How ‘Jalsa’ star Surya Kasibhatla brought about Bollywood’s big leap
Written by: Team GI Youth
(October 31, 2022) In the opening scene of Jalsa, a neurodivergent, teenage boy makes a video on how to bowl. Inspiration had come from Surya Kasibhatla himself, who plays the role of Ayush and is the first actor with cerebral palsy to be in a Bollywood film. Surya, who liked to post videos of his own on YouTube, made one with cricket tips.
Auditions and a serendipitous discovery
Ultimately, the video would lead the Jalsa team to him. After over two months of auditions, where over 150 Indian kids with cerebral palsy were put through rounds of specially-designed auditions, they zeroed in on Surya Kasibhatla. The actor was flown down from America, with precautions made all through the journey, both on and off the sets.
Surya Kasibhatla and Vidya Balan in Jalsa
Jalsa has received acclaim the world over, with Kasibhatla’s performance singled out for praise. It’s the first time a person with cerebral palsy has acted in a Hindi movie. “Whether that is me or not, is a secondary aspect,” Kasibhatla told Forbes Magazine.
Much of this was driven by casting director Anmol Ahuja, who had Kasibhatla flown down from America. Ahuja’s early brief had been to cast a neurodivergent actor and he began a hunt for actors along with Deepak Agarwal, another member of the team. They spotted actors in Doha, South Africa and Mumbai. At the same time, they also looked for kids with a background in theatre, a reluctant back-up plan. Eventually, they knew they had found what they were looking for in Surya Kasibhatla. Precautions were in place on and off the sets, to ensure that the young Global Indian felt at home.
The debutant who made history
Surya’s newfound stardom does little to hide the excited, star struck 13-year-old, for whom working with Vidya Balan was one of the highlights of the experience.
“I have always loved Vidya ma’am’s acting,” he told the Hindustan Times in an interview. “Working with Vidya ma’am was more than a dream come true and absolutely delightful. She was very loving and caring and I had a gala time working with her. She is my favourite actress.”
Dreams of the silver screen
Surya was four years old when he first decided he wanted to be an actor. Born in Hyderabad, Surya and his parents faced the immediate challenges of a raising a neurodivergent child. “There is a long way for societies to become completely exclusive,” he said, in the HT interview. There are schools, however, which make the effort. Daksha School in Hyderabad, where Surya studied, is one of them and for that he is always grateful.
Growing up, his parents ensured that their son was never treated differently. His father, who is an IT professional, migrated to the United States when Surya was still young, although he was, by then, a big fan of Bollywood and Telegu cinema. Surya told the BBChe lives in a “happy and engaged family environment at home and is part of all decision-making on important matters pertaining to him.”
By the age of 13, when he was chosen for the role, Surya was doing software development, having shown an early talent for computer programming, music, movies and sports. Word of the role in Jalsa came from his physiotherapists in India, who reached out to his parents.
In the Maximum City
It was the cricket video that did the trick. “The moment we saw that video, we knew we had to get him,” Ahuja told Film Companion. He then got on a video call with director Suresh Triveni before being cast in the role.
The film team also re-visited Ayush’s character, re-working the script to establish as many similarities as they could between him and Kasibhatla. Long dialogues were removed – they were not in keeping with the typical style of speech for someone with cerebral palsy.
The making of Jalsa was a complex and layered process. Acting, Surya found, harder than he had imagined. When he arrived in Mumbai, he was started off with film workshops and working through the role with director Suresh Triveni, who has a neurodivergent family member himself.
Learning on the job
“The best and toughest part of the film was doing justice to the role… Being in the scene is harder than many people think, but the pre-shoot workshops as well as the team on the sets made me comfortable.” Among them was his co-star Vidya Balan, he taught him the art of emoting in every scene.
Kasibhatla himself was more than happy to do the work.
Inclusivity on the sets
“Nobody from the team treated me differently,” Surya said. “I was one among them. I was absolutely comfortable while shooting for Jalsa. Right from my travel logistics to the accommodation, food, local travel, everything was a seamless experience.”
(February 25, 2024) Indo-European singer songwriter Ridi Oswal released her first single, Top Guy, at the age of 17. Two years later, she is a rising Gen-Z popstar in the global South Asian community. Ridi's music, which is a fusion of her Indian roots and global influences, explores themes like social injustice, mental health, and the strains of social media. Ridi, who has just signed a contract with Universal Music, SA, also runs an anti-bullying platform with her sister, Vasundhara. Sound of Music A self-proclaimed advocate for blending her Indian roots with Western influences to create indie pop music with a universal appeal, Oswal has been tinkering with music since she was eight. Her journey into professional realm began at the age of 14 when she dedicated herself to honing her craft. "Growing up, I faced my fair share of challenges - from being bullied in high school for my Indian heritage to enduring stereotypes about my food choices and cultural background. My identity became a joke to some. But throughout, music was my steadfast companion. It was my lifeline, my way of finding connection and meaning in a sometimes chaotic world," she tells Global Indian, adding, "I want to
finding connection and meaning in a sometimes chaotic world," she tells Global Indian, adding, "I want to share that sense of connection with others through my music, to be that comforting voice in someone else's storm." Currently pursuing a degree in chemical engineering in London, Oswal acknowledges that studying science keeps her grounded, providing a sense of balance amidst the whirlwind of creativity.
Indian connect
For Oswal, mixing her Indian roots with contemporary music is like creating a musical mosaic, where each piece adds depth and richness to the overall picture. Drawing inspiration from classical Indian instruments like the tabla and dholak, she infuses these traditional elements with modern beats and melodies, creating a unique fusion that resonates with audiences worldwide. "It's about honouring my heritage while embracing the ever-evolving landscape of music, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. Whether through rhythmic patterns or melodic motifs, my goal is to create a seamless blend that celebrates the diversity of our musical heritage while pushing the boundaries of creativity,” she explains.
Making the case for inclusivity
Experiencing bullying at school and understanding its ramifications, she has co-founded ‘Stop The B’ with her sister. This is an initiative that aims to combat bullying and promote inclusivity in schools and communities. "Having personally experienced the pain of bullying during my school years, I knew I had to do something to make a difference," says Oswal who is striving to empower individuals to stand up against discrimination through music and activism through Stop The B. "Moreover, we are fostering a culture of kindness and acceptance. Together, we are spreading awareness, providing support, and inspiring change, one step at a time."
Musical notes
Her music reflects her journey - a blend of personal experiences, cultural influences, and creative expression. "When it comes to song writing, I believe in letting the process flow organically. Sometimes, it starts with a lyric or a melody, other times, it is a story waiting to be told. I find solace in my voice memos, where I store countless ideas and fragments of songs, ready to be revisited and refined," says the singer who believes collaboration is key. "Working with talented musicians and producers allows me to explore new sounds and perspectives, enriching the creative process. Her latest single, Guilty Feet, celebrates self-love, empowerment, and unapologetic authenticity. "It's about embracing every aspect of who you are, flaws et al, and confidently owning your unique journey. The song invites listeners, especially girls, to shed their inhibitions, break free from societal expectations, and dance to the beat of their drum," she explains, adding, "With infectious rhythms, uplifting melodies, and heartfelt lyrics, it's a reminder to stand tall, shine bright, and never apologise for being yourself. Ultimately, it's a love letter to anyone who's ever felt unseen or misunderstood, urging them to embrace their truth and live boldly."
Being resilient
Overcoming challenges has been an integral part of her journey, shaping her into the artist and individual she is today. In the face of adversity, she has learned to cultivate resilience, perseverance, and a positive mindset. "Surrounding myself with a supportive network of friends, family, and mentors has been instrumental in navigating obstacles and staying grounded amidst the storm," she says. Additionally, channelling setbacks into opportunities for growth and self-discovery has empowered her to turn adversity into fuel for creativity and inspiration. "Through music, activism, or personal development, I approach challenges with an open heart and a determination to emerge stronger on the other side," she says.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5JZzocME6o
Reflecting on her journey
In these years, she has learned many valuable lessons that have shaped both her perspective and approach to life and music. One such profound lesson is the importance of authenticity - staying true to herself and her vision, even in the face of external pressures or expectations. "I have also learned the power of resilience, embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth and transformation rather than obstacles to be feared." Furthermore, collaboration and community have taught her the strength of unity and the beauty of shared creativity. "I've come to appreciate the journey itself, embracing the highs and lows as integral parts of the process and finding joy in pursuing my passions. Every twist and turn, every high and low – it's all part of the adventure. It's all about finding joy in the journey," she explains.
Mixing it up
She loves diving into creative projects and discovering new adventures in her free time. A nature lover, she enjoys hiking and taking peaceful strolls in the park. "I am always on the lookout for my next destination, eager to explore new cultures and experiences. When I'm not lost in artistic pursuits or globe-trotting, you'll likely find me cosying up with a good book, whipping up new recipes in the kitchen, or cherishing quality time with loved ones,” says Oswal.
A particularly exciting milestone in her musical journey has been signing a contract with Universal Music, SA – which she admits is truly a dream come true for any artist. With this incredible opportunity, a whole world of creativity is waiting to be explored, and she is ready to dive right in. "From fresh singles like Love Me Till You Lose Me which talks about love and loss in the most fashionable way exploring the nuances of love, obsession and separation, to exciting collaborations, and who knows, maybe even an album down the line there is so much music waiting to be made,” she says. But along with the tunes, she is equally fired up about making a difference through her music by lending her voice to important causes or giving back to the community. She is keen to use her platform for good. “I am itching to shake things up, explore new genres, and keep pushing the boundaries of my artistry. At the end of the day, it's all about spreading positivity, connecting with others, and making a meaningful impact in this ever-evolving world,” she signs off.
(November 30, 2022) In 2017, two people were killed in East Delhi when a large mound of garbage in the Ghazipur landfill collapsed, sweeping people in the vicinity into a nearby canal. Spread over 70 acres, with a mountain of garbage higher than a 15-storey building, the lethal collapse was one more alarm bell in a city that was already choking. Watching the tragedy unfold on the news were Vihaan and Nav Agarwal, two siblings in Delhi. "The next day, the whole city was engulfed in a blanket of smoke. When we read about it in the newspaper, the connection between waste and air pollution became clearer," Vihaan said. Delhi generates 11,144 tonnes of trash per day and up to 250 tonnes of municipal solid waste is burned every day, releasing 2000kg of PM10 and 1,800 kg/day of PM 2.5. Over one-third of the air pollution in Delhi is caused by burning waste in landfills. Vihaan was 14 at the time and Nav only 11, but growing up in Delhi had already taken a toll on their health, especially as Vihaan was asthmatic. Their time outdoors was severely curtailed, for the most part, they weren't allowed to play outside. "We
14 at the time and Nav only 11, but growing up in Delhi had already taken a toll on their health, especially as Vihaan was asthmatic. Their time outdoors was severely curtailed, for the most part, they weren't allowed to play outside. "We had five to six air purifiers at home, and we were not allowed to play outside. We had online school even before the pandemic," Vihaan said in an interview.
[caption id="attachment_24853" align="aligncenter" width="383"] Nav and Vihaan Agarwal[/caption]
Leading the way by segregating at home
Taking inspiration from icons like British naturalist David Attenborough and the storied conservationist Jane Goodall, the brothers began separating their waste at home, setting aside the recyclables. "The thought process in our mind was like, our waste shouldn't go there, our waste shouldn't become fodder for this fire," Vihaan said. They collected such a mountain of trash that their grandfather told them sternly, and only half in jest, that one of them, either the boys or the trash, had to go. However, they realised that their segregated waste was being mixed again after it was collected. When they contacted recyclers, they were told that they had too small an amount to be picked up.
One Step Greener
The brothers rallied a team together through the neighbourhood WhatsApp group. In 2018, they founded One Step Greener, an organisation aimed at preventing pollution caused by waste.
It marked the start of the recycling initiative that would earn the boys one of the top awards for children - the 2021 KidsRights International Children's Peace Prize. As they received the prize from Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi, they entered an elite club of young, global changemakers, including Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg. The Dutch prize includes an education grant and a cash award of 1,00,000 euros. "It's an old saying, but everyone's collective effort does actually make a difference," Vihan said afterwards.
They started with 15 homes in 2018, and four years later, the organisation has grown to cover schools, offices and over 1,500 households across Delhi. They have plans to expand to Kolkata and thanks to the exposure the Global Indians received through the KidsRights award, there is a fair amount of international interest as well. The organisation also works to spread awareness about the importance of recycling.
Accolades galore
Vihaan and Nav Agarwal haven't seen their teenage years through yet but have a long list of accolades to their credit already. Vihaan is also the First Asian to win the Children's Climate Prize, 2019 in Sweden and is an Ashoka Youth Venturer. Fifteen-year-old Nav has shown a talent for oration, which he uses to inspire people to join his green movement. He won the Children's Climate Prize along with his brother, was a jury member of Times of India's Young Change Leaders Contest, was named BBC's Earth Champion, is the winner of the Global Social Leaders Award and the Action for Nature Eco Hero Award.
(December 12, 2024) Hurried lunches eaten alone in a corner of the cafeteria, endless hours at school spent mostly in silence, her heart racing at the thought of speaking to her peers, and worst of all, having to answer the dreaded question, 'Where are you from', made every day a struggle for nine-year-old Taanvi Arekapudi, who is now a passionate advocate for teen mental health. Born in Ireland to Indian parents, then moving to the US at the age of nine meant identity was a complex, confusing concept for the young girl. "A nine-year-old is expected to be happy and excited about life. I would see my peers in the US being that way, and then there was me, faking a smile to fit in, pretending to be happy because that's what society told me," Taanvi tells Global Indian. Now 16 years old, Taanvi greets me with a ready smile that no longer needs forcing. She speaks with courage and insight too, boldly talking about the worst moments of her life and how she learned to find happiness even when everything seemed gloomy. Learning to face herself not only helped her heal, it also gave her purpose. "My mission is
emed gloomy. Learning to face herself not only helped her heal, it also gave her purpose. "My mission is to help my peers with coping strategies to use in their daily lives," Taanvi says.
Taanvi Arekapudi is a youth mental health advocate and founder of Uplift Teens Today, a nonprofit providing mental health resources and support to teenagers. Through initiatives like her bestselling book, Uplift Teens Today: Coping Strategies for Mental Health, the Emotion Cards Deck, and the Nexus platform, she empowers peers with practical strategies and creates safe spaces for dialogue. Her work spans schools, communities, and national platforms, breaking stigma and championing youth-led mental health advocacy.
Transformed by challenges
For months, Taanvi hid behind a smile, because she didn't think anyone would understand. Finally, the dam broke, and when Taavi was at home with her family. "I was scared. What would my parents and my sister think of me. But the first thing my parents told me was, "You're not alone." That day, a great weight was lifted off Taanvi's shoulders. She realised it was okay to feel that way, and to have those emotions—but then what? Get stuck in a loop? That evening, Taanvi's mom taught her a five-minute mindfulness technique, a guided meditation in which she imagined clouds and rainbows. "It made me feel calm," she recalls. "I could feel present without worrying about who I would sit with for lunch the next day."
That was the start of her journey of self-healing. Taanvi had a strategy to help herself and wanted to share this with the world.
The mindfulness journey
Taanvi's mindfulness meditation brought her peace, and while it could work wonders, she needed more. She began looking for more strategies to help herself, and began her journey of self healing. She learned breathing techniques and regulation techniques, so when she felt a strong emotion, she could acknowledge it and also have a strategy to help herself.
Around that time, the pandmic hit and the world went into lockdown. It was a tough time for everyone, Taanvi included, but this time, she had the strategies she needed to cope with her emotions. She wondered what her friends were going through, and if they were hiding sadness behind their smiles too, as she once had. She asked them how they were feeling, and many admitted they weren't doing to well. And Taanvi thought, 'Why don't I start a club'? The idea was to have students come and share their experiences. It took off immediately, and students were sharing their own troubles, as well as their coping strategies. Her school supported her as well, and many of her peers told her how much it had helped them.
Writing a bestseller
[caption id="attachment_40920" align="aligncenter" width="605"] Taanvi's book, Uplift Teens Today, became a bestseller[/caption]
At the age of 13, when her peers were worrying about makeup, school dances, and homework, Taanvi published her first book on teen mental health, written by a teen for teens. She began writing at the age of 12, as a teen reaching out to other teens, hoping to remove the stigma around mental health conversations by sharing her own story. Writing the book wasn't easy, she admits. She had to be vulnerable all over again, and to relive the emotions and experiences that had troubled her so much. Still, the experience was catharctic.
"At the start, I was sharing strategies along with anecdotes. I had a writing advisor, though, and she told me that it was hard to achieve a flow that way. She suggested that the flow be built around my own stories, with the strategies and challenges interspersed." So after a year and a half of work, she started afresh. All the while, picturing her book in a reader's hand kept her motivated. It took another year to complete the work. "There was a lot to learn—I had started off saying something had made me sad or lonely. But then I learned to redo it, and to show what those emotions meant as well. So instead of saying I felt lonely on my first day at school, I wrote that I was sitting by myself in a corner, and how that felt."
Her efforts paid off and the book was very well received. It was also a genre-maker - most books for teenagers are written by doctors and psychologists. Hers was the first one to be written for teenagers, by a teenager. "I sold thousands of copies, and it was so lovely to see people picking up my book. And I have had countless young people come up to me and say it helped them. Adults did too."
This was followed by the emotion card set. Children are not taught about emotions—it's either happy or sad, Taanvi says, adding, "And if you're sad, you're told to shoo it away." It motivated her to create the emotion card set to be used by teens and counsellors to spark conversations about mental health and emotions. It also comes with easy-to-follow coping techniques that are rooted in mindfulness and breathing exercises.
Three years ago, she created her own curriculum. By this time, Taanvi was visiting schools and spreading the word among her peers. The Mental Health Minutes are a set of monthly strategies where she shares different techniques and how and why to do them.
For this, Taanvi connects with school districts—there are 50 schools in her district in Seattle alone, and teachers share the resources with the students. "Lots of adults create strategies for youth, but they didn't resonate with me. So I thought, why not share my own? She began making short videos to share with other teens. "Some students love it, others take it in subconsciously, and later, when they are stressed or low, they remember these strategies," she says. "I have a lot of people coming up and saying they didn't listen that day but went back to it later," she says.
With a solid body of work to her credit, Taanvi now works with the University of Washington, where she does research with psychologists there. The aim is to make it part of school curriculums, for which she organizes fairs and recruits student volunteers to spread the word. "And every time I launch in a new district or community, I also launch Nexus," Taanvi explains.
Creating a curriculum and a global mental health resource library
Nexus is Taanvi’s ambitious project, a free, 24/7 mental health hub for schools that connects students with peer stories, resources, and coping strategies. “It’s already reached 800,000 students nationwide, and I’m working to make it global,” she says. Nexus brings together everything she has created—her book, her emotion cards, and her curriculum—into one accessible platform. “It’s a way for teens to feel less alone and have real tools to help them navigate their emotions.” Nexus’s impact has been widely recognized, earning awards like the Washington Health Care Authority Youth Prevention Project of the Year and the Digital4Good Most Innovative Award. Now available as a website, Taanvi's plan is to turn it into an app as well.
Her passion for helping others also led her to collaborate on the Inside Out curriculum with the Crown Institute at the University of Colorado. Drawing on the beloved animated movies of the same name, the curriculum teaches emotional intelligence in a relatable, visual way. “I grew up with Riley’s story, so being part of a project like this is so meaningful to me. I want to make sure it connects with teens on a personal level, just as the movies did for me.”
[caption id="attachment_40921" align="aligncenter" width="447"] Taanvi's Emotion Card set is availabe on her website.[/caption]
Advocacy at the community and national levels
Taanvi’s work isn’t limited to schools and communities—she has also taken her advocacy to the legislative level. “I had the chance to testify for House Bill 2256 with the Washington Health Care Authority,” she says, her voice filled with pride. “The senators usually give you just 90 seconds, but I was so passionate about the need for more mental health funding that they turned off the timer and let me keep speaking. The bill passed, and it means more resources for youth mental health programs.”
Her advocacy extends into the Indian community, where Taanvi leads mental health-themed talks during festivals at temples. “In India, we’ve always had a focus on mental health, but somewhere along the way, the stigma grew,” she says. “Now we’re bringing that back, connecting the themes of festivals like Diwali with positivity and self-care. It’s incredible to see parents and youth open up after hearing my story and knowing it’s okay to feel this way.” Her temple visits, like all her work, aim to break down barriers and spark conversations.
Taanvi’s impact on teen mental health has also earned her several honors, including the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, the Civic Champions Award, and recognition as a National Young Leader by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She recently started a raw Instagram series to make her work even more relatable. “It’s unscripted and real—because not everything is perfect. People need to know they’re not alone in what they’re feeling.”
When asked what motivates her, Taanvi smiles. “When I started, I didn’t know if my voice mattered. But now I know that it does—and that’s a message I want every young person to hear. If you have a passion, start advocating. Your voice can make a difference.”
Follow Taanvi Arekapudi on her website, Instagram and LinkedIn. Her book is available for purchase on Amazon. Access Nexus' resources here.
(March 7, 2022) When Hyderabad boy 15-year-old Hemesh Chadalavada saw how disoriented his Alzheimer-suffering grandmother was, he felt helpless. The young innovator worked on a Stem-based app and wearable device that would not only monitor her movements, but also give families a respite from the endless worry. [embed]https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1353690264343220224?s=20&t=fQeXi7ZraOmLTwshDgc5ig[/embed] The young innovator received the Pradhan Mantri Rastriya Bal Shakti Puraskar 2021 for his unique invention. His device, Alpha Monitor, signals caregivers and family members when a patient wanders off, and also sends vital stats, thus helping in the care of such patients. How concern led to innovation “Alzheimer’s is similar to forgetfulness; it destroys memories and other brain functions. My grandmother is one amongst many suffering from the disease. A study reveals that every 30 seconds, one individual in the world develops symptoms of Alzheimer’s. This is a huge problem that I wanted to solve,” says the young innovator in a conversation with Global Indian. Since aged six, Hemesh was captivated with the internet, “I remember watching many YouTube videos about arts and crafts. I used to put my learned skills into practice often. Soon, I started working on basic electronic projects like building electronic cars, fans, etc. By the time
ned skills into practice often. Soon, I started working on basic electronic projects like building electronic cars, fans, etc. By the time I was in my fifth grade, I learned coding and progressed onto more useful projects,” the young innovator explains.
His visits to his grandmother in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh opened his eyes to her struggles. “I realised that one of the biggest problems with my grandmother was that she used to wander off early morning or late at night, and the family and caregivers were left worried. We were fortunate that she didn’t get lost,” says the young innovator, who was intrigued enough to reach out to the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India. There, he came across a family that had been in search of a loved one, an Alzheimer’s patient, for the past 20 years. “It was sad, they had given up hope. I thought why not develop something that would impact people around me like my grandmother,” says the Hyderabad-based Stem aspirant. He then went on to create a device that gave doctors, caregivers and family real-time information on their loved ones.
Thinking differently
Alpha Monitor’s first prototype was a wrist band that detected a patient’s movements – whether asleep, standing or walking. “I spent the 2019 summer on building a prototype to test out the concept. It is different from other products in the market. Other devices have not integrated a sensor called a gyroscope which I have,” smiles the young innovator.
[caption id="attachment_11998" align="aligncenter" width="647"] Hemesh with Governor of Telangana, Tamilisai Soundrarajan[/caption]
“Existing devices are similar to a GPS tracker around the neck that patients can easily remove, and are prone to breakage. Some devices like doormats detect if a patient steps on it but are chunky, and can be bypassed. My innovation is based on an algorithm gyroscope model that reflects even if a person rolls on the bed, or places his hands on the floor. It alerts when the patient gets up, and starts wandering through a phone call, unlike just a phone alert, that other products offer,” adds the Jubilee Hills Public School student.
A health monitor too
As his grandmother required regular checkups, which were tough due to her uncontrolled movements, Hemesh’s remote healthcare system bridged a huge gap. Data related to her pulse, heartbeat etc could be sent to a doctor at intervals. “I developed an android app that the doctor could download which connected to the gyroscope device via bluetooth,” smiles the young innovator.
Initially, the device was a wristband. Experts at ARDSI suggested a coin-sized reduction and customisation so it could be used as a wrist or leg band, or pinned on. They loved his useful tech-based solution.
Recognitions and inspirations
The young innovator won at Ideate for India - out of 1,33,000 students, he was among 50 chosen. Recipient of the Macmillan Budding Scientist Award, the Bal Shakti Puraskar was most precious, "I am honoured to receive the award. It is special because it is a recognition from the government of India, which motivates me to do impactful work."
[caption id="attachment_12000" align="aligncenter" width="713"] Hemesh with Former Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad[/caption]
Hemesh’s parents Kishore and Sandhya have been hugely encouraging. “They have been supportive throughout, even when I was working on my little arts and crafts projects in class 1,” he smiles. The Telangana State Innovation Cell serves as his role model, inspiring him to innovate. Hemesh is working on a startup - CreatoWise.com, a hub for YouTubers following in the footsteps of his BBA brother and homemaker mother who run a channel 'Simplify Your Home with Sandhya' with over 5 lakh subscribers.
[caption id="attachment_12001" align="aligncenter" width="673"] Hemesh with his family[/caption]
Internet, coding, and math are his passions. “Internet is a huge knowledge bank. People should not just be passive users but apply the knowledge. If one watches coding videos, they can be applied to gain knowledge in developing new projects. My favorite subject - math requires one to apply fundamentals. Since, I am not a fan of memorising, coding and building projects fit perfectly,” says Hemesh, who sees himself as an entrepreneur empowering the world with powerful innovations in the years to come.
(October 1, 2023) Clad in Indian jerseys, the women in blue entered the cricket pitch at Hangzhou with the promise of winning the game against Sri Lanka. And staying true to their vow, the Indian Women's cricket team won a historic gold medal in cricket at the Asian Games 2023. While the team did everything to clinch the gold, it was Titas Sadhu who orchestrated a dream start by picking up three wickets in four overs and giving only six runs. The 18-year-old became a star for India at the Asian Games 2023 with her pace and swing bowling, helping India clinch its very first gold medal in cricket. "It was always a dream to play for the country but I had never expected that it would come true so soon," she told ESPN in an interview. It was in the semi-finals against Bangladesh that Titas made her international debut. Can't take my eyes off the GOLD!🥇 Proud to play my part in our team's journey to this triumph! 🇮🇳✨#asiangames2023 pic.twitter.com/okBfHnXWqm — Titas Sadhu (@titas_sadhu) September 27, 2023 Born in the Chinsurah district of West Bengal in 2004, Titas was always interested in sports, thanks to her father, who was
Born in the Chinsurah district of West Bengal in 2004, Titas was always interested in sports, thanks to her father, who was an athlete. But cricket wasn't her first love, instead, she had her eyes on swimming. So much so that she enrolled in Chinsurah Rajendra Smriti Sangha Academy on the outskirts of Kolkata to hone her skills in the sport. However, over the years, she developed an interest in cricket and started playing the sport at the age of 13. "It wasn't for my love of cricket that I joined it. Instead, I started playing it as a fun activity since I would often watch the academy matches and also help them. But when I started performing well, my interest in the sport started growing, and that's how cricket happened to me," she added. It was her father who was the wind beneath her wings, always encouraging and motivating her. "It's very important to have someone at a young age who pushes you, despite knowing your limits. I'm so glad that my dad kept pushing me to do better. He is like a friend to me."
However, she had to wait for her chance to break into the West Bengal cricket team. While she failed to clear the trials in the first go, Class 10th board exams forced her to miss out on the 2018-19 season. "Though it was heartbreaking I realised that I wanted to be a part of the U19 team. That's when I started getting more invested in the game."
It was after Covid-19 that Titas joined the senior Bengal squad in the 2020-21 season. She was only 16 when Bengal women’s coach Shib Shankar Paul saw her at one of the training sessions and realised her potential. He soon picked her up for three practice sessions. However, in the first few matches, Titas was unable to prove herself on the pitch and had to be dropped.
However, she was determined to bounce back and kept performing well in the inter-district matches and the Cricket Association of Bengal-affiliated tournaments. In 2022, she played in the Women's T20 tournament and ended up taking seven wickets in five matches, thus cementing her position in the senior squad. Talking about the Women's Premiere League, she said, "You get to play with the players from other countries, and you find that their perspective on cricket and life is very different from ours. And it also gives us the nudge to incorporate those perspectives in our game."
But it's with the Asian Games 2023 finals against Sri Lanka that Titas proved her mettle as a cricketer. "It was special as we don't get to clinch a gold at the Asian Games every time, and representing India as an athlete was a proud moment. I literally had goosebumps standing on the podium receiving the medal," she said.
Ridi Oswal[/caption]
Nav and Vihaan Agarwal[/caption]
Taanvi Arekapudi[/caption]
Taanvi's book, 
Taanvi's Emotion Card set is availabe on her 
Hemesh Chadalavada[/caption]
Hemesh with Governor of Telangana, Tamilisai Soundrarajan[/caption]
Hemesh Chadalavada[/caption]
Hemesh with Former Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad[/caption]
Hemesh with his family[/caption]
