Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveShafali Verma: The captain who led India’s victory in the Under-19 Women’s Cricket World Cup 

Shafali Verma: The captain who led India’s victory in the Under-19 Women’s Cricket World Cup 

Compiled by: Amrita Priya

(February 8, 2023) “India, this is for you,” tweeted the overjoyed captain Shafali Verma after lifting the ICC Under-19 Women’s Cricket World Cup on January 29, 2023. It was a landmark day in the history of women’s cricket in India, and Shafali was teary-eyed.

With matches in the Twenty20 cricket format, the tournament organised by the International Cricket Council was the first in the women’s category, even though the Under-19 World Cup in the men’s category is being played since 1988.

Shafali Verma

Under Shafali’s leadership, the Indian team defeated England by seven wickets in the exciting finals held at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom in South Africa. India emerged a winner amongst sixteen teams that competed in the tournament. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar tweeted, “the win would inspire a whole generation to take up sports”.

Not unlike other cricketers it was Tendulkar who had inspired Shafali Verma, the Haryana girl from small town Rohtak, to take up the sport.

Global Indian  takes a look at the extraordinary journey of this brilliant, young player who is basking in the glory of bringing the maiden Under-19 Women’s Cricket World Cup trophy home.

Rohtak girl’s foray in the world of cricket

She was quite young when she first stepped on a cricket pitch. Disguised as her brother, who was sick, Shafali Verma played at the under-12 national school championship and ended up winning the Player of the Match award. A first-class cricketer today, this Haryana girl has carved a niche for herself in the world of cricket. The youngest Indian cricketer to play in an international match, Shafali was just 15 when she was selected to play at the Women’s 20 International Series.

Congratulations to the Indian Team for a special win at the @ICC #U19T20WorldCup. They have played excellent cricket and their success will inspire several upcoming cricketers. Best wishes to the team for their future endeavours. https://t.co/BBn5M9abHp

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2023

Interestingly, the teen prodigy became the youngest Indian half-centurion while playing against West Indies during her debut series. Her first international series turned out to be a great one. Scoring 158 in just five matches, she became the player of the series, garnering lots of attention for her fantastic performance.

By 2021, the 2004-born had built a good repertoire – becoming the youngest player to represent India in all three formats of international cricket at the age of 17. Her brilliant performances earned her a place in the Indian team for the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup and subsequently made her the strongest contender to be the captain of the Indian team at the under-19 world cup.

Off the bat

Daughter of a jewellery shop owner, Shafali has been playing cricket since she was just eight years old. The young cricketer was trained by her father, Sanjeev, who once aspired to be a cricketer himself.

Indian Cricketer | Shafali Verma | Global Indian

Shafali Verma in action

A strict mentor, Sanjeev devised a rigorous training schedule for his daughter. However, he would also give her a reward of ₹5 whenever Shafali hit a sixer at the local ground. Recognising that Shafali could make an excellent cricketer, her father later made her join the Ram Narayan Cricket Club, Rohtak.

Crediting her father for her success, Shafali wrote on social media, “I am who I am today because of my father. He has always been the most supportive and friendly dad in the world.”

An eventful journey

The alumna of Mandeep Senior Secondary School, Rohtak has set quite a number of records. In June 2021, she became the youngest player, male or female, to represent India in all three formats of international cricket. In October 2022, she became the youngest cricketer to complete 1000 runs in T20 internationals. She also became the youngest cricketer ever to play in the final of the Women’s World Cup.

Thank you Hon'ble @JayShah Sir for inviting us for a special evening and providing us the precious opportunity to meet with @sachin_rt Sir! It has truly motivated the entire team and has boosted our spirit. Thank you again for all your support & encouragement! @BCCIWomen @BCCI pic.twitter.com/lsGp1TITCp

— Shafali Verma (@TheShafaliVerma) February 2, 2023

Even though she is quite busy, the sportsperson always manages to find time between matches and practice sessions, to connect with her fans through social media.

Like other cricketers, Shafali too idolised one of the greatest cricketers of all times, Sachin Tendulkar. “The reason I took up cricket is because of Sachin sir. My family has just not idolized but worshipped him,” she had once mentioned in a post.

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Published on 08, Feb 2023

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Oviya Singh: One of India’s youngest TEDx speakers and environmental champion

(November 24, 2023) When Sadhguru recognised Oviya Singh's efforts to spread awareness on soil conservation, the joy and elation of 12-year-old knew no bounds. “His acknowledgment in one of the Save Soil Campaign events and later, a mention of my name in the 'youth in action' section on his website, are recognitions that evoke indescribable emotions," she smiled. The NCR-based youngster became one of the youngest TEDx speakers in India last year, gaining recognition in India and beyond. The powerful public speaker has been using her gift of gab to motivate not just youngsters but also industrialists, public figures and government authorities to do their part in making the planet a better place through initiatives like soil conservation and other measures to enhance sustainability. [caption id="attachment_34275" align="aligncenter" width="787"] Oviya Singh[/caption] “We will either be remembered as the generation that let the planet die or as the generation that even God looks up to and says ‘damn!, these guys are competition,” the orator remarked in one of her speeches urging children and adults to do their part. Beyond oratory, the talented youngster has ventured into writing, co-authoring two books. Her first book, Living Life of Inspiration, is a compilation of motivational stories

of her speeches urging children and adults to do their part.

Beyond oratory, the talented youngster has ventured into writing, co-authoring two books. Her first book, Living Life of Inspiration, is a compilation of motivational stories of achievers from different walks of life. Her second book, Rise: Poems of Heat, Resilience, And Light, features inspirational and motivational poems by her and other budding poets.

Awards and accolades

Recently the Global Indian became the recipient of the Nelson Mandela Award that came with the opportunity of visiting the University of Oxford to receive the medal and the certicate in person. It was presented at the Global Peace Summit organised by the NRI Welfare Society in the UK. "The Nelson Mandela Awards event was an extraordinary chapter in my life, one that has left an indelible mark on my soul, inspiring me to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to society," she shared.

Oviya has been Champion at the Youth Spoken Fest twice, and has excelled in various other competitions. She claimed the top position in the National Public Speaking Championship (2019), the Podcast Challenge (2021), and the National Speech and Debate Tournament (2022). She also emerged the winner in the extempore competition at the IDIA International Fiesta 2021. “I didn’t even know that talking could be a talent until they gave me a few awards for just talking,” she laughed in an interview.

A member of PlanetSpark’s podcasting club, the prodigy hosts her podcast Go Out and Contour the World.

Becoming one of India’s youngest TEDx speakers

In last year’s TEDx event held at Jamia Millia Islamia, the then eleven-year-old Oviya had made a mark as one of the youngest Indians to deliver a TEDx Talk. Her talk centred on the critical environmental issue of soil degradation, shedding light on alarming statistics concerning the global decline in agricultural soil quality. This speech was aligned with the event’s theme, 'Different Lenses.' She provocatively posed the question, "Is the world running out of food?" to her audience, drawing attention to the pressing matter.

She was among distinguished company. Other speakers at the event included the vice-chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University Padma Shri Najma Akhtar, Supreme Court senior advocate Sanjay R Hegde, journalist and anchor Arushi Kapoor, peace activist and author Dr Maria Khan, and finance content creator Ankur Warikoo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpJXJG6hD5M

Oviya’s selection as a speaker amongst these influential personalities was a testament to her remarkable gift of expression through speech. “When I came to know that I would be speaking amidst these stalwarts, I was awestruck. ‘How will I even open my mouth in front of these people?’ I thought. But my father motivated me to just forget everything around me and concentrate on my speech. I am glad that it went well and on top of that all the esteemed people present at the event, appreciated my speech,” she remarked.

Finding a purpose

Oviya’s interest in soil was purely accidental. During a workshop on public speaking, she was asked to enlist all the topics that she liked and disliked as the subject of her speech. Her 'like list' comprised topics like favourite K-Pop bands, while her 'dislike list' encompassed typical topics assigned in school elocution contests, such as the environment.

As part of the workshop she was tasked with researching and speaking about a topic from her 'dislike list' – specifically, the environment. During her research on the topic, she stumbled upon ‘the developing crisis that might even lead to the next World War – the global food crises’.

During her research, Oviya also learned that while factors like food wastage and increasing population contribute to this looming crisis, the most alarming factor is agricultural soil degradation, which is severely impacting global food cultivation.

Later, when she got selected to deliver a TEDx Talk, she spoke on 'soil conservation,' a topic that she had become very passionate about – making it her purpose to spread awareness on the matter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBcajpjZUS8

Generation for change

Olivia calls herself a part of the ‘generation for change’. Her speeches are centred on not just soil conservation but sustainable living as a whole. “We really need to work for this environment because if we are not going to be the ones who are going to work on it then I don't think we'll be even able to survive after 20 or 30 years,” she said adding, “This is the thought that inspires me every morning to get up and keep working for this cause.” Apart from her parents she is indebted to her mentor Priyanka Behl who has been her constant guide.

The youngster who loves playing badminton and reading JK Rowling’s books is hard pressed for time due to her tight academic and oratory schedules. “I had to sacrifice my playing time for oratory,” said the youngster. Her sacrifices are paying off well!

Follow Oviya Singh on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

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From Bridgerton to L’Oréal: Simone Ashley’s journey beyond skin colour

(July 14, 2024) Last month, the Monte-Carlo Television Festival hosted a star-studded event in Monaco, which saw the who’s who of the television industry gracing the blue carpet. For 63 years, the Principality of Monaco has been hosting its own international television festival where major broadcast networks, digital platforms, and well-known artists come together in picturesque settings to promote their programs to the press and public and to compete for the prestigious Golden Nymph Awards. This year the ‘International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent’ was awarded to British Indian actress Simone Ashley - best known for her role as Kate Sharma, the female lead in season two of the highly successful Netflix series Bridgerton. [caption id="attachment_38614" align="aligncenter" width="690"] Simone Ashley receiving the Golden Nymph award for 'Most Promising Talent' by Prince Albert II of Monaco[/caption] Apart from her role as the spirited Kate Sharma in Bridgerton, Simone Ashley has been recognised for her performance as Olivia Hanan, on the Netflix dramedy Sex Education. For her success as an artist Simone was named in the 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 list and the TIME 100 Next list. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that have helped me open doors throughout

nce Albert II of Monaco[/caption]

Apart from her role as the spirited Kate Sharma in Bridgerton, Simone Ashley has been recognised for her performance as Olivia Hanan, on the Netflix dramedy Sex Education. For her success as an artist Simone was named in the 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 list and the TIME 100 Next list. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that have helped me open doors throughout my career and I would particularly like to thank Shonda Rhimes (television producer and screenwriter who helmed Bridgerton), and Netflix,” Simone said after receiving the award from Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Recently the Indian origin actor has also been appointed as the UK’s ambassador of the beauty brand L’Oréal.

Earning worldwide stardom

Simone Ashley (Simone Ashwini Pillai) skyrocketed to global fame nearly overnight, after featuring as the lead in season two of the immensely popular Netflix series Bridgerton - transitioning from being moderately successful to becoming an international star.

The actress had already created a mark among the fans of the Netflix series Sex Education, but her role as the lead in Season 2 of the immensely popular Netflix series Bridgerton made her career soar.

[caption id="attachment_38615" align="aligncenter" width="801"] Simone Ashley in Bridgerton[/caption]

The Indian origin actor had left home at 16 to pursue her dreams. In 2018, she made her feature film debut in Boogie Man, and a year later, she secured the role of Olivia Hanan in the Netflix series Sex Education. After auditioning for the romantic period drama in 2020, she was named the leading lady of Bridgerton in early 2021, and there has been no looking back ever since. “I think that it's a gift to an actor to be presented with such a great character journey,” she remarked about the role that changed the course of her career and life for the better.

The India connection and love for acting

Born to Indian Tamil parents Latha and Gunasekharan Pillai in Camberley, Surrey, Simone grew up in a family of academics. However, despite her family's academic background, she developed a passion for performing arts, a fact that initially concerned her parents. Nonetheless, her family supported her endeavour to pursue her creative interests in singing classical music and opera and playing the piano. They even moved to another town so that she could attend Redroofs Theatre School in Maidenhead. Later she enrolled herself in the Arts Educational School in London for training in acting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3-9gjUfLtA

Using stardom to raise awareness

While growing up in the UK, Simone was made aware of her dark complexion early on. “I remember people saying certain things that make you really aware of the colour of your skin,” she remarked in an interview. Later, when she started looking for acting opportunities, it led to slower growth in her career compared to other aspiring actors. “But I never surrendered to it,” she said, highlighting how skin tone-based discrimination affected her career initially.

Always inclined towards giving back, as soon as Simone started getting successful, she began putting her stardom to good use by raising awareness about colourism in the industry. She believes actors are still ‘typecast’ and ‘overlooked because of the colour of their skin.'

[caption id="attachment_38616" align="aligncenter" width="715"] Simone Ashley[/caption]

That’s one of the reasons she is excited about her new role as the UK’s ambassador for L’Oréal. “I’m so honoured to be invited to join the L’Oréal Paris family and to stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the most inspiring and beautiful women in the world,” she said. “Being the face of a brand like L’Oréal means the world to me. I guess maybe I manifested it when I was a kid - I always dreamt of stuff like this. I feel very happy.”

Simone's journey of achieving her dreams of becoming an actor and then being chosen as the spokesperson for the world’s leading beauty brand serves as a powerful example of how talent shines irrespective of skin colour.

Follow Simone Ashley on Instagram

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Ishana Night Shyamalan: Carrying forward the family legacy with her directorial debut

(April 30, 2024) Following in the footsteps of her father, Manoj Nelliyattu ‘M. Night’ Shyamalan, Ishana Night Shyamalan also graduated from his alma mater, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Similar to her father's journey, the Indian American youngster has turned into a filmmaker. She started her career by working on music videos and short films before stepping into the world of filmmaking. The 22-year-old, recently released the trailer of her debut feature film, ‘The Watchers,’ which boasts of an impressive star ensemble including Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Oliver Finnegan, and Olwen Fouere. Scheduled to hit theatres in June 2024, ‘The Watchers’ trailer went viral soon after its release. In her debut feature film Ishana has worked on a horror-themed narrative, a genre that her father is renowned for. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrhrNS0JFyg Influences in approach to cinema Although Ishana is deeply inspired by her father, she shared in an interview that a significant influence on her craft also comes from the works of Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. “I think like in my bones, I'm most inspired by Miyazaki,” she remarked adding, “Like I just think those have been the movies that throughout my life have moved me the most and

o comes from the works of Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. “I think like in my bones, I'm most inspired by Miyazaki,” she remarked adding, “Like I just think those have been the movies that throughout my life have moved me the most and they're very sacred things to me. So, in many ways, this was just like chasing the experience that I feel when I watch those movies, which is one of wonder and adventure and innocence in many ways.”

Wong Kar-wai, Hong Kong’s director, screenwriter and producer and Polish film director Krzysztof Kieślowski are some of the other filmmakers who have had an influence on Ishana’s approach to cinema.

Carrying forward the legacy

“From making shorts, to going to Tisch, to becoming one of our top writer/directors on ‘Servant’ (TV series) to this incredible moment of #TheWatchers in theatres this summer… Ishana has always made me very proud. And even better than making a dazzling film, she is a wonderful person,” tweeted her proud father. He had immigrated with his doctor parents from Pondicherry to the USA when he was six weeks old.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ishy Night (@ishy_night)

The New York University Tisch School of the Arts alumni graduated in 1992, adopting 'Night' as his second name during his time there. A blend of Eastern and Western influences in name extended to his three children, including Ishana.

Not the first father-daughter collaboration

It’s not the first time that the father-daughter duo has collaborated for a project. Ishana contributed to M. Night Shyamalan’s eerie Apple TV+ series ‘The Servant,’ as a writer and co-writer for 10 episodes and as director for six episodes. She also served as the second unit director for her father's box office hits, ‘Old’ (2021) and the recent ‘Knock at the Cabin’ (2023). Both the productions had topped the charts during their opening weekends.

While working with him, M. Night Shyamalan, Ishana, his middle daughter, inherited his knack and expertise for crafting suspense, thrills, and compelling drama. “The training from him has existed my whole life,” she remarked.

[caption id="attachment_37460" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Ishana Night Shyamalan at the sets of M Night Shyamalan's movie 'Old' (2021)[/caption]

For her directorial debut, Ishana adapted the screenplay from a novel by the Irish author A.M Shine who has written several literary horror masterpieces.

Talking about her adaptation Ishana remarked, “It’s a journey of suspense that hopefully leads into a feeling of wonder at the end. My hope is it’s an experience that plays on that sense of unease – then takes you to a bigger, wonderful place.”

Pursuing art to survive

Since she was a child Ishana was creatively inclined whether it was painting, ballet, poetry and even designing clothes.

“I’ve moved through different forms of art throughout my whole life and kind of later in life came to filmmaking. But there’s really been no other option in terms of my psyche – I’ve only felt that I need to be doing art to survive,” she remarked.

For nearly twenty years, Ishana and her family, including her siblings Saluki and Shivani, along with their parents Bhavna and their father, have lived in Ravenwood, a 1937 Georgian revival house nestled on a 125-acre estate in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Proudly, the father has also backed Ishana’s directorial debut through his production company, Blinding Edge Pictures.

Follow Ishana Night Shyamalan on Instagram

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Eshani Jha: Teen using biofiltration to improve access to drinking water

(June 27, 2024) At the age of 17, Eshani Jha created a low-cost, water filtration device to address the problem of clean water around the world. Four years later, the San Jose teen was named winner of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize for her innovation, which uses biochar as a filtering material to produce drinking water. Eshani received a blue crystal award, a handmade diploma and a cash prize of $15,000 awarded by the Stockholm International Water Institute. Her work is also in keeping with the UN's SDG, in particular, SDG 6, which aims to ensure available and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. For the San Jose teen, who is now at the University of Berkeley, the aim is to improve access to clean drinking water, sanitation facilities and hygiene practices, while addressing water scarcity, water pollution and water-related ecosystems. The clean water challenge "Water contamination is a key challenge of modern civilisation," the Global Indian said. "Nearly half the world's hospital beds are filled with patients suffering from water-related diseases. According to the UN's Environment Program, 80 percent of global wastewater goes untreated and contains a wide range of contaminants, from human waste to toxic industrial

m, 80 percent of global wastewater goes untreated and contains a wide range of contaminants, from human waste to toxic industrial discharge. Severe pathogenic pollution affects around one-third of the world's rivers. Correct water filters are inaccessible to those who need them dueto tradeoffs between cost and effectiveness," the young innovator remarked. Her invention, she says, can lower the cost of use to less than $1 per month for consumers, if it is mass-produced.

[caption id="attachment_31179" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Young innovator Eshani Jha[/caption]

The San Jose- teen is the winner of two of the top competitions for science and innovation - the Stockholm Junior Water Prize and the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021. Eshani received recognition and a cash prize of US$150,000 for her innovative low-cost water filtration device called Biochar. Her invention not only removes heavy metals like lead but also addresses pesticides, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals in drinking water. Inspired by her Indian heritage and witnessing the plight of underprivileged communities during a trip, Eshani is determined to provide accessible solutions for water contamination issues. "I see a multitude of applications for this, and I also see great potential in targeting other contaminants too," Jha said. "My ambition is that this should be a one-stop filter."

The journey to the Stockholm Junior Water Prize

Jha's research is titled 'Thiol Functionalized and Manganese Dioxide Doped Biochar for the Removal of Toxic Organic and Inorganic Contaminants from Water" It was chosen for its applicability, the choice of a commonly-available material (biochar) and its potential for scaleability, the Stockholm International Water Instititute said later.

The young innovator began her work when she was a student at Lymbrook High School in San Jose, and was first recognized by the California Stockholm Water and Environment Association. Her research was chosen by a panel of engineering professors and board members of the CWEA, after which she went on to represent her state at a competition hosted by the Water Environment Federation. After being declared the winner there too, she went on to the SIWI international platform, competing against 44 finalists from 32 countries.

Eshani Jha's remarkable journey from a high school student to an internationally recognized innovator serves as an inspiration to young minds around the world. Her determination to address the global water crisis has led to the creation of a low-cost water filtration device that holds the potential greatly increase access to clean water.

Receiving the Stockholm Junior Water Prize and the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021 accolades further solidifies Eshani's place as a pioneering force in the field of science and innovation. The recognition and cash prizes she has received not only validate her groundbreaking work but also provide her with the resources to continue her research and bring her vision to life.

Re-purposing bio waste

Eshani's invention, Biochar, not only filters out heavy metals but also tackles contaminants like pesticides, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals, ensuring cleaner and safer drinking water. Her commitment to addressing water pollution and scarcity aligns perfectly with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6, underscoring the relevance and impact of her work on a global scale.

With a clear vision of expanding the application of her filtration device to target other contaminants, the young innovator is determined to provide accessible solutions for water contamination. As Eshani Jha continues her journey at the University of Berkeley, her innovative spirit and dedication will undoubtedly shape the future of water filtration technologies. Through her groundbreaking research, she has opened doors to a world where clean drinking water is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all.

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Anoushka Jolly: Winner of 2023 Rashtriya Bal Puraskar makes lives happier with her anti-bullying initiatives

(February 1, 2023) "The experience has been surreal. Meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, being felicitated by President Droupadi Murmu, and the Minister of Women and Child development Smriti Irani," remarks Anoushka Jolly, the winner of The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2023. This year, 11 youngsters from across the country have been awarded for their exceptional abilities and outstanding accomplishments in fields like innovation, sports, arts, culture, scholastics, bravery, and social service. [embed]https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1617894593466626049?s=20&t=tEC1BvJFEk88G7TV4H7DGA[/embed] Fourteen-year-old Anoushka has been awarded for showing remarkable compassion and innovation by working on an app, Kavach, and other online programmes to spread awareness against bullying. She is the founder of Innerarc Blocktech, a mental health startup. In 2022, the first season of Shark Tank India received entries from 62,000 entrepreneurs from across the country, out of which 198 businesses were selected to pitch their ideas to the ‘sharks’ – investors ready to chip in seed funding. Out of these, only 67 entrepreneurs were successful in raising funds. Delhi girl, Anoushka Jolly was one of them. [caption id="attachment_20120" align="aligncenter" width="547"] Anoushka Jolly, winner of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2023[/caption] How a victim of bullying turned into a changemaker “I was bullied for a year when I

rst season of Shark Tank India received entries from 62,000 entrepreneurs from across the country, out of which 198 businesses were selected to pitch their ideas to the ‘sharks’ – investors ready to chip in seed funding. Out of these, only 67 entrepreneurs were successful in raising funds. Delhi girl, Anoushka Jolly was one of them.

[caption id="attachment_20120" align="aligncenter" width="547"] Anoushka Jolly, winner of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2023[/caption]

How a victim of bullying turned into a changemaker

“I was bullied for a year when I was in grade three,” says Anoushka, elaborating on what led her to take on the anti-bullying cause. “Two classmates were emotionally blackmailing me and making me feel that I wasn’t capable enough. It affected my self-esteem. I found myself doing things like apologising when it was not required. I used to be upset all the time and formed a habit of looking down upon myself until I gathered courage to talk about it,” she tells Global Indian. However, what she describes as the lowest phase in her life, was also the “turning point,” one that helped her “identify the purpose of life – to stop bullying and help kids be happier.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ypxq2C4JuY&t=4s

By the time Anoushka reached class six in 2018, she launched her startup, the Anti Bullying Squad (ABS), and started conducting seminars and online sessions across the country to make people realise how severe the impact of bullying can get, starting from her own school. Educational institutions, social organisations and experts have all stood by her in her endeavour, realising there was a huge gap in knowledge and awareness. So far, her mental health startup has been able to reach several thousand students, parents and teachers from 50+ schools.

Kavach – the shield against bullying

The teen social entrepreneur soon realised that seminars and sessions would solve one aspect of the problem but wouldn’t tackle it in its entirety. A real impact, she found, could only be made when incidents are reported. “Bullying continues unabated because there is hardly any intervention in schools. Authorities tend to be largely unaware of the extent of the problem. Students don’t want to report because they don’t want to be known for having done so,” remarks Anoushka.

[caption id="attachment_20127" align="aligncenter" width="691"] Putting on a smile and not disclosing bullying will not help[/caption]

Kavach is Anoushka’s answer to the problem. It provides students and parents a platform to to report instances of bullying anonymously. “Schools can now tactfully intervene and take action,” she believes.

She also runs a one-hour programme which is available on the ABS website and YouTube, comprising 10 videos and MCQs to help children and their parents get sensitized about the issue.

Shark Tank India experience

The Shark Tank experience is not the youngster’s only winning moment. When she was nine, she was part of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA), a US franchise that teaches entrepreneurship skills to under-18s. Anoushka had managed third place in the investor panel for pitching ABS. “Most of the students were in their teens, I was only nine at that time and the youngest of all,” she remarks. “The prize amount was about twenty to thirty thousand but it boosted my confidence immensely.” Happy that she could raise funds on her own, without even having to ask her parents, Anoushka invested the sum in setting up ABS. It brought her recognition among the 'Top 21 for 2021' Innovative Tech-Based Women-Led Startups by ITC & Shecapital.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzsGg23PLI8

Her share of limelight on television has not been limited to Shark Tank. The social entrepreneur was recognised as a Network18 Young Genius in a reality TV show organised by Network 18. She has also received an invitation from the Ministry of Culture to be a part of the song ‘Mauka Hai’, as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. The young entrepreneur was among a lineup of 40 youth icons, including PV Sindhu, Hima Das and Mira Bai Chanu.

Bullies are not villains

A lot of kids have reached out to her and shared their stories. “They just wanted a person to listen, and were waiting for someone to talk about it. By finding a listener, fifty percent of the problem vanishes,” she says. Anoushka is happy to have been that listener to so many kids. When people share their stories, it keeps me motivated to work even harder for millions of students who are suffering from the problem,” she says.

[caption id="attachment_20126" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Anoushka shared one of her supporter, Nysha's art work on her social media handle that emphasised on ABS perspective[/caption]

However, Anoushka does not believe that bullies are always villains. “No one is born a bully, they are usually led into it in one way or another. We need to be open to hear their side of the story, be empathetic and forgiving because sometimes peer pressure also leads them to bully. However, the good thing is that we can always lead them back to being good,” she explains.

Journey ahead…

The daughter of an entrepreneur father and chartered accountant mother, Anoushka is currently working in the metaverse/gamification space with a focus on mental health. “As a society we do not acknowledge mental health issues of teenagers and since youngsters love immersive experiences, I am combining technology with mental health for a cause,” says the teenager, who loves psychology, biology and Spanish.

Anoushka during one of her training sessionsShe feels she has found her purpose in life and would like to continue the work she is doing but scale up in time. “I want to be very well educated and be a life-long learner,” says Anoushka.

Follow Anoushka Jolly on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Follow Anti Bullying Squad on its website

Reading Time: 5 mins