Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveKush Maini: India’s next racer prodigy navigating the lanes to Formula 1

Kush Maini: India’s next racer prodigy navigating the lanes to Formula 1

Written by: Team GI Youth

(May 13, 2023) The roaring engines of India’s racing scene have been revving up in recent years, with an influx of young, passionate individuals setting their sights on becoming professional racers. From the hum of the local karting tracks to the adrenaline rush of Formula racing, India’s motorsport landscape is witnessing a surge in homegrown talent. At the forefront of this high-octane revolution is Kush Maini, a prodigious racer who is rapidly carving his name on the international stage.

Racer | Kush Maini | Global Indian

As he accelerates towards his Formula 1 aspiration, the 22-year-old youngster serves as the perfect inspiration for aspiring racers across the nation, showcasing the immense potential that lies within India’s motorsport arena. It’s a realm not unfamiliar to the racer, who is carving his path strategically, one race at a time.

“I always knew what I was capable of – I wanted to prove to myself and everyone else, and start positively. To get my first podium early on, I think we can start building on it as a team. It’s a good feeling. It’s a great start to the year in one of the toughest championships in the world,” the Global Indian racer said during an interview after he produced an impressive drive on his Formula 2 debut to finish fourth in the feature race recently.

A passionate beginning

Since he was just a toddler, Kush was fascinated by racing cars. What helped further his dreams was that his elder brother, Arjun, shared the same passion. Sons of industrialist Gautam Maini, the two brothers started frequenting the karting tracks while they were still in primary school. “My first win in karts was when I was 10, in the Indian National Championship,” the racer shared, adding, “Looking back, I was up against a field of drivers who were older than me, including Jehan (Daruvala). But it turned out to be a great race for me to clinch a victory. Before that year, I hadn’t tasted victory, and this was the final race where I managed to cross the finish line first. This triumph indeed boosted my confidence.”

When he was just 12-years-old, the young racer decided to leave his family and shift to his karting mechanic’s home in Italy, so that he could focus solely on becoming the racer he dreamt of. “I grew up in Bangalore, India, and went to school there, but I moved to the UK quite early on for karting. Then I’ve also lived in Italy (and) in Switzerland, so I’ve been about,” the racer said during an interview, adding, “The last couple of years I am put up in the UK and that’s where I conduct all my training. I think it’s just an easier base than India even though I’d love to live at home. It’s just too far away.”

While he was driving minor leagues in the UK, the racer made his international debut in the year 2016 at the Italian F4 Championship. “It all started with a single-seater, competing for BVM Racing in the Italian F4 Championship,” he shared. And, the beginning of this racers’ campaign was impressive, accumulating points in the year’s initial six races. Following a challenging phase in the middle of the season, the Indian racer achieved his maiden podium finish in car racing, clinching third place in the concluding race at Vallelunga. He concluded the season ranked 16th overall and secured the fifth spot in the rookies’ championship.

Life on the tracks

In 2017, the racer joined forces with Jenzer Motorsport, competing once more in Italian F4 alongside teammates Giorgio Carrara, Federico Malvestiti, Giacomo Bianchi, and Job van Uitert. His second year proved quite fruitful, marked by podium finishes at Imola and Monza, in addition to numerous top-five results that contributed to his eighth-place finish in the overall standings. What makes him so successful – the youngster credits his disciplined schedule for it all. “I think the discipline it teaches you. I think it just improves you as a person. There’s a lot more structure in your life. In the last few years when I got serious about racing, I think my life structure has changed. I’m focused on the training so I think it’s the qualities that it teaches you,” he expressed.

The following year saw the racer ascend to the British Formula 3 Championship with Lanan Racing. In 2019, he transitioned to the Formula Renault Eurocup, teaming up with M2 Competition. He made an immediate impact, securing a podium finish in his debut race at Monza. However, he couldn’t replicate such notable results throughout the rest of the season. Nevertheless, his consistent accumulation of points led to a sixth-place finish in the standings with 102 points, making him the second-highest-placed rookie. Speaking about his racing style to a media outlet, the racer has said, “I would say aggressive. Of course, it just depends on the situation. If it’s a track with a lot of high-speed corners, you want to go easy on the steering. Whereas if you take a race situation, you know if you’re starting second or third, you’ve got to be smart.”

The youngster recently claimed his first-ever Formula 2 podium with a third-place finish at Albert Park in Melbourne. And now the racer, who is currently on a winning spree, has his eyes on the highest ground – Formula 1. “I think it is achievable. Formula 1 needs an Indian. I want to give my absolute best in F2. If I am good enough and it is meant to happen, then it will. I’m not rushed,” he said.

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Published on 13, May 2023

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Not so black and white: How photographer Akshat Bagla is making waves in NYC

(November 3, 2022) Photographer Akshat Bagla first arrived on the scene when he was 17 years old, as an Artist-in-Residence at his local chapter of the Rotary Club in Kolkata. He hasn't looked back since. After graduating from the School of Visual Arts in New York, the now 23-year-old Akshat has been appointed as the Director of Photography for Differio, the world's largest gay menswear company. Akshat was 13 years old when he first learned from his cousin how to use a camera. As the family gathered around the dinner table, the cousins would spend their time taking photos of the food. "I thank my cousin, he's the reason I'm here," Akshat told The Daring. He and his camera were not easily parted after that and Akshat would take photographs of everything he could, from his friends to things he saw on the streets. [caption id="attachment_23761" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Akshat Bagla[/caption] Akshat's road less travelled Born in Kolkata, to a business family that distributes raw paper, Akshat was trained from an early age as the young scion, primed even as a child to take over the family business. The advent of photography changed all that. The moment of reckoning arrived when

as trained from an early age as the young scion, primed even as a child to take over the family business. The advent of photography changed all that. The moment of reckoning arrived when he came home with his first set of images. "I put everything on the computer, and I saw the images. I was reliving the whole moment. I was looking at something I experienced but in the form of a photo, which I could cherish for the longest time," he told The Daring. "What got to me more than the camera and the medium itself is the whole idea of capturing a moment for eternity, you know?"

He did his best to photograph everything he could, going out into the streets as much as he could. Not that walking through the streets was easy. Akshat had grown up sheltered and his parents didn't fancy the idea of wandering around alone. When the pandemic started in March 2020, Akshat returned home to Kolkata. He would go out every day, waking up early to take photographs. "I explored so many areas, and I talked to more people than I ever did in the sixteen years of living there before."

[caption id="attachment_23762" align="aligncenter" width="708"] A photo in Kolkata by Akshat Bagla. Source: www.akshatbagla.com[/caption]

Answering the call to adventure

It was the start of a new life in more ways than one. The camera that always hung at his side emboldened the young man, helping him open himself up to the world. "It made me more outgoing and able to talk to anyone, anywhere," he said.

Being able to follow his dreams took some doing, especially at home. Still, his parents did come around to his way of thinking. The first turning point came when he was 17, when he was entrusted with restructuring and editing the priceless photo archive of The Rotary Club of Calcutta, which chronicles the institution's century-long history.

Studying at the School of Visual Arts only brought him more exposure, from working with the online presence of Indus Net Technologies to photographing bread for the NYC-based academy Bengingi. Akshat has also chronicled the Black Lives Matter protests and done Gay Pride photo shoots for Differio. He has also made himself a name as a re-branding expert.

[caption id="attachment_23763" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] A photo shot by Akshat Bagla in New York City. Source: www.akshatbagla.com[/caption]

Staying true to his roots

Black and white photography is all the rage these days, as it has been for a while. Not for Akshat, though. He prefers to lean into his Indian-ness, to celebrate the vibrance and colour of his homeland. "As a visual artist, I rely on our traditional affinity to colours," he said, in an interview with Outlook. "Cinematic fashion / food photography and rebranding - my two specialties - call for careful proportion between daring and comforting," he told Newstrack.

Bagla's bread photographs for Bengingi and the Gay Pride photo shoot for Differio have been hailed as works of art, although they stand as marketing campaigns. In America, Akshat honed his skills, learning to frame images from what he saw around him. At the BLM protests, where thousands gathered on the streets, Akshat would walk effortlessly up to people and strike up a conversation, before documenting them. "I'm trying to tell their story at the end of the day," he said.

Follow Akshat Bagla on Instagram

Reading Time: 5 mins

Ayika Foundation: How two teens inspired over a million youth to join the climate action movement

(June 14, 2024) Litisha Bagadia and Siya Joshi, the co-founders of the Ayika Foundation, were busy brainstorming their next climate action movement. Their challenge, however, was much larger than simply getting people to show up and then go back home. They wanted to inspire them to do their bit for the earth, not just at a single event but everyday, in their own way. At the time, the FIFA World Cup was just around the corner. They wondered if they could host a football tournament, a fundraiser where all proceeds would go to a local animal shelter. This way, young people could attend a fun event, make new friends and donate to helping stray dogs. ‘Football for Fur’ received more registrations than they could handle. In fact, 'How do you keep people motivated,' was my first question to the teen founders, as they sat down for an interview with Global Indian. By making their events fun, relatable and interactive, they say, both on and off social media. It became one of their most successful events, along with the Ganpati festival cleanup where they collected over 200 kilos of flower waste which was subsequently turned into compost and natural dyes, an

collected over 200 kilos of flower waste which was subsequently turned into compost and natural dyes, an effort that fetched Litisha Bagadia the Diana Award in 2023.

"After a point, people start finding social work boring. We want to make it fun and interactive. With Football for Fur, people were doing something they love, for a good cause." The Ayika Foundation's mission is to empower young people to join the climate action movement on their own, and so far, their formula has worked like a dream. They have impacted around one million students across the world, with the foundation now operating chapters in Mumbai, Rajkot, Delhi and in J&K, as well as in New Jersey. Driven by the belief that climate action should be a way of life, the Ayika Foundation is also working to instill climate curriculums in schools in India and the US.

[caption id="attachment_38247" align="aligncenter" width="514"] Litisha Bagadia and Siya Joshi[/caption]

The Ayika Foundation

As classmates in Mumbai, Litish and Siya bonded from a young age over their love for climate activism. "It has been almost three years since we began our work," says Siya. "Even in 10th grade, we were really sure of what we wanted to do." What they wanted was to be part of the climate action movement - they were aware of the problems surrounding them. However, they soon found that even volunteering was a challenge. Organisations weren't open to taking on people who were so young. "We weren't seeing too many young people participating and we wanted to do so actively."

It pushed them to form the Ayika Foundation. The city's problems with pollution and waste management were clear to see and Litisha and Siya felt that youthful energy and innovation could be the answer. They began with looking for the perfect name before settling on 'Ayika', which they explain translates into 'environment'. "Branding was the first step - the name, the mission statement and the theme. However, since this was during the pandemic, the founder duo were very limited in terms of what they could do. "The lockdown was happening and Section 144 had been imposed as well, so we couldn't meet in groups of more than four people," Litisha recalls. "For the first few months we couldn't do anything in person. So we started creating awareness."

That meant social media. Siya, who wants to study design, leaned in on her skills to create reels along with Litisha. "We focussed on simple content that is also actionable, that people can do in their daily lives." They created awareness around Diwali and Holi, urging people to keep their celebrations eco-friendly.

[caption id="attachment_38248" align="aligncenter" width="586"] The Ayika Cup[/caption]

Making climate activism fun

Their first event, a clean up drive on Juhu beach in July 2022, saw about 80 people in attendance. "We used reels to connect with our audience," said Siya. "There are many ways to post but reels really bring people to your page." By this time, the Ayika Foundation had also built a small social media team, with one person handling content, another to make the reels and one more to post. "We wanted to make them fun and relatable. We did a compilation of volunteers picking up waste and a message saying, 'We can still try'," says Litisha.

They also used collaborations, and managed to bring Decathlon in as a sponsor. The company representatives came to an Ayika event and handed out vouchers to volunteers. As for the waste they collected on Juhu, they chose not to leave it in the dumpyard nearby. Instead, they worked with a recycling company and got it recycled.

On August 15, the Ayika Foundation did an e-collection drive. "We worked with two housing societies with about 500-600 residents and got around 50 kilos of e-waste recycled." They did not want this to be a one-time drive, so they installed bins at housing societies for people to leave their e-waste. "Our partner company comes back tot he society and picks it all up, so people living there actually use the bins," says Siya. This led to their 'eco-lift' initiative, where they collected waste from homes, mainly plastic, and got it recycled. The waste was eventually recycled into park or garden benches.

Then came Project Avigna, also one of their biggest events to date. Litisha and Siya and their team tied up with 30 different pandals during the 11-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival and collected around 200 kilos of waste. This was divided into two, with one half handed over to a company that made natural dyes and the other half was turned into compost. This was followed by Football for Fur and even a day-long trek near Mumbai were proceeds were donated to a local animal shelter.

[caption id="attachment_38250" align="aligncenter" width="564"] The first cleanup at Juhu Beach[/caption]

The expansion plan

Led by a student volunteer, Aarav, the Ayika Foundation then spread its wings in New Jersey. "He goes to a public school in New Jersey and they have an environmental club, so we collaborated with them," says Litisha. Their first project in NJ is a climate action curriculum at a middle school there. "It's a critical thinking and activity based curriculum that will push people to think about practical ways in which they can contribute to the environment," Litisha explains. "So there are topics like recycling and waste management, which are made into fun learning modules for young people."

Every city has unique problems and Ayika does not want a one-size-fits-all solution. They now have a research team to study local issues for the various chapters to focus on. In New Jersey, waste management is a central focus and the team is currently doing a case study on recycling initiatives in the city. Public health and water pollution are also areas of interest and they are now coming up with a plan where students can suggest ideas to save local water bodies.

In Mumbai, Ayika Foundation is collaborating with a local NGO to spread awareness about the nalas in Dharavi. "We are in talks to educate slum dwellers to stop pollution their local nalas," says Litisha. "The idea is to create a behavioural change, rather than a one-time event." Week 1 will begin with the nala being cleared, and by week 4, they hope people would have been educated to stop throwing waste into it in the first place. "We are collaborating with an organisation which will help us mobilize the project but we will execute it ourselves," she explains.

Meanwhile, in Rajkot, they worked with a team of eighth and ninth grade students who did a project to make compost on their own. They brought biodegradable waste from their homes and educated others on how to make compost at home, successfully motivating young people to try it on their own. "Litisha and I went there a few months ago and visited various schools to bring our curriculum project there."

[caption id="attachment_38251" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Ayika Rajkot - Compost Making[/caption]

Local chapters are key, the co-founders agree. "We send a basic plan and our teams will develop it," they say. "They know their place best and it's very important to have support on ground." Their core team currently has 40 people working full time, and around 500-700 including the partner volunteers.

As they complete 12^th grade, Litisha intends to go abroad for her undergrad, while Siya aims to study at the BITS School of Design in Mumbai. “We don’t have a five year plan yet,” they say, adding, “But our two-year plan is to impact 50 million lives.”

Litisha Bagadia and Siya Joshi's Ayika Foundation creatively combines fun events with educational programs, leading to significant and sustained youth engagement in climate action. Their initiatives demonstrate that meaningful environmental change can be driven by innovative, youth-led efforts that focus on both community involvement and practical sustainability solutions.

Follow the Ayika Foundation on Instagram.

From Yale to activism: Shyamala Ramakrishna’s journey as a labour advocate

(June 24, 2023) The worker justice and the labour movements in the United States of America have played a significant role in shaping the rights and conditions of workers throughout history. Inspired by the struggles of millions of people in the past, and attempting to better the future of labour in the States, is a young 20-year-old Indian American, Shyamala Ramakrishna. A student of Yale Law School, the young advocate was recently awarded the prestigious Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans. "I think it was because of my parents," shares the advocate, as she connects with Global Indian from Yale for an exclusive interview, "They came to New York in the 1990s, and I grew up hearing about the curiosities that they had about the American society and the issues here. That really encouraged me to develop my own sense of curiosity. My parents were very free in allowing me to be the judge of what I was curious about and what I wanted to do. And that led me to the path that I am on now." As an undergraduate at Yale College, Shyamala distinguished herself as a scholar in the prestigious Multidisciplinary Academic Program in Human

ociety and the issues here. That really encouraged me to develop my own sense of curiosity. My parents were very free in allowing me to be the judge of what I was curious about and what I wanted to do. And that led me to the path that I am on now."

As an undergraduate at Yale College, Shyamala distinguished herself as a scholar in the prestigious Multidisciplinary Academic Program in Human Rights, where her studies were centered around arts and advocacy. "I was deeply inspired by the work of attorney activist, Sarumathi Jayaraman, who is also an Indian American working for fair wages for restaurant workers and other service workers in the United States. You can say that she motivated me to pick this career path."

A melodious beginning

In the vibrant city of New York, Shyamala Ramakrishna's journey began, nurtured by her parents who hailed from Tamil Nadu. The youngster grew up in a tight-knit Indian community. "My parents came to New York searching for better opportunities," the advocate says, adding, "And they both brought their passions along with them. My mother is a musician and a music educator. My father came to the US for a Ph.D. in theoretical physics. I grew up between New York and New Jersey, on the East Coast. There are a lot of other Indian immigrant families and Indian Americans in the neighbourhoods that I lived in. It was quite a thriving community - vibrant and supportive."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MzzEMxlzEw&list=PL-04isyUx6Nxqd7A3r7cHuY6DTuLu2bbq&index=1

As brilliant a student as she is, Shyamala is also a very talented musician. Guided by her mother and grandmother, she delved into the intricate art of Carnatic music. "My mother introduced me to Carnatic music when I was just a toddler and at four I gave my first performance on stage at a South Indian music festival." And even today, despite a very busy schedule, the youngster never leaves a chance to perform. "I am still the lead vocalist in my band, FORAGER, and it's been an incredible journey, watching our music resonate with audiences, filling venues in New York City and beyond. I also had the incredible opportunity to music direct Shades, a remarkable singing group that places Black musical traditions at the heart of its artistic expression. No matter how busy I get, I plan on continuing to pursue music," the advocate shares.

Of activism and advocacy

After finishing high school, Shyamala was quite clear that she wanted to pursue graduation in law, and she chose to go to one of the best institutions in the USA - Yale. Pursuing a multidisciplinary academic programme in human and labour rights, the young advocate took part in various important legal research, including at the American Civil Liberties Union. "Currently I am enrolled at the Yale Law School's three-year Juris Doctor programme, which provides students with a legal education of outstanding breadth and depth. My focus is labour and employment issues, which I chose because of a long-standing interest in workers' rights and justice in the USA.

[caption id="attachment_31392" align="aligncenter" width="662"] Yale Law School, New Haven, Connecticut[/caption]

However, advocating for these issues is no cakewalk. Talking about the challenges she and many advocate activists like her face, she says, "When I came to Yale I realised how much people's success had to do with what they were given, including the resources, the money, the education, extracurriculars - the things their parents could sign them up for. Learning that the US pedals this myth of meritocracy that's not real was really a key development in my understanding of how to fix this country. A large part of it is recognising that the resources and opportunities that were given to people at a young age have much more to do with their success than any sense of brilliance."

Following her graduation, the young advocate embarked on a career in the future of work policy, assuming a fellowship role with the State of New Jersey, where she made valuable contributions by actively participating in the development of regulations aimed at tackling the discriminatory effects of algorithmic hiring technology. Driven by a strong commitment to social justice, Shyamala extended her efforts beyond the realm of policy work. Volunteering with Court Watch NYC, she engaged in crucial activities related to monitoring and reporting.

"Leaving the college behind, and working in the real world made me realise that a big challenge for any advocate who wishes to work for these issues is to not distance themselves from the people we are trying to serve. So, I am working on making sure that I can make an impact and help establish labour justice and rights," the advocate explains. "However, the fact that there are many South Asians in the USA who are dedicated to multi-racial, multi-generational, and cross-class solidarity has been a huge motivator to keep me on track."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WWn9xOBFNg&list=PL-04isyUx6Nxqd7A3r7cHuY6DTuLu2bbq&index=2

Planning to dedicate her career to workers’ rights in the future, Shyamala is elated to have received the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship. "Higher education in the US is very expensive and getting funding for a law degree is going to make it very easy for me to concentrate on my mission without worrying about paying off my debt. Secondly, this fellowship will also help me meet people who were previous years' P&D Soros fellows, working in adjacent or similar fields as mine. I am really looking forward to that," says the advocate as she signs off.

Follow Shyamala Ramakrishna on LinkedIn

Reading Time: 6 mins

Karan Jerath: Innovator develops solution to contain oil spills at their source

(June 23, 2024) It was in the spring of 2010 that the world woke up on the morning of April 20 to an environmental disaster - the largest marine oil spill in history - the Deepwater Horizon oil spill off the coast of the United States in the Gulf of Mexico. Seeing the natural disaster happening in his own backyard, was a wake-up call for the Texas-resident Karan Jerath. "The fact that it happened in my backyard woke me up to the true nature of the environmental damage this was wreaking. I had to do something about it," he said in an interview. [caption id="attachment_38357" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Karan Jerath[/caption] Still a teenager, he'd spend nine-ten hours daily researching and coming up with a device that could shut down undersea oil spills. After months of experimentation, he developed a groundbreaking device which won him $50,000 along with Intel's Young Scientist Award. The feat also led him to feature in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Energy list for inventing a device that contains oil spills at the source. A genius in the making Born in Mumbai to an artist mother and a mechanical engineer father, Karan moved to Kuala Lumpur when he

nder 30 Energy list for inventing a device that contains oil spills at the source.

A genius in the making

Born in Mumbai to an artist mother and a mechanical engineer father, Karan moved to Kuala Lumpur when he was one. "Living in Malaysia and attending the International School of Kuala Lumpur, I developed as a global citizen-one who recognises the necessity of harmonising opposing perspectives and becoming accustomed to a lifestyle of contrasting cultures," he revealed. It was in 2008 that the family shifted to Friendswood in Texas, US where Karan's scientific acumen started to take shape as he became involved with the school's Science Fair program. "My engagement with this program is where I first developed an interest in engineering and sustainability issues," the Global Indian wrote on his website.

[caption id="attachment_38358" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Karan Jerath at a Science fair[/caption]

Moving to the US was an intimidating experience for Karan as they didn't know anybody in this new country. But slowly he started adjusting to the new culture and environment. But it was during his high school that he started getting interested in science and curious about new things. Science fairs turned out to be the perfect platform that allowed him to continue broadening his perspective and challenging him to solve problems with no definite solutions. They empowered Karan to both serve his local community and protect the environment on an international scale.

Finding a solution

It was in 2010 that the Deepwater Horizon oil spill happened that woke him up to the environmental crisis. "I wanted to think of a solution that addresses one of the biggest ongoing crises of the environment today, oil spills, that is systematically destroying our ocean environment. I started going to libraries and reading up on this, drawing different designs and coming up with blueprints," added Karan, who later studied at the University of Texas.

With the help of his mentor, he engineered an innovative subsea wellhead containment device capable of capturing oil and gas escaping from a blowout well, separating the substances into liquids and gases, and storing them on a surface vessel. "The device is essentially a way to divert the spill from contaminating the ocean and keep it from devastating the marine life," he added.

An advocate of STEM education, he has also participated in programs such as the HIVE Global Leaders Program at Harvard, and the MIT Global Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. "Both of these programs have allowed me to continuously diversify my experiences as a growing individual, a passionate researcher, and a contributor to society."

Karan, who served as one of the United Nations Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has earned many accolades in his journey which are proof that nothing is impossible where there is determination, passion, and purpose. "Through my interest in science and engineering, I realized that if you want to help change the world, it doesn’t matter how old you are, where you’re from, or how much you know. It’s my goal to empower others to be interested in science and math, to want to make a difference by discovering new things, and most importantly, to give their time and talents to a cause they care deeply about."

Karan Jerath’s innovation following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill exemplifies the transformative potential of visionary thinking in the face of environmental crises. By developing a groundbreaking device to contain oil spills at their source, Jerath not only addressed a critical challenge in oil spill management but also inspired a new generation of problem-solvers. His device, designed to capture and separate oil from the water directly at the point of leakage, represents a significant leap forward in mitigating the environmental damage caused by such disasters. His work underscores the impact that a single individual's ingenuity can have on safeguarding our planet, reinforcing the critical role of technological advancement in environmental stewardship. His legacy is a powerful reminder that with determination and innovation, even the most daunting global challenges can be met with effective and practical solutions.

Aditya Kousgi: From passionate photographer to rising star in the Indian motorsport scene

(December 24, 2023) Motorsport enthusiast Aditya Kousgi has an inherent spirit of sportsmanship that has held him in good stead behind the wheels. Starting as a photographer, Aditya Kousgi is now making his mark on the track as he makes strides in the arena of motorsports, after his tenure at Chetan Shivram Motorsport. Currently preparing for the Indian National Rally Championship, Aditya's aspirations include conquering the Asia Pacific Rally Championship and ultimately, the World Rally Championship. Early days Born in Bangalore, Kousgi’s educational journey took him on a whirlwind tour of various cities across India. This nomadic upbringing shaped his perspective and instilled in him the ability to adapt to diverse environments. “My formative years were marked by a deep love for sports, with football being my true passion. I was more at home on the sports field than in the classroom, and I proudly represented my school and college teams. But my enthusiasm extended beyond football; I excelled in tennis and hockey during my childhood. These early experiences instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and the competitive spirit.” As he grew older, a new passion began to emerge – photography which he decided to pursue by

– photography which he decided to pursue by enrolling in an undergraduate program at Symbiosis in Pune. This marked the start of a four-year stint as a professional photographer, which ran parallel to his college education.

Rally cues

The transition from photography to the world of rallying was an unexpected and thrilling journey that began during his tenure with Chetan Shivram Motorsport, a respected name in the motorsport industry, led by the visionary Chetan Shivram. “The pivotal moment arrived unexpectedly when Mr. Shivram generously allowed me to take the wheel of one of his rally cars during an event. The sheer exhilaration of being behind the wheel of a rally car was a revelation. It was in that electrifying moment that my love for rallying was firmly rooted, and the seeds of my future in motorsport were sown,” he says He took part in The Indian National Autocross Championship for the first time just for fun which was an unexpected decision but turned out to be a life-changing one. “To my astonishment, I qualified unexpectedly in that competition. Since that remarkable day, I haven't looked back and continued my career in the exhilarating world of rallying, determined to push my limits and chase my dreams on the racetrack,” he adds.

Shifting gears

Naturally the shift from photography to rallying was a thrilling journey that transformed his life in ways that he could have never imagined. “While I was busy capturing the excitement of rallying through my camera lens, my heart yearned to experience it from the driver's seat. This transition underscored the importance of pursuing one's passion relentlessly, even if it meant taking a leap of faith into the unknown. The change was exhilarating yet challenging. It required me to rewire my mindset, adapt to a new set of skills, and embrace the relentless pursuit of excellence. But the thrill of rallying, the camaraderie of the motorsport community, and the adrenaline-fueled competitions made every sacrifice worthwhile,” he explains. His journey in rallying has been made possible by the unwavering support of his parents, who have been his pillars of strength through multiple career transitions as well as Chetan Shivram, whose unwavering belief in his potential has been a constant source of inspiration.

Racing journey

In the early stages of his rallying career, "Snap Racing" was his trusted service team, ensuring that the cars were always prepared for the demanding challenges of rallying. Later he made the strategic move to "R-tech," a decision that further solidified his rallying career. R-tech's support in crafting dependable cars, promptly addressing technical issues, and optimizing performance has been invaluable. “My navigator, Deeksha Balakrishna, has played an essential role in my rallying career. She's been there with me since my first rally, teaching me a great deal about pacenotes and navigation. Her guidance and partnership have been crucial to my success on the racetrack,” he says. His journey on the racetrack has been a whirlwind of emotions and challenges, each rally presenting its unique terrain and set of obstacles, pushing him to adapt and excel. “One of my most memorable moments was my first autocross event, an adrenaline-pumping experience that put my skills to the test. It was a baptism by fire into the world of competitive rallying, where split-second decisions and precise manoeuvres are the keys to success,” he says.

Testing times

However, no journey in motorsport is complete without its share of setbacks. Aditya Kousgi experienced his first crash during the Rally of Chennai, a tough situation that put both his skills and his car to the test. “Despite the challenges, this experience taught me valuable lessons in resilience, quick thinking, and the importance of safety in rally cars. Another unforgettable moment was when my car toppled during a race. It was a heart-pounding experience that tested my mettle as a driver. While it was a harrowing ordeal, it underscored the resilience of rally cars and the unwavering support of my team. These experiences, both triumphant and challenging, have been crucial in shaping my skills and determination as a rally driver,” he says.

Training hard

His training regimen is rigorous and intense, designed to push his limits and strengthen his bond with the rally car which has been fundamental in his success in rallying. “One particularly memorable experience was a recent four-day endurance training program. It provided invaluable insights into my car's mechanics and dynamics, enhancing my understanding of how to maximize its performance on the track. As I prepare for the Indian National Rally Championship in Hyderabad, my training focuses on refining my skills, honing my reflexes, and pushing my boundaries. This training not only enhances my performance but also strengthens the symbiotic relationship between me and my rally car. It's about taking good care of the car, and it, in turn, takes care of me,” he explains.

Balancing life outside motorsport

While motorsport is a significant part of his life, Aditya Kousgi also finds relaxation and rejuvenation in the great outdoors. “Trekking and traveling are my preferred ways to unwind, often accompanied by my trusty canine companion. These adventures provide me with profound joy and an opportunity to disconnect from the high-octane world of rallying,” he says. His passion for photography endures, and he often capture the beauty and stories of his journeys and says it is his creative outlet that allows him to share his perspective and experiences with others. “Maintaining a balance between work and life is paramount. While I am deeply committed to my rallying career, these moments of leisure refresh my spirit and provide a counterbalance to the intensity of motorsport,” he adds.

Future Perfect

The journey of Aditya Kousgi has been a treasure trove of invaluable lessons. He also encourages aspiring rallyists to embrace change with open arms. “I emphasise that resilience is a cornerstone of success in rallying. Crashes and setbacks may be daunting, but they offer profound opportunities for learning and growth. Each challenge is a chance to become a better driver and a stronger individual. To budding rallyists, I offer the advice to pursue their passions relentlessly. Seek guidance from mentors, appreciate the safety features in your cars, and dedicate yourself to rigorous training. Every experience, whether positive or challenging, is a chance to learn and excel in the world of rallying,” he avers. Looking ahead, he says that the road ahead is filled with excitement and ambition. “My immediate goal is to establish myself as one of the top rally drivers in the country. As I continue this remarkable journey, my aim is to make my family, Chetan Shivram, and Deeksha Balakrishna proud, as they have been the driving force behind my transformation from a photographer to a successful rallyist. This is a journey marked by passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence in the thrilling world of rallying,” he concludes.

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