Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveEshani Jha: Teen using biofiltration to improve access to drinking water

Eshani Jha: Teen using biofiltration to improve access to drinking water

Compiled by: Team GI Youth

(June 27, 2024) At the age of 17, Eshani Jha created a low-cost, water filtration device to address the problem of clean water around the world. Four years later, the San Jose teen was named winner of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize for her innovation, which uses biochar as a filtering material to produce drinking water. Eshani received a blue crystal award, a handmade diploma and a cash prize of $15,000 awarded by the Stockholm International Water Institute. Her work is also in keeping with the UN’s SDG, in particular, SDG 6, which aims to ensure available and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. For the San Jose teen, who is now at the University of Berkeley, the aim is to improve access to clean drinking water, sanitation facilities and hygiene practices, while addressing water scarcity, water pollution and water-related ecosystems.

The clean water challenge

“Water contamination is a key challenge of modern civilisation,” the Global Indian said. “Nearly half the world’s hospital beds are filled with patients suffering from water-related diseases. According to the UN’s Environment Program, 80 percent of global wastewater goes untreated and contains a wide range of contaminants, from human waste to toxic industrial discharge. Severe pathogenic pollution affects around one-third of the world’s rivers. Correct water filters are inaccessible to those who need them dueto tradeoffs between cost and effectiveness,” the young innovator remarked. Her invention, she says, can lower the cost of use to less than $1 per month for consumers, if it is mass-produced.

Eshani Jha | Biochar | Stockholm Junior Water Prize

Young innovator Eshani Jha

The San Jose- teen is the winner of two of the top competitions for science and innovation – the Stockholm Junior Water Prize and the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021. Eshani received recognition and a cash prize of US$150,000 for her innovative low-cost water filtration device called Biochar. Her invention not only removes heavy metals like lead but also addresses pesticides, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals in drinking water. Inspired by her Indian heritage and witnessing the plight of underprivileged communities during a trip, Eshani is determined to provide accessible solutions for water contamination issues. “I see a multitude of applications for this, and I also see great potential in targeting other contaminants too,” Jha said. “My ambition is that this should be a one-stop filter.”

The journey to the Stockholm Junior Water Prize

Jha’s research is titled ‘Thiol Functionalized and Manganese Dioxide Doped Biochar for the Removal of Toxic Organic and Inorganic Contaminants from Water” It was chosen for its applicability, the choice of a commonly-available material (biochar) and its potential for scaleability, the Stockholm International Water Instititute said later.

The young innovator began her work when she was a student at Lymbrook High School in San Jose, and was first recognized by the California Stockholm Water and Environment Association. Her research was chosen by a panel of engineering professors and board members of the CWEA, after which she went on to represent her state at a competition hosted by the Water Environment Federation. After being declared the winner there too, she went on to the SIWI international platform, competing against 44 finalists from 32 countries.

Eshani Jha’s remarkable journey from a high school student to an internationally recognized innovator serves as an inspiration to young minds around the world. Her determination to address the global water crisis has led to the creation of a low-cost water filtration device that holds the potential greatly increase access to clean water.

Receiving the Stockholm Junior Water Prize and the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021 accolades further solidifies Eshani’s place as a pioneering force in the field of science and innovation. The recognition and cash prizes she has received not only validate her groundbreaking work but also provide her with the resources to continue her research and bring her vision to life.

Re-purposing bio waste

Eshani’s invention, Biochar, not only filters out heavy metals but also tackles contaminants like pesticides, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals, ensuring cleaner and safer drinking water. Her commitment to addressing water pollution and scarcity aligns perfectly with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6, underscoring the relevance and impact of her work on a global scale.

With a clear vision of expanding the application of her filtration device to target other contaminants, the young innovator is determined to provide accessible solutions for water contamination. As Eshani Jha continues her journey at the University of Berkeley, her innovative spirit and dedication will undoubtedly shape the future of water filtration technologies. Through her groundbreaking research, she has opened doors to a world where clean drinking water is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all.

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Published on 27, Jun 2024

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Penn Masala: From the White House to the Paris Olympics 2024, the boy band takes the world stage

President Joe Biden invited Penn Masala, the premier South Asian a cappella boy group to perform at the White House when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United States last year. Mathematics student Raghunandan Raman, who serves as the current president of the band called it an “opportunity of a lifetime.” Penn Masala, the University of Pennsylvania’s boy-band composed mostly of Indian descent students, has gained wide recognition for blending Eastern and Western influences to bridge cultural divides through their music. This year, the acclaimed a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment) band performed at the inaugural India House at the Paris Olympics 2024. India House, a collaboration between the Reliance Foundation and the Indian Olympic Association, aimed to boost Indian athletes' performances, support national sports federations, and position India as a potential future host of the Olympic Games. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AV5sbxwgb8 Conceptualised by Nita Ambani and her team, the India House in Paris showcased the rich legacy of Indian music and celebrating India in a grand style. In addition to music, it featured craft installations, yoga sessions, and dance performances. Penn Masala artists who have performed across the United States, in India and other locations of the world were thrilled about performing

featured craft installations, yoga sessions, and dance performances. Penn Masala artists who have performed across the United States, in India and other locations of the world were thrilled about performing during the most coveted sporting event in Paris.

Penn Masala

The boy-band is an evolving group composed of students from the University of Pennsylvania. The group's membership changes regularly as veteran members graduate and new members join through auditions. While most of Penn Masala's members are of Indian descent, the group has also had non-Indian members. During significant performances, the former members also join.

Founded in 1996 by South Asian students of the University of Pennsylvania, the band is recognised as the world's first South Asian a cappella group. It was established with the aim of creating music that crosses traditional cultural boundaries and reflects the experience of growing up with both Eastern and Western influences.

“It was formed by a group of four guys, who saw that a cappella was a big thing across college campuses, but a lot of music that they grew up listening to wasn’t being expressed in this art form. They probably questioned “Why not us? Why can't South Asians also be a part of this?” shared alumni Saaketh Narayan talking about how Penn Masala got started. “Back then, it wasn't cool to be Indian or South Asian. It took guts to do what a lot of art groups and the founders of Penn Masala did,” he added.

[caption id="attachment_38670" align="aligncenter" width="719"] A Penn Masala performance in 2016[/caption]

Although the group members have always been in their 20s, in its 28-year-journey, Penn Masala has managed to appeal audiences of all age groups while performing at biggest venues across the US and beyond. Apart from releasing 12 full-length albums it has also performed for the Indian Filmfare Awards, and for heads-of-state, prominent businessmen, and international leaders including Barack Obama, Henry Kissinger, Ban Ki-moon, Mukesh Ambani, among others.

The group also had a cameo role in the Hollywood movie Pitch Perfect 2, released in 2015. The movie received the American Music Award for Best Soundtrack.

The homecoming India tours

Apart from several domestic, Canada and UK tours, US-based Penn Masala has travelled to India multiple times. In 2006, the group celebrated its 10th anniversary with a tour of India. Their most recent tour to India was in May 2023 when they performed seven shows across Goa, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore. “It provided us with unique experiences. The love and adulation of fans was of next level. They made poems and art for us,” said one of the performers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8FGKCFYdlA

Balancing worlds

The loving audience sometimes tends to forget that the Penn Masala artists are at the university to study and that singing is just an additional activity for them. For all of them music is a great break from their academic rigour and professional aspirations – ‘an outlet to step away from the stress, hang out with an awesome group of guys, and jam’.

The current members Raghunandan Raman, Gaurish Gaur, Riju Datta, Venugopal Chillal, Ajay Kilambi, Prateek Adurty, Rohit Rajagopalan and Aryaman Meswani are all studying different subjects at the University of Pennsylvania but has music in common.

The current Penn Masala president Raghunandan was born in Bangor, India. His family moved to the United States when he was young. “I’ve been part of two worlds,” he remarked, “One American growing up in New Jersey and the other at home with my parents and family steeped in Indian culture, including music. Penn Masala combines both the Western and the Indian side of me, and I feel fortunate to be a part of this group and experience that.”

Like him, Penn Masala has had members who were born in India but raised in the US, as well as those who were completely born and brought up in the US. Regardless of their place of birth, Raghunandan's words resonate with all of them.

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

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

ells Global Indian.

A robotics enthusiast in the making

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

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

How passion turned into a mission

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

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

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

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

Looking for a silver lining, always

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

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

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Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia leaders Gagandeep and Gursimran on creating India’s first AI-powered, driverless car

(September 3, 2024) Bengaluru-based entrepreneurs Gagandeep Reehal and Gursimran Kalra unveiled the next generation of autonomous mobility last year with a driverless car, zPod – India’s first autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel. Equipped with a network of strategically placed high-resolution cameras, the vehicle can continuously capture real-time images of the surroundings and feed them into an advanced AI system. The AI then processes this visual data, making intelligent decisions to safely navigate and drive without any human input. "It showcases True Vision Autonomy, relying purely on camera sensors (yes, 'only') for the first time in history," remarked Gagandeep Reehal while sharing a video of Kris Gopalakrishnan, co-founder of Infosys, and TCM Sundaram, Chairman of Chiratae Ventures, taking the country's first autonomous vehicle ride with him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4AjQOORzTA With this groundbreaking innovation in 2023, the co-founders of Minus Zero started 2024 on a high note. They not only secured a partnership with Ashok Leyland and the International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIITH) but also earned a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list. "But this is just the beginning; much more is on the way. While we are the faces of this project, it belongs to the

30 Under 30 Asia list.

"But this is just the beginning; much more is on the way. While we are the faces of this project, it belongs to the entire team at Minus Zero," remarked Gagandeep after being named in the 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list.

Nature-inspired AI

At Minus Zero, the approach to AI is deeply inspired by nature, particularly in how humans develop intelligence. Unlike traditional AI, which often focuses on highly specialised tasks, Minus Zero’s nature-inspired AI aims to emulate the way humans learn and adapt.

“Human intelligence begins with a broad, generalised understanding of the world, which is gradually refined into specialised skills, such as driving. This process allows humans to adapt to new environments and tasks efficiently, explains Gagandeep adding, “In driving, for example, humans didn’t learn by mastering every specific situation first. Instead, we developed a foundational understanding of how the world works—like recognizing obstacles, predicting the behaviour of other drivers, and making quick decisions based on constantly changing surroundings. This generalised intelligence is what Minus Zero seeks to replicate in its AI systems.”

By building AI that mimics this adaptive, learning-based approach, Minus Zero’s technology doesn’t rely on extensive pre-mapped data or an overload of sensors. Instead, it can adjust to new geographies, vehicle types, and unpredictable scenarios, just as a human would.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv-OtkEyKNc

This innovation in AI doesn’t just make autonomous driving possible; it makes it safer and more adaptable, aiming to overcome the limitations of current robotics and AI systems in driving, believe the entrepreneurs.

The Minus Zero journey

High school friends Gagandeep and Gursimran founded Minus Zero in 2020 as two undergraduates with a bold vision for solving autonomous driving challenges in India.

"Minus Zero is India's first startup building foundational AI models for autonomous driving, delivered as an industry-first intelligent platform for automotive OEMs, enabling autopilot and self-driving capabilities for next-generation vehicles across all geographies," Gagandeep shared.

Having demonstrated India’s first autonomous concept vehicle, the zPod, the start-up has garnered support from leading investors like Chiratae Ventures and others.

[caption id="attachment_39098" align="aligncenter" width="737"] Gagandeep Reehal at Dubai World Trade Centre[/caption]

In addition to the recent Forbes accolade, Minus Zero has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the NASSCOM AI Gamechanger award. The company has also represented India on international stages, including Vivatech 2023 in Paris, France, and the World Self-Driving Congress in Dubai.

Driving the future of Indian commercial vehicles with Ashok Leyland

Sealing a deal with Ashok Leyland, the country’s top commercial vehicle manufacturer, is a great milestone for the young entrepreneurs who are in their early twenties. The partnership is set to transform the commercial trucking industry by deploying autonomous solutions on a large scale.

Minus Zero's pioneering autonomous driving platform, powered by its innovative nature-inspired AI technology would be integrated into Ashok Leyland’s fleet of commercial vehicles. The collaboration aims to enable safe and scalable adoption of autonomous driving in the commercial vehicle sector.

[caption id="attachment_39097" align="aligncenter" width="674"] Minus Zero COO Gursimran, Ashok Leyland CTO N Saravanan and Minus Zero CEO & CTO Gagandeep[/caption]

"Ashok Leyland brings decades of experience in delivering high quality products at scale and we are excited to partner with them in this journey of accelerating autonomous driving in India and globally. This partnership marks the beginning of India's autonomous driving story,” said Gagandeep after signing the deal.

The collaboration is initially focused on developing customised autonomous trucking solutions for ports, factory operations, and corporate campuses. As regulations around autonomous driving evolve, the entrepreneurs plan to expand into hub-to-hub applications and long-haul trucking.

“Minus Zero’s groundbreaking work is a step towards creating autonomous vehicles that can navigate the complexities of real-world environments with the same intuitive understanding that humans possess,” Gagandeep remarks.

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Nidhi Gautam: The Delhi University student who became British High Commissioner for a day

(October 16, 2024) October 1st, 2024, was no ordinary day for Nidhi Gautam, a student from Karnataka currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in History and Geography at Miranda House, Delhi University. She received the extraordinary opportunity to serve as the British High Commissioner to India for a day - a position typically held by seasoned diplomats. While this role usually takes years of experience to attain, she earned it after being selected from a competitive pool of over 140 applicants. Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India, took on the role of Deputy High Commissioner for the day, shadowing Nidhi and supporting her in carrying out the responsibilities of the High Commissioner. The opportunity equipped Nidhi with a deeper understanding of the responsibility that comes with leadership. "One key takeaway for me was the immense responsibility diplomats carry. It’s about presenting a seamless front to the world, but behind the scenes, there’s a wealth of knowledge, collaboration, and effort that goes into every decision," she remarked in an interview with Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_39867" align="aligncenter" width="745"] Nidhi Gautam with Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India[/caption] The ‘High Commissioner for a Day’ competition The opportunity allowed the 19-year-old

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[caption id="attachment_39867" align="aligncenter" width="745"] Nidhi Gautam with Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India[/caption]

The ‘High Commissioner for a Day’ competition

The opportunity allowed the 19-year-old to experience the challenges and responsibilities of international diplomacy, especially within the context of the strong UK-India partnership.

Since 2017, the British High Commission has celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child, observed in October, through initiatives like the 'High Commissioner for a Day'. This initiative, designed to empower young women across India, is more than just an opportunity to shadow diplomats. It is a platform to promote gender equality, challenge societal norms, and provide young women with the tools to tackle global challenges head-on.

Nidhi secured the first spot in the competition through a thought-provoking one-minute video submission. The youngster’s articulate response and clear vision to the question, “How can the UK and India collaborate on technology to benefit future generations?” stood out, ultimately leading her to this once in lifetime experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PW73g9IoSM

Stepping into diplomacy - a day to remember

The day began like no other, with Nidhi arriving at the British High Commission in New Delhi. Her morning started with a breakfast briefing from the senior leadership team, where she was introduced to the inner workings of UK-India relations. The focus was on the UK-India Technology Security Initiative, a key aspect of the two nations' partnership. Discussing everything from climate change to healthcare, this briefing provided Nidhi with a comprehensive view of the critical collaborations happening between the UK and India.

What struck her most, however, was the gravity of the role she was stepping into. 'I was seated at the head of the table, and I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of responsibility. They treated me with such respect, just as they would a real diplomat,' she reflected, recalling how she was served first and even had the car doors opened for her. "That moment made me realize the power and symbolism of diplomacy. Riding in the High Commissioner’s vehicle with the flag was surreal. These were ceremonial gestures, but they also made me feel like I was part of something much bigger than myself."

This, of course, was only the beginning. Nidhi’s day as High Commissioner took her through a series of meetings and visits that would leave a lasting impact on her future ambitions.

[caption id="attachment_39862" align="aligncenter" width="700"] The day started with a breakfast briefing[/caption]

The power of innovation – a visit to IIT Delhi

A defining moment of Nidhi’s day was her visit to the National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. Here, she was exposed to cutting-edge innovations designed to empower individuals with disabilities, particularly those who are visually impaired. "The most memorable and impactful moment was witnessing the various innovations being developed to assist differently-abled individuals. What struck me wasn’t just the advanced technology, but the social impact of these innovations," Nidhi explained with palpable enthusiasm.

"It was incredibly inspiring to see how knowledge and technology are being used to uplift those in need. This is where diplomacy meets real-world change. It’s not just about policies and negotiations, but about creating tangible benefits for society," she added.

The experience deepened her understanding of how science, technology, and diplomacy intersect to create a better future. She recognized that technological innovation, when combined with effective diplomatic partnerships, has the power to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

[caption id="attachment_39863" align="aligncenter" width="660"] A visit to the National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies at IIT-Delhi[/caption]

Shaping global health - a visit to the National Institute of Immunology

Following her time at IIT Delhi, Nidhi visited the National Institute of Immunology, where she observed ongoing advancements in vaccine development. Given the global importance of vaccines in a post-pandemic world, the visit provided good insights on the collaborative work being done by the UK and India in biotechnology. Nidhi saw firsthand how scientists from both nations were working together to tackle global health challenges—a poignant reminder of the importance of international cooperation.

Reading about these topics in textbooks is one thing, but seeing it unfold in real time was extraordinary. "I now have a much deeper understanding of how global health challenges are addressed and the pivotal role diplomacy plays in facilitating these collaborations,' Nidhi remarked.

[caption id="attachment_39864" align="aligncenter" width="707"] A visit to National Institute of Immunology[/caption]

Inspiring leadership and the role of women

One of the most rewarding aspects of Nidhi’s experience was her interaction with Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India, who served as Deputy High Commissioner for the day. Their discussions spanned a variety of topics, from the UK-India Technology Security Initiative to the broader role of young women in leadership.

“Lindy’s warm encouragement and insightful thoughts throughout the day inspired me profoundly, reminding me of the importance of dedication and passion in serving one’s country,” Nidhi remarked.

For the DU student, seeing women at the helm of diplomacy and leadership roles was a powerful inspiration. "One of the key lessons I took away from the day was the importance of collaboration, not only between countries but also within leadership. Women play such a significant role in these discussions, and seeing them in action was both inspiring and empowering," she noted. "It filled me with pride to see women driving change at such a high level. It reinforced my belief that women are remarkable at what they do and that more of them deserve to be in leadership positions."

[caption id="attachment_39865" align="aligncenter" width="745"] Nidhi got highly inspired by Lindy Cameron's leadership[/caption]

Dreams of diplomacy

For Nidhi, the experience was more than just a day in the life of a diplomat—it was the affirmation of a dream. "I’ve always wanted to become a diplomat, and this experience reaffirmed my desire. It’s not an easy path, especially in India where competition is intense, but I’m committed to working hard and broadening my knowledge to one day achieve that goal," she shared.

Nidhi’s biggest source of inspiration is India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar. "He continues to inspire me every day with his depth of knowledge and contributions to diplomacy. I aspire to one day follow in his footsteps and serve my country with the same passion and dedication," she added.

Aspiring for a future in leadership

As Nidhi Gautam continues her education at Miranda House, this unique experience has given her a fresh perspective on international relations, technology, and leadership. She sees herself not only as a future diplomat but as a champion for gender equality and innovation. Her passion for diplomacy, technology, and cultural exchange is set to shape her path forward.

[caption id="attachment_39868" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Nidhi Gautam[/caption]

"The future of diplomacy is bright, especially as more young leaders, particularly women, are given platforms to shine. Initiatives like ‘High Commissioner for a Day’ are essential in promoting gender equality and inspiring the next generation of change-makers," she said. "More women deserve to be in leadership positions. The world is better when everyone has equal opportunities."

Extraordinary opportunities in 2024

The year 2024 has been full of extraordinary opportunities for the youngster. Earlier this year, she was part of a nearly 100-student cohort invited to the Raisina Dialogue 2024, a multilateral conference held annually in New Delhi, after being selected through an application process. Describing the Raisina Dialogue experience she remarks, "It was truly beyond words. It was a unique opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds, including civil servants, diplomats, and top leaders from around the world. I’m extremely grateful for that experience, just as I am for the chance to serve as the British High Commissioner for a day."

[caption id="attachment_39861" align="aligncenter" width="643"] Nidhi Gautam with Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India[/caption]

Both the opportunities have been exhilarating and learning platforms for the young scholar. As Nidhi puts it, "The experiences taught me that collaboration and leadership go hand in hand. Whether it’s between countries or individuals, shared knowledge and expertise always lead to better outcomes."

What stood out the most for Nidhi was the warmth and encouragement she received from the entire team at the British High Commission. "Their supportive smiles and kind words reassured me, making the experience even more memorable," she signed off.

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Changemaker Shloka Ashok is ensuring students her age land internships

(April 11, 2023) Studying in X standard, 16-year-old Shloka Ashok wanted to intern at a company that could help her enhance her knowledge and also gains the experience of working in an organisation. Talented, and a brilliant student, the youngster made a list of companies she wanted to work at and started sending internship applications to each one. The trouble was, no one wanted to hire a 16-year-old. While, a year later, the changemaker managed to get an internship through her parents, she couldn't help thinking that she didn't get the internship through her merit. And that is what got her motivated to start her platform, InternMee. The online platform connects high school students with companies offering internships, leadership, and volunteering opportunities. "Our mission is to give students access to the right network, exposure to various careers and opportunities, and ultimately accelerate their journeys into the work world. Our platform is ideal for mid-size to large companies, student-run organisations, start-ups, and NGOs across sectors," the young changemaker said. Enabling over 11000 students through her portal, Shloka recently received the prestigious Diana Award for her contribution towards empowering the world's youth. "I am immensely grateful to receive The Diana Award and

opportunities, and ultimately accelerate their journeys into the work world. Our platform is ideal for mid-size to large companies, student-run organisations, start-ups, and NGOs across sectors," the young changemaker said.

Enabling over 11000 students through her portal, Shloka recently received the prestigious Diana Award for her contribution towards empowering the world's youth. "I am immensely grateful to receive The Diana Award and be part of a global community of young, inspirational changemakers. This international award cements my belief that young people have the power to change the world and the recognition not only provides the validation that every young changemaker needs, but also acts as a driving force to do more," the Global Indian expressed, soon after receiving the award.

Driven and passionate

Since a young age, Shloka has been driven and focussed on doing something productive daily. A brilliant student, the changemaker has won several laurels over the years. However, it was quite disheartening for the youngster when she couldn't get any internship, despite being eligible. "Back in 2020, just when COVID-19 hit, I was keen to pursue a meaningful internship during my summer vacation. My research led me nowhere, and my parents used their contacts to help me. But I felt it was unfair as they did not gauge my skills and I was hired purely based on their recommendation," the changemaker said.

While several other students might have dismissed the incident, it got Shloka thinking about how difficult it would be for students whose parents didn't have such a big network. "There are many students who would want to do their internship and look for different companies but are helpless as they don't get an opportunity anywhere. I began thinking about students in India and abroad who might not get beyond the classroom opportunities to gain new skills and understand their true capabilities," she shared.

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While she wanted to do something to help the other student, she didn't know what or where to begin. "I conducted a survey among 350 students across the globe and found out that 95 percent of them were thinking to do an internship, but didn't know what to do," said the changemaker, who after reviewing several survey applications, decided to start a platform to allow these young minds an insight into potential career paths, enabling them to explore their interests and aptitudes in search of their ikigai.

Standing up for a noble cause

In December 2020, Shloka launched InternMee - which is purely for students and run by students. "The type of internships that students want to take up and the connections they want to make do matter for their future. Through InternMee, we connect students with start-ups as well as NGOs or social initiatives that they'd be interested in volunteering for. We also connect them with other student-run organisations. All this is for free and we don't charge a single rupee for connecting students and companies," she said.

I am grateful to receive the @DianaAward This award cements my belief that young people have the power to change the world. I aim to continue working towards creating equitable opportunities & this award has motivated me to dream bigger & take on more social responsibilities(1/3) pic.twitter.com/PKgqwW3XUP

— Shloka Ashok (@shloka_ashok) July 2, 2022

So, how does the platform works? Students have to just sign up on the platform and gain access to a range of internship opportunities across fields. They can apply to postings that interest them and the applications would be sent to the concerned organisation, which would evaluate candidates before choosing to offer them the position. "We don't charge the companies either on our platform. But what we have started monetising is the partnerships or collaborations that we post on our website and Instagram page," she said. The platform has over 35,000 students registered, from over 85 countries and was featured in the top 10 internship search websites by a recent survey.

Going forward the young changemaker plans to leverage InternMee, to open doors to the less privileged, by building a focussed track for students in government schools. "I aim to continue working towards creating equitable opportunities and receiving The Diana Award has motivated me to dream bigger and take on more social responsibilities. We are in discussion with some NGOs and see this as one of the future paths for our organisation," she expressed.

Follow Shloka Ashok on Instagram

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