Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveFrom Competitions to Contributions: Mithra Rajaram champions climate action

From Competitions to Contributions: Mithra Rajaram champions climate action

Written by: Amrita Priya

(February 15, 2024) A resident of Mudichur in southern Chennai, which is known for its frequent floods, Mithra Rajaram has had close encounters with nature’s fury. Growing up amidst such challenges deeply influenced the mind of this 15-year-old. When the pandemic struck, she saw it as a chance to ‘pause, reflect, and act for nature.’

Mithra is the winner of the British Council Climate Action Video Making Competition. Her winning entry was showcased at prestigious events like UNCOP26 and COY16 and is also a British Council resource for teaching. Additionally, the teenager emerged a winner at Enterprise Adventure, an international event focusing on youth entrepreneurship, organised by the UK-based charity ‘Teach a Man to Fish’. These two wins led Mithra to venture into social entrepreneurship. Her organisation, ‘N2 – Nurture The Nature,’ reflects her commitment to making a positive impact on the environment. For her volunteering and climate action efforts Mithra has received the WE Volunteer grant, by WE Schools, a non- profit charity organisation in the UK.

Mithra Rajaram

The British Council climate action video

In 2021 Mithra learned about a video competition being organised by the British Council, and decided to participate. “I didn’t have high- end electronic equipment or any knowledge about a tech platform that would help in creating an impressive video. But still, I tried my best to deliver my message for climate action,” Mithra tells Global Indian. To her great delight, the video that she co-created with two fellow nature enthusiasts was selected as one of the top ten videos in the global competition.

“In their official statement, the British Council stated, ‘Selected from more than 200 entries across the world, these ten videos demonstrate both the width and depth of the climate issues surrounding schools, and feasible solutions for teachers and students to tackle climate change impact’,” Mithra shares.

That win served as a catalyst, helping her recognise the power of educational videos to convey a message to society. The youngster went on to make several such videos to drive in her point. “In the next 10-20 years, we are going to witness significant development and technological transformation. However, alongside these advancements, the planet is facing increasing temperatures and alarming signs of environmental degradation, such as sudden floods and declines in biodiversity,” she remarks. “It is important that we take action now to build a sustainable future. As a responsible Indian youth, I believe it’s my duty to contribute towards shaping a safer future,” she tells.

Winning at ‘Teach a Man to Fish’ event

Continuing with her winning streak, Mithra became the winner at the international event, Enterprise Adventure, conducted by the UK-based charity organisation ‘Teach a Man to Fish.’ Talking about Enterprise Adventure, Mithra says, “It’s a platform for youngsters to learn about businesses, curate their own, plan and launch them.” She participated in the category of developing a social enterprise, where young people aged 13 to 19 from countries like Nigeria, Zambia, Pakistan, and the UAE had also competed. Mithra was 14-years-old when she bagged the first prize.

In the world of social entrepreneurship

With victories in two global competitions Mithra established her organisation, ‘N2- Nurture The Nature’. “N2 was founded in 2022, attracting many passionate young students eager to make a difference in nature through their skills,” she explains. “We have organised awareness programmes, training sessions, and mentoring workshops for students.” In an extension of N2, Mithra initiated ‘Catalyst Academy’ during the same period, with the goal of educating people about the transformative potential of 21st-century skills in addressing real-world issues. “It’s an emerging social enterprise aimed at engaging and inspiring more children,” she adds.

She has also started ‘The MYE Foundation’ with the purpose to promote public speaking and youth entrepreneurship. The young activist has earned recognition as the the best delegate in several national and international Model United Nations simulations for voicing out global issues, and drafting effective resolutions.

Mithra Rajaram with the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Thiru R.N.Ravi at the Raj Bhavan, as a part of ‘Meet and Greet with Student Achievers’ event

Motivating students who are older than her

Mithra is not just engaged in awareness programmes but is also an innovator who innovated the concept of percolation pits for restoring groundwater, integrated with a system of greywater management with herbal solutions. For this innovative concept she was honoured at SRM College of Engineering, Kattankulathur and St. Joseph College of Engineering, Chennai.

Mithra has also addressed the MBA students at Thiagarajar School of Management, Madurai upon being invited by a professor. “It was an amazing experience to share my experiences with students older than me. They genuinely liked my presentation, and the true measure of its success was when many of them approached me afterward, saying, “Your achievements at such a young age inspire us to aim higher.”

Mithra Rajaram after interaction with MBA students at Thiagarajar School Of Management (TSM) Madurai

Recently Mithra also gave a talk at a government school as part of the ‘Chennaiyin Climate Champions’ programme. Recognising the impact of her endeavours, even her school, Shree Niketan Patasala, facilitated online connections for the 10th-grade student with youngsters from Egypt, Ukraine, and Brazil. “I trained them, and together we explored various topics, exchanging ideas rooted in our respective countries’ environments,” she shares.

Making a difference through writing

Mithra uses all mediums to drive in her message. She has published 15 articles in Times of India centred around environment and bringing change. The young writer’s story revolving around climate got featured in ‘Futurity’ a magazine of IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language). “I was invited to write my thoughts on climate action as one of the youngest authors by IATEFL,” she says. Mithra is also the author of ‘The Eco- Read’, a book for young minds to explore ways for getting involved in climate actions and become changemakers.

Striding ahead

“I want to pursue engineering to discover and unlock the potential of building a climate-resilient India,” remarks the young enthusiast, who draws inspiration from various sources. “I can’t pinpoint one individual. My inspiration comes from everywhere, whether it’s a movie I watch or the passion of Virat Kohli and the calmness of MS Dhoni in cricket. Even at home, my optimistic mother is a source of inspiration,” she remarks.

Mithra is the winner of two global competitions - British Council Climate Action Video Making Competition and Enterprise Adventure.

Mithra Rajaram at her school’s annual day function receiving the General Proficiency award from chief guest, IPS Aravindhan

Balancing studies, exams, and events becomes challenging at times, but for Mithra, her love for learning and nature keeps her going. “Prioritising tasks based on daily requirements helps me maintain balance,” she says. With six years of Bharatanatyam training under her belt, Mithra enjoys dancing, listening to music, and engaging in arts and crafts. “With proper planning and wise time management, 24 hours is more than enough,” she signs off.

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Published on 15, Feb 2024

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Let’s build sustainable rockets, says teen changemaker Anushka Sharad

(May 25, 2022) Sustainability in space exploration is one of modern man's biggest dilemmas, drawing bright young minds all in pursuit of a solution. Among them is eleventh-grader Anushka Sharad. A NASA citizen scientist who has helped search for asteroids, the teen changemaker shows a gravity far beyond her years. She aims to bring scientific knowledge to peers with less access and open their eyes to the vast possibilities the study of science affords. She is the founder of seekinspace.com, a NASA Citizen Scientist, science communicator and an amateur poet. "Theoretical astrophysics and computational astronomy are my areas of study," says Anushka, a serious teenager with an approach that is far beyond her years. Thousands of rockets and satellites launched over the last fifty years leading to a sizeable accumulation of junk outside the earth's orbit, sustainable space exploration is one of Anushka's focus areas. Her interest is timely: The subject of space debris has entered mainstream discourse and in 2021, China found itself under criticism from NASA for "failing to meet responsible standards regarding their space debris." The reproach came after remnants from China's Long March 5B rocket fell into the Indian Ocean only to be met with stubborn

r space debris." The reproach came after remnants from China's Long March 5B rocket fell into the Indian Ocean only to be met with stubborn silence from those responsible. Another focus area is asteroid mining - rich in elements and minerals, asteroids are untapped resources. "Can we harness methods like 3D printing and look at options like asteroid mining to curb our pollution of the earth," Anushka asks, in an interview with Global Indian.

STEM awareness and a personal space odyssey

Recently, Anushka began her role as a Global Ambassador with the Women Tech Network. The community, based in California, promotes gender diversity in technology and connects professionals with top companies and startups. It is a culmination, of sorts, of her attempts to spread awareness on the diverse potential of STEM subjects. For, not one to restrict herself to a single area of study, Anushka delivers lectures on AI and machine learning to other students, hoping to help them understand how they work. She also visits schools to spread awareness on the STEM fields.

"Most students don't know how many career options there are in science. It's not just about physics and math or engineering as a career. There are many choices - technology, chemistry and biology to name a few. But students don't explore these options," explains the teen changemaker. "I have done the exploration and understand how much can be done. I must tell the others too," she tells Global Indian.

In August 2021, Anushka began seekinspace.com, where she publishes her articles and blogs. She is also a researcher with The Nebula Space Organisation, a research platform for students by students. Also associated with The Aurora Academic Journal, another student run venture that works with young researchers from across the globe, Anushka has written over 70 articles on astronomy. "I showed up on YouTube as well," Anushka says. "It's mostly for the AI sessions I conduct along with informative videos and opportunities in STEM fields."

Back to the beginning

"I knew I was made for science and it was made for me," Anushka remarks quietly. When she was in middle school, she got her hands on an encyclopaedia of science that covered an extensive breadth of topics. As she pored through them, her young mind was captivated by the idea that "We humans are made of stardust. We are the same as the cosmos. I am a cosmic entity," she smiles.

Inspired by idea, she studied more and more - always on her own, she says, "I have had no real mentor to guide me or even to point me in the right direction”. The pandemic hit and the country went into lockdown, leaving Anushka with enough time on her hands to continue her studies. She started reading every article she could find, watching videos and documentaries and making lists of books to read. She ordered the books online, building her "treasury of books," as she puts it. Writing articles to help herself analyse the information, Anushka discovered a flair for writing that she uses in her research papers, to write poetry and also, in her first book.

"I was intrigued with Stephen Hawking's The Grand Design," Anushka says. "He makes an argument against God, saying that there is no God and everything is natural," says Anushka. "I am a spiritual human being so I thought that if I want to understand God, I must read something against him. To me, it's about the power of nature."

The solitary observer

Always an observer, Anushka likes to spend her time in nature, paying attention the plants and animals she finds there. "I also like mountaineering," she says, describing many childhood vacations in the hills. "I climb the mountains and think, what is nature trying to teach me? What is it telling me? When I return, I recall those experience and try to understand what they were trying to tell me," she says. Hers is a life of observation marked by solitude, even at her young age. "Solitude is where I find my solace," Anushka admits.

Perhaps it was the solitary nature of her work but Anushka knew it was important for her to gain confidence and speak in public. "I began reaching out to students on Instagram and LinkedIn," says the teen, who is active on social media platforms. "I love connecting with students, especially when they are curious," says the teen changemaker.

Anushka visits CBSE and ICSE schools, organising sessions for students in Pune, where she lives. In October, she hopes to conduct her first session for adults as well, in collaboration with another organisation. "It will be a night camp like the one I had for students," she says. The night camp was her own first experience with a telescope, set up at the campsite beside a lake.

Science communicator

When her blogs and articles became popular among her family and friends, Anushka thought she might like to dabble in it. "I brought my skills in science and language together to be a science writer," says the teen changemaker. "As I understood more about astronomy, astrophysics, neuralinks, AI and machine learning, I wanted to find a way to unite technology and space exploration. Humans can't really travel through space but robots can. And I want to use my skills to be part of something like this, to create something that is bigger than me."

The road ahead

Currently in the midst of preparing for her SATs and IELTs, Anushka hopes to study abroad. "There are so many opportunities available. We get to research at a very early age, which is a big advantage," says Anushka. "India doesn't lack expertise but a bachelor's degree in astrophysics is hard to find," she says. "I also thought, if people like Kalam and Gandhi can benefit from studying abroad, why can't I? I want to study elsewhere and come back here to make an impact." The teen changemaker intends to remain in research, pushing the frontiers of what is known and what can be done, like "building sustainable rockets that are in keeping with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals," she suggests. "No matter what I do, my sole purpose is simply to serve humanity."

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Reading Time: 6 min

Sparsh: The Children’s Climate Prize 2022 winner merging innovation and sustainability

(February 14, 2023) It was 3.30 am in Singapore, and Sparsh was neck-deep in an assignment when an email popped up on his laptop. It read that the 17-year-old has won the Children's Climate Prize 2022 for his innovation - a thermal floater. "I was shocked and didn't know what to do. I screamed in joy, and I think I might have woken up some of my neighbours," laughs Sparsh, as he connects with Global Indian. The National University of Singapore student, who has received SEK 100,000 to develop his project (which converts energy from the sun into electrical energy), is ecstatic that he can now show his idea to the world. "I might be biased, but I think it's a revolutionary idea," adds the teenager, who hails from Patna. The idea first struck him when a family member back home fainted due to extreme heat, owing to a two-day blackout. "This annoyed me. Renewable energy is available in plenty but none of it is provided to us through regular supply of energy." He dove deeper into the idea, and started researching on the net, and realised that renewable energy is costly and takes up a lot of land space

ugh regular supply of energy." He dove deeper into the idea, and started researching on the net, and realised that renewable energy is costly and takes up a lot of land space (for installation). "That's when I decided to come up with a solution that was cheap, efficient and compact at the same time." Sparsh was all of 14 when he resolved to find an answer.

[caption id="attachment_27504" align="aligncenter" width="577"] Sparsh won the Children's Climate Prize 2022[/caption]

An interest that turned into passion

Electronics was something that fascinated the Patna-born even as a kid. Like most kids, he would dismantle all the toys to know what was inside. "Whenever I saw the television, I wanted to know what was inside it," he smiles, adding, "When our TV stopped working, I asked my dad to not trash it, as this was my chance to take a sneak peek into it. I actually broke it down to find what was inside it, but didn't understand a thing as I was just 8," he laughs. That's when he understood his inclination towards electronics.

[caption id="attachment_27506" align="aligncenter" width="763"] How Thermal Floater works[/caption]

But things took a turn for the best when Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) made it to his school when he was in Grade 7. Sparsh became one of the first students to enter it. "The Lab allowed me to view all the opportunities with electronics,” he says. “For the next few years, I learnt about electronics, 3D modelling, animation and coding."

Building a thermal floater

His first brush with ATL opened up a pathway of opportunities, so when he saw the problem of power outage in Patna, he knew he had to find a solution. While renewable energy was the solution, he still had to create an idea that was feasible and cheap to use the energy. The next two years went into research, a period he calls "challenging." "With no prior knowledge on thermo dynamics, material science and renewable energy, I had to read a lot to learn the concepts. Moreover, I had to check the feasibility of the idea before coming up with a prototype," reveals Sparsh, who came up with an impressive way to mitigate climate change by using thermal energy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pzfj9m32MA

So, what exactly is a thermal floater? "It's a device that generates electricity from the heat of the sun. Unlike the solar panels, it uses water bodies, which hasn't been explored much before," explains the innovator, who has used the Seebeck effect to produce electricity. "In the thermal floater, the hot side is the sun and the cold side is the water body. So, when electrons move from the hot side to the cold side, electricity is generated." By making use of water bodies, it reduces the pressure on land resources and helps create potential for countries where land resources are scarce. Being a clean source of renewable energy, the thermal floater also helps reduce the evaporation from ponds, reservoirs and lakes, thus providing an environmental benefit of the solar-thermal energy in areas that are susceptible to droughts, as water loss due to evaporation can add up over time and contribute to a shortage.

Winning accolades

The concept has won him Children's Climate Prize 2022, and he is now keen to bring his "revolutionary idea" to a larger audience in the coming three years. He wants to use the prize money to file a patent and work towards the making of a full-fledged prototype, so that it could reach the market as soon as possible. Currently studying computer engineering at the National University of Singapore, Sparsh plans to launch his startup in the field of sustainability in the near future. "I also want the thermal floater to reach a wider audience in the coming years."

[caption id="attachment_27505" align="aligncenter" width="703"] Sparsh is currently studying at National University of Singapore[/caption]

While he is happy to have come up with a solution through thermal floater, Sparsh had a hard time balancing academics and project work. However, in his first year of graduation, he is happy to have found the right support system in his teachers at the NUS. "It's much easier to balance studies and thermal floater project here," says the boy, who loves photography and is also working on other AI projects. The teenager wants other youngsters to take the leap of faith, and use all the available resources to take that first step. "Believe in yourself, and develop the ideas that you have. Give wings to your ideas and dreams."

Reading Time: 4 min

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.

Follow him on Instagram, LinkedIn

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Rani Rampal: First Indian woman in sports to have a stadium named after her

(April 5, 2023) “Words seem too less to express my happiness and gratitude as I share that the MCF Raebareli has renamed the hockey stadium to ‘Rani’s Girls Hockey Turf’ to honour my contribution to hockey,” tweeted an elated Rani Rampal. With this, the former women’s hockey captain who has earned the moniker ‘the queen of hockey’ for her consistently good performances has achieved a rare honour.In another tweet, Rani remarked, “It is a proud and emotional moment for me as I become the first woman hockey player to have a stadium to my name. I dedicate this to the Indian women’s team and I hope this inspires the next generation of women hockey players!” [caption id="attachment_29085" align="aligncenter" width="760"] Rani Rampal[/caption] The journey of the twenty-eight-year-old hockey player from being a cart-puller’s daughter to representing India in all the major international hockey turfs is nothing short of an inspiration. The self-made hockey player had dared to dream when there were odds stacked against her and with her sheer dedication has come a long way. Life as a cart-puller’s daughter Growing up in Haryana, Rani dreamed of becoming a hockey player ever since she was a little girl. But her cart-puller

Indian Sportsperson | Rani Rampal | Global Indian

There was a hockey academy near their house. Rani would spend hours watching players practice. She too wanted to play but every time she requested the coach to include her in the practice sessions, he would reject her saying, she was malnourished. While her parents kept on postponing her demands to purchase a hockey stick. One day Rani found a broken hockey stick near the academy and was on top of the world. Determined to change her life’s trajectory she begged the coach to give her a chance to learn. Eventually, with lots of pleadings, he agreed to train her. This was the beginning of a history that was waiting to be unfolded.

The journey began...

When Rani’s parents came to know about her plans to play hockey, they were reluctant. Instead, they wanted her to take up household chores and disapproved of the idea of girls playing hockey wearing skirts. It was the second time that Rani had to plead very hard. “I pleaded with them to let me play and if I failed, I promised I would do whatever they wanted me to do,” she said. It was only then that they agreed.

At the academy, each player needed to bring 500 ml of milk to drink before resuming practice. However, it was just 200 ml that the family could afford for Rani. The youngster did not want to take any chances and make the coach unhappy. She would mix milk with water in a 500 ml bottle and take it to the academy to do exactly what the coach desired. Rani picked up the sport fast. Looking at her dedication to the sport and how she did not miss a single day of practice, the coach built a liking for her. Later he even bought her a hockey kit and shoes and allowed her to stay with his family so that her nutritional needs could be taken care of.

It was a joyous and emotional occasion for her family when Rani came home with her first earning, a Rs 500 note that she won in a tournament. It was her first earning and when she gave the money to her father, he wept in joy. “I promised my family that one day we would be having our own home and worked hard to keep that promise,” the Global Indian said.

On the path to success

After playing several tournaments and representing her state under the guidance of her coach who stood by her in thick and thin Rani got a chance to play at the nationals. As she started to play professionally, GoSports Foundation, a sports NGO provided Rani with monetary as well as non-monetary support. At the age of 15, she was the youngest player in the national team which participated in the 2010 World Cup. After giving several consistent performances, there came a day when she was named the captain of the Indian Hockey Team – making her parents and hockey coach swell in pride.

Keeping to her promise she fulfilled the need for one’s own home for the family in 2017. “It was an emotional day for all of us. We cried together and held each other tight” she said. Having played the sport for more than 13 years now, the veteran player has been the mainstay of the team. In 2020 the striker who often doubles up as a midfielder was honoured with a Padma Shri. Her coach Baldev Singh received the Dronacharya Award.

[embed]https://twitter.com/TheHockeyIndia/status/1638478661547626498?s=20[/embed]

Bringing laurels to the country in numerous international tournaments Rani has also worked as an assistant coach with the Sports Authority of India. Apart from Padma Shri, she has won the Arjuna Award and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award – the highest sporting honours of India.

With a stadium that has just got named after her, the hockey player has reached a significant milestone in her career. From being a girl who had to plead to enter a hockey academy to becoming the first female player to have a stadium named after her, Rani’s journey is extraordinary.

Follow Rani Rampal on Twitter

Reading Time: 5 mins

Celebrating Culture: Indian-origin Iqra Khan dances her way to glory

(February 6, 2024) In March 2023, when pro-Khalistan extremists vandalised the premises of the Indian High Commission in London and attempted to violate the Indian flag, the Indian community in the UK responded swiftly. Various Indian diaspora groups got together for a spirited demonstration outside the Indian High Commission in London, showcasing solidarity with the Indian mission. Amidst the festive display of patriotism by Indians, Nick, a British police officer, was moved enough to join the demonstration in a show of support. Nick approached Indian-origin teenager Iqra Khan, who was joyfully dancing to Bollywood tunes in traditional Indian attire and jewellery to learn some Bollywood steps from her. Their interaction was captured by several onlookers, resulting in a heartwarming moment that quickly spread across social media platforms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMVSjvmuDbY Within hours, the video of Iqra and Nick's impromptu dancing garnered wide attention. “After the event when I was having lunch, someone got in touch saying, ‘your video has gone viral’. That's when we started looking it up. I was still having lunch and my video was all over India” shared the elated teenager in an interview. In a few days of the incident Iqra’s video received global attention. “My video

ws.com/newsviews/meet-the-british-indian-teen-who-got-met-police-tapping-to-bollywood-beats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared the elated teenager in an interview. In a few days of the incident Iqra’s video received global attention. “My video was on many news channels worldwide and had around 10 million views. I had no words. I was like, wow, I am everywhere,” the teenager remarked.

Despite already having launched her YouTube channel, Ten News India, by that time, the unexpected surge of attention she received was pleasantly surprising. She was happy that people around the world were looking at her. “So many people were saying that this is the best video on the internet and the fact that I was a part of it was really special,” remarked Iqra who has been a pageant finalist in the UK and has modelled for a famous retail brand.

From fame to frames

Iqra has always been in love with the camera and socialising with people. Combining both her interests, she launched her own YouTube show at the age of 11, interviewing singers, artists and poets in the age group of six to 18. Her goal behind the show was to introduce young talent to the world driving in the message that talent knows no age boundaries.

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

That experience gave her loads of confidence. “You learn a lot about how to frame questions, to keep an eye on the time and also keep it entertaining.” Later, building on her experience, and seizing the opportunity presented by her viral video, Iqra furthered her hosting journey with a YouTube Channel named 'London Thumakda’. For her channel she has interviewed accomplished celebrities like author Amish Tripathi, actors Adil Hussain and Vinay Pathak, British theatre actor Tom Gribby, casting directors Yvonne Lawlor and Bonnie amongst others.

In the world of pageantry

The teenager loves the glitter and glam of crowns, tiara and the flashing cameras, and to savour the delights of all these she participated in Miss Junior Teen Great Britain contest two years back. It was a long but joyful journey for Iqra who gave auditions for the contest, and then after clearing multiple rounds was selected as a finalist, and later as the grand finalist. “It was a roller coaster of emotions,” she said.

Iqra, who can speak in fluent Hindi despite being raised abroad, felt extremely proud to represent Southeast London in the beauty pageant. “I was really proud to be representing all the brown girls and wanted to win for all the brown girls out there,” Iqra shared.

[caption id="attachment_35638" align="aligncenter" width="506"] Iqra Khan[/caption]

Love for Indian culture

Even though Iqra was born in the UK and lived in the Middle East for a few years before returning to the UK, her strong attachment to her Indian culture and heritage remains strong. She attributes this deep connection to her upbringing by her parents and her immersion in a large South Asian community during her time in the Middle East.

[caption id="attachment_35639" align="aligncenter" width="481"] Iqra Khan at the 2023 Indian Summer Mela festival at Ipswich, UK[/caption]

She has deep affection for Bollywood songs and finds their infectious beats captivating. "I can't resist them," she admits. "I've been showcasing my love for Bollywood by performing at events, representing various Indian states through dance," she revealed. Performing has been her passion for as long as she can recall. She has given performances for events hosted by UK Heritage Charity and Dartford, Mayor of Croydon to name a few. The teenager aspires to be an actor, has some theatre experience in the UK and has also done modelling for the retail brand Lulu.

Follow Iqra Khan on Instagram and YouTube