Riding her way to glory: Activist Jivya Lamba is a ray of hope for young girls
Written by: Team GI Youth
(January 17, 2024) Every year, India witnesses millions of girls dropping out of school due to a lack of transport facilities to educational institutions. The lack of security for these young girls has pushed several parents to keep them locked up in their houses. While several non-profit organisations and politicians have been working to rectify the situation by spreading awareness, a young 16-year-old activist decided to do something more concrete.
Jivya Lamba
Jivya Lamba, a class XII student from Haryana, was so disturbed after she visited a local village, that she spent several days thereafter searching for a solution to this grievous, yet unaddressed issue. “During the pandemic, I was a volunteer to distribute food, and sanitary products to people in the nearby village. During one such visit, I met with a few girls, who during the interaction told me that many of them had to leave the school after attaining puberty. When I asked for the reason, they said that their school was quite far away, and since the road to the institute wasn’t safe their parents thought it better to keep them at home,” the activist said.
After a few sleepless nights of researching the issue, Jivya stumbled upon the idea of installing GPS trackers on the bicycles of these girls, which can be used by their parents to know where they are at any time – a campaign she named WeCycle. It was quite a simple but effective idea, which helped reduce high school dropout rates among girls and increased their participation in studies – winning Jivya, the prestigious Diana Award, 2023.
Donning many hats
Academically brilliant, Jivya has been vocal about various causes since she was quite young. She has even represented her school internationally in various debate competitions. “Since the age of 11, debating has been a defining journey for me. Winning medals at the World Scholars Cup Global Round and Yale’s Tournament of Champions showcased my dedication and passion for debating. Beyond competitions, debating expanded my perspective. During the pandemic, I invested time in enhancing my skills and earned more medals in the 2022 World Scholars Cup. This journey was more than just a competition; it represents my continuous growth and the profound impact of words,” the activist expressed.
Jivya handing out her book to girls at a rural school
However, it was when the pandemic hit the nation, that the youngster started actively volunteering at the grassroots level. The Global Indian, along with a few friends, collected steam vaporisers, PPE kits, face masks, home testing kits, and sanitary products for free distribution in the village and other deprived areas. They also volunteered to distribute home-cooked meals to not just the needy, but also to COVID-19-positive patients and their family members. “The pandemic highlighted how desperately we needed to reach out to others and offer help. However, it became evident that even though many people recognised this need, the drive to take the initiative was lacking. So, I thought about taking a step and started working with underprivileged communities,” shared the activist, who is also a trained singer.
A true changemaker
It was during one such distribution errand that the activist came across the issue of girl safety. However, that was just the tip of the iceberg. Many girls, who had attained puberty, were unaware of menstrual health and various related syndromes. “Through my interaction with these girls in rural areas, it became quite clear that they had very little understanding of the changes caused by the onset of puberty and lack guidance on how to tackle it.” shared the activist, adding, “They are reserved and uncomfortable speaking about menstruation, adding to lack of confidence. Some had symptoms similar to PCOS but lacked awareness or community support.”
The young activist talking to parents at school
The activist then invested her time in creating an educational handbook, forming support groups, and actively engaging with families and community leaders to promote awareness about menstrual health. “The idea is to not just spread awareness, but also open a dialogue about these issues. My handbook is developed in the regional language, to make sure that everyone who reads it understands the concepts,” shared the activist, adding, “WeCycle is a step forward in the direction of free mobility for our young female students, athletes, and future-generation mothers. I am committed to making lives easy for these girls and my heart goes out to them.”
(April 27, 2024) It was in 2022 that Rajiv Sharma, a Jamshedpur resident, found himself in a hospital after a few serious bouts of vomiting, nausea, and headaches. Upon investigation, he found the reason behind his sudden illness - the recently introduced air fresheners at his home. Not many know but air fresheners have adverse health effects including migraine headaches, asthma attacks, breathing difficulties, earache, and mucosal symptoms. The news left him shocked but equally motivated him to come up with a solution that was eco-friendly and had no side effects on his health. That's when he began crafting air fresheners using temple flower waste and wood. [caption id="attachment_37411" align="aligncenter" width="568"] Rajiv Sharma[/caption] "There are many poisonous chemicals in air fresheners. All you need to do is read the ingredient list behind any air freshener. It’s not safe for children (mentioned in the packaging) and animals to inhale. I wanted to make a freshener which was safe for the environment as well as humans and animals," he said in an interview. With the help of his college professors at the National Institute of Design, Andhra Pradesh, he perfected the product, and 20 prototypes later, he founded ALVE air fresheners. So
in an interview. With the help of his college professors at the National Institute of Design, Andhra Pradesh, he perfected the product, and 20 prototypes later, he founded ALVE air fresheners. So far, has recycled 1,500 kg of temple flower waste.
Rajiv calls the use of natural ingredients, its sustainable design allowing for composting after use, and integration of smart technology as the USP of the product. In just a few months, they have sold over 850 air fresheners.
How it’s done
Explaining the process, he initially began with crafting natural fragrances from flower waste which he collected from a nearby temple. He gathered jasmine and roses, air-dried the petals, crushed them into powder with a mixer, and later blended them with coconut husk waste. He kept the mixture for air drying for a few days for the fragrance to be prepared. Rajiv then housed this essence in a glass bottle and fashioned an outer casing from wood, culminating in his homemade, environmentally-conscious fragrance.
It was his mom who was his soundboard when he was using all permutations and combinations to create the air freshener initially. But when his professors learnt about his innovation, they were more than happy to lend their support and guidance. "They said that this needs to be given to a bigger audience and is the need of the hour. They helped me perfect it with the help of machines in the college," he added.
Available in 15 distinct fragrances that are tailored for homes, offices, and cars, they also come with smart technology. Armed with smart sensors, the air fresheners autonomously activate and deactivate upon detecting an individual's presence. Moreover, it seamlessly integrates with Google Assistant for added convenience.
Reducing floral waste
In this short span, Rajiv has partnered with 30 temples in Jamshedpur for floral waste and collects over 3 kg of floral waste each day from every temple. "We use nature’s intelligence in retaining the fragrances. Chemical fresheners use LPG to retain the fragrance. We use natural ingredients for that with no chemicals. We do not use any heat, water vapour or chemicals to diffuse our fragrances. We use our own Air Diffusion Technology with sensors to diffuse aroma evenly in the surroundings," he added.
Rajiv has plans to expand ALVE and make it a part of every household. "I want to create products that not only meet human needs but also leave a positive imprint on our planet. Our vision at ALVE is to inspire a world where fresh, clean air is not a luxury but a sustainable standard," he added.
A champion of sustainability
Rajiv's innovative approach to air fresheners not only enhances the olfactory experience but also champions environmental sustainability. By repurposing temple waste into fragrant solutions, he not only provides an effective product but also contributes to waste reduction efforts. With each unit sold, Sharma's impact extends beyond mere freshness, reaching into the realms of eco-consciousness and community engagement.
His dedication to merging technology with eco-friendly practices not only benefits individuals by improving air quality but also serves as a model for how small-scale innovations can make significant contributions to both public health and environmental conservation. Rajiv Sharma's endeavor exemplifies the transformative power of innovation in fostering a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
(January 31, 2024) Amid the hustle and bustle of Kolkata emerges a story of resilience, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of making a difference. Meet Amey Agarwal, a youngster who has not only won over a 15-year battle with nephrotic syndrome but has also transformed his personal struggle into an inspiration for others. Amey's commitment to raising awareness and providing assistance for those affected by nephrotic syndrome gave birth to Nephrophile - a nonprofit - which has till now helped 300 families and even earned him a Diana Award. Amey's journey with nephrotic syndrome, a condition causing the kidneys to leak large amounts of protein into the urine, began at a tender age. For 15 years, he battled the challenges that the condition brought with it but instead of succumbing to the adversity, he emerged stronger, driven by a deep-seated belief that every child, irrespective of their economic circumstances, deserves a chance to become an adult. [caption id="attachment_35533" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Amey Agarwal[/caption] Helping people affected by Nephrotic syndrome In his pursuit of making a meaningful impact, the 17-year-old founded Nephrohelp, a charitable community dedicated to supporting children suffering from nephrotic syndrome. His vision goes beyond mere sympathy; it is a
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In his pursuit of making a meaningful impact, the 17-year-old founded Nephrohelp, a charitable community dedicated to supporting children suffering from nephrotic syndrome. His vision goes beyond mere sympathy; it is a mission to bring about positive changes in the lives of vulnerable families grappling with the harsh realities of this condition. The heart of Nephrohelp lies in its commitment to facilitating kidney transplants and providing essential support for those in need.
Through the relentless efforts of Amey and his team, the organisation has successfully raised funds and sponsorships, enabling life-changing kidney transplants for two children. "We are more than obliged and happy to help Warisha Khan (14 yrs) and Gaurav Mukherjee (13 yrs) by taking initiative in providing them all the medical necessities under the mentorship and guidance of Dr Rajiv Sinha, Professor & HOD of Pediatric Nephrology Division and thank him for extending his support for this noble cause," the student of St. Xavier's Collegiate School said in a statement.
The powerful impact
Beyond transplantation support, Nephrohelp has touched the lives of over 300 families by providing essential medicines and necessities. During COVID-19 pandemic, his compassion extended further as his organisation donated masks to hospitals, ensuring the safety of frontline workers. The impact of Nephrohelp is not confined to immediate assistance as his team organised awareness campaigns and health check-up camps, spreading knowledge about nephrotic syndrome and offering preventive healthcare to communities.
His dedication and selfless service to bring about transformative change has helped him earn Diana Award 2023 - which speaks volumes about his dedication, resilience, and the positive ripple effect his work has on communities. It is his commitment to education and awareness that have played an important role in his journey as a young changemaker. Recognising the need to inform and empower, Amey co-authored a book Nephrohelp’s Guide to Nephrotic Syndrome, published in both Hindi and Bengali, to raise awareness on nephrotic syndrome. Of them, he donated over 2500 books in rural areas to not only provide valuable insights into the condition but also serve as a guide for others who may be navigating similar challenges.
Amey's advocacy extends beyond the immediate impact of Nephrohelp as his efforts have made nephrotic syndrome visible on a broader scale, challenging societal perceptions and fostering understanding about the struggles faced by those with this condition. In a world where compassion often takes a backseat, he has become a force that transcends boundaries, making a profound difference in the lives of many. He is now committed to provide treatment to over 200 children each year, which reflects his dedication to accessible healthcare.
His vision for a world where every child has the opportunity to grow into adulthood fuels the organisation's initiatives and inspires others to join the cause. In a society that often overlooks the struggles of those with chronic conditions, Amey proves that one person's belief in making a difference can indeed change the world.
(October 28, 2023) The ninth grader at Lynbrook High School in San Jose was in for a surprise when she won second place at the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Shripriya Kalbhavi has been working on her invention - EasyBZ for a while now, but had no idea that it would win her a spot at America's biggest middle school science competition. The Indian-American teen will receive a cash prize of $2000 for developing a cost-effective microneedle patch that allows for self-automated drug delivery without pills or needles. "I am really passionate about making sure that everyone is comfortable with the medical treatment that they are receiving, and I really want people to have long-term solutions to their chronic conditions. With the EasyBZ microneedle patch, I have always hoped that people can receive painless treatment that accommodates their medical needs, whether it be children who have diabetes or adults who suffer from forms of dementia like Alzheimer's," she wrote in a blog. For someone who has always been keen to contribute to society, she found her answer in science and research. Growing up, Shripriya was scared of needles and hated getting injections. It not only made her uncomfortable but also
wp-content/uploads/2023/10/shripriya-card.jpg" alt="Shripriya Kalbhavi | Global Indian" width="435" height="265" />
Growing up, Shripriya was scared of needles and hated getting injections. It not only made her uncomfortable but also induced a sense of fear in her. She realised that many people, especially children, like her who feared needles had no solution other than being told they had to face their fears. "For me, it was not very fun to have a huge needle being stuck into my arm. It was uncomfortable and frightening, and I don’t think that anyone should have to deal with something that makes them feel like their pain, fear, or struggles are less than worthy of care." Moreover, seeing This didn't sit right with her and she decided to come up with EasyBZ microneedle patch, "which actively delivers medication to patients painlessly and can deliver doses over a long period of time."
"Microneedles reduce the pain factor, while the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction, along with an oscillating hydrogel, helps manage doses and actively deliver medication," added Shripriya who was keen to help people who require long-term injections. "Such as kids with diabetes, by making their insulin therapy more convenient or something that could also benefit those who cannot take medications on their own, such as dementia or Alzheimer's patients. Hypodermic needles can be a real pain. I really wanted to redesign this problem and help many people in the process. In addition, I also wanted to take into consideration the pain and fear aspect of it."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HecA7b-qbYM
It was in November 2022 that Shripriya started playing around with the idea of a microneedle patch that autonomously delivers medication using a self-oscillating hydrogel back. She spent hours researching drug delivery methods, hydrogels, and microneedle technologies. "Understanding how things already work and their limitations sparked new ideas for my project. Research guided me in designing the most effective prototypes." However, she was still unsure of the materials that she could use to make the prototype. That's when her mentor Dr. PJ Flanigan stepped in and helped turn her idea into a possible solution. "The summer mentorship is what really has allowed me to take my project to the next level. With the advice and help of my mentor, Dr. PJ Flanigan, as well as all of the 3M materials that have helped me put together my prototypes, I have been able to level up my project in terms of design, efficiency, results, chemistry, and more. With the help of a 3M scientist, I feel like my project has an even greater potential to help so many people," she added.
(November 5, 2022 ) Aman Anubhav lives in Sikahar, a village in the interiors of Gaya, the sacred city of Bihar. Nestled into the forest, the weather is cool all year round with the temperature difference between the main town and Sikahar varyies up to five degrees. “In the night it gets very dark here. So, I grew up watching lots of stars and constellations. My father became astronomy teacher, helping me understand the wonders of the natural science” says the teenager. The founder of DeuxStem, which teaches space science to the layman, Aman received his first smartphone only when the pandemic hit and classes were moved online. With it, his knowledge grew multifold over the next couple of years, so much so that Aman is already passing on what he has learned to the less privileged. During the pandemic, the family faced such dire financial constraints that Aman even had to quit studying at a private school and enroll temporarily in the local village school. Still, he persevered. Currently studying in Class 12 at Delhi Public School, Bodh Gaya, Aman educates people about physics, astronomy and aerospace through his website, social media and YouTube channel, has received appreciation
lass="size-full wp-image-23868 aligncenter" src="https://stage.globalindian.com/youth///wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Aman_image.jpg" alt="Indian Youth | Aman Anubhav | Global Indian" width="1213" height="926" />
Currently studying in Class 12 at Delhi Public School, Bodh Gaya, Aman educates people about physics, astronomy and aerospace through his website, social media and YouTube channel, has received appreciation from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and also from many other globally renowned organisations from the sphere of space science.
Apart from creating educational content, DeuxStem is working in partnership with International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC)that provides high-quality astronomical data to citizen scientists around the world, to make original astronomical discoveries and participate in hands-on astronomy.
Aman and his team have been identifying asteroids (small rocky objects that orbit the Sun) in collaboration with IASC. Two of the twelve identified asteroids are already under deep review of NASA. Deeply inclined towards the STEM subjects, Aman has also digitally developed 105 aerospace equipment designs, some of which have stood out in competitions and been acknowledged by specialists in the domain.
All about space
The sixteen-year-old student of standard 12, DPS, Bodh Gaya strives to deliver top class pedagogy in advanced STEM knowledge to the masses. “My purpose in starting DeuxStem was to put all my aerospace equipment designs, and research papers on modern physics, quantum physics, special relativity, general relativity in one place so that people can read them, and get educated.”
Within months of his initiative, he was thrilled to get an appreciation from NASA, European Space Agency, Ariane Group – an aerospace company based in France, JAXA Space Center, Japan, and astronaut Tim Peake,” he tells Global Indian.
https://youtu.be/IAPEjUQjghc
We also got a very good appreciation post from Canadian Space Agency. They even started following our organisation on social media and website. German Aerospace Centre (DLR) also acknowledged our efforts. This motivated us to create some more digital designs of aerospace equipment - Aman Anubhav
Developing aerospace equipment designs
“These days people want to go to places other than earth, and it is possible only with the help of aerospace equipment,” he smiles. Aman dreams big and doesn’t shy away from the work either and taught himself the basics of aerospace design.
As a reward, the Bihar boy has bought himself a new tablet, after having achieved so much with just a smartphone. “I was introduced to a smart phone for the first time during the Covid-19 outbreak, when my school classes shifted online. Before that, we were strictly not allowed to use them,” he says. Like any teenager, he spent his time playing games, watching videos and streaming films.
Aman explored aerospace through a game he had on his phone. “That’s how my passion for designing aerospace equipment developed,” he says. Although there is software available to create these designs, doing so requires a good amount of scientific knowledge. This he acquired through books and research papers from Springer, the German multinational publishing company, watching YouTube videos and going through relevant material available at MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW), a web-based publication of virtually all MIT course content. “It has some really good courses in aerospace dynamics - that helped,” he says. Aman also watched movies like Interstellar, Ad Astra and Martian.
[caption id="attachment_23873" align="aligncenter" width="839"] Aman Anubhav[/caption]
One of the designs that he is really proud of is a piece of equipment he has named Vyomgami. Derived from the Sanskrit word Vyom Shastra, the name means the scripture of aerospace. “Weather balloons are used to launch rockets to the upper atmosphere and then ejected there, helping the rocket take off without having to fight atmospheric resistance. That’s how it gets into orbit with very little fuel consumption.” Vyomgami is meant to facilitate this process.
The design of Vyomgami stood out in a competition organised by Spaceonova, an organisation that educates people about space and aerospace. He has also come up with solutions that he has named Rakshak and Pavana that can help achieve sustainable energy and clean climate.
Don’t expect the voyage to be a cruise - we should focus on research and innovation rather than scores to help secure the true act for which humans are here - 'Development' - Aman Anubhav
Aman attended one of Asia’s largest Techfest, IIT Bombay Techfest last year. Amidst the many talented young minds, he got acquainted with Roshan Naidu a VIT student who is now the co-founder of DeuxStem, taking care of the operations part of it. He has also participated in CERN - European Council for Nuclear Research conference. "I got the opportunity to interact with Dr Steven Goldfarb from University of Melbourne working at ATLAS experiments for the launch of LHC (large hadron collider), Higgs Boson, Gravity & Graviton and particles & nuclear physics," he tells.
Finding asteroids
Talking about his partnership with IASC, Aman says, “It’s a not-for-profit organisation that enjoys sponsorship from well-known research bodies like NASA, International Astronomical Union, Catalina Sky Survey etc. to equip citizen scientists with knowledge of astronomy.
IASC get pictures of the night sky directly from NASA-controlled Pan-STARRS Observatory in Hawaii. “These pictures are like data of identifying asteroids, which is a technical and tedious process.”
[caption id="attachment_23875" align="aligncenter" width="950"] The process of finding asteroid in progress[/caption]
There are certain criteria to classify an asteroid. Since it involves processing an extremely large amount of data (several Petabytes per night are captured by NASA telescope), they send it to IASC, giving citizen scientists an opportunity to make original astronomical discoveries and participate in hands-on astronomy. In collaboration with IASC, Aman and his team have educated 85 people from places like USA, Pakistan, Morocco, Iran and other countries on astronomy, hand-holding them in identifying asteroids. The discovered asteroids are then put under deep review of scientists at NASA.
“It’s such a technical and tedious process that in close to three years, we have been able to identify just about 12 preliminary stage asteroids,” says Aman.
Out of those 12, two have qualified for the probational phase of study by NASA scientists. “The process of the preliminary stage asteroids getting categorized for probational review takes another six-to-10 months. Once NASA confirms after their investigation, we will get to name the asteroids we identified,” he says.
Aman is associated with Child Rights and You (CRY), and has raised funds to support the cause. He was also selected to the prestigious LaunchX 2022 a programme hosted by MIT to promote entrepreneurship and technology. "Just about 10 percent of students who apply for the programme get selected globally for this programme," says he.
Although the programme was scheduled offline at the University of Michigan, due to covid protocols it was conducted online. With a team of students from different countries, Aman developed a startup - SEDU which was a solution to teach teenagers about the importance of sexual knowledge and removing taboos attached to it. To facilitate knowledge in a fun way he and his team developed a physical board game and a web game. Through marketing and sale they got successful in generating $285 during the five weeks course and $500 thereafter for the business model, completing the programme with flying colours.
Life and role models
Aman comes from a humble background. His father, a farmer, is still trying to recover from the losses of the pandemic, after his business shut down. It was so hard on the family that Aman had to discontinue his studies at DPS and enroll himself in the village public school for a time. “When I was in class 9, it became difficult to continue studying at the local school so I was re-admitted to DPS,” says Aman. He aims for a PhD in Astrophysics, so that he can be a researcher from “the very start.”
The Bihar teen is deeply inspired by Google CEO Sundar Pichai and relates to him a lot. “His father had to spend a year’s salary to buy him the air ticket to send him to Stanford University in the US” remarks he adding, “I too cannot afford higher education.” Like his role model he aims to bag a scholarship from a good institution to take forward his dreams.
In his free time, the youngster likes going to the farm with his father and even enjoys helping his mother in the kitchen. “It’s not very conventional for boys to work in the kitchen where I live but my mother appreciates it,” says the teen who could barely converse in English until 2019. “It was after getting my phone that I immersed myself in listening to TED talks and podcasts, and from there I have picked up the ability and confidence to speak English,” he says.
The teenager is a good example of how to put technology to good use for enhancing one’s knowledge and personality, and that if there is a will, a lot can be achieved even when the resources are limited.
(November 16, 2024) In the hushed halls of the Bavarian Open in 2022, fourteen-year-old Shreyas Royal was about to make history. Across nine games, he played with the skill of a seasoned grandmaster, carefully outsmarting his opponents and securing seven points. This wasn’t just any win—he became the youngest player in the United Kingdom to reach a grandmaster-level performance. For Britain, a country with a deep chess tradition and competitive scene, seeing such young talent was rare. By the end of the tournament, Shreyas Royal’s name wasn’t just another entry; it was the headline, marking the arrival of a fresh new talent. [caption id="attachment_40404" align="aligncenter" width="657"] Shreyas Royal[/caption] Bengaluru to London: A Journey Begins Yet Shreyas' journey to the chessboard was far from ordinary. Born in Bengaluru in 2009, he moved to the United Kingdom with his family at the age of three when his father, Jitendra Singh, accepted a job as an IT project manager. They settled in South-East London, in the lively, multicultural neighbourhood of Woolwich. Shreyas was still a toddler, curious about the world around him, and showed an impressive memory. It was here, thousands of miles from India - the birthplace of chess- that his father
vely, multicultural neighbourhood of Woolwich. Shreyas was still a toddler, curious about the world around him, and showed an impressive memory.
It was here, thousands of miles from India - the birthplace of chess- that his father introduced him to the game as a way to channel his young son's sharp mind. "It took me some time, but I was curious," Shreyas recalls, describing those first tentative steps. It wasn't until he started winning matches against other children at school that something inside him clicked. "And that got me hooked."
[caption id="attachment_40405" align="aligncenter" width="428"] A young Shreyas[/caption]
Discovering Chess
By six, his parents had signed him up at a local chess club in East Ham, where he trained under the guidance of a private coach. From then, chess became more than a hobby — it was the beginning of his journey into competitive arenas across Europe. His first taste of international success came in Greece, where he clinched silver at the European Schools Chess Championship. His skill and tenacity set him apart early on, winning him multiple awards, and soon, the young player from Woolwich was recognised as one of the country’s brightest prospects. Chris Ward, a British chess grandmaster, went as far as to say Shreyas was "the best prospect the country has ever seen."
The Biggest Challenge
But for all his success, life in the UK presented its own set of challenges. In 2018, the family faced the prospect of returning to India as his father's work visa neared expiration. The requirement? An income of £120,000 a year — far beyond his father’s reach. For a brief period, it seemed that Shreyas's chess journey might be cut short. However, the English Chess Federation, along with supporters in the political community, appealed to then-Home Secretary Sajid Javid, citing Shreyas's potential as an exceptional talent. Javid himself acknowledged, "The UK is a country that fosters world-class talent, and Shreyas is one of the most gifted chess players in his generation."
This was a turning point. The visa extension not only allowed Shreyas Royal to continue his journey but freed his family from an uncertain future, giving him the stability he needed to continue on his chess journey.
The Mind of a Chess Prodigy: Strategy and Preparation
From that point, Shreyas intensified his focus, opting for homeschooling to accommodate his training and tournament schedules. His strategy preparation became more methodical, studying opponents' strengths, weaknesses, and past games. "I check to see what openings he has struggled against in the past and also look at some of his statistics, how well he has fared against weaker opponents,” Shreyas explained. "Aiming for any type of an advantage with white and equality with black out of the opening are also very vital goals." The discipline, patience, and hours of practice were part of the foundation that helped him succeed at the Bavarian Open and beyond.
Shreyas's story is closely tied to the Indian community in the UK—a group that has maintained its cultural roots while contributing to many areas of British society. This community has played an important role in enriching the UK’s cultural and professional landscape. Shreyas represents this blend of Indian heritage and British identity, bringing pride to both. As the child of Indian immigrants, he comes from a tradition that values hard work, education, and resilience—qualities that clearly influence his approach to chess and life.
A Love for the Game Beyond Titles
Shreyas is now focused on achieving new goals. He dreams of becoming one of the world’s top 10 players and hopes to win the world championship by the time he's 21. However, his passion for chess isn’t just about the titles. "For me, it's not so much about the money," he said. "It's about having fun playing chess. I just enjoy it," said the Global Indian. This genuine love for the game keeps him coming back to the chessboard every single day.
Looking ahead, Shreyas understands there’s still a lot to learn. “It is a very fascinating game in which I feel I have a lot more to learn,” he says, reflecting his humility despite his achievements. For now, the young grandmaster-in-the-making stays focused on training and competing, fueled by the same curiosity that first drew him to the game.
Aman Anubhav[/caption]
The process of finding asteroid in progress[/caption]
Aman's village[/caption]
Aman's village[/caption]
A young Shreyas[/caption]
