Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveGen Z Election Candidate: Ashwin Ramaswami is the youngest, and first Indian American to run for Georgia State Senate

Gen Z Election Candidate: Ashwin Ramaswami is the youngest, and first Indian American to run for Georgia State Senate

Compiled by: Amrita Priya

(February 29, 2024) At the age of 24, Ashwin Ramaswami has already amassed an impressive array of accomplishments. As a leader who represents America’s diversity well, Ashwin is the first Indian American in Georgia’s State Senate, the first Gen Z member, and the only State Senator with degrees in both computer science and law.

A graduate of Georgia Tech, Stanford University, and Georgetown University Law Center, the youngster’s career interests span software engineering, election security, and research in technology law and policy, apart from politics.

Ashwin Ramaswami

The young leader announced his campaign for GA State Senate District 48. Senate District 48 consists of parts of North Fulton County, South Forsyth County, North Gwinnett County and parts of Johns Creek, Suwanee, Alpharetta, Cumming, Sugar Hill and Buford.

“I have over seven years of experience working to build tech startups; have worked in the federal government on cybersecurity for three years, and currently run a consulting company around software architecture, technology law and policy,” he shared. While announcing his campaign two months back, he mentioned, “I am fighting to lower costs for all families, increase economic and business opportunity, expand healthcare access, and preserve, protect, and defend democratic institutions for everyday Georgians.”

Infusing Gen Z enthusiasm for transformation

With great interest in volunteerism, Ashwin Ramaswami has worked to make positive change by working in nonprofits, religious communities, technology startups, and law and policy in the past. Thanking people of his hometown Georgia who helped in his gaining of experiences in diverse fields, the political aspirant remarked, “It’s time for me to pay it forward and help advocate for the futures of young people — and everyone — in our community.”

We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make transformative investments in our communities. Did you know that the State of Georgia now has $10.7 billion in surplus cash? We should invest it wisely in our future.

Ashwin Ramaswami

The Gen Z contestant is articulate on social media and even interacts with the followers “I am running in the Democratic Party, against an incumbent who got indicted for trying to overturn the 2020 election results,” he remarked, replying to one of the queries on social media. “It is important to have people with integrity in the public office and who serve the community first,” he added.

Interspersing technology with purpose

In 2017, Ashwin tried his hand at entrepreneurship and entered the tech startup sector focussing on healthcare regulation. Since then, he has offered consultancy and engineering support to various technology startups, and people engaged in technology entrepreneurship and investment activities.

Ashwin Ramaswami

He has also worked in the firm, Schmidt Futures. During his time there, Ashwin spearheaded the creation of $6 million worth of philanthropic initiatives aimed at bolstering and raising awareness for open-source software communities, which serve as vital resources for small businesses. His research efforts had played a role in inspiring a bill in Congress: H.R.3286, securing Open Source Software Act.

Additionally, Ashwin had been involved in advocacy within the free culture and open access movement, contributing his expertise to organisations such as the Wikimedia Foundation and the Linux Foundation.

Ensuring cybersecurity in elections

In 2020, while working at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Ashwin had established a cybersecurity programme for state and local election officials, supporting election security efforts for both the 2020 and 2022 elections. As part of his job, he collaborated with various states across the country, including the office of the GA Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, to identify and address election security issues.

In 2023, he served as a fellow in the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, contributing to efforts aimed at safeguarding Georgians’ online and social media experiences.

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A post shared by Ashwin Ramaswami (@ashwinforga)

Connected to his roots

Ashwin was born and raised in Johns Creek, Georgia. “I’m a second-generation immigrant, an Indian American, a twin brother, and an engineer,” he writes on his website.

I would be the first Hindu and Indian lawmaker in the state of Georgia and am committed to leading with inclusion and truth.

Ashwin Ramaswami

In his dedication towards the South Asian community, Ashwin had initiated teaching sessions at Chinmaya Mission, educating middle and high school students on Hindu philosophy and culture, which encompassed teachings from the Bhagavad Gita. Additionally, during his student days at Georgetown, he established the Dharmic Law Student Organisation to cater to Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, and Jain students, and played a key role in raising $100,000 to establish an endowment fund.

Ashwin Ramaswamy at at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta on New Year’s Day

Deeply attached with Georgia’s concerns

While being connected to his roots, Ashwin is immensely attached to the place where he was born and raised, “I am from Johns Creek, GA and the only candidate who grew up in this district,” he adds. “Everyone should make sure they have access to a quality education. We want to make sure people have access to jobs and the economy, entrepreneurship and also access to healthcare, reproductive rights and all these issues that matter to us. That’s why I’ve been running,” the young leader has shared in his election campaigns.

Ashwin Ramaswami during is campaign -at Seven Oaks Clubhouse

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Published on 29, Feb 2024

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Indian child mountaineer: Bal Puraskar awardee Virat summits Mt Kilimanjaro, it’s Mt Kosciuszko next

(February 1, 2022) Standing stop a mountain peak, covered with a blanket of clouds is a fantasy for children. Virat Chandra Telukunta is no different. His favourite cartoon show — Doraemon - a fictitious character in Japanese manga would transport him to the mountains and back, even as he sat comfortably in his living room. Yet, unlike most children his age, the then seven-year-old decided to live his dream. A video call from his cousins trekking in Uttarakhand triggered his interest, and left a lasting impression. What followed was intense physical and mental training. Finally, he did the unthinkable for one so young. He went on to become the youngest person to conquer the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro - the tallest mountain in Africa. The rare feat not only brought the Indian child mountaineer laurels but also the Pradhan Mantri Bal Puraskar Award, given to children (five to 18 years of age) with exceptional abilities and outstanding achievements. “The moment I was standing on the mountain peak covered with clouds, the only image on my mind was of Doraemon’s Nobita (a fictional character) and his friends jumping over the clouds,” laughs Virat, now eight. He was the only person from the state of Telangana

e moment I was standing on the mountain peak covered with clouds, the only image on my mind was of Doraemon’s Nobita (a fictional character) and his friends jumping over the clouds,” laughs Virat, now eight. He was the only person from the state of Telangana among 29 others to have been selected for the prestigious award handed over virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently.

An Indian child mountaineer finds his ‘calling’

“It was very cold there, my body ached. All I wanted to do is achieve my goal, come what may,” beams Virat in an exclusive with Global Indian. It took six days for the Indian child mountaineer to summit. At one point during his climb, the child confesses, he was bored so he spiced it up with many breaks!

An inspiration to all, Virat is grateful for that video call in 2020 from his relatives in Uttarakhand. “I had just finished my online classes and my mother was feeding me when Karthik anna (brother) and Vaishu akka (sister), who were trekking Rudugaira mountains, call, sharing their experiences and the vista. I was fascinated by the mountains instantly and decided that I too wanted to climb mountains. That's it, I had a lengthy discussion with my parents who agreed,” informs the Indian child mountaineer, a class III student of Gitanjali Devshala School in Hyderabad.

His father Sharat Chandra approached Bharat Tammineni, a mountaineer who runs Boots and Crampons, a Hyderabad-based academy to train trekking enthusiasts. “Bharat Sir first did a physical evaluation. I started training on December 15, 2020,” informs the excited Indian child mountaineer. Then began the rigorous training. The Hyderabad lad would run for 6-7 km every day, do Suryanamaskars, sit-ups, meditation and breathing exercises (anulom-vilom and kapal bhaati) and mock-climbed the Moulali Fort, supervised by Bharat and others. “I got a chance to prove my mettle when I participated in a 5k run. After successfully completing it, Bharat Sir told me I was ready, and he chose Mount Kilimanjaro,” informs Virat.

The road to Mount Kilimanjaro for the Indian child mountaineer

Training completed, Virat, his parents and coach left for South Africa on February 28, 2021. Once formalities were done, they proceeded with the trek on March 5. The first stop was Mandara hut at an elevation of 2,720 metres (approximately 28,000 steps). After spending the night there, the next day, they left for Horombo hut at 3,720 metres. “Enroute to Horombo hut, I was bored, and taking short breaks so my parents shared some inspirational stories (to motivate me). We reached Horombo hut by evening, and spent two nights there,” recalls Virat, whose parents accompanied him till Horombo hut. Thereafter, his parents bid the Indian child mountaineer goodbye, and he undertook the arduous trek to Kibu hut at an elevation of 4,720 metres. “This journey was very challenging,” informs Virat, who overcame multiple challenges - extreme weather and body wear and tear.

The following day, Virat woke up at 3.40 am and undertook the last leg of his journey. “It was a foggy day with heavy winds and snowfall. After trekking for hours, we reached the summit. I couldn’t believe what I saw. Clouds everywhere, and I was standing on top of it (images of Doraemon flitting past),” says Virat, eyes bright recalling seeing a rainbow for the first time. The Indian child mountaineer's descent to his anxious parents waiting at Horombo hut was good. “On seeing me, my mother broke down and hugged me real tight,” smiles the child, whose name has been recorded in the Asian Book of Records and Indian Book of Records for his feat. “Thereafter, I got so many gifts,” smiles the super trooper who stuck to his usual diet comprising Indian food while summiting Kilimanjaro.

Next is Australia for the Indian child mountaineer

Now, the Indian child mountaineer, Virat is enthused, “I am preparing to climb Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in Australia. Bharat Sir suggested it,” pipes Virat, who otherwise likes playing guitar, reading, cricket, skating and even dancing. “My target is to climb all the highest mountain peaks in the world before I turn 10,” pipes Virat, who has participated in many competitions - storytelling, fancy dress, shloka recitation, cycling and running race. One can even find the little lad cooking with his mother on occasion.

Named Virat, the Hyderabad boy says his mother came across the name reading Satyarth Prakasam. “Another reason is that the last letters of my parents name adds up to Virat,” smiles the Indian child mountaineer, an October 2013 born.

Reading Time: 5 mins

Sonit Sisolekar: The young volcanologist has his eyes set on the Moon

(October 7, 2022) Around 66 million years ago at the end of the Cretaceous period, volcanic eruptions occurred at the Western Ghats, giving way to the formation of the Deccan Traps. For years, geologists have been intrigued by this formation, and some 12 years ago, a Pune boy, too, got hooked onto them. This interest led him to become India's youngest volcanologist. This interest in volcanoes has given Sonit Sisolekar a chance to study the lunar surface, thanks to Great Lunar Expedition for Everyone 2023, a NASA-led competition. "Not many youngsters are into geology, but I love it. My tryst with volcanoes started at an early age, and I have been hooked since then. And now I am getting a chance to work on a LunaSat (lunar satellite) that can be sent to the Moon," the 2021 Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar winner told Global Indian. Growing up in Pune, Sonit and his father often visited one of the largest volcanic features on Earth, the Deccan Traps, which was only 50 km from the city, to see the lava flows. "I was three-four years when I first visited them, and it generated a sense of curiosity and got me hooked,"

as three-four years when I first visited them, and it generated a sense of curiosity and got me hooked," says the Aurangabad born. More such visits led to the collection of various rocks, high on basalt which is aphanitic and unique to the area. This tryst with geology kept Sonit fascinated, so much so that he attended an exhibition of rocks and fossils. "I learned a great deal about rocks, and knew that it was something that I was attracted to." His interest was further cemented after taking part in a workshop on Earth Science by a local organisation in Pune. At age 11, he began reading geological research papers and found out about lava tubes. "They are natural tunnels within a solidified lava flow, which were earlier occupied by flowing molten lava. And I discovered two of them. This was the beginning of my research in geology," adds the 15-year-old.

[caption id="attachment_22706" align="aligncenter" width="398"] Sonit Sisolekar is one of the youngest volcanologists in India.[/caption]

The discovery got him introduced to his mentor Dr Raymond Duraiswami, Assistant Professor at the Department of Geology at Savitribai Phule Pune University. "He is the first person I contacted after discovering lava tubes as he is one of the few geologists in India who have done a research paper on lava tubes in Deccan Traps. He found my discovery to be significant and recommended me research papers and journals on them," says the young volcanologist who credits Dr Raymond for inspiring him and guiding him.

It was his mentor who nudged him to look beyond the Deccan Traps and do some research on lava tubes on the moon, called lunar rilles. "In simple terms, they are lava tubes with their roofs collapsed." He began with the mathematical comparison between lava tubes and lunar rilles by juxtaposing the length, dimension, the slope of the two, and later presented the paper at the Lunar and Planetary Sciences Conferences at NASA in March 2021.

[caption id="attachment_22707" align="aligncenter" width="486"] Sonit Sisolekar has been working closely on the Deccan Traps[/caption]

His love for studying volcanoes has helped him bag an opportunity to do the same on the moon, thanks to GLEE (Great Lunar Expedition for Everyone) 2023, a NASA-led competition. With 200 teams chosen from across the globe, the mission aims to send small satellites called LunaSats, weighing 5 grams, to the lunar surface to conduct research. While Sonit is heading one of the teams from Pune, the training for the same will begin in October, after which each team will decide the motive behind sending their LunaSat. Ask him if he were to make a decision now, what would he choose the motive to be, pat comes the reply, "research on lunar rilles (the channels formed due to lava flow). I am interested in studying the composition of the kind of volcanism that occurs on the moon and comparing it to the earth."

This isn't his first brush with the subject, as this August he successfully led one of the groups participating in the International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) in Italy to bag a gold for a project on 'Carbon sequestration in weathered rocks and its application in reducing global warming'. He even bagged two individual bronze medals, helping India show its best talent at IESO. In 2019, the teenager won big at the Cubes in Space competition by NASA for research on the possible role of ionising radiation in the reddening of Mars soil. "I had sent two samples - volcanic ash and powdered volcanic glass - to understand the effect of UV radiation on the sample, which was sent to space through a scientific balloon. It was proven in the mesosphere, it's exposed to UV radiation which leads to reddening of the soil on Mars," beams the proud volcanologist.

[caption id="attachment_22708" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Sonit Sisolekar is keen to raise awareness on geology[/caption]

For someone whose biggest challenge has been the lack of awareness on geology, he is keen on sharing his knowledge with other students through the Astronomy and Geology Awareness Tourism Education (AGATE) program. "I want to popularise astronomy and geology in rural areas, and I have started it this year only." While the work on AGATE is in process, he is using Astro-Geo Club on WhatsApp to create awareness on the subject.

The Paradise English Medium School student is keen to pursue his passion for geology in the future and has plans of attaining a degree in the subject with a specialisation in volcanology. The Class 10 student has his hands full with research and studies, but he finds time to pursue his hobbies. "I am a tabla player who started learning at the age of five. Apart from this, I write stories and love to paint and draw." The teenager who calls his parents the wind beneath his wings wants to create an impact by creating awareness of geology. For someone who is trodding a path less taken, he says, "you should have a sense of curiosity as it helps you achieve anything. Start wherever you are, rather than waiting for the right time," he signs off.

Follow Sonit Sisolekar on his website

Reading Time: 6 min

A music prodigy, Neil Nayyar created history by playing US national anthem on sitar

(June 5. 2022) A minor league baseball game in Sacramento, featuring the home team, the Sacramento River Cats, became the somewhat unlikely setting for history to be made. But made it was, when 16-year old Neil Nayyar opened the game playing the national anthem - The Star-Spangled Banner, as is customary, except he did so on a sitar. In 2021, the Indian-origin prodigy performed Jana Gana Mana on 18 world instruments. The Indian-American musician, who can play more than 107 instruments, talks to Global Indian about his journey, which began at the age of five, when he first began playing the drums. "I wasn't satisfied then so I learnt more. I'm still not satisfied," laughs the teen from Elk Grove in California. [caption id="attachment_17753" align="aligncenter" width="699"] Neil Nayyar playing US national anthem on sitar, during a minor league baseball game, held in Sacramento[/caption] From the Indian tabla and santoor, to Vietnamese Dan Bau and Indonesian Susando - Neil can play even the most difficult instruments with ease and grace. Interestingly, the 16-year-old has earned not one but two world records. "Through these instruments I have learnt so much about various cultures across the world. I would like to continue learning

the Indian tabla and santoor, to Vietnamese Dan Bau and Indonesian Susando - Neil can play even the most difficult instruments with ease and grace. Interestingly, the 16-year-old has earned not one but two world records. "Through these instruments I have learnt so much about various cultures across the world. I would like to continue learning more."

Boy wonder

The only son of a couple who migrated to California from Punjab - Rajan Nayyar, an IT professional and Sukhbinder Kaur, a registered nurse - Neil believes that he was born to be a musician. "My father had read somewhere that if you play Mozart to an unborn child, he or she will grow up to be a musician. So, when my mother was pregnant, he tried that. Frankly till I was about five years old, I wasn't so interested in music. However, my mother enrolled me in a music class, where I learned how to play drums and wowed everyone," shares the 16-year-old. Neil quickly moved on from the drums to mastering both the piano and the guitar. Soon after this accomplishment, the young musician was then inspired by a story about a gentleman who was deemed a “multi-instrumentalist” because of his ability to play twenty-three instruments.

[caption id="attachment_17749" align="aligncenter" width="551"] Neil with Consulate General of India (San Francisco) Dr. T.V. Nagendra Prasad[/caption]

The high school kid has music teachers spanning different parts of the world; China, India, Italy among other places where he learns through Skype. His parents have constantly supported their only child's hunger for music. Investing in his increasing list of instruments must have been tough but they persevered. And their son has sure made them proud. The Indian musician broke his first world record when he was 12, surpassing the 27-year-old record holder and setting his own by playing 44 instruments on his own. The second world record was accomplished when he played 107 instruments at the age of 13.

A passionate artist

After realising that music gives meaning to his life, Neil started dedicating more time to his instruments - rehearsing for about eight to nine hours every day. A symbol of uncompromising passion and persistence, Neil has not only performed at various prestigious stages in US, but has also won several awards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czwPyrMPpH8

"Mine was not an overnight success, I have worked very hard for this. I keep trying new things and bettering what I have already learned. Apart from the school, I have voluntarily performed for events including the United Nations Association of Sacramento Chapter for many years. Last year, the Mayor of Elk Grove, Bobby Singh-Allen bestowed me with the title of City of Elk Grove Arts, Culture and Heritage Volunteer of the Year," shares the young musician, who was recently selected to be a part of the prestigious GRAMMY camp - a five-day nonresidential summer music industry program for high school students considering a career in music - for audio engineering.

Neil is currently working on his first album, which will be unique in many ways. "One of the songs will feature all the 107 instruments I can play and will be about 10 minutes long," he explains about the album, for which he is collaborating with Prasanna, Carnatic fusion guitarist, who is also guitarist for A R Rahman. Neil also gave his cello music for a short film, Lollipop.

[caption id="attachment_17754" align="aligncenter" width="611"] Neil with Ustad Zakir Hussain[/caption]

But that is not all, the teenager was recently a part of two Honda car commercials, alongside his mom. The young prodigy also gave music for the commercial. "Recently, I also acted in a short film for Epoch Education, which is about how people behave with Sikh employees at workplace," shares the musician, who was recently interviewed by Mark Allen at his home.

More than just a musician

[caption id="attachment_17755" align="aligncenter" width="462"] Neil also has a black belt in Kung fu[/caption]

If you are thinking what more can this 16-year-old do, you are in for a surprise. Neil is also a gifted painter and skilled martial art expert. "I really like spending time with colours, and have done more than 100 watercolor and oil paintings. Apart from that, I also enjoy gymnastics and various martial arts - I earned a black belt in Kung fu, in 2018," shares the musician, who is also working on releasing a music book with his album, which will have the description and illustrations of all the 107 musical instruments he plays.

Follow Neil Nayyar on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn

Reading Time: 7 mins

From Delhi to Stockholm via Madras: The journey of Mannat Kaur’s award-winning greywater project

(September 18, 2024) A few years ago, when Mannat Kaur witnessed her home tap run dry, she began exploring solutions for the widespread use of greywater (domestic wastewater) to address the water crisis. Little did she imagine that her curiosity and efforts to develop a water-conservation project would eventually lead her to being felicitated by the Princess of Sweden, and attend the Royal Banquet hosted by Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf. The 16-year-old, class 12 student spent an unforgettable week in Stockholm this August when she travelled to represent India at the 2024 International Stockholm Junior Water Prize, held as part of World Water Week. Winning the national championship at IIT Madras, which led to these remarkable experiences, had already been a golden opportunity in itself. [caption id="attachment_39296" align="aligncenter" width="482"] Mannat Kaur at the royal banquet[/caption] Accompanied by her father and the national organizer, Prof. Indumathi M. Nambi from the Department of Environmental Engineering and School of Sustainability at IIT Madras, Mannat joined participants from 30 countries for the prestigious event. Although the United Kingdom took home the international prize, the experience has filled Mannat, the Head Girl of DPS RK Puram, with immense confidence and unforgettable memories. 'Every moment

ng and School of Sustainability at IIT Madras, Mannat joined participants from 30 countries for the prestigious event.

Although the United Kingdom took home the international prize, the experience has filled Mannat, the Head Girl of DPS RK Puram, with immense confidence and unforgettable memories. 'Every moment was unforgettable,' she tells Global Indian.

The joy of being a national champion

IIT Madras served as the national organizer for World Water Prize. Mannat competed against 350 applicants from 23 states at the national level and emerged as the winner, earning the opportunity to represent her country. “The top 12 shortlisted teams were invited to present their projects in person at the IIT Madras campus, where my project was selected,” Mannat shares.

This was the inaugural year of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize India (SJWP India), an initiative by the Sustainability Venture Studio (SVS) at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. It was organised in collaboration with the SIWI - Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and sponsored by AquaMAP Center for Water Management and Policy, IIT Madras, to empower young innovators to tackle critical water challenges.

[caption id="attachment_39298" align="aligncenter" width="395"] Mannat Kaur with IIT-M Prof. Indumathi M. Nambi in Stockholm[/caption]

Calling her victory at the national championship a significant personal achievement, Mannat who had dedicated the past four years to this project said, “Receiving recognition at the national level in a competition focused on the water domain is truly rewarding. This recognition has also strengthened my determination to continue contributing to solutions that can have a positive impact on both my country and the world.”

Earlier this year, the youngster had participated in the Genius Olympiad, organised by the US based Rochester Institute of Technology and held at the RIT campus in India where the same project earned her an honourable mention.

The award-winning water project

Mannat’s project is an applied research project which focuses on the development of an indigenous, sustainable, cost effective, decentralized greywater treatment unit which collects, treats, and reuses greywater generated in a household at the source.

“This product driven intervention has two units: Scupper Valve and Bilge Vessel which help households save and fight the water crisis without any major modifications in the current home plumbing system and takes up very little space in the bathroom,” explains Mannat adding, “The preliminary prototype testing demonstrates its effectiveness in collecting and treating greywater to an improved level. The solution also has an image processing component which is able to distinguish effectively between the pre-rinse and post-rinse water from the heavily soapy flows, enabling selective collection of greywaters.

[caption id="attachment_39300" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Mannat Kaur with IIT-M Prof. Indumathi M. Nambi in Stockholm[/caption]

Mannat estimates that a single-family can save around 5,000-6,000 litres of precious potable water per month and can reduce 50% of their water demand if her solution gets implemented. This decentralized approach reduces carbon emissions by 80-85 percent compared to the traditional centralized sewage treatment setups (water pumping and operational energy), offsetting 18,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

“Additionally, due to lower sewage output, it contributes towards embodied carbon savings linked to the plumbing network infrastructure and construction of sewage treatment plants. This solution, therefore, addresses two main challenges - water scarcity and operational carbon emissions associated with freshwater supply, wastewater treatment and conveyance of treated water,” says the youngster, who has applied for a patent at the Indian Patent Office.

It all started when…

In 2016, during an agitation, Mannat witnessed her home tap run dry as the Munak Canal, which supplies water to Delhi, was breached. Her entire neighbourhood struggled to secure even a single bucket of water. “This incident was a wake-up call, prompting me to explore ways to conserve water,” she says.

[caption id="attachment_39301" align="aligncenter" width="618"] Mannat while showcasing her project during Water Prize national championship at IIT-Madras[/caption]

She began monitoring her family’s water usage and identifying areas of waste, conducting water audits at home. Mannat noticed a significant amount of water going to waste and observed her family collecting greywater in a tub for reuse in flushing. When she inquired why this practice wasn't more widespread, she learned that collecting, treating, and reusing greywater requires major retrofit of the toilet and plumbing piping.

“This is how I started looking and developing practical solutions which can be easily implemented and bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application,” she says.

Experiences at Stockholm

Apart from soaking in the mesmerizing beauty of the European city of Sweden, Mannat got the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with experts. She was selected to participate in a talk show titled 'Bridging Borders and Generations with the Stockholm Junior Water Prize,' sponsored by Xylem, the U.S.-headquartered global water technology provider. Later engaging with experts from the Xylem team at their office and touring their facilities was great experience for the teenager.

Visiting the Indian Embassy and meeting Chargé d'Affaires, Mr Rakesh Tiwari, was a cherished moment too. Additionally, interacting with Taikan Oki, professor at the University of Tokyo and former Assistant Secretary General at the United Nations who won the 2024 Stockholm Water Prize in the senior category, made her overall experience even more enriching.

[caption id="attachment_39315" align="aligncenter" width="546"] Mannat Kaur at Stockholm[/caption]

A visit to the Royal Palace, not as a tourist but as an invitee to the Stockholm Water Prize royal dinner and banquet with the King and Queen of Sweden was a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

Future plan and good influences

Mannat has a deep passion for computer science, machine learning, and emerging technologies. “The myriad challenges that the world has to confront today, such as climate change and water scarcity have ignited in me the desire to work for environmental conservation,” she says adding, “I would like to make use of my technological knowledge to address the impending challenges our generation will inevitably face.”

As a Steve Jobs fan, the youngster believes in proactive resolution rather than passive observation. “I want to impact the world as Steve Jobs had, using technology to change the way we live life. Just as he made personal computing accessible through Macintosh, the first widely sold personal computer (PC), my dream is to make environmental sustainability the easier choice,” she remarks.

[caption id="attachment_39303" align="aligncenter" width="725"] Princess Victoria of Sweden with participants of the Junior Water Prize including Mannat Kaur at Stockholm[/caption]

Mannat lives in a close-knit family of five which consists of her grandfather, her parents and a younger brother who is in grade 10. Considering herself fortunate enough to have spent some time with her late great-grandmother during the formative years of her life, the youngster mentions “I have inherited my creativity from my architect father and analytical thinking from my mathematician mother, a blend of both has shaped my approach to both life and problem-solving.”

Follow Mannat Kaur on LinkedIn

Reading Time: 5 mins

Game on: Rise of India’s young gamers in the global arena

(January 6, 2024) Let me confess. Back in my growing-up days, if a youngster had expressed a desire to pursue a career in the gaming industry to their parents, a stern lecture would likely have followed. However, it's remarkable how much has changed in just the last five years. India has emerged as a global leader in the mobile gaming market, boasting the highest number of app downloads. A couple of years ago, the nation proudly claimed 421 million online gamers, and this figure has witnessed an impressive eight percent growth in 2023. What's intriguing is that the driving force behind this surge is not solely composed of multi-million-dollar companies, but rather young teenagers. These individuals are not just participating in the gaming scene; they are actively shaping the future of the industry. [caption id="attachment_35072" align="aligncenter" width="554"] Representative image[/caption] According to a recent survey, over 80 percent of Generation Z has engaged in computer gaming in the past year, surpassing Millennials by 50 percent. Their commitment is evident in the staggering statistic that they spend nearly 80 hours per week immersed in gaming. Some of these young Indian gamers have not only played and live-streamed their gaming sessions but have

ommitment is evident in the staggering statistic that they spend nearly 80 hours per week immersed in gaming. Some of these young Indian gamers have not only played and live-streamed their gaming sessions but have also garnered millions of viewers on YouTube, achieving both fame and considerable wealth.

Global Indian turns the spotlight on some of the industry's top players, highlighting how they are not only changing the game but also influencing the trajectory of the entire gaming landscape.

Akarsh Chaudhary aka Vivone

The youngest of this e-gaming army, Vivone is a seven-year-old gamer from Mumbai, who has not just participated in but also won several tournaments. The young kid began his gaming journey at four, after watching his father playing popular games such as PubG on his mobile. Having a huge following of 108K followers on Instagram and more than four lakh subscribers on his YouTube channel, Vivone has produced over 6000 live streams and videos. “I recently took part in the SkyEsports Streamers Showdown, where I played against several top gamers from across the country. I won the first prize of ₹15 lakh, even my opponents were impressed with the way I played in the tournament,” the gamer shared during an interview.

Earning an average of $6000-7000 per month through live-streaming games, Vivone is now gearing up to represent India in international tournaments. “When I started playing, I never thought I would have so many followers and subscribers. Now, my only goal is to dominate in international tournaments. Right now, I am looking for under-13 age group tournaments being organised mainly in the US, Europe, Korea, and China,” shared the young gamer.

Follow Vivone on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to his YouTube channel

Ajay aka Total Gaming

A YouTube sensation boasting an impressive 38.2 million subscribers, initially ventured into gaming by playing smartphone titles like Clash of Clans in 2015. The gamer then transitioned to Garena Free Fire, influenced by the game's growing popularity among his friends in India. However, it wasn't until 2018 that Ajay officially launched his YouTube channel, focusing on playing and streaming computer games.

Balancing his gaming pursuits, Ajay also works as a freelance "growth hacker" in Surat. In an interview, he revealed that his initial motive for diving into gaming was simply to make friends. "I started with the intent of making friends and playing games, and I was thrilled to see three to four people joining me in watching and playing," he shared. Ajay has achieved notable success, winning several tournaments both in India and internationally.

Beyond his gaming achievements, Ajay holds the distinction of being the first individual in India to provide Hindi dubbing for an English game, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Reflecting on this accomplishment, he mentioned, "People widely accepted and engaged with that series, and I am working on more such content to stand out in the gaming market."

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Ujjwal Chaurasia aka Techno Gamerz

Recognised as one of India's premier gamers, Ujjwal has amassed a substantial following of 37.6 million on his YouTube channel. Originating from New Delhi, Ujjwal embarked on his gaming journey at a young age, fuelled by a childhood passion for video games. His inaugural gaming experience involved the classic Snow Bros, a game he first encountered at his brother’s residence. As he matured, Ujjwal's interest shifted towards the immersive world of GTA: Vice City.

Reflecting on his introduction to the open-world genre, the gamer expressed, "I hadn't played any open-world games before that, and it was a blast. The game lets you do everything from driving to fighting other people and stealing vehicles, and so much more."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKquNyI4IxY

Ujjwal's ascent to fame is credited to his captivating and dynamic storytelling style while playing games, a factor that continues to contribute to the consistent growth of his channel. Sharing his perspective, he stated, "My priority has always been to entertain the audience while playing games like GTA, and I strive to deliver unique and fresh content with each episode. Maintaining that level of creativity is the biggest challenge I face while making my videos."

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Shagufta Iqbal aka Xyaa

A former software engineer turned prominent gamer, Xyaa has not only represented the country in numerous tournaments but has also established partnerships with major brands such as Intel, Logitech, and Loco for various events. Specialising in Valorant, Xyaa has been streaming on YouTube since 2012 - making her the first female online gamer in the country - amassing an impressive 285K subscribers. When discussing her current gaming preferences, she shared, "I am currently engrossed in CS: GO, Dota 2, H1Z1, and the Dark Souls series. However, I also have a deep affection for titles like Skyrim, the Witcher series, Rust, and Dying Light. I particularly enjoy casual streaming."

Despite her success, navigating the gaming landscape as a female hasn't been without its challenges. While Xyaa's streams enjoy significant popularity, she has encountered instances of cyberbullying. Addressing this aspect of her journey, she remarked, "There are a few haters. As a female gamer, some may feel that I do not deserve to be on this platform. Ups and downs are part of the journey, but the support from my fans far outweighs the negativity."

Follow Xyaa on Instagram or subscribe to her YouTube channel

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