Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveGreeshma Davu: NRI teen empowering underprivileged girls through education

Greeshma Davu: NRI teen empowering underprivileged girls through education

Compiled by: Team GI Youth

(November 8, 2023) Monika Chandolu, a resident of Movva village in Krishna district in Vijayawada, got an impressive 95.4 percent in her 12th grade and qualified for the JEE Mains exam. She is confident of clearing her JEE advanced test and getting admission into a top institute. This wouldn’t have been possible without the help of 16-year-old Greeshma Davu, an Indian American living in the suburb of Washington DC, who is helping many deserving students like Monika by providing financial assistance for their education.

Greeshma is on a mission to empower underprivileged girls and is doing everything possible to help the girls get the right access to education, and it’s her parents who are helping her in the process. She is assisting Monika in her pursuit of engineering education using Tata’s Palleseva organization, which is located in Kaza village within the same mandal.

Greeshma Davu

“During a visit to my grandparent’s hometown in India, I have learned about the dire consequences of inadequate education. Witnessing the lack of access to basic rights for women, I became motivated to make a difference through charity,” she told a daily.

While her parents have been the wind beneath her wings, she has been working hard to provide financial help to girls like Monika by working at Kumon learning centers, as well as working as an intern at the University of Virginia Neuro Science Lab. The concept of aiding the underprivileged by offering education took shape during her visit to India, where she saw distressing situations in which women encountered hardships because of their limited access to education.

In addition to her commitment to academics and sports, the teenager is also actively involved in charitable work through her non-profit organization, ‘Care 4 Needy,’ which extends its assistance to both Indian and American communities. ‘Care 4 Needy’ was founded in January 2022, with the initiative stemming from the vision of Greeshma’s mother and founder, Srilatha Tata, along with her maternal uncle, Pavan Kumar Tata. Greeshma and her uncle, Anil Kumar Tata, serve as co-founders of the organisation.

This dual-pronged dedication to education and community service exemplifies their family’s commitment to making a positive impact both locally and abroad through ‘Care 4 Needy.’

Apart from charitable work, Greeshma has demonstrated her academic prowess by achieving the sixth position in the State Technology Student Association (TSA) conference, showcasing her excellence in this field. Simultaneously, she is passionate about sports and has earned a spot on the Junior Varsity Volleyball team at Rockridge High School, her former educational institution.

Furthermore, Greeshma is not only excelling in her studies and sports but also showing her commitment to social causes. Her goal is to provide sanitary napkins to women and teenagers in rural areas, and she has already managed to raise an impressive $20,000 in funds to support this vital cause. Her dedication to both academic and humanitarian pursuits is truly inspiring.

“Working at the National Institute of Health to support those suffering from lupus disease, Greeshma achieved recognition in the State Technology Student Association. With the guidance of her mentors Ravi Davu and Dr Prakash Bethapudi, she also published research on brain tumour identification,” Greeshma’s mother added.

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Published on 08, Nov 2023

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Dancing her way to glory: Vriti Gujral is taking Kathak to new heights

(December 11, 2022) It was just to attend a rehearsal for the upcoming event that Padma Vibhushan, Pandit Birju Maharaj - one of the most eminent Kathak exponents - had come to Delhi that day. However, the events that unfolded gave the country a young and exceptionally talented Kathak dancer, Vriti Gujral, who is now taking this Indian classical dance form to the world. Impressed by the grace of then eleven-year-old Vriti, Pandit Birju Maharaj invited the young artist to perform during his show at the World Cultural Festival - a solo, seven-minute-long Kathak recital. [caption id="attachment_25245" align="aligncenter" width="479"] Vriti Gujral, Kathak exponent[/caption] The dancer, who is 16-years-old now, has since performed on various national and international stages and has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Global Child Prodigy Award. "I have been performing kathak for the past eight years. So, it is like a part of me now. It’s not that when I practice kathak only then I’m into dance, but I instead carry it into my everyday life. I have learned many things from the dance form, and it undoubtedly affects my life," the young Global Indian said during an interview. Born to dance Vriti's journey as a

t I instead carry it into my everyday life. I have learned many things from the dance form, and it undoubtedly affects my life," the young Global Indian said during an interview.

Born to dance

Vriti's journey as a dancer started at the age of six, when her mother enrolled her in a music institute. "My mother always wanted me to explore myself in areas beyond academics as well. So, she took me to an institute where they gave three classes - western dance, piano, and kathak. I liked the other courses, but I was fascinated by them when I saw dancers wearing ghungroo and performing kathak. That was precisely what started the spark in me. When I started learning it, I became more passionate about it. I began exploring other aspects of kathak, such as the chakras, footwork, and abhinaya," the young dancer shared.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tglveOAA2I

Soon, the youngster took to various stages and won the hearts of many maestros. However, it took a major turn in 2016, during the auditions for World Cultural Festival. Over 37,000 artists performed in Delhi during this festival, however, it was Vriti who grabbed the attention of Pt Birju Maharaj. However, all was not so rosy. The long rehearsal hours took a toll on the young dancer's health. But, Vriti was determined to brave all the odds. On the day of her performance, the dancer went on the stage with a bandaged blister, her feet throbbing in pain. "I remember my blisters were painful. But once I was on the stage, and the spotlight fell on me, I forgot all about it," she shared. Her performance at the Vasantosav festival ended with thunderous applause and earned her invitations to several other dance festivals.

Following her passion

Vriti's perfection of mudras and flawless expression earned Vriti a scholarship from the Centre of Cultural Resource and Training (CCRT), India. In 2020, the youngster received the Global Child Prodigy Award, for her exceptional dancing talent in Kathak. A student of esteemed kathak exponent, Pandit Barun Banerjee, Vriti dreams of becoming a professional dancer, just like her idol Pt. Birju Maharaj, and take kathak to a level where today's generation can not only enjoy it but also aspire for it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp77ohIOGcg

"I want to be a professional classical dancer and a choreographer. I aim to take the Kathak dance form to the biggest international stages. We know that the young generation finds it difficult to relate to kathak and thinks it’s boring. I wish to break these stereotypes and ensure that they relate to it as it’s our heritage, and we have to take it ahead," the young dancer said.

Follow Vriti Gujral on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube

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Meet Anushree Srinivasan, the bronze medal winner of the WorldSkills Competition 2022

(December 21, 2022) It was a dream come true for 23-year-old Anushree Srinivasan when she visited her dream destination Switzerland in October to represent India in the WorldSkills competition. It was the avid traveler’s first trip abroad and that too for something as special as representing one’s nation. The youngster brought home a bronze medal in the hotel reception category of the competition which is considered the gold standard of vocational skills. “The hospitality standards in Europe are one of the best in the world. Winning a medal there was amazing,” tells Anushree to Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_25654" align="aligncenter" width="639"] Anushree Srinivasan[/caption] Founded in 1950 WorldSkills Competition provides youngsters from across the globe a chance to compete, experience, and excel in their chosen endeavour. This was the 46th edition of the competition, which is held every alternate year in a new country. Originally scheduled to be held in Shanghai, this year’s competition has been referred to as a ‘special edition’ because it got postponed due to the pandemic and then got conducted in a decentralised manner across 15 countries. Indian champions participated in 50 skill categories bringing home two silvers, three bronzes, and thirteen medallions. The joy of representing the

his year’s competition has been referred to as a ‘special edition’ because it got postponed due to the pandemic and then got conducted in a decentralised manner across 15 countries. Indian champions participated in 50 skill categories bringing home two silvers, three bronzes, and thirteen medallions.

The joy of representing the nation

In the hotel reception category, a total of 16 countries out of 58 competed. Anushree is the first Indian to win a medal in this category. The last edition was the first one in which India forayed into this category, and ranked 11. Anushree made a good jump to bag the third position, this year, claiming the bronze.

[caption id="attachment_25655" align="aligncenter" width="862"] The gold, silver and two bronze medal winners of hotel reception category at WorldSkills Competition 2022[/caption]

“During the competition that lasted for four days, our phones were ceased. We used to perform, come back and spend lots of time together without being in any touch with the outside world,” tells Anushree about the wonderful time spent with fellow competitors. Indira Thakur, Anushree’s team leader travelled with her to Montreux. She was the only competitor from India whose place of competition did not match with anyone else in the Indian contingent.

“In India, it was midnight when results were announced. I video-called my family to share the news of my win. None of us had enough words to express how happy we felt about the win,” recalls Anushree. Her parents and sisters were awake watching the competition live on Instagram.

A people’s person

As part of her on-the-job training, while pursuing her Bachelor of Science in hospitality management and administration, Anushree got a chance to explore all the segments of the hospitality industry – front desk, housekeeping, food and beverage, and the kitchen. “I felt that the front desk is my true calling as I love to interact with people and solve their problems. During my training I was the first trainee who was recognised by a guest,” tells the proud youngster. Apart from the mandatory four-month internship at Oberoi Hotels and Resorts that was required to get the Bachelor’s degree, Anushree worked there for close to a year after passing out.

[caption id="attachment_25658" align="aligncenter" width="764"] Anushree during a task at the WorldSkills Competition 2022[/caption]

She then went on to join the management trainee programme of the ITC Group of Hotels. “In one year, I got the opportunity to work in the top five properties of ITC,” she tells. Being a part of the workforce of ITC Maratha - Mumbai, as the preopening workforce of Welcome Hotels Guntur, Sheraton New Delhi, the preopening workforce of ITC Narmada Ahmedabad, and ITC Royal Bengal Kolkata helped Anushree hone her skills.

WorldSkills by chance

“It was Ms. Annie, my front office faculty at SRM University Chennai who told me about the WorldSkills Competition and insisted that I should participate in it,” she says. “Until then I had not heard about it and did not know that it is considered the Olympics of vocational skills.” Anushree had been the vice president of the front office club of her college and had won several medals and trophies, making her teacher believe that she had the potential to represent the country in the hotel reception category.

Though Anushree was not very keen on participating, she gave in to the insistence of her teacher and is glad to have done so. “I can’t thank her enough for this,” she tells. She is also thankful to her coach Aagman Baury, general manager of the Leela Convention Centre, Shahdara, New Delhi who was assigned as the expert to help her prepare for the competition.

[caption id="attachment_25659" align="aligncenter" width="822"] All the 16 participants of the hotel reception category at WorldSkills Competition 2022[/caption]

Soon after clearing some rounds, there was a lockdown in Shanghai where the competition was supposed to be held followed by other parts of the world. Anushree had given up hope of participating but was overjoyed when it finally took shape.

She had already come a long way to earn a spot in the global challenge by then, leaving behind competitors first at the zonal level, followed by district, state, and finally at the nationals. Even after winning gold in National Skills Competition, Anushree had to go through two more rounds of selection procedures set by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Government of India before she was chosen to represent the nation abroad.

The avid traveller

Switzerland was a dream destination for more reasons than one. “I am very fond of travelling and have travelled to 15 states and five union territories in India so far,” tells the solo backpack traveller who aims to travel to every state of the country. The adventure lover had even done camping in the Himalayas alone when she was just 20.

[caption id="attachment_25661" align="aligncenter" width="622"] Anushree in Himachal Pradesh[/caption]

To be able to explore the beauty of Switzerland was a remarkable milestone for the youngster who has been a solo traveller since she was 18. The ability to adapt to any environment is a trait that she credits to her traveling experiences.

“Before the competition started, we got enough time to explore Montreux and nearby places. An excursion trip was organised for all the competitors. Since Montreux is at the tip of Switzerland, we were even able to see France on the other side,” reminisces Anushree fondly.

Flying high

The winner of the WorldSkills Competition credits her father for adding wings to her dreams and being very supportive of whatever she wants to do in life.

[caption id="attachment_25662" align="aligncenter" width="775"] Anushree enjoying paragliding[/caption]

Whether it has been riding bikes, going on solo trips, climbing mountains, or paragliding, her father who works as Chief Accounts Officer at Tamil Nadu House New Delhi has always motivated her to fly high.

Follow Anushree Srinivasan on LinkedIn and Instagram

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Indian-origin Laiba Basit sets Guinness record as the youngest female author to publish book series

(November 28, 2022) Laiba Abdul Basit remembers the very first book she ever read. "It was 101 Stories for Girls," she tells me. A prolific reader by the time she began school, the now eleven-year-old Laiba Abdul Basit entered the Guinness World Records in 2022, as the youngest female author to publish a book series in English, having brought out her second book at the age of 10 years and 164 days. The author of the Order of the Galaxy trilogy, Laiba broke the record held by Saudi Arabian author Ritaj Hussain Alhazmi, who was 12 years old when she published her series. Laiba is a girl of few words, pausing to write in her book from time to time as she speaks with Global Indian. She appears stoic even about her Guinness achievement, admitting later, "I don't know if I like being famous, really. I'm scared of cameras." The family was away on a trip in Calicut when they received the news. - "We went back home, to my father's ancestral home in Kerala and everyone was so happy. It was a very joyous night." Media attention was plentiful, thanks in part to Laiba's grandfather, who worked as a journalist

when they received the news. - "We went back home, to my father's ancestral home in Kerala and everyone was so happy. It was a very joyous night." Media attention was plentiful, thanks in part to Laiba's grandfather, who worked as a journalist in Qatar and talked about his granddaughter online.

[caption id="attachment_24767" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Laiba Abdul Basit, Guinness World Record holder[/caption]

A born wordsmith

Born in Kerala, Laiba grew up in Doha, Qatar, where her father, Abdul Basit, works in the oil sector and her mother, Thasneem Mohammed, runs a business. "I started writing through reading," she says. "My mother taught me the alphabet and how to read before I joined school." She's still a prolific reader, listing Enid Blyton, JK Rowling and Roald Dahl as her favourite authors. Her grandfathers, KM Abdur Raheem and Mohammed Parakkadavu were cultural and social activists in the Gulf Cooperation Council.

By the time she was in the first grade, she began writing herself, scribbling short stories, ideas and phrases in a notebook, and even on pieces of paper that she stuck to the walls of her house. "I was in first or second grade when I decided to write my own stories," Laiba says. "I showed my teacher some of the short stories and she told my parents about it. After that, my parents started taking an interest."

Penning her success

When the first lockdown was imposed in 2020, Laiba switched to typing instead and finished her first book, 'The War for the Stolen Boy'. It took her about a year and a half to write. The series tells the story of four siblings who go out on intergalactic adventures. "I was inspired by writers like Morgan Rice and JK Rowling to do my own thing," Laiba remarks. "I had also developed an interest in astronomy at that time. Since I didn't know much about space, I thought I would go with fantasy.

When The War for the Stolen Boy was complete, Laiba and her father approached a university press in Doha. Unfortunately, the publishing process had slowed down due to the pandemic. "I found out about Kindle direct publishing and three hours later, the book was ready." The second book was taken up by Dr Sabrina Lei, Director of the Rome-based Tawasul Europe Centre for Research and Dialogue. "It took me about six months to write. I remember finishing it at 4 am and rushing to wake my father to tell him. He thought he was having a dream," she laughs. The third book in the series, The Book of Legends, was published by Lipi Publications.

Looking ahead

[caption id="attachment_24769" align="aligncenter" width="744"] Laiba was recognized by the Indian Embassy in Doha[/caption]

The Guinness World Record holder is already working on her fourth book, an epistolic novel about two friends who live sixteen hours from each other. The story is told entirely through their letters and she is looking for international publishers. All this is made possible by her parents, who have been extremely supportive of their daughter. "They deal with all the documentation and everything required for publishing. They help me edit my novel as well," Laiba says.

In her free time, she enjoys roller skating, these days inside the apartment as FIFA fever grips Doha. What does she want to be when she grows up? "Math is my favourite subject," she says, thoughtfully in response. "I want to keep writing but I would also like to try something new." Breaking into a grin and finally giving me a glimpse of the child within, she adds, "I want to be a leader when I grow up. I want to be President."

Check out Laiba's series, Order of the Galaxy here

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

(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. [caption id="attachment_36240" align="aligncenter" width="559"] Ashwin Ramaswami[/caption] 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

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.

[caption id="attachment_36243" align="aligncenter" width="497"] Ashwin Ramaswami[/caption]

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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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.

[caption id="attachment_36242" align="aligncenter" width="410"] Ashwin Ramaswamy at at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta on New Year's Day[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_36241" align="aligncenter" width="665"] Ashwin Ramaswami during is campaign -at Seven Oaks Clubhouse[/caption]

Follow, Ashwin Ramaswami on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and his Website

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Prisha Tapre: Meet the youngest British-Indian teen to swim across the English Channel

(September 25, 2024) Early this September, British-Indian teen Prisha Tapre found herself fulfilling a dream of hers - swimming across the English Channel. She was 12 when she harboured the dream. Now four years later, she covered a treacherous 21 mile stretch from Dover in the UK to Cap Gris Nez in France, in a span of 11 hours and 48 minutes to become the youngest British Indian to swim across the English Channel. "My dream has come true and it's an experience you can only hear about in the movies and, and actually experiencing it, it just feels amazing," Prisha said in an interview. But her desire to swim across the English Channel wasn't just to make or break a record but the teen saw herself doing one of the most iconic swims to raise funds for a charity. Through her challenge, she raised £3,700 for Akshaya Patra UK, a charity dedicated to ending hunger and child food poverty in India and the UK. [caption id="attachment_39449" align="aligncenter" width="602"] Prisha Tapre[/caption] A goal bigger than her Her family migrated to the UK from Maharashtra, and it was at an early age that Hertfordshire girl fell in love with swimming. However,

height="427" /> Prisha Tapre[/caption]

A goal bigger than her

Her family migrated to the UK from Maharashtra, and it was at an early age that Hertfordshire girl fell in love with swimming. However, her dream of swimming across the English Channel took root in 2020 when she was 12 years old as wanted to prove to herself that she could do something big. "Before that, I was a normal club swimmer who trained for fun and socialising but I decided to do something bigger for myself," Prisha said. After discussing with her parents, she decided on the English Channel and her coaches directed her towards Jeremy Irvine - her current coach, and "that's when it started."

The English Channel, a stretch of water separating southern England from northern France, is a popular yet challenging route for long-distance swimmers. The narrowest point between Dover and Calais is approximately 21 miles (34 km), but due to strong currents, swimmers often cover much greater distances. The cold water, unpredictable weather, and shipping traffic add to the difficulty of the crossing. Swimmers attempting to cross typically follow strict guidelines, including starting from Dover and landing on the French coast.Often called the Mount Everest of Open Water Swimming, swimming across the English Channel is considered challenging. Uptil now, fewer than 2000 have successfully completed the 20.5-mile swim.

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A post shared by Prisha (@prishatapre)

Prisha began her training by swimming one kilometre and later moved to three kilometres. "It used to take me around 25 minutes per lap for 1k around the lake and now I take 15 minutes a lap. So, in four years, I've managed to cut down 10 minutes for 1k which is amazing and then it just shows how far you can go," the teen said.

Initially, she was aiming for 12 hours swim across the English Channel but during the swim, she lost all sense of time. "I came out thinking that I got 15 hours," said Prisha, who swims with Watford Swimming Club. When her coach Jeremy on the boat inquired her about the time she took, she found out that she took 11 hours and 48 minutes, making her quite proud of her performance.

The English Channel challenges

Swimming across the English Channel isn't an easy feat since it requires constant swimming with only minuscule breaks for feed. Her coach calls English Channel, one of the most iconic swims as it is also one of the busiest shipping channels. "The traffic that you get is insane, so hats off to the pilots that navigate us across," he said, adding that Prisha was swimming alongside a fishing boat that was watching the traffic and communicating with everyone the entire time.

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In preparing for the swim, she had to get comfortable with a certain degree of discomfort while during the channel swim. She began acclimatisation by starting longer and colder swims. She would sit in a cold bath for 20-minute sessions, just to the point where the body needs to generate its own heat. "It prepares the body and the mind," said Jeremy, who calls hypothermia the biggest challenge in such swims.

Alongside physical strength, it requires mental resilience to swim for 11 hours and 48 minutes. But having been brought up in a spiritual family, Prisha always found her mother, an athlete herself, listening to meditations. It was at age 11 that she too started meditating, and found herself in a better mental space. "My mom gave me this Hare Krishna chant that I often chant during swimming when my head is ever in a bad space. I have realised that your mind is in control of your body." However, the chant did not work during the long swim, instead, she started counting to eight over and over again, which was more like being in a meditative state for her.

But the first two hours of the swim were challenging as it was choppy and dark. "But once the sun came up, I knew I had passed the toughest bit. The water became still, and the conditions were better than I could have asked for her," she said in another interview.

Striking a balance

Prisha's accomplishment is all the more impressive considering how she managed to juggle her demanding training regimen alongside her preparation for GCSE exams. "I was preparing for my exams while striking a balance with my channel swim training. It was really hard as I had to give time to both as I couldn't fall behind on either," said the swimmer who would train for six hours.

Her parents have been the wind beneath her wings as they always encouraged and supported her in her passion. "They inspired me on days that I thought I couldn't do it, and constantly reminded me why I started doing it in the first place."

Representing India and UK

Being a British Indian, Prisha Tapre feels proud to represent India in the UK. "I feel in certain sports there are many Indians who represent their country. So doing a sport where there aren't many Indians, makes me feel really proud that I am able to represent not just myself but an entire country. It gives me hope that one day, other people could do the same," she said, adding, "I want to inspire other people to get into the sport because sometimes when you come into a different country, you might not feel as comfortable doing anything as you would in India. At first, I wasn't as comfortable as I would be in India but then the community that Jeremy introduced me into was so welcoming."

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Swimming for charity

Having raised £3,700 for Akshay Patra, a charity in the UK, Prisha Tapre calls the cause closer to her heart. "In the UK, it provides after-school and in-school meals for children who sometimes won't be able to get meals after school, and in India, it helps children get an education along with mid-day meals which encourages more children to go to school." The cause is close to her heart as she has experienced life in both countries. "I can fast for a day knowing that I will have a meal at the end of the day, But I can't imagine being in a situation where I might not have a meal the next day. Raising money for this charity means a lot to me," she added.

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