Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveA ‘voter-gait’ to create true democracy: Lawyer-activist Chaitanya Prabhu raps for rights

A ‘voter-gait’ to create true democracy: Lawyer-activist Chaitanya Prabhu raps for rights

Written by: Amrita Priya

(April 1, 2022) In 2018 while searching the internet for a new (coloured) voter id, Chaitanya Prabhu discovered that all the processes to register and upgrade were simple and swift. Yet, enquiring if his friends had their new and improved voter id, he was shocked to learn that many had not even registered to vote, and thus were unaware of the simple online process. It left him flabbergasted.

Determined to help his friends get a voter id done, he started a movement. “What started as a small action slowly took the shape of the Mark Your Presence campaign. By word of mouth the information spread, and many people started approaching me for their voter ids,” says Chaitanya in a conversation with Global Indian. The campaign evolved as a result of what people wanted. The need came from the masses and his movement gained impetus. It became so impactful that the Mumbai-based 23-year-old advocate at the Bombay High Court was awarded the UN India Award and Diana Award 2021 for his humanitarian efforts. For the then law student starting such a campaign in 2018, has reaped great rewards.

Voter id | Lawyer-activist | Chaitanya Prabhu | Global Indian

Chaitanya Prabhu, lawyer-activist, founder of Mark Your Presence

Lighting up young minds

His dedication didn’t escape the notice of the chief electoral officer, state election commission of Maharashtra and chief electoral officer of Delhi. They offered full support to Chaitanya’s non-profit and non-partisan organisation. Currently doing a master’s in public policy at St Xavier’s College, Chaitanya gained an insight into how policies are framed. The lawyer-activist addresses his two awards as “extreme light in the darkness.” Since he began, he has mobilised more than 26,000 youngsters to take their first steps towards being responsible citizens of a democracy. Today, Mark Your Presence has 430 volunteers, and 25 core team members.

Honoured to have been recognised with the highest accolade a young person can achieve for social action or humanitarian efforts, The Diana Award.
Thanks to the Diana Foundation for giving me this platform and the opportunity to be part of the Diana family @DianaAward #dianaaward pic.twitter.com/xBlxwRkwxc

— Chaitanya Prabhu चैतन्य प्रभु (@chaitanyavotes) June 28, 2021

“Mark your Presence also offers a leadership fellowship, where we train young people (between 16 and 22) to take part in strengthening the Indian democratic system, and turn every institution into a voter-friendly campus. Selected after diligent screening, they become part of our forum – a certificate and letter of recommendation from the election commission of Maharashtra,” says Chaitanya.

An activist soul

The lawyer-activist has visited top schools and colleges in Mumbai and Delhi for seminars and speeches to empower the youth to become politically aware voters, and choose representatives well – echoing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “I want to reduce the huge gap that lies between the young population and the people’s representatives so they make informed choices to make our country leap ahead with the right leadership,” says Chaitanya who is also a national level athlete.

Winning mantra

An athlete, winning is ingrained in him, and so is perseverance. His sporty side played a large role in shaping this young activist. “I might be seen as a young person with full access to the election commission of Maharashtra but that has come after four years of slogging to prove my mettle,” smiles the young activist, adding, “Wading through bureaucracy hasn’t been easy.”

The founder of Mark Your Presence has represented Maharashtra in track and field events (400 meters) at nationals, and has won DSO national, open national and AISM national championships.

Chaitanya with his grand-father

Incidentally, Chaitanya’s grandfather, MH Prabhu, who passed away a couple of months ago at the age of 101, has been his biggest inspiration. “He was a freedom fighter. My passion to make people aware of democracy and be conscious about their rights comes from him. Having grown up in his presence, it was impossible to remain untouched by the values he stood for, that led him to fight for our Independence; playing a crucial role in the nation’s history. I learned about rights from him,” says the doting grandson.

The extra mile…

“After having helped thousands register, I have come to see that it’s not enough. It led me to start educating the youth about the basics of the Constitution and how they cannot ignore their duty,” Chaitanya explains. Though he is compelled to admit that there is much more to be done.

His Youth Manifesto movement stems from this believe – to ignite young minds and encourage collaboration among long-time youth advocates, environmentalists, activists and emerging leaders. “We want the voices of the young people to be heard by those who matter,” Chaitanya remarks. Rampant discussion on topics that matter, Chaitanya helps these ideas reach changemakers. The team has been working on the manifesto for the past six months and expects it to be ready by May. The movement gained further momentum when Navya Naveli Nanda, the entrepreneur granddaughter of Amitabh Bachchan, and Malhar Kamble, founder of Beach Please joined Chaitanya.

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A post shared by chaitanya prabhu (@chaitanya_prabhu)

His idea is that the youth manifesto reaches relevant ministries, BMC commissioner and CM of Maharashtra. From working on the ground, reaching slums, high-rises, he feels everyone wants their aspirations addressed, “We as voters are given manifestoes but not asked about ours. My idea is to involve youth in creating a list of expectations and putting it forward,” he adds.

His larger aim is to increase the number of voter registrations, educate voters, and soar up the voter turnout. “I intend to keep scaling the initiatives,” says the idealist who inadvertently created micro-targeted campaigns like “art for right,” “rap for rights,” “speak for rights” and “she votes.” “Convincing is a difficult job, it requires patience but I never give up on this path of fighting unawareness,” Chaitanya signs off.

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Published on 01, Apr 2022

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Joy Agrawal: Diana awardee making STEM education and entrepreneurship accessible to the underprivileged

(July 14, 2023) "I was over the moon," says Joy Agrawal, the teenager who found himself on the Diana Award 2023 winners list. The 17-year-old from Nagpur is making a difference with Project Gyan, an initiative that was birthed in 2020 to help impart practical STEM education to underprivileged kids. Three years in, the changemaker is keen to revolutionise the world through space technology, global education, and global studies. "More than validation, Diana Award is a motivation for me. What we do is different and amazing, and I strive to find solutions through space technology, engineering, and policy," Joy tells Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_31874" align="aligncenter" width="562"] Joy Agrawal is the founder of Project Gyan[/caption] Project Gyan - that changed it all Project Gyan seeks to mentor students in STEM and help them develop curiosity and long-lasting interest in asking the big questions. Joy was all of 13 when he had an epiphany while sitting for the Homi Bhaba exam in 2019 - the underprivileged students have no access to practical labs. A thought that kept him awake for weeks. He understood his privilege of having access to all the resources, while the disadvantaged had no money to even order science

l of 13 when he had an epiphany while sitting for the Homi Bhaba exam in 2019 - the underprivileged students have no access to practical labs. A thought that kept him awake for weeks. He understood his privilege of having access to all the resources, while the disadvantaged had no money to even order science kits. This problem found a solution in Project Gyan. "It's an effort to help quality STEM education reach the young minds through practical and application-based education, focusing on the underprivileged children," adds the changemaker.

But in the last year, Project Gyan underwent restructuring, making it the world's first decentralised STEM and entrepreneurship exploratory. "It's like a lab where you can go explore anything and everything," reveals Joy, for whom explorative education is the focus. He partnered with Padma Shri Dr Prakash Amte's Lok Biradri Prakalp and Bridge The Gap Foundation to help educate rural and tribal kids through workshops and unconventional experiments. "We have a different perspective on experimentation. We mostly use things that are available in the kitchen, making it easier for kids to understand things. We don't just focus on Chemistry but the Physics behind the experiment."

Along with STEM education, Project Gyan has expanded its mission to entrepreneurship by exposing the elderly in rural and tribal areas of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh to practical entrepreneurial education and converting them into nano-entrepreneurs. Project Gyan is currently working with the Bharia tribe from Madhya Pradesh which still uses a barter system to make ends meet. "Since they are poor and don't use any currency, they log wood from the valley of Patalkot, thus negatively impacting the environment. So we intervened and now teach them sellable skills like painting, pottery, clay art, and candle making, thus helping them make products and sell them," adds the changemaker.

In partnership with Patalkot Tribal Community Welfare Organisation and Serendipity Lakes and Resorts in Tamia, Madhya Pradesh, Project Gyan is helping the women of Dhundi Shekhar, a village in Tamia, to make Kulhad Battis (candles in small pots), aiming to equip them with skills necessary to create and sell these candles. "The final products are sent to the Serendipity Lakes and Resorts where they are put on display for the visitors, who eventually end up buying the products, thus helping these women earn a livelihood," reveals Joy, adding that according to the 2011 National Innovation Report over one lakh, unique inventions were made by tribals across India, something that's still not known to the public. "I understood that rural and tribal people are jugaadu (make shifter) in India, and I wanted to empower such people through Project Gyan so that they learn to market and sell their innovations." He credits his core team - Gurleen Batra, Mehak Chokhani, Tanmay Agrawal, Prisha Prasad, Pranjal Prasad and Sonit Sisolekar - for their hardwork and determination in making Project Gyan a success.

Love for space tech

The Bareilly-born is a space tech enthusiast who has always been fascinated by the outer world. However, it was a telescope gifted by his parents that piques his interest. "For a year, I'd sit every day gazing at the stars or looking at the asteroids. But with time, it became less frequent. However, lockdown changed it as the sky was clear again," says the Centre Point School student who discovered two asteroids in 2021 as a part of Spaceport India Asteroid Search Campaign in association with Hardin-Simmons University Texas.

Making an impact through STEM

While the telescope turned out to be a game-changer for him in the world of space, it was a robotics course that made him fall in love with technology. Over the years, this led him to be selected by Peace First, the world's largest incubator for youth-led social change initiatives, for a project grant. "It's a mini-grant for projects along the lines of social change. I won $250 with which I started Project Gyan in 2020." Started during the pandemic, he initially needed no funds as live workshops for the underprivileged kids were happening virtually.

Being the vice president of the Interact Club at his school, Joy came in touch with the Rotary Club and zeroed in on an institution that has many underprivileged kids. "I began with a 1–2-hour class every Saturday wherein I performed experiments and explained concepts. Later, I expanded Project Gyan to four more schools in Nagpur and two tribal schools in Maharashtra," adds the changemaker who provides kits to schools for students to get hands-on experience in science practical. "I love science, and I understand its potential. I want these kids to explore their potential through Project Gyan," says Joy, who is now working with a team that looks into distribution and planning, maintaining the website, social media, and creating videos.

What was earlier a two-month program has now turned into a year-long curriculum, thanks to the overhaul of Project Gyan - which now includes STEM education and entrepreneurship. "We wanted a holistic approach." Having seen his mom always helping people, this feeling of giving back was inculcated in Joy at a very young age. For him, Project Gyan is very personal since it's named after his grandmother. "Another reason I ventured into it was guilt. Seeing others who don't have enough resources eats me up, while we have so many opportunities. I want to bridge that gap."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q6JhvjVoc4&t=528s

Future plans

Joy, who is currently in Class 12, has plans of pursuing a double major in computer science and international relations or public policy from the Ivy Leagues. "Working with the UN is my dream. But at some stage, I would want to launch my start-up in space tech," says the teenager, who calls himself a "changemaker who wants to create an impact through STEM".

At 17, Joy is busy creating social impact, and the teenager advises youngsters to "not follow the herd. Instead, explore your niche. Don't replicate another person's journey. Do your thing and only then you will be able to make a difference."

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Reading Time: 5 min

Chhavi Kohli: Journey from fencing rings to mind’s wellspring

(April 2, 2024) At 15, Chhavi Kohli was honoured with the National Child Award by the President of India. Now, at 23, this fencing athlete wears multiple hats. The sportsperson has represented India at many international tournaments. She has been a part of the Indian national fencing team and was the youngest fencer to participate at the age of 14 at the National Games in 2015. She is also a two-time Commonwealth Games medallist. Apart from being a sportsperson, Chhavi is a professional painter, and mental health practitioner. She completed her MSc in Performance Psychology at The University of Edinburgh in 2023, and is working on her goal to become a licensed psychologist in the UK. [caption id="attachment_36978" align="aligncenter" width="453"] Chhavi Kohli[/caption] “Currently, I work as a psychologist for Indian nationals in the UK offering services through my initiative Spark Matters. I deal with clinical and non-clinical cases of couples, students, families, athletes, and young professionals,” Chhavi tells Global Indian. “My journey in sports has taught me to keep growing and never lose hope,” added the athlete who has also given motivational talks on well-being as a TEDx Speaker. Pressures of sports, mental health and emerging a winner Born and raised

ugh my initiative Spark Matters. I deal with clinical and non-clinical cases of couples, students, families, athletes, and young professionals,” Chhavi tells Global Indian. “My journey in sports has taught me to keep growing and never lose hope,” added the athlete who has also given motivational talks on well-being as a TEDx Speaker.

Pressures of sports, mental health and emerging a winner

Born and raised in Patiala, Chhavi had always been inclined towards sports as a child. She tried her hand at multiple sports before taking up fencing at the age of nine. Reminiscing about her school days, she mentions, “Lalit Gandhi was my coach at school and he had a major impact on my performances while I played for India.”

When she took up fencing, her parents enrolled her under coach Mohit Ashwini. For nearly a year, the fencing coach did not allow her inside the training hall meant for professional players as he wanted to test Chhavi’s consistency, and interest levels. After the young fencer had proved her seriousness for the game by attending the coaching sessions regularly, he started making her train at the training hall.

Under his guidance, Chhavi made India proud by winning the Commonwealth Championship medal twice. She also went on to win the Thailand Minime series Under-16 series twice in a row in 2016, and 2017. The young fencer was honoured with the President's Excellency Award in 2016 by former President of India, late Pranab Mukherjee for her good performances at the international games.

[caption id="attachment_36968" align="aligncenter" width="535"] Chhavi Kohli[/caption]

Despite achieving a lot at a young age, in 2018, Chhavi had to give up fencing briefly due to burnout and anxiety induced by performance pressure. “I experienced burnout due to the overwhelming pressure of academics. Since I was in 12th grade and had no breaks for rejuvenation or recovery from my sport over a decade as my coach did not believe in the idea of taking a break,” she remarks.

It was a time when her passion for fencing had turned into pressure for her. “I constantly indulged in thoughts of what others would think about me and my performances,” she shares.

Chhavi had to take a sabbatical of a-year-and-a-half. By the end of it, she bounced back with the support of her parents and after undergoing therapy to look at her passion for sports with a different lens. The athlete went on to win multiple competitions after her return to fencing, and since then has become an advocate of mental health.

Journey of rising above self-doubt

The experience of getting counselled was therapeutic and helpful for the athlete, making her look at her passion with a different lens. “The attitude of running after medals and the pressure that accompanied that mindset got altered in playing the game for the love of it,” she remarks. Not only this, Chhavi passed her 12th board exams with flying colours earning 96.75 percent marks.

Owing to her personal positive experiences of taking therapy Chhavi developed an interest in counselling, and started using social media to spread awareness on this vital issue and has eventually turned a counsellor.

Despite being a sportsperson she never neglected academics and pursued bachelors of arts in psychology, certificate course, diploma and advanced diploma in guidance and counselling from Panjab University, Chandigarh, and pursued MSc in performance psychology at the University of Edinburgh.

The sportsperson has won the BUCS championship and won the Scottish student sport champion award for 2022-23 in the UK.

Inner spark matters

As a mental health and well-being enthusiast, Chhavi has started her counselling service - Spark Matters - dedicated to supporting individuals and communities in their journeys towards improved well-being.

The mental health advocate has curated a wealth of resources, including articles, self-care tips, and evidence-based practices for people to achieve greater balance and resilience in life. “As someone who has experienced the benefits of therapy firsthand, I believe that seeking help for our mental health should be just as normalised as seeking help for our physical health,” Chhavi remarks.

[caption id="attachment_36967" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Chhavi Kohli[/caption]

As a mental health and wellbeing practitioner, Chhavi believes that therapy is not just for people who wish to solve problems; it is also for improving as a person and working on one’s state of mind. “Well-being is extremely important. We are running after things without realising that it's costing our health,” she remarks adding. “Just like we take care of our physical health by exercising and eating well, we should be taking good care of our minds by seeking assistance from a professional if needed.”

Giving back and gaining recognition in the UK

Last year Chhavi was conferred the UK Achievers Award by British Council (India) and the Department for Trade (UK). “The award was for my pro bono work in mental health for underprivileged athletes,” says Chhavi, who keeps on counselling such athletes in an attempt to give back to the society.

The athlete, artist and mental health practitioner expresses gratitude towards the National Indian Students and Alumni (UK) for helping her gain recognition for promoting mental health and well-being as an athlete. “It was an honour to share the stage with other phenomenal achievers Parineeti Chopra, Raghav Chadha, Purva Aggarwal and Adrija Biswas,” she shares. “Representing my University, The University of Edinburgh at the award event was also a big matter of pride.”

[caption id="attachment_36973" align="aligncenter" width="865"] Chhavi Kohli while receiving the Achievers Award in the UK[/caption]

Life in Scotland and future goals

Chhavi currently lives in Scotland. With specialisation in performance enhancement, mental health, and wellbeing, she is dedicated towards promoting holistic wellness and performance psychology through her consultancy service - Spark Matters.

For the moment, fencing has taken a backseat for Chhavi. “I do not have the finances to support my fencing in the UK. Indian Fencing is not particularly flexible in accommodating the needs of fencers who are also pursuing other careers,” tells the athlete. “I am working to become a licensed psychologist in the UK and hopefully resume fencing,” she signs off.

[caption id="attachment_36977" align="aligncenter" width="555"] Chhavi Kohli with one of her paintings[/caption]

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To know more about her work visit Spark Matter's website

Reading Time: 5 mins

Turning waste into watts: Innovator Adyant Bhavsar’s ingenious solution to environmental challenges

(December 2, 2023) Often sparked by dry weather, strong winds, or human actions, wildfires have been wreaking havoc on our forests where countless plants and animals thrive. Sadly, the increasing number and strength of wildfires are putting vital ecosystems at risk, endangering the web of life that relies on them. While these fires have become very common in various parts of the world, Adyant Bhavsar's hometown California has seen some terrible wildfires over the last few years. And that is what motivated this seventh-grade innovator to design a machine that could convert waste mechanical energy into electricity through triboelectrification and electrostatic induction. "California has been rocked by several devastating wildfires over the years, and thus the state has hundreds of cameras and sensors set up to monitor wildfires and other disasters. This got me thinking," the innovator said during a recent interview, adding, "To increase the reliability, these devices would need a sustainable energy supply that does not need frequent recharging or replacing.” In his search for renewable energy options, Adyant stumbled upon something called a triboelectric nanogenerator. This gadget turns mechanical energy into electricity. When two thin, adjacent objects move apart or rub against each other, electrons move between

ch for renewable energy options, Adyant stumbled upon something called a triboelectric nanogenerator. This gadget turns mechanical energy into electricity. When two thin, adjacent objects move apart or rub against each other, electrons move between them, creating an electric charge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qxf3ddyxS5I

For this brilliant idea, the Global Indian recently won the Lemelson Award for Invention, at the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators' Challenge (JIC), 2023. "My equipment is a novel invention that uses a nanogenerator to increase sustainability and reliability. This competition gave me a great confidence boost and encouraged me to continue striving towards greatness. I am most excited about the challenges and want to work together with fellow like-minded peers to be able to solve some real-world problems," says the innovator who also won a prize amount of $10,000 along with the award.

Not just a science guy

Raised in San Jose, California, Adyant has consistently demonstrated academic excellence. Although aspiring to pursue a career in the sciences, this young innovator's true passion lies within the pages of books. An avid reader, Adyant started reading when he was just three years old. By six, he had finished reading the Harry Potter series and many of the Magic Tree House and Box Car series books. Interestingly, the innovator is the author of a children's fantasy fiction book, The Mystery at Beartown Campsite.

Mostly busy with his science projects and experiments, Adyant enjoys reading, writing, piano, basketball, tennis, speech, and debate, during his free time. "These hobbies enable me to express myself, gain diverse perspectives, and positively influence others with my ideas,” said the innovator, who has also won several writing awards. The youngster wishes to become an environmental engineer. “I want to contribute my skills toward finding solutions for environmental challenges, such as deforestation and pollution. I plan on trying to implement the sustainable generator that I invented in more places worldwide and to reach out to people, who are working on the same technology across the globe, to help drive the ship away from fossil fuels and towards more renewable resources,” he said.

Saving the environment

After doing weeks and weeks of research about his experiment on his "waste to wattage" project, the innovator first built his own triboelectric nanogenerator, by placing two wooden planks together with springs in between. The innovator assembled each plank with layers of various materials connected to electrodes. These material pairings encompassed glass with Teflon, Kapton with human hair, wool with PVC, and paper with cotton. Adyant conducted five trials for each combination, pressing the top plank to bring the material layers into contact.

As the materials touched and separated, they exchanged electrons, resulting in an induced current. Adyant also varied the surface area for each material pairing, discovering that Kapton, an electronic film paired with human hair, generated the most electricity. Increasing the surface area for all materials led to a linear growth in electrical output. Additionally, the innovator incorporated a capacitor into the circuit to store the generated electric charge, successfully accumulating enough energy to power a 1.79-volt light-emitting diode (LED). “This triboelectric nanogenerator is lightweight, low-cost, eco-friendly, and customisable," the innovator explained, adding, "Figuring out how to amplify to power high-voltage electronics would further optimise my triboelectric nanogenerator. I might also try connecting several of them and explore other methods of generating triboelectricity."

Follow Adyant Bhavsar on Twitter

Reading Time: 6 mins

Ishana Night Shyamalan: Carrying forward the family legacy with her directorial debut

(April 30, 2024) Following in the footsteps of her father, Manoj Nelliyattu ‘M. Night’ Shyamalan, Ishana Night Shyamalan also graduated from his alma mater, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Similar to her father's journey, the Indian American youngster has turned into a filmmaker. She started her career by working on music videos and short films before stepping into the world of filmmaking. The 22-year-old, recently released the trailer of her debut feature film, ‘The Watchers,’ which boasts of an impressive star ensemble including Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Oliver Finnegan, and Olwen Fouere. Scheduled to hit theatres in June 2024, ‘The Watchers’ trailer went viral soon after its release. In her debut feature film Ishana has worked on a horror-themed narrative, a genre that her father is renowned for. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrhrNS0JFyg Influences in approach to cinema Although Ishana is deeply inspired by her father, she shared in an interview that a significant influence on her craft also comes from the works of Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. “I think like in my bones, I'm most inspired by Miyazaki,” she remarked adding, “Like I just think those have been the movies that throughout my life have moved me the most and

o comes from the works of Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. “I think like in my bones, I'm most inspired by Miyazaki,” she remarked adding, “Like I just think those have been the movies that throughout my life have moved me the most and they're very sacred things to me. So, in many ways, this was just like chasing the experience that I feel when I watch those movies, which is one of wonder and adventure and innocence in many ways.”

Wong Kar-wai, Hong Kong’s director, screenwriter and producer and Polish film director Krzysztof Kieślowski are some of the other filmmakers who have had an influence on Ishana’s approach to cinema.

Carrying forward the legacy

“From making shorts, to going to Tisch, to becoming one of our top writer/directors on ‘Servant’ (TV series) to this incredible moment of #TheWatchers in theatres this summer… Ishana has always made me very proud. And even better than making a dazzling film, she is a wonderful person,” tweeted her proud father. He had immigrated with his doctor parents from Pondicherry to the USA when he was six weeks old.

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A post shared by Ishy Night (@ishy_night)

The New York University Tisch School of the Arts alumni graduated in 1992, adopting 'Night' as his second name during his time there. A blend of Eastern and Western influences in name extended to his three children, including Ishana.

Not the first father-daughter collaboration

It’s not the first time that the father-daughter duo has collaborated for a project. Ishana contributed to M. Night Shyamalan’s eerie Apple TV+ series ‘The Servant,’ as a writer and co-writer for 10 episodes and as director for six episodes. She also served as the second unit director for her father's box office hits, ‘Old’ (2021) and the recent ‘Knock at the Cabin’ (2023). Both the productions had topped the charts during their opening weekends.

While working with him, M. Night Shyamalan, Ishana, his middle daughter, inherited his knack and expertise for crafting suspense, thrills, and compelling drama. “The training from him has existed my whole life,” she remarked.

[caption id="attachment_37460" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Ishana Night Shyamalan at the sets of M Night Shyamalan's movie 'Old' (2021)[/caption]

For her directorial debut, Ishana adapted the screenplay from a novel by the Irish author A.M Shine who has written several literary horror masterpieces.

Talking about her adaptation Ishana remarked, “It’s a journey of suspense that hopefully leads into a feeling of wonder at the end. My hope is it’s an experience that plays on that sense of unease – then takes you to a bigger, wonderful place.”

Pursuing art to survive

Since she was a child Ishana was creatively inclined whether it was painting, ballet, poetry and even designing clothes.

“I’ve moved through different forms of art throughout my whole life and kind of later in life came to filmmaking. But there’s really been no other option in terms of my psyche – I’ve only felt that I need to be doing art to survive,” she remarked.

For nearly twenty years, Ishana and her family, including her siblings Saluki and Shivani, along with their parents Bhavna and their father, have lived in Ravenwood, a 1937 Georgian revival house nestled on a 125-acre estate in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Proudly, the father has also backed Ishana’s directorial debut through his production company, Blinding Edge Pictures.

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Reading Time: 5 mins

Arti: The e-rickshaw driver from Bahraich wins Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award

(June 14, 2024) Last month in London, a rather unusual scene unfolded at the Buckingham Palace. An 18-year-old Indian girl Arti, who hails from a village in Uttar Pradesh, made a spectacular entry into the gates of the palace in a pink e-rickshaw - something she drives back home in Bahraich. This wasn't a just publicity stunt. It was a choice that was not just a sustainable mode of transport but also a symbol of an idea and a movement. Clad in a yellow chikankari kurta, she made her way inside the palace to meet King Charles III after receiving the Amal Clooney Women's Empowerment Award, named after the world-renowned human rights barrister. [caption id="attachment_38238" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Arti at The Buckingham Palace[/caption] She received the honour for inspiring young girls through her work with the government's Pink Rickshaw initiative, which offers safe transport for women and aims to drive social change. "I take pride in being able to inspire other girls who face similar challenges. The newfound independence allowed me to see the world in a different light. Now, I am able to fulfill not only my dreams but also those of my daughter," said Arti, who is a participant

ar challenges. The newfound independence allowed me to see the world in a different light. Now, I am able to fulfill not only my dreams but also those of my daughter," said Arti, who is a participant in the Aga Khan Foundation's (AKF) Project Lehar.

In late May this year, she made her maiden visit to London to receive the award at The Prince's Trust Awards in London. Founded by His Majesty King Charles III, The King's Trust International (formerly Prince's Trust International) empowers young people in 20 countries through employment, education, and enterprise programs.

[caption id="attachment_38239" align="aligncenter" width="549"] Arti with King Charles III[/caption]

"It has been an unbelievably amazing experience, meeting the King who was so nice and sent his namaste to my family back home too. He also listened carefully as I spoke about how much I love driving my e-rickshaw, which does not run on polluting diesel or petrol but the one that I charge at home every night, she added. Her journey epitomises bravery, perseverance, and an unyielding resolve to triumph despite all odds.

Fighting against the odds

Born into a family of daily wage labourers struggling to make ends meet, Arti was married off by age 13 and forced to leave school. The marriage quickly dissolved, leading her to return home with her infant daughter. Facing limited earning opportunities as a single mother in her village, Arti started engaging in domestic tasks at home. Her outlook changed when she discovered Project Lehar - a collaboration between AKF and The King's Trust International - which inspired her to envision a brighter future for herself and her daughter. Fueled by determination, she set out to turn that vision into reality.

Project Lehar provides vocational training, entrepreneurship opportunities, and life skills courses tailored for girls and young women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring Bihar. Additionally, it offers support for girls who have discontinued their education to help them complete their studies.

[caption id="attachment_38240" align="aligncenter" width="692"] Arti with her daughter[/caption]

For Arti, Project Lehar provided the insight and confidence to consider self-employment as a viable option. "The programme helped me develop my skills, especially those that impact my life, such as problem-solving ability, communication skills, managing stress and emotions, and understanding entrepreneurship," she said, adding, "Through the learning I had over that period, I became capable of making important decisions for my life."

Changing the course of her life

It was in the July of 2023 that Project Lehar introduced Arti to the Indian government's pink e-rickshaw scheme, which serves a dual purpose: to enhance employment opportunities for marginalised women, particularly widows and single mothers like Arti, and to improve women's access to safe transportation, thereby enhancing their mobility and independence.

In Arti's community, driving has long been seen as a job for men. Girls and women have fewer chances and less freedom compared to boys and men. She was one of the first women in her area to join as a trainee driver. After passing her driving test, she began driving regularly. Now, she spends six hours a day behind the wheel, earning ₹15,000 per month (about $180) to support herself and her daughter. "I know my daughter will be proud of me one day," said Arti.

Getting recognition in the UK

During her recent visit to London, she enjoyed every moment and celebrated her win, and even bought some cake and a pair of shoes for her daughter.

[caption id="attachment_38241" align="aligncenter" width="731"] Arti receives the award in London[/caption]

Seeing her journey, Amal Clooney, the British activist-barrister after whom the award is named said, "This year's winner, Arti, is an inspirational example of someone whose trailblazing work in a typically male arena makes women in her community safer. Arti is determined to create a world where her daughter will not face the obstacles that she has faced, and she is already making a difference through her example."

Arti's journey as an e-rickshaw driver in her village in Uttar Pradesh is not just about earning a livelihood but proof of her resilience, courage, and breaking gender barriers. Her determination to make the streets safer for women by offering reliable and secure transportation is an inspiration to many. Her story reminds us that change begins with individuals like her, who refuse to be bound by societal norms and instead, forge their own path, creating a brighter and safer future for generations to come.