Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveJoy Agrawal: The teen changemaker making an impact through Stem education

Joy Agrawal: The teen changemaker making an impact through Stem education

Written by: Charu Thakur

(May 13, 2022) Sitting for the Homi Bhaba exam in 2019, Nagpur-based Stem lover Joy Agrawal had an epiphany – the underprivileged students have no access to practical labs. This thought gnawed at him for weeks. The then 13-year-old understood his privilege of having access to all the resources, while the disadvantaged had no money to even order science kits. He knew he had to find a solution, and this gave birth to Project Gyan in 2020. “It’s an effort to help quality Stem education reach the young minds through practical and application-based education, focusing on the underprivileged children,” changemaker Joy tells Global Indian.

In two years, what started as a classroom of 10-12 students has now reached over 1600 students across five schools in Nagpur, Maharashtra. “Practical exposure is necessary to get children thrilled about education. When we started, many students wanted to help their daily wager worker parents with their chores but in a few months, some wanted to build airplanes. That shift in perspective is a victory for me and Project Gyan,” says the Class 10 student.

Joy Agrawal

Love for space tech

Born in 2006 in Bareilly to financial consultant parents, Joy was raised in Nagpur. A space tech enthusiast, the outer world always fascinated this teenager. But his interest was piqued after his parents gifted him a telescope at the age of 10. “For a year, I’d sit every day gazing at the stars or looking at the asteroids. But with time, it became less frequent. However, lockdown changed it as the sky was clear again,” says the Centre Point School student who discovered two asteroids in 2021 as a part of Spaceport India Asteroid Search Campaign in association with Hardin-Simmons University Texas.

His discoveries have been designated as 2020 RD95 and 2020 RJ83, says the 15-year-old who adds that NASA will use the data for a year or two to confirm the provisional discoveries after an in-depth study. “I am obsessed with space and technology,” reveals Joy who loves doing everything in the area of space tech. While the telescope turned out to be a gamechanger for this teenager in the world of space, it was a robotics course that made him fall in love with technology. “As a kid, I loved swimming and would spend two hours every day in the pool. But it was put on hold for a while as the pool was under renovation. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. With time on my hands, I enrolled in the robotics class, and I haven’t looked back since,” adds the teen changemaker, who is the founder of Community Space One. “Our mission is to achieve sustainable development goals with the help of space technology. It was in early 2021 that I identified like-minded people, and soon started Community Space One,” says the boy, who is keen to make a difference through remote sensing and earth observation.

Joy Agrawal at a recent TedX Talk

Making an impact through STEM

This love for technology led him to be selected by Peace First, the world’s largest incubator for youth-led social change initiatives, for a project grant. “It’s a mini-grant for projects on the lines of social change. I won $250 with which I started Project Gyan in 2020. Started during the pandemic, I initially needed no funds as I was conducting live workshops for the underprivileged kids virtually,” says Joy who started with the students of St Michael’s High School in Nagpur. Being the vice president of the Interact Club at his school, Joy came in touch with the Rotary club and zeroed in on an institution that has many underprivileged kids. “I began with a 1-2 hour class every Saturday wherein I performed experiments and explained concepts. Later, I expanded Project Gyan to four more schools in Nagpur and two tribal schools in Maharashtra,” adds the changemaker who provides kits to schools for students to get hands-on experience in science practicals. “I love science, and I understand its potential. I want these kids to explore their potential through Project Gyan,” says Joy, who is now working with a team that looks into distribution and planning, maintaining the website, social media, and creating videos.

Joy Agrawal at IIT Madras with his quadcopter

With 1600 students now and a grant of ₹40,000 from Vicco Labs, Project Gyan is spreading its wings and has expansion plans in Central India. Things weren’t smooth at the start – he found that many kids had no access to mobile phones. “Three-four students were using one phone to attend my classes initially. This made me understand the extent of the disparity. But with passing months, I realised they too had dreams, and given the practical exposure, they can work towards following their dreams,” says Joy, who plans to make the study kit available globally for anyone to access.

Future plans

Joy, who is currently sitting for his board exams, has plans of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science from MIT or Harvard and a master’s in space system engineering. “Working with the UN is my dream. But at some stage, I would want to launch my start-up in space tech,” says the teenager, who calls himself a “changemaker who wants to create an impact through Stem”.

At 15, Joy is busy creating social impact, and the teenager advises youngsters to “not follow the herd. Instead, explore your niche. Don’t replicate another person’s journey. Do your thing and only then you will be able to make a difference.” The teen changemaker, who firmly believes that sky is the limit, loves reading books, playing with his dog, and listening to music in his free time. “I don’t need to unwind as I love every bit of what I do. When you enjoy your work, you never need a moment to take a break from it,” concludes Joy.

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Published on 13, May 2022

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Youngest Writer of Assam awardee Riyad Maroof Hassan connects through storytelling, podcasts & poems

(February 2, 2022) At just eight, he dreamt about a ship braving a sea storm, and startled by its intensity, he woke up. Curiosity kept him anchored to this lucid dream. Unable to find an answer, he started visualising. “It was a turning point in my life when I realised that I have the ability to weave stories,” this youngest writer Riyad Maroof Hassan tells Global Indian. Two years after this watershed moment, the boy from Dibrugarh became the Youngest Writer of Assam when he published his debut book at age 10. "In 2019, I won the award for my debut book. It has been such a source of inspiration." - Riyad Maroof Hassan An author, essayist, talk show host, podcaster, and poet, Riyad is a jack of all trades. “There is much to learn and do - I use every opportunity to evolve and make the world a better place,” says the 13-year-old who has dabbled in various mediums, and is keen to expand his

o - I use every opportunity to evolve and make the world a better place,” says the 13-year-old who has dabbled in various mediums, and is keen to expand his horizons.

Creative spurts as a toddler

Born to a government teacher-mother and an AIR announcer father in Dibrugarh in 2008, this youngest writer became interested in writing at five but it wasn’t till he was eight that he began weaving stories. “While I was always attracted to books, my grammar wasn’t on point. After some scolding from my parents and teachers, I decided to pull up my socks,” giggles the 13-year-old. It was that vivid dream which helped him sail towards story-writing. “I saw a sailor on a ship in a storm. It was real, dangerous and then I awakened. The urge to finish the dream kept nagging at me. So, I decided to complete the story by visualising it. It’s a gift for any author to connect the thoughts between a writer and a reader,” adds the Shiksha Valley School student.

Within two years, his first book How We Become Magnificent, a fantasy adventure was published. He won the Youngest Writer of Assam Award at age 10 for it. “In 2019, I won the award for my debut book. It has been such a source of inspiration,” says Riyad.

His debut piqued his interest in Indian English literature. Soon, he began researching. Enchanted by the work of Indian writers, the boy from Dibrugarh founded Literature on Screen, a virtual literature organisation to spread awareness. He realised that not much is known about desi literature, and took it upon himself to spread the word on the internet (2019). “It dawned upon me that in this age of evolution, technology is the key, and we need to connect more readers with Indian English literature through tech,” explains the young writer who created a Facebook page which has over 1,000 readers. “We share stories, articles, and poems and conduct discussions,” adds Riyad.

When story writing became a passion

Words - a story or poem fascinated him. “I was pulled into the world of poetry at six when I started reading Rudyard Kipling’s poems. The poetic way of describing emotions and situations made me fall in love,” pipes Riyad, who started writing poems at age nine. A year after winning the award, he published his first poem The Silhouette of Reality in 2020 in the Indian Periodical. “It was republished on Kavishala, a platform for young poets,” adds Riyad, an admirer of Robert Frost and William Wordsworth.

While the world was coming to terms with the pandemic, Riyad found it the perfect opportunity to engage with creative folk through storytelling sessions with Karadi Tales, an independent publishing house that primarily focuses on audiobooks. “Those sessions helped me understand the visual and audio power of storytelling. It gave me the idea to start the world’s first-ever written interview on YouTube,” says the Class 8 student who started media company the Clippers in 2020. “I wasn’t too confident about doing a video interview, so I decided to learn how to convert a written interview into a video on YouTube. It took me two days to convert the text into slides. I was able to create history,” beams Riyad with pride who believes that “necessity is the mother of invention.”

A journey to words

Soon he started connecting with the creative field for interviews, and in 2021, he began A Sketch of The Sky, a podcast streaming on Spotify, Apple iTunes, and Amazon Gaana. “I needed to connect to people and what better way than a podcast,” adds Hassan, who calls it an enriching experience – with 15 episodes in season one.

In an episode, Riyad met environmentalist Prasiddhi Singh who became one of the first members of the Clippers Child Council of India that he founded with the aim to work for child development. “It’s the first-ever council whose founders and board members are children. We want to give children a platform for their voices,” informs Riyad. The council has 22 board members, three global representatives from Sri Lanka, UAE and the US. “We have conducted virtual events wherein children meet and discuss issues with our knowledge partner Skill Sharp EdTech,” adds the youngest writer who was also the runner-up in the NASA International Quiz Competition 2020.

This youngest writer is 13, and going strong

An accomplished 13-year-old, Riyad credits his parents for his perfect support system. “Since both my parents are writers, they have always encouraged me. My grandfather Hassan Sharif Ahmed was a noted literary figure in Assamese literature. I am happy that I am making my family proud,” adds Riyad, who loves listening to songs of different languages. “My love for music comes from my father, a music composer,” says the youngest writer who plays badminton when free.

Despite juggling so many professions, Riyad manages his time between studies and passion admirably. “I don’t like the concept of following a timetable. I follow my heart, go with the flow,” says Riyad who plans to research on AI and information technology when he grows up.

Advice to other children? “I truly believe in the adage ‘where there is a will, there’s a way,’ for the betterment of the motherland, be the change you wish to see,” he signs off.

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Reading Time: 5 mins

Chethana Dharavath: Helping students find their career path through ConnectSpark

(May 8, 2024) In India, career guidance often originates from sources like parents, friends, and teachers. Despite their good intentions, this advice tends to reflect their own preferences and experiences, sometimes neglecting the aspirations and qualities of the student. Chethana Dharavath, a student at The Hyderabad Public School, also faced this challenge when deciding on a stream after Class 10th. "My parents pushed for science but I was eager to explore more options. That's when I realised the disparity between student aspirations and parental or teacher preferences," she tells Global Indian. Although she ultimately chose science because of her own interest, she felt constrained by the limited freedom to shape her own future. The anger in her ignited a fire to take action, especially after she began tutoring her house help's daughter, who was uncertain about her path after Class 10. "She was good at writing and English, so I suggested to take up humanities but she resisted because her mother wanted her to pursue science. When I asked about her future plans with science, she drew a blank. That's when I realised the need for career counselling, especially for students in government schools who had no access to it,"

the need for career counselling, especially for students in government schools who had no access to it," says Chethana who started ConnectSpark in February 2024 to provide career guidance. Till now, she and her team have helped over 300 students across five states.

Lack of awareness

Interestingly, more than 90 percent students are familiar with only seven career paths, despite the existence of over 700 diverse career options. "It's plain lack of awareness and communication which often leads to higher dropout rates. In our schools, we get constant guidance from career counsellors who inform us about the various options available but there is no support system for students in government schools," says the 16-year-old Chethana, adding that for most students the only perceived options are medical or engineering. "We want them to consider more career options, and eventually make a choice that fits them best."

Such students are often unaware of the various career options available to them, leading to confusion about their future path. In most cases, they succumb to their parents' preferences due to this uncertainty. "Since they come from a humble background, financial limitation influences their career choice. Moreover, they want to take up a career that provides stability and at the same time doesn't put a strain on family's finances," says Chethana.

Reaching out to govt schools via NGOs

The idea that germinated from a discussion with her house help's daughter soon found resonance among other students from similar backgrounds. With the support of her aunt, a principal at a government school in Hyderabad, she began working on the idea of career counselling sessions for such students. In a short span, she reached out to her network of students across the country asking for their inputs, and found that the gap exists across the spectrum and the need to address it. "We found that the absence of career counselling sessions is common in many states, and the students often feel lost at the crossroads of their career." This pushed Chethana and her friend Venella to organise their first online career counselling session with Class 10 students of a government school in Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh, with the help of a nonprofit Aarti Home.

Their debut proved to be a success as many students participated, discussing their career aspirations and expressing their fears and uncertainties. Chethana found that most were unaware of the options and the pathways available to them. "I was surprised to hear a girl's desire to become a teacher but she believed that sitting for medical entrance exams was the only way to lead to her career path. I realised the issue runs much deeper, and students were in urgent need of career counselling," says Chethana, who started reaching out to more schools through nonprofits. The subsequent interactions revolved around students' goals, aspirations and the various career options available through universities and entrance exams.

Expanding reach through teacher training

In no time, the queries starting pouring in large numbers from the five states where ConnectSpark operates - Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Assam and Maharashtra - which made it difficult for the team of eight members to individually facilitate sessions with students. Hence, they shifted their focus to training teachers in career counselling to keep the sessions running with the high volume of students. To develop an effective curriculum, Chethana sought assistance from her school counsellor and conducted extensive research before running the curriculum with one of the teachers at Aarti Home. "Instead of the traditional approach of creating modules and worksheets, we opted for a different method," Chethana explains, adding, "After providing teachers with a briefing, we give them two days to implement the process in their classrooms. Subsequently, we address each student's individual needs and challenges." The teenager, along with other career counsellors, has trained 12 teachers so far from five organisations, including Aasra Trust and Pehchaan The Street School. With the development of a website underway, Chethana is confident that the platform will speed up the process of connecting students with career counsellors.

A positive impact

Till now, ConnectSpark has already partnered with six nonprofits across seven states but it wasn't an easy journey for Chethana, for whom her age turned out to be her biggest barrier. "Being an 11th grader, people often doubted my capabilities because of my age and even encouraged me to solely focus on studies," says the teenager, who was determined to win the confidence of the organisations through perseverance and clarity. "I had to step up and learn to manage a team. There were moments of self-doubt and mistakes but each challenge was a valuable learning experience. On the way, I also found people who believed in my abilities and collaborated with us," says the girl, who is eyeing Ivy Leagues and especially Liberal Arts curriculum in the US as her future path.

Encouraging students to follow their dreams, Chethana advises them to avoid overthinking. "Focus on the process instead of the outcome, and the opportunities will naturally come to you," says the girl who now wants to expand her reach to more students nationwide through Connect Spark. "I want to create an impact with my work, and it's already happening," she signs off.

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Indian American singer Sheherazaad releases mini album produced by Arooj Aftab

(April 14, 2024) In March 2024, Sheherazaad entered America's indie music scene as a leading voice for immigrants. Her mini album, Qasr, released under the label Erased Tapes, has been produced by Grammy winner Arooj Aftab, and contains poetic lyrics about marginalised genders and imagined homelands, with folk-pop synthesis and lively instrumentation. Speaking to Global Indian from San Francisco, where she is based, Sheherazaad describes her tryst with music as one that found its roots in a “fanatically art-centred, immigrant household” (more on that later). She is an Indo-American artist who is working on de-colonizing music and making a compelling case for the South Asian diaspora through her melodious vocals. Her debut record, Qasr, has been produced by Grammy Award winner Arooj Aftab, and released by Erased Tapes, a London-based independent label for experimental, electronic music. Music matters A “fairly introverted and very spiritual person”, Sheherazaad grew up in a very musical household and she was always immersed in the art form. “My parents are musicians and have a band that still gigs and my sister was a Kathak dancer. My grandmother was a concert producer, so there was music ever present – both playing but also acoustically. My mom

ousehold and she was always immersed in the art form. “My parents are musicians and have a band that still gigs and my sister was a Kathak dancer. My grandmother was a concert producer, so there was music ever present – both playing but also acoustically. My mom would be doing her riyaaz or my dad would be playing keys or my sister would be like, tapping and doing her Kathak footwork on the hardwood floor, so I was always immersed in music,” she tells Global Indian.

Thanks to her South Asian lineage, Sheherazaad grew up listening to Lata Mangeshkar and RD Burman. She began training in Western styles, though, starting with a formal voice education in jazz and the American Songbook when she was just six years old. After years of singing Western repertoire, she stopped singing losing interest in the English language. However, in New York, she began following the likes of the Swet Shop Boys and met experimental Pakistani artist Arooj Aftab. She then relocated to California and trained under Hindustani classical vocalist Madhuvanti Bhide. Naturally the synergy she found in her family’s love for music, helped her charter her own path without any resistance that is typically associated with youngsters pursuing music as a career.

Collaborating with Arooj Aftab

In March 2024 she released her mini album ‘Qasr’ produced by Grammy winner Arooj Aftab where her poetic lyrics about marginalised genders and imagined homelands are given a boost with lively instrumentation. The album showcases contemporary folk-pop synthesis with five tracks and has been released by London-based independent record label Erased Tapes. “With Arooj, there was a shared acknowledgement, understanding, energetic impulse towards similar things and so much flow and ease with no need to second guess or overthink that it made it very easy,” Sheherazaad says, adding, “She also played some instruments on the album as well. She has been a mentor in terms of how to move the work through the world and she has been a role model.”

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Power of Music

For Sheherazaad, the process of creating music is as much about silence as it is about soundscapes. “I work in a lot of silence. I try not to listen to any music frivolously. I derive from nature entirely and necessarily and I study languages. I talk to native speakers, study poetry and watch stuff by myriad speakers to understand the stylistic ways of speaking,” she explains. The process involves a lot of study and the inclusion of several elements that aren’t necessarily intended to go together. “There is a lot of inner work involved in terms of coming to peace with reconciling or not being able to reconcile certain moving parts musically, and also in life,” she says. “That tension and those questions are funnelled into the music.” She also says that she does not really choose one way to describe how her music is, especially to make it conform to a specific genre. “I sometimes feel we need to but I don't have an answer.”

Crossing Obstacles

The challenges, Sheherazaad admits, lie in deciding where to share and perform the music, and locating audiences is always tough. “Sometimes when you create things that don't have a neat and tidy sort of industrial line and process of how to move it through into the world, you are left with facing this big unchartered ocean of possibility,” she explains. To her, the key is to see this is as possibility and abundance, rather than a lack thereof.

[caption id="attachment_37152" align="aligncenter" width="546"] Photo by Zayira Ray[/caption]

Another challenge is finding a classical or traditional sort of custodian of the more classical or traditional forms or a teacher, who would be able to sit with all of what I felt like at the time were the broken parts that needed so much direction.” In her free time, she likes to sit in silence, in nature, in the forest, near a body of water and likes reading a lot of South Asian diasporic literature. Her future plans are to keep building live sets that continuously reimagine the music in various instrumentation sort of formats. “And I am currently at work on my most ambitious and next project,” she signs off.

Follow Sheherazaad on Instagram, YouTube

Reading Time: 6 mins

Global Kitchen: International food influencers spicing up their pages with desi flavours

(December 12, 2023) Whether it's a simple dal-khichdi or an extravagant biryani, the harmonious fusion of Indian spices has always been a culinary marvel. For years, iconic Indian dishes like butter chicken, dal makhani, and garlic naan graced the global stage. However, in today's age of social media and cooking shows, the representation of Indian flavours has expanded far beyond these classics. The diverse flavours of regional Indian cuisines have now captivated global audiences, thanks to the expertise of several culinary influencers on Instagram. The growing popularity of veganism has also played a significant role in elevating Indian cuisine's global appeal. Many traditional Indian dishes are inherently vegan or can be easily adapted to meet vegan preferences. Global Indian explores the world of international Instagram food influencers who may not hail from India, but their profound love for Indian cuisine knows no bounds. Beryl Shereshewsky (@shereshe) One of the most unique Instagram food bloggers, Beryl Shereshewsky is a New York-based creator who wears multiple hats as a producer, writer, and videographer. Her content spans various series, one of which is 'Dishes Around The World.' In this series, she takes everyday ingredients like tea, coffee, and eggs, and recreates five recipes

Beryl Shereshewsky (@shereshe)

One of the most unique Instagram food bloggers, Beryl Shereshewsky is a New York-based creator who wears multiple hats as a producer, writer, and videographer. Her content spans various series, one of which is 'Dishes Around The World.' In this series, she takes everyday ingredients like tea, coffee, and eggs, and recreates five recipes from different countries, all suggested by her followers.

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Beryl's Instagram following is impressive, with over 174k followers. One of her recent and highly popular series was 'Eating the Alphabet in India: A to Z,' which she filmed in New Delhi, India. This series featured a wide range of traditional Indian dishes and snacks, including packaged foods, along with their historical backgrounds. Moreover, this influencer's channel frequently showcases Indian recipes, such as paneer biryani and mutta chaya (egg tea), which are unique and specific to certain regions in India. Interestingly, she's married to an Indian, which likely adds to her love for desi cuisine!

Jake Dryan (@plantfuture)

In today's digital age, a rising number of young Indians are discovering their passion for cooking, thanks to Instagram sensation Jake Dryan - known to his followers as @plantfuture. One of the few food influencers, who is strictly vegan, Jake's innovative plant-based approach to Indian cuisine has garnered significant attention, shining a spotlight on authentic recipes from local Indian kitchens.

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Based in the UK, this food influencer boasts an impressive 1.4M followers on Instagram. His channel features a captivating series that delves into the diverse culinary traditions of India, highlighting recipes from each of the country's states. Thus far, he has already shared delectable dishes from 11 different states. From the tangy khatti dal of Hyderabad to Odisha's flavourful ghanta tarkari, his recipes have received not only international acclaim but also earned praise from the very regions in India where these dishes originate. Jake's culinary journey serves as an inspiration for both Indian and global audiences, igniting a newfound love for Indian home cooking.

Maya Leinenbach (@fitgreenmind)

Hailing from Germany, Maya Leinenbach is a passionate vegan who demonstrates how simple it can be to enjoy plant-based meals from all around the globe. Her recipe collection spans various cuisines, including Southeast Asian, German, American, and even Indian. She skillfully uses ingredients like chickpeas, tofu, and vegan cream to bring out the delightful flavours of these cuisines.

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With an impressive Instagram following of 3.1 million, this youthful food blogger not only shares individual Indian recipes but also dedicates entire weeks to showcasing Indian cuisine. From the mouthwatering pav bhaji of Maharashtra to the delectable Amritsari kulcha from Punjab, her array of offerings is boundless and can instantly transport you to your favourite Indian state.

Cheyenne Singh (@cheysingh)

Cheyenne's last name, 'Singh,' is a nod to her Punjabi husband, and she's making waves on Instagram with her hit series, 'Lunch For My Husband.' In this heartwarming series, she shows what tasty meals she prepares for her husband , all while bravely confronting racist and negative comments that sometimes pop up on her feed.

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When it comes to cooking, Cheyenne is all about sharing delightful recipes from both India and America. Whether it's her Indian-inspired chicken curry or the tasty desi chinese hakka noodles, her flavours have won the hearts of her 167k-strong audience. Cheyenne's culinary journey is a testament to love, delicious food, and standing up against negativity in the online world.

Jennifer Pallian (@foodess)

Jennifer Pallian, a food blogger and writer on Instagram, is all about sharing "tried-and-true comfort recipes." Hailing from the USA, she brings the flavours of the world to her followers, whether it's gochujang chicken or potato-seafood chowder.

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With a robust following of 193k fans, her channel is a treasure trove of recipes that include chicken biryani, garlic naan, and samosas, all of which have become fan favourites. Her approach to Indian cuisine is easy to follow, making it a hit among both Indian and international audiences. Interestingly, she's married to an Indian, which could be a big reason why her social media feed reflects her deep love for Indian cuisine. Jennifer's food journey is a delightful mix of comfort and international flavours that brings smiles to food lovers worldwide.

Reading Time: 6 mins

Indian horse rider Kavya Gopal – Saddled up with two golds, she is all set to train in the UK

(January 20, 2022) She is the veritable horse whisperer. And champion horse rider. Kavya Gopal understands the animal’s temperament, is instinctive. Thus, horses share a special bond with her. The Chennai-born demonstrated her resolve and grit as she clinched two gold medals at the Junior National Equestrian Championship held in Mumbai in December 2021. “Winning two golds (individual and team gold) was phenomenal, incredible and overwhelming. Intense training and hard work paid off. There is more to come,” smiles Kavya in an exclusive with Global Indian. She is now prepping up for horse riding championships on the international level. The first time Kavya rode a horse was on a family vacation to Manali when she was six. “It was a giant horse named Mustafa. I confidently sat on him with no fear. I told the horse owner to walk aside instead of holding the horse. I held the reins bravely and rode all around the place,” recalls Kavya, now 20. Her parents -- AS Gopal and Kavita Gopal, too, were surprised seeing their daughter ride the horse fearlessly. [caption id="attachment_9810" align="aligncenter" width="529"] Kavya Gopal in Manali[/caption] At age 12, her father took her to the Madras Riding School (now

="529"] Kavya Gopal in Manali[/caption]

At age 12, her father took her to the Madras Riding School (now Madras School of Equitation). “When I sat on the horse, the coach was surprised to see my perfect stance. I kept riding there. After each ride, I would feed carrots to the horses to build a relationship off the saddle. It was amazing to connect with them. I fell in love with the sport,” recalls Kavya, who is now pursuing MBA (online) from Manipal University.

The fall, and getting back up

Kavya has suffered multiple sprains and injuries as a horse bucked or threw her off. She was even rushed to a hospital after a fall. Her first though was six months into horse riding. Her favourite horse, Pelican Creek, buckled and threw her off and she landed on the ground, shaken. Most horses run towards the stable after buckling for a sense of safety. But in Kavya’s case, it stood there, staring. “Looking into her eyes, I understood that she was telling me not to take her for granted and give accurate riding aids (cues given to a horse). She seemed to understand that I was learning but wanted me to pay attention to proper riding aids to work well as a team,” informs Kavya, who went to Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School in Chennai after completing a BSc in zoology for three years from Stella Maris College.

Communication that is silent, yet apt

Such is her bonding with horses that Kavya did a detailed project on horse behaviour for her final year college project. “I delved deep into a horse’s behaviour, which was an eye opener, not only for me but for my professors too. They were surprised to know how a horse communicates with humans through a silent method,” informs Kavya, who did her diploma in equine management and psychology from the Centre of Excellence.

Kavya Gopal loves that all her communication happens in silence. “There is no beating, shouting or controlling the animal. It just needs to be trained and it communicates beautifully,” she says.

After a great deal of time and effort, one can build a partnership off the saddle. “I give them treats by offering carrots, bananas or jaggery, or massage them, walk or even play music as horses love to listen to music,” informs the horse-riding champ, stressing that the horse should be able to feel the presence, body language and temperament of a rider.

[caption id="attachment_9811" align="aligncenter" width="564"] Kavya Gopal with her coach Isabelle Futnani[/caption]

Horse-riding comes with its own dangers. Worldwide, horse riders have suffered severe injuries. Kavya Gopal has been lucky, though. “I have had a few mishaps - I sprained my leg, lower back and shoulder. Luckily, it was not serious,” adds the girl whose father is CEO at Infinitheism, a spiritual foundation company and mother is a project manager at IIT Madras.

A ‘Supreme Quest’ to cherish

Kavya was the proud owner of a thoroughbred named Supreme Quest which she bought in June 2020, and sold in December 2021. “He was with me for a year, we understood each other so well. We had a great partnership. I get to see him every day as he is in the same stable (Madras School of Equitation) from where I had bought him,” informs Kavya, who has also done show jumping and dressage with Supreme Quest.

Winning two gold medals at the Junior National Equestrian Championships takes dedication, a competition she has participated in for the past four years. “Six months before the championship, my father guided me into meditation. I would be asked to visualise my dressage (a form of horse riding in competitions which can be individual or team events), precision, accuracy and even winning the gold. It helped me a great deal in building confidence,” says the girl who eats nutritious food and weight trains four days a week, besides cardio to up her stamina and focus. Horse riding has a sacrosanct time – a few hours in the morning and evening.

Her first participation in the championship was in Kolkata, riding a pony - to gain exposure and understand horses. The second was held in Bengaluru on a leased horse (which did not go well). The third time, she won her first team silver on Supreme Quest and the fourth was in Mumbai 2021 where she won two gold medals in the Young Rider Dressage category. She won the individual gold medal with a score of 73.3475. In Dressage, the horse responds to a skilled rider’s minimal aids by performing requested movement while remaining relaxed and effortless.

The rider is a champ

Kavya’s passion for horses even got her a job at the Madras School of Equitation. She coaches young riders and trains horses at ₹15,000 a month. “I am at the centre in the mornings and evenings where I give classes, ride horses, feed and train them,” says the rider who prefers warm blood horses who are naturally bred for show jumping and dressage.

“Warmbloods have amazing natural gait, have the subtleness, and are great for young riders. I won the nationals (December 2021) on a German bred warmblood named Sechs Richtige,” the Indian horse rider adds.

Riding with the wind in her hair, she now wants to improve her skill set and train in the higher levels of dressage. “I am looking forward to participating in international championships organised by the Federation Equestrian International,” says Kavya who will be training under professional coaches and working with higher level horses at Talland School of Equitation, UK soon. Previously, she had trained at the Summer House Equestrian Centre, UK for a month too. A career in equine therapy and nutrition or as a professional dressage coach is on Kavya’s mind as she praises her Coach Isabelle Futnani’s support and training.

The avid swimmer who had even won a state level competition at just 10, calls her parents her pillars of strength. She hopes the government will recognise the sport as equivalent to cricket and football. “This sport is expensive and financial constraints deter those interested. To encourage people, the government can look at sponsoring them,” concludes Kavya.

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