Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveFrom cow dung to cosmos: Vinay Dharmik’s quest from Surat to Baku

From cow dung to cosmos: Vinay Dharmik’s quest from Surat to Baku

Written by: Amrita Priya

(December 8, 2023) When Surat’s Vinay Dharmik met ISRO chief S Somnath at a dinner hosted by the Embassy of India at Baku in Azerbaijan this year, he felt on top of the world. Being face-to-face with the ISRO chief, the heartthrob of the entire nation after the successful Chandrayaan mission, was a memorable experience.

Vinay was at Baku, having earned the invitation to present his research paper at the 74th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), following his award-winning solution in the field of aeronautical sciences.

Indian youth | Vinay Dharmik | Global Indian

Vinay Dharmik with ISRO Chief S Somnath

“The 74^th IAC was organised by the International Astronautical Federation and hosted by Azercosmos. More than 5,000 delegates from 110 countries participated. During the conference, I interacted with astronauts and even had the chance to take selfies and get their autographs,” the thrilled eighteen-year-old said, during an interview with Global Indian.

The cow-dung project

Vinay, who is currently taking a gap year, had worked on a group project in school as part of ATL Space Challenge, an all-India competition launched by NITI Aayog, ISRO and CBSE. In his team project, he came up with a hypothesis about shielding astronauts from galactic cosmic rays, using an unconventional material that would hardly cross anyone’s mind – cow dung. This out-of-the box idea was chosen as one of the 75 ATL winners from across the country, which saw participation from thousands of school kids of India.

After winning the award, Vinay took a leap forward, delved deeper into his research and pursued hard to finally find an opportunity to collaborate with CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru and scientists from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai.

The innovative idea that involved cow dung, a material rich in cultural significance, showcased not only scientific promise but also highlighted the value of unconventional resources in interdisciplinary research. This led the acceptance of Vinay’s request by the two esteemed organizations to support and conduct further research on his award-winning idea.

Vinay Dharmik at Baku

While CSIR-NAL helped him in fabricating composites, BARC helped in radiation study, radiation blocking experiments and evaluation of the composites.

“I had sought guidance from CSIR-NAL for exploring the basics of composites, matrix and reinforcements, suitable binders, various resin systems, and fabrication methods in coming up with the fabrication of cow dung composites using an epoxy resin system,” Vinay remarked adding, “While they provided technical expertise, the experience was new for them too.”

When it came to evaluation of the radiation shielding efficacy of his composites, he turned to guidance from scientists of BARC in Mumbai.

With the help of BARC scientists Vinay was able to conduct further radiation studies. His dedication towards a cost effective solution eventually earned him an invitation to present his work at the 74th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), a prestigious event held in Baku this year.

The Baku experience

When Vinay learned about the International Astronautical Congress, he submitted his research paper on the cost-effective, light-weight and effective solution of shielding astronauts from galactic cosmic rays, and was thrilled to get an invitation to present his paper.

Vinay Dharmik with astronauts at IAC

Travelling to Baku proved to be a milestone in the youngster’s life as it happened to be his first foreign trip and that too earned on his own merit. “At IAC I was appreciated for being one of the youngest presenters and the sole author of the research paper that I presented,” he said.

The experience at the IAC has further fuelled the Surat boy’s determination to break barriers of coming from a small town where there is lack of opportunities and support, and aspire towards his dreams. “I want to aid humanity to thrive as an interplanetary species by becoming an astronaut or an engineer,” he remarked adding, “I want to make space tourism and colonization more accessible to people.”

Grateful for support

Grateful for the support that he has received, Vinay remarked, “I attribute my success to the invaluable assistance provided by CSIR-NAL and BARC. Their support allowed me to take my research to new heights. I am especially grateful to Nitin Bhosale Sir from BARC, who has played a significant role in my journey, and guided me in coming up with the research paper.”

The collaboration with scientific institutions has not only honed his technical skills but has given Vinay loads of confidence.

Vinay Dharmik

The Surat boy looks forward to the fall of 2024 when he will be flying to the USA on a scholarship he earned to pursue Aerospace Engineering at the University of Miami. His achievements stand as a testament to the power of perseverance and the virtues of relentless dedication towards one’s dreams.

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Published on 08, Dec 2023

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Of notes and highs: Tiara Abraham is mesmerising the world with her beautiful voice

(August 16, 2022) When she first stepped on the stage, to sing at a school competition, she was merely four. A little nervous, the child finished her song to thunderous applause. That motivated Tiara Abraham to pursue a career in singing. Earlier this year, the 16-year-old soprano singer earned a bachelor's degree in vocal performance from the University of California, Davis. [caption id="attachment_20822" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Music major Tiara Abraham graduated UC Davis with many accolades[/caption] The Sacramento-resident, who started training in Western classical music when she was seven, has many feathers in the colourful hat she dons. From scoring 99 percent in the Mensa exam at four to releasing her first album 'Winter Nightingale' at the age of 10, Tiara is a true musical prodigy. Global Indian takes a look at the splendid journey of this budding soprano singer, who is currently studying opera music at the prestigious Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, Bloomington. Vibing to glory A native of Kerala, Tiara's parents - veterinary doctor Dr. Taji Abraham and techie Bijou Abraham - came to the United States of America in the 80s. Their son, Tanishq, was also a child prodigy the Abraham couple realised that their

s budding soprano singer, who is currently studying opera music at the prestigious Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, Bloomington.

Vibing to glory

A native of Kerala, Tiara's parents - veterinary doctor Dr. Taji Abraham and techie Bijou Abraham - came to the United States of America in the 80s. Their son, Tanishq, was also a child prodigy the Abraham couple realised that their daughter was inclined towards music and had a natural vibrato when she was just two years old. At four, just like her elder brother, Tiara too took the exam and scored a brilliant 99 percent, to become a member of MENSA, an organisation of high IQ individuals.

[caption id="attachment_20828" align="aligncenter" width="578"] Tiara with her brother Tanishq[/caption]

While everyone in her family comes from a STEM background, Tiara's dream of becoming a soprano singer was nourished by her father. He would drive her to early morning music classes before her school and helped grow her talent for singing. During her interaction with the press, the young singer also mentioned that she was inspired by her grandmother Thankam Mathew, who is the first Indian woman to receive her Ph.D. in veterinary medicine in the mid-1960s.

Tiara released her first album 'Winter Nightingale' at 10, which has her renditions of nine carols and holiday songs in English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, and even Latin. For this, she was invited to be a part of the Steve Harvey Show on NBC, where she gave an enthralling performance. "Well, I enjoy singing in those six different languages; and I enjoy speaking in them, and I like learning new languages,” she said during the show, adding, "So, I have taken nine semesters of Spanish, Italian, French and this semester I am taking German. I think my favourite is Italian because it is so flowy.”

[caption id="attachment_20830" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Tiara Abraham singing during the Premio Internazionale Giuseppe Sciacca Musica Award ceremony in Vatican[/caption]

Homeschooled through most of her early childhood, Tiara was ready to give high school examinations when she was 11. However, due to certain official requirements, she appeared in graduated from high school at the age of 13, and passing all the exams in a single attempt was ready for University.

Enchanting the world

Although at four she was a bit nervous for her first performance, with time Tiara became a very confident singer with a strong stage presence. In 2016, the young singer won her first international singing competition, held at the Carnegie Hall. As a music performance student at UC Davis, the young singer was also a part of the university's chorus.

[caption id="attachment_20831" align="aligncenter" width="585"] The music prodigy receiving the prestigious Global Child Prodigy Award, from Kiran Bedi[/caption]

As a young south Asian, who was learning Western Classical at the university, Tiara started researching other artists like herself. In 2020, the artist wrote and presented a paper on underrepresented artists of colour, such as composer Florence Price and poetess Georgia Douglas Johnson. Inspired by their work, she composed a song for soprano and piano based on a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson. Relating to many issues that such artists faced, the singer is actively working towards eradicating any discrimination towards people of colours in the musical world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxWj-T--btE&t=408s

While studying at UC Davis, Tiara also became one of the youngest people to join two of the most prestigious academic honour societies — Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi. In July, the music prodigy graduated from the university with a perfect 4.0 GPA, summa cum laude. With dreams of performing at the most prestigious opera houses around the world, Tiara joined Jacobs’s School of Music at Indiana University, to hone her vocal range.

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From Delhi to Seoul: Srija Paul’s journey of Korean language, music, and dreams

(November 9, 2024) “I feel blessed to have come this far in my journey with the Korean language and music,” says Delhi’s Srija Paul, reflecting on the journey that has brought her to the global stage. Srija’s connection with the Korean language began as a quest to understand the lyrics of her favourite K-pop ballads. Over time, it grew into a deep, immersive passion that’s shaping her career path. In 2024, the 20-year-old achieved a major milestone by winning the grand prize in the “Born To Be A KPOP Star” contest, held in South Korea’s Gyeongsang-do province. This isn’t the first time Srija has made her mark on the international stage. Last year, she claimed the top prize in the Sejong Hakdang Outstanding Learners’ Invitational Training Program, an annual competition for Korean language learners in Seoul. With each achievement, she feels she is getting closer to her ultimate goal - to become a popular professional singer in Korea. [caption id="attachment_40258" align="aligncenter" width="790"] Srija in front of the Blue House, also known as Cheongwa Dae - the official residence of the President of South Korea[/caption] After majoring in English Literature at a college in Delhi and completing a basic Korean language

"647" /> Srija in front of the Blue House, also known as Cheongwa Dae - the official residence of the President of South Korea[/caption]

After majoring in English Literature at a college in Delhi and completing a basic Korean language course at the Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI) in New Delhi, she recently began an advanced practical Korean language course at the SNU Language Education Institute in Seoul. Alongside her studies, Srija works as a Korean language trainer on the language exchange platform Hilokal, where she and other trainers hold audio-based classes to help people improve their Korean. She’s also dedicated to building a musical career in South Korea.

Tryst with the Korean language

Srija’s fascination with the Korean language took root in 2017 when a friend introduced her to the world of K-pop. Intrigued by the unfamiliar sounds and rhythms, she found herself drawn to the unique artistry of the genre, especially the ballads. Her growing love for these songs, and the messages she sensed within the lyrics, motivated her to learn Korean. Initially, Srija’s goal was simple - to understand the music on a deeper level. But as she delved into the language, what started as a personal interest transformed into an unshakable passion.

In February 2023, Srija took a definitive step forward by enrolling in a formal Korean language course at the Sejong Hakdang branch of the Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI) in New Delhi. There, she immersed herself in rigorous language studies, embracing the nuances of Korean grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. By the time the Sejong Hakdang Invitational contest came around later that year, Srija was ready to compete with other top learners worldwide.

[caption id="attachment_40259" align="aligncenter" width="732"] Srija at the Sejong Hakdang Outstanding Learners’ Invitational speech competition in 2023[/caption]

Her performance in the competition was nothing short of stellar; she presented the speech titled ‘My Dreams and Challenges in Korean,’ which resonated strongly with both the audience and judges. In her speech, she shared her aspiration of becoming a singer in Korea and spoke candidly about the obstacles she had faced. This victory not only reaffirmed her dedication to the Korean language but also brought her one step closer to achieving her dream.

Winning ‘Born To Be A KPOP Star’ competition in 2024

This year’s 'Born To Be A KPOP Star' competition marked another significant milestone in Srija’s journey. The event, held in South Korea’s Gyeongsang-do province, featured contestants from around the world, both online and offline. She got emotional upon hearing her name announced as the grand prize winner. It was a surreal moment, a culmination of years of practice, discipline, and commitment to music. Srija attributes much of her success to her language skills, noting that singing in Korean has allowed her to connect with audiences on a deeper level. By conveying the nuances and emotions of Korean lyrics, she brings authenticity to her performances, which resonates with listeners.

[caption id="attachment_40257" align="aligncenter" width="745"] Srija received the first prize in the 'Born To Be a KPOP Star' competition as an online participant[/caption]

Platform for cultural exchange

For Srija, the Sejong Hakdang program and the Korean Cultural Centre, India have provided crucial platforms not only to learn Korean but also to experience Korean culture in its entirety. The Sejong Hakdang Outstanding Learners’ Invitational Training Program, which brought her to Seoul last year, is a collaborative effort between the Sejong Hakdang Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in South Korea. Each year, the program invites top students from Sejong Hakdang branches worldwide to compete in Korean language skills, and the event is a central part of the annual Hangeul Day celebrations on October 9. In 2023, over 2,400 applicants from 67 countries participated in the program, and Srija emerged as the grand prize winner, joining the ranks of previous winners, including Anubhuti Kakati, another Indian student who won in 2021.

“When they announced my name as the winner during the speech contest, I was filled with happiness and a sense of achievement. In that moment, I felt that I had taken one step closer to my dream,” she remarked.

[caption id="attachment_40260" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Srija Paul while receiving the second prize at the Sejong Hakdang Outstanding Learners’ Invitational speech competition[/caption]

The preliminary rounds took place at the Korean Cultural Centre in New Delhi, where the contestants were given a choice between two topics: ‘Korea as I and Koreans See It’ and ‘The Korean City I Want to Visit and an Introduction to My City.’ “I chose the first and was placed second. In the interview round with a panel of professors from reputable Korean universities, just 10 finalists had made it,” she shared.

The first visit to Korea

Srija’s experience in the Sejong Hakdang program was more than just a competition. It was a chance to immerse herself in Korean culture and connect with other language learners from around the world. In addition to the speech contest, the finalists engaged in a variety of activities during their 6-day, 7-night stay. These included visits to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Yongin Folk Village, a traditional game performance at Namsadang, and a tour of the Blue House. They also experienced aspects of modern Korean culture, such as K-pop dance.

The program’s focus on cross-cultural exchange and learning has had a lasting impact on Srija, reinforcing her desire to contribute to Korean-Indian cultural relations through her music.

[caption id="attachment_40261" align="aligncenter" width="622"] Srija visited the Gyeongbok Palace in traditional attire (Hanbok)[/caption]

“I was happy and teary-eyed when I landed in Korea; my dream had finally come true. I was mesmerized by the country’s beauty. Additionally, everything was so organized there and the roads wide and clean. My favourite activities were wearing Hanbok and visiting the aquarium at Lotte World,” shared the youngster who travelled back this year to pursue Korean language course at SNU Language Education Institute in Seoul, few months back.

Korean culture in India

The influence of Korean culture in India has grown rapidly over the past few years, with the KCCI playing a vital role in nurturing this interest. The KCCI offers a variety of classes in New Delhi, from Korean language courses to Taekwondo and Samulnori (traditional Korean percussion music). In addition to these courses, the KCCI extends its reach by partnering with 32 schools across India, offering Korean language classes and cultural programs to students.

A dream of musical fusion

Shrija dreams of sharing a stage with her idols, such as Paul Kim and Jung Seung-hwan, and creating music that speaks to both Indian and Korean audiences. For Srija, singing in Korean is more than a performance - it’s a form of expression that bridges two cultures and resonates with listeners on an emotional level.

“I want to create music that brings Korea and India closer to connect people on a deeper level, and I want to keep learning and spreading knowledge of the Korean language and culture to others,” she tells talking about her ultimate goal. To start, she has been working on collaborative projects with Korean singers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dUxx3T0xsg

Srija’s journey from a K-pop enthusiast in Delhi to an award-winning Korean-speaking singer-in-the-making exemplifies the power of passion and perseverance. As she moves forward, the youngster remains committed to her goal - one that transcends borders, celebrating the connections that music and culture create across continents.

For her, the Korean language has been more than just words and phrases - it has been the key that opened a door to her greatest dream.

Follow Srija Paul on YouTube and Instagram

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Away from his father’s glory, swimmer Vedaant Madhavan is creating his own niche

(February 11, 2023) It wasn't long ago that the world was discussing the existence of nepotism in the entertainment industry. While several star kids follow in their parent's footsteps, there is one who is working hard to make his own name in the field of sports. Actor R Madhavan's son, Vedaant is a national record-holding swimmer, who recently won the gold medal in 800m freestyle at the Danish Open, held in Copenhagen. The young swimmer also won a gold medal in men's 200m Freestyle at the Khelo India, being organised as part of the G20 Summit, reaching the mark in mere 1:55.39 minutes. "I was always into athletics," the swimmer shared during one of his recent interviews, adding, "I put in a lot of time and effort into swimming and am really happy to win these medals. My dad was literally in tears after I won the medal. Both mom and dad were so happy and proud of me. The sacrifices they made to help me reach this level finally paid off." Global Indian takes a look at the champ's glorious journey and the tournament lined ahead for him. A born athlete While Vedaant would often visit his father on

were so happy and proud of me. The sacrifices they made to help me reach this level finally paid off." Global Indian takes a look at the champ's glorious journey and the tournament lined ahead for him.

A born athlete

While Vedaant would often visit his father on the sets of his movies, and was quite fascinated with the profession, he never could see himself in front of the camera. Always a part of the school's sports team, he discovered his love for swimming only five years back, while at a school competition. "I was swimming with my school team, and a few of the members were national-level swimmers. I was quite taken by them and would swim with them regularly. One day, we had a competition against other schools and the coach decided to put me in that relay. And that moment I realised I can keep up with them, even though they were three years older than me. I was having a lot of fun, and started taking part in various swimming events and also joined a competitive club," the swimmer shared.

It was the 2021 Jr Aquatic Nationals in Bengaluru where the swimmer first created a splash at the competitive level by bringing home a staggering seven medals for Maharashtra, including four silver medals in 800m freestyle, 1500m freestyle, 4 x 100m freestyle relay, and 4 x 200m freestyle relay events. "My parents were quite supportive of my taking part in these events," Vedaant shared, "Throughout the process, my parents didn't question any of my decisions. Even though my father travels a lot because of his profession, he calls me from where he is and motivates me ahead of any heat. However, I don’t really like to have the title of R. Madhavan’s son. I want to create my own identity and my competitors respect me for who I am"

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

Though his father is his hero, the youngster takes inspiration from the swimming legend, Michael Phelps. The swimmer said, "He is the best swimmer of all time, and watching him inspires me a lot. I also attended a conference along with 10 other kids where Phelps was the key speaker. I asked him about his training schedule and he informed me that he trains as much as I do - about 6 km every session in the morning. But I must add that I look up to a lot of Indian swimmers as well, such as Sajan Prakash, Kushagra Rawat, and Srihari Nataraj."

Long journey ahead

Although he is just back from a huge win, the young swimmer is training hard for some very important tournament lying ahead. "There are some competitions. I will have to sit down with my coach and decide which ones I have to go to and which ones I don't have to go to. At this point, my main goal will be the junior nationals which are in July 2023. Based on my performance at the Jr Nationals, I will be selected for the FINA junior world games and world school games."

[caption id="attachment_27439" align="aligncenter" width="634"] Vedaant and his parents, with Odisha's CM Naveen Patnaik[/caption]

However, the swimmer's main goal, like several other sportspersons, remains the beautiful Olympic medal. "It's everyone's main target," the youngster quipped when asked about the Olympics, adding, "In the junior nationals, depending on my performance, I will be selected for the Asian Games, and that can eventually help me represent the country in the Olympics. Last year, when Sajan and Srihari made the Olympic 'A' cut, it gave young swimmers like me a lot of hope. Right now, I am preparing to participate in the 2024 Olympics, and win some medals for the country."

The youngster, however, is not only limiting himself to water sports. Exploring other career options, Vedaant is taking several additional courses at school. "Right now I am focused on swimming. However, I am a part of the acting programme in school, and also taking a few business classes. I have also been a part of several environmental science projects in my school," shares the swimmer.

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Reading Time: 6 mins

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."

Follow Joy Agrawal on LinkedIn

Reading Time: 5 min

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

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

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

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

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

Divya Deshmukh

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

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

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

Nihal Sarin

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

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

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

Rakshitta Ravi

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

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

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

Raunak Sadhwani

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

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

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

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