancer. Mehta’s reaction is matter-of-fact and he says, “While I have encountered negative and hateful comments more recently, I choose to focus on the positive feedback and consider these negative comments as distractions. Many people draw inspiration from my choice, which fuels my determination to keep going.”

The artist’s biggest challenge initially was reaching his audience effectively. He states, “There were periods when my videos struggled to reach the intended viewers. Over time, I've learned that conveying my message in various ways can resonate with the audience.”

His confidence is evident as one scrolls down his social media feed. He appears more comfortable, in sync with his passion and at ease with the camera. Even the content has transformed – while initially, it primarily revolved around dancing, now he shares insights into his life, preferences, attire, and experiences.

Exploring the profound through art

Ask him why he does what he does and Mehta says, “If even one person is influenced by my journey, I am eager to share it.” A dedicated workaholic, his passion for dancing has been a constant driving force throughout his life and his current focus is to travel and establish a professional dance education program in India that higher education opportunities for students pursuing dance as a career.

[caption id="attachment_33069" align="aligncenter" width="683"] Jainil Mehta in NYC[/caption]

Fueled by passion and creative, Mehta’s journey is an inspiration. Navigating life's challenges, seeking truth and self-realization, his medium of expression is a profound exploration not only for himself but for his millions of viewers.

His advice to youngsters who want to follow their dreams? With passion, it's crucial to maintain a degree of dispassion to develop compassion. Continue doing what you love and invest in your training. Turning your dreams into reality is not a mere fantasy; it's a goal you can actively work towards achieving.

Follow Jainil Mehta on Instagram

Reading Time: 5 mins

Crafting victory: Badminton player Chirag Shetty wishes to have a room full of medals

(March 12, 2024) A few years back, when an interviewer asked Chirag Shetty what was his future goal, the Indian badminton player had replied, "Currently, my target is to become the World No.1, and I know that I and my partner (Satwiksairaj Rankireddy) can achieve that if we continue to play as well as we did in the Indonesia Open." And just yesterday, the 26-year-old joined the exclusive ranks of the only doubles pair from India to achieve the prestigious World No. 1 position in the BWF World Ranking. So, now what? "My ultimate target is to win a medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics," quipped Chirag, during the press conference. Known to be the first Indian to win a gold at the Asian games in badminton, Chirag has been working towards just one goal, for the last seven years. "A couple of years down the line when I retire, I want to have a room filled with all the big medals that badminton has to offer,' said the player, adding, "My ambition is to have a medal in all prestigious events, including the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and world tour finals." [caption id="attachment_49908" align="aligncenter" width="552"] Chirag Shetty (right)

is to have a medal in all prestigious events, including the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and world tour finals."

[caption id="attachment_49908" align="aligncenter" width="552"] Chirag Shetty (right) and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy with their former coach Tan Kim Her.[/caption]

Alongside his partner, Chirag has been making waves in the badminton scene, clinching victories at the Indonesia Open, Asia Championships, Swiss Open, Korea Open, and the most recent French Open 2024. "The key was to be steady," said Chirag talking about a difficult match he had with his Chinese opponents - Lee Jhe-Huei and Yang Po-Hsuan, adding, "They can be quite a formidable pair. They play some really attacking badminton. So you need to keep your calm. We knew that they would come all guns blazing. But we had to stick to our plan and that's what we did."

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Rising star

Born and raised in Mumbai in a Tulu family, Chirag was always inclined towards outdoor sports. While he always participated in various sports activities in school, a real turn came in his life when his father took him to the Uday Pawar Badminton Academy. The young badminton player first held the racket and completely fell in love with the sport. "I started playing badminton at the age of seven under Manish Hadkar. Initially, I started playing just as recreation but gradually when I started winning tournaments, my interest grew," shared the player, adding, "After completing my 10th standard I chose it as a career option. After passing my 10th standard, I had to choose between science and commerce and I opted for the latter because I wouldn’t have been able to continue playing badminton if I had taken science."

[caption id="attachment_49907" align="aligncenter" width="552"] Chirag Shetty with Prime Minister Narendra Modi[/caption]

The young player later moved to the Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad, where he crossed paths with his current partner, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy. Although he was initially paired with Arjun MR, the team coach, Tan Kim Her, recognised the potential of uniting two tall, strong players with impressive skills to form a formidable doubles pair. "It was one of the best decisions to pair with Satwiksairaj. We are now adept at adapting to a given situation, and our responses in a crisis have been effective. Satwik is a very calm and composed guy, ensuring the pressure doesn’t build up. We complement each other pretty well with a clear strategy going into a match,” Chirag said of his partnership.

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Heightened horizons

Although they have been partners since 2015, the world witnessed the true strength of this duo only in 2018, when they played a crucial role in earning India a historic gold medal in the mixed team event at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Chirag also won the men's doubles silver with his partner. "That was an interesting year," the young player shared, "We won our first big badminton tournament, the Hyderabad Open, by beating an Indonesian pair named Akbar Bintang Cahyono and Muhammad Reza Pahlevi Isfahani in the final." Since then, the Global Indian has won several titles, including the BWF World Tour, Thailand Open, Swiss Open, and India Open.

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All set to represent India at the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024, Chirag is confident that he will be able to bag a medal with his consistent performance in the last couple of years. "We have had some brilliant games, and would like to replicate the performances," said the player, adding, "Our first target will be to make the quarter-finals in whichever tournament we play and if we do reach the quarters then we will take one match at a time."

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Reading Time: 6 mins

Global Kitchen: International food influencers spicing up their pages with desi flavours

(December 12, 2023) Whether it's a simple dal-khichdi or an extravagant biryani, the harmonious fusion of Indian spices has always been a culinary marvel. For years, iconic Indian dishes like butter chicken, dal makhani, and garlic naan graced the global stage. However, in today's age of social media and cooking shows, the representation of Indian flavours has expanded far beyond these classics. The diverse flavours of regional Indian cuisines have now captivated global audiences, thanks to the expertise of several culinary influencers on Instagram. The growing popularity of veganism has also played a significant role in elevating Indian cuisine's global appeal. Many traditional Indian dishes are inherently vegan or can be easily adapted to meet vegan preferences. Global Indian explores the world of international Instagram food influencers who may not hail from India, but their profound love for Indian cuisine knows no bounds. Beryl Shereshewsky (@shereshe) One of the most unique Instagram food bloggers, Beryl Shereshewsky is a New York-based creator who wears multiple hats as a producer, writer, and videographer. Her content spans various series, one of which is 'Dishes Around The World.' In this series, she takes everyday ingredients like tea, coffee, and eggs, and recreates five recipes

Beryl Shereshewsky (@shereshe)

One of the most unique Instagram food bloggers, Beryl Shereshewsky is a New York-based creator who wears multiple hats as a producer, writer, and videographer. Her content spans various series, one of which is 'Dishes Around The World.' In this series, she takes everyday ingredients like tea, coffee, and eggs, and recreates five recipes from different countries, all suggested by her followers.

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Beryl's Instagram following is impressive, with over 174k followers. One of her recent and highly popular series was 'Eating the Alphabet in India: A to Z,' which she filmed in New Delhi, India. This series featured a wide range of traditional Indian dishes and snacks, including packaged foods, along with their historical backgrounds. Moreover, this influencer's channel frequently showcases Indian recipes, such as paneer biryani and mutta chaya (egg tea), which are unique and specific to certain regions in India. Interestingly, she's married to an Indian, which likely adds to her love for desi cuisine!

Jake Dryan (@plantfuture)

In today's digital age, a rising number of young Indians are discovering their passion for cooking, thanks to Instagram sensation Jake Dryan - known to his followers as @plantfuture. One of the few food influencers, who is strictly vegan, Jake's innovative plant-based approach to Indian cuisine has garnered significant attention, shining a spotlight on authentic recipes from local Indian kitchens.

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Based in the UK, this food influencer boasts an impressive 1.4M followers on Instagram. His channel features a captivating series that delves into the diverse culinary traditions of India, highlighting recipes from each of the country's states. Thus far, he has already shared delectable dishes from 11 different states. From the tangy khatti dal of Hyderabad to Odisha's flavourful ghanta tarkari, his recipes have received not only international acclaim but also earned praise from the very regions in India where these dishes originate. Jake's culinary journey serves as an inspiration for both Indian and global audiences, igniting a newfound love for Indian home cooking.

Maya Leinenbach (@fitgreenmind)

Hailing from Germany, Maya Leinenbach is a passionate vegan who demonstrates how simple it can be to enjoy plant-based meals from all around the globe. Her recipe collection spans various cuisines, including Southeast Asian, German, American, and even Indian. She skillfully uses ingredients like chickpeas, tofu, and vegan cream to bring out the delightful flavours of these cuisines.

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With an impressive Instagram following of 3.1 million, this youthful food blogger not only shares individual Indian recipes but also dedicates entire weeks to showcasing Indian cuisine. From the mouthwatering pav bhaji of Maharashtra to the delectable Amritsari kulcha from Punjab, her array of offerings is boundless and can instantly transport you to your favourite Indian state.

Cheyenne Singh (@cheysingh)

Cheyenne's last name, 'Singh,' is a nod to her Punjabi husband, and she's making waves on Instagram with her hit series, 'Lunch For My Husband.' In this heartwarming series, she shows what tasty meals she prepares for her husband , all while bravely confronting racist and negative comments that sometimes pop up on her feed.

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A post shared by Cheyenne (@cheysingh)

When it comes to cooking, Cheyenne is all about sharing delightful recipes from both India and America. Whether it's her Indian-inspired chicken curry or the tasty desi chinese hakka noodles, her flavours have won the hearts of her 167k-strong audience. Cheyenne's culinary journey is a testament to love, delicious food, and standing up against negativity in the online world.

Jennifer Pallian (@foodess)

Jennifer Pallian, a food blogger and writer on Instagram, is all about sharing "tried-and-true comfort recipes." Hailing from the USA, she brings the flavours of the world to her followers, whether it's gochujang chicken or potato-seafood chowder.

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A post shared by Jennifer Pallian, BSc RD (@foodess)

With a robust following of 193k fans, her channel is a treasure trove of recipes that include chicken biryani, garlic naan, and samosas, all of which have become fan favourites. Her approach to Indian cuisine is easy to follow, making it a hit among both Indian and international audiences. Interestingly, she's married to an Indian, which could be a big reason why her social media feed reflects her deep love for Indian cuisine. Jennifer's food journey is a delightful mix of comfort and international flavours that brings smiles to food lovers worldwide.

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Transcendental prodigy: 70 world records, three honorary doctorates and 200 awards – K Prisha is the youngest yoga guru of the visually impaired

(July 20, 2022) Thirteen-year-old K Prisha is often addressed as "Dr Prisha" in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, and rightly so. The prodigy has been honoured with not just one but three honorary doctorates for her spectacular achievements in yoga and social service — from the University of Jerusalem Medical College & Hospitals, Vellore (2019), Indian Empire University, Chennai (2021), and World Tamil University of USA (2021). [caption id="attachment_19534" align="aligncenter" width="599"] K Prisha, yoga prodigy[/caption] In 2018 and again in 2019, Prisha brought home the gold in the international yoga championships held in Mayalsia and Thailand. She’s also the youngest yoga teacher for the blind and has been certified by the NCPCR, government of India and holds up to 70 world records for a plethora of skills – yoga, swimming, blind-folded cycling, skating, ambidextrous writing, solving the Rubik’s Cube, Aqua Yoga and more. Global University, Missouri, USA, recognised Prisha as the youngest person to hold the maximum number of world records. This little bundle of talent has even written a book, Yoga Indrae Seivom Inbum Peruvom, in Tamil, highlighting the benefits of the 5,000-year-old ancient Indian therapy to prevent and cure three common diseases – diabetes, asthma, and blood pressure. [caption id="attachment_19535" align="aligncenter" width="831"] Prisha's room-full of awards[/caption] Such

recognised Prisha as the youngest person to hold the maximum number of world records. This little bundle of talent has even written a book, Yoga Indrae Seivom Inbum Peruvom, in Tamil, highlighting the benefits of the 5,000-year-old ancient Indian therapy to prevent and cure three common diseases – diabetes, asthma, and blood pressure.

[caption id="attachment_19535" align="aligncenter" width="831"] Prisha's room-full of awards[/caption]

Such is her command of yoga therapy that people in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry flock to her for treatment and workshops. "Yoga improves immunity, stamina, and focus." I have been doing it since I was one-year-old, "Prisha tells Global Indian. It has helped her "get superpowers," she says, claiming she can "bend a spoon if I want by looking at it (telekinesis)." She’s so attuned to her senses and surroundings that she can ride a bicycle or cook blindfolded.

I can body scan for healing diseases and also make future predictions with the deep focus that I have attained from yoga and meditation - K Prisha

Teacher and healer who is sought by many

The youngster, who has an impressive collection of over 200 medals, awards, and certificates that she bagged in state-wide, national, and international competitions and events, teaches yoga every day to the visually-challenged. She has also been teaching the elderly in old age homes, and NCC cadets, apart from conducting numerous workshops for people from different walks of life. With her guidance, visually challenged students have found a drastic improvement in their eyesight. Schoolkids have also enhanced their focus, and the elderly and those who suffered from COVID-19 are able to lead healthier lives. One of her visually impaired students even went on to break a world record in yoga.

[caption id="attachment_19541" align="aligncenter" width="654"] Prisha with her visually impaired students[/caption]

It all started at home...

Yoga flows in the family. Since Prisha's mother, G Devi Priya, a lawyer by qualification and a yoga teacher by passion, was deeply seeped in it, the prodigy started showing interest in it when she was just one year old. She could do some asanas even before she could walk. The legacy starts with her grandmother, who is a professor of Yoga in Pondicherry. So far, Devi Priya has been her first and only guru, under whose guidance the teen has made extraordinary achievements.

Despite being a gold-medalist in law and MSc in naturopathy and yoga, Devi Priya has been completely focused on managing her multi-talented daughter’s schedules, travelling with her for workshops and competitions.

Her father, Karthik Rajendran, is a businessman and sports enthusiast who has inspired Prisha to excel in sports and martial arts like tennis and karate. At the age of seven, she participated in state and national level crossbow shooting and won gold medal in both. The multi-talented teen has a blue belt in karate and has won several competitions in it as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfkTKEO3Gz0

However, the love for yoga surpasses all. "I want to become a doctor of naturopathy and spread awareness of yoga throughout the world," says the teenager, who has been invited as a judge at the National Youth Festival conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and as chief guest to an event at Nehru Yuva Kendra, a Government of India entity. The youngster’s list of achievements never seems to end. She has been invited to several television programmes covering her extraordinary talent, and has been leaving people awestruck with her ability to instantly choreograph any dance number while possessing a great ear for music.

Yoga for a good life

The standard eight student of Meena Shankar Vidyalaya School, Tirunelveli, looks at her passion to teach yoga as a vehicle of the common good, so that even the vulnerable, like the differently-abled, can benefit and lead a wholesome life. Her dream is impressive — to adopt a village and teach yoga to everyone there.

[caption id="attachment_19546" align="aligncenter" width="847"] Prisha participating in a yoga competition, a few years ago[/caption]

In August 2022, the golden girl of yoga will be heading to Malaysia for a 16-day workshop organised by the Malaysian Association for the Blind. In the same month, she will be travelling to Dubai to receive the Global Child Prodigy award, which will be conferred to 99 other youngsters from across the globe.

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