Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveTanveer Sangha: Indian-origin is the rising star of Australian cricket

Tanveer Sangha: Indian-origin is the rising star of Australian cricket

Compiled by: Team GI Youth

(April 9, 2024) At the age of 19, Tanveer Sangha became the second person of Indian origin to make it to the Australian men’s national cricket team. In these years, he played two ODIs and seven T20Is – one in 2023 where he showcased his mettle during a faceoff between Australia and India securing two vital wickets. Now at 22, the cricketer, who plays for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, is eyeing to strengthen his game after a series of injuries. Born in Sydney to Joga Singh, a taxi driver, Tanveer’s journey from a young enthusiast to a standout spinner in Australian cricket is nothing short of inspiring.

Tanveer Sangha

Carving a niche

His father Joga hails from a village near Jalandhar in Punjab and moved to Sydney in 1997. A farmer back in India, he immigrated to the continent on a student visa. After working on a farm, he started driving a taxi, something he still does. His mother Upjeet, on the other hand, is an accountant. Growing up in Sydney, Tanveer’s passion for cricket ignited at the tender age of 10. Encouraged by his father, he began honing his skills on the cricket pitch. By the time he turned 12, Sangha was already making waves in local adult cricket teams, showcasing a talent and determination beyond his years. “Tanveer is a natural sportsperson. He played volleyball, rugby, and kabaddi growing up,” his father had said in an interview. It was while attending East Hills Boys High School, where cricketers like Steve and Mark Waugh did their schooling, that he started playing the sport and it gave him access to a good cricket club.

It was in 2018 that Tanveer was spotted by Australian-Pakistani leg spinner Fawad Ahmed in Melbourne during the U-16 series against Pakistan. “Since that day, he has been my mentor,” said Tanveer. At age 13, his father steered him towards spin bowling. “He is a very good batsman. He batted five times in the U-19 World Cup and had a strike rate of 85.26. To avoid a shoulder injury, I suggested he take up spin bowling instead of pace bowling,” Joga had said. But it was during the 2020 U-19 World Cup that he gained prominence by emerging as Australia’s leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets, catapulting him into the spotlight. The same year, he made his first-class debut in the Sheffield Shield for New South Wales.

A stunning debut

In the Big Bash League (BBL) season 2020-2021, Tanveer earned his debut for the Sydney Thunder, marking a significant milestone in his budding career. As the youngest Australian to take four wickets in a men’s T20 International (T20I) match, Tanveer’s achievement is proof of his skill and potential.

However, his journey to success hasn’t been without its challenges. As a young cricketer of Indian origin in Australia, he has had to navigate through societal expectations and stereotypes. Yet, his dedication and resilience have propelled him forward, earning him respect and admiration within the cricketing community. Especially in 2023 when he was one of the standout players in the Baggy Greens victory against South Africa, even captain Mitchell Marsh couldn’t stop himself from praising the young cricketer. Tanveer made his remarkable debut after leg spinner Adam Zampa fell ill before the match. Seizing the opportunity, he made the best out of his debut performance. “He was in the gym when he found out and he was pretty chilled and said he’s ready to go and it appears that he keeps it very simple, which will hold him in good stead for top-level cricket. His demeanor is fantastic. I’m proud of him to come in and have a debut like that. He’s got a great smile, so hopefully we see it for many years to come,” Marsh had said.

Tanveer’s rise to prominence is also indicative of Australia’s multicultural landscape, where individuals from diverse backgrounds contribute to the nation’s sports. As cricket continues to serve as a unifying force, his achievements reinforce the importance of inclusivity and representation within the sport.

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Looking ahead, his journey in cricket is poised for further milestones and accomplishments. Having played more white-ball matches for Australia than red-ball matches at first-class level, he hopes to add a Baggy Green to his limited-overs playing caps. “I definitely think all three formats are up for play. There’s plenty of time still. Everyone says I’m young. I’m 22. You’re not going to peak until late 20s,” he said, adding that he is still learning and trying different variations. “I’m just trying to think long-term rather than short. It’s a long career if I do make it and I do get through all of it.”

Tanveer’s ascent in Australian cricket exemplifies the power of passion, perseverance, and diversity. From humble beginnings to becoming the youngest Australian to achieve a remarkable feat in men’s T20I cricket, his journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers around the world.

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Published on 09, Apr 2024

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Arya Giri: The 24-year-old designer at the Paris Fashion Week

(January 4, 2024) At 24, Arya Giri showcased her work at the New York Fashion Week 2022, achieving what countless designers dream their whole lives of doing. What’s more, this was a mere 10 months after she had launched her own, eponymous brand. The child who once sat admiring her mother’s Kanchivarams is now taking giant strides in the fashion world, buoyed by her own global upbringing and her royal lineage. Arya Giri sits down with Global Indian to recount her journey into global couture. [caption id="attachment_35006" align="aligncenter" width="367"] Arya Giri[/caption] A childhood passion Seven-year-old Arya sat close beside her mother as she showed her latest handloom Kanchivarams to her dear friend, Meena. Arya sat eagerly, eyes darting to take in every detail, enamoured by the sun’s beaming reflection off the glistening, pure gold zari. She scuttled across the warm Singapore house, hopped over steps of a polished wooden staircase, leaving a sudden silence in her wake. Her mother and the friend sipped on their chai and waited, sure of what she had planned this time. A moment later, Arya rushed back inside with a heap of 7 x 7 in glossy Origami papers, much to her mother’s amusement. Arya

e, hopped over steps of a polished wooden staircase, leaving a sudden silence in her wake. Her mother and the friend sipped on their chai and waited, sure of what she had planned this time. A moment later, Arya rushed back inside with a heap of 7 x 7 in glossy Origami papers, much to her mother’s amusement. Arya sat next to Meena Aunty and began. “See this, Aunty. It’s a parrot green body with purple designs and I know this sari will look so pretty on you!” and Meena Aunty played along. “Hmm yes baby, this is beautiful, but do you have anything in pink?”

This game was a common occurrence for Arya’s mom and her clients. “I suppose you could say that’s where Arya Giri was born,” Arya Giri says. Arya’s story is one constructed across numerous longitudes and latitudes, Missouri, California, Singapore, Chennai, and more. Having moved around so much through her formative years, Arya's understanding of her cultural roots and identity came to her through fashion. She went on to major in Fashion Media and Industries at Lasalle College of the Arts, and started her label, Arya Giri.

Fashion First

She runs Arya Giri (AG), a luxe prêt label that combines playful self-expression and evocative poetry with powerful emotional links. By incorporating narrative into the fabric of AG, they creatively bring disruptive hand-embroidery to the forefront. AG debuted at New York Fashion Week SS23 and Paris Fashion Week SS24, and is represented by Evoluzione Chennai and Delhi, Pernia's Pop-Up Shop, Flying Solo New York City and Paris, and AG e-commerce. Bindu Giri, a handloom sari brand is her mother's brand. “The brand's collection of magnificent Kanchipuram sarees online is as one-of-a-kind as it is pure, with authentic handlooms taken from Bindu Giri's royal heritage. Bindu and Arya collaborate closely with weaving communities to handcraft Kanchipuram silk saris that are meticulously handcrafted from start to finish with excellence using original ingredients and processes,” she explains.

[caption id="attachment_35007" align="aligncenter" width="518"] From the Sher-Rani collection by Arya Giri[/caption]

AG's USP is interwoven into a dual-purpose statement, is at the core of the label’s philosophy. First, is to lead the charge in presenting craft in a humorous yet poignant way. The rate at which artisanship is accepted and supported around the world is growing, but it is not keeping up with the rate at which craft communities are contracting, Arya says. “By the end of the next ten years, AG hopes to dispel the myth that good quality always comes at a premium cost and become affordable for the public. The second goal is to support a multicultural community of people who are interested in reflecting on their cultural tangibility.” The AG individual, in Arya’s eyes, is “majestic, inquisitive, and effervescent, who values quality, history, and defying convention,” and the brand intends to enhance everyday items with a touch of high culture.

Fashion Week

Ten months after she launched her label, she was invited to show her collection at the New York Fashion Week. This was her chance to establish India’s fashion footprint internationally, and to “provide a crucial platform for the story of her collection, Sher-Rani, the Tigress Queen.” The collection tells the tale of the phool wali, or flower garland maker, and how she becomes the local Tigress Queen or Sher-Rani by weaving flower garlands together. In a more contemporary interpretation, the Sher Rani shattered the glass ceiling to provide her children with a brighter future. “The combination of strength, grace, dignity and ferocity is what makes Indian women so remarkable,” Arya smiles. And flowers play an important role in every step of an Indian’s life, too, from birth to cremation.

Since then, Arya Giri has started selling merchandise in Paris and given fashion week showcases. They have interesting surprises in store for next year as well as additional ways for the public to engage with their work as part of their expansion plans for the USA.

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A post shared by Arya Giri Official (@aryagiriofficial)

Sharing Lessons

Admitting that challenges are baked into the journey of a startup and the title of entrepreneurship, she consciously strives to continually remind herself that these are moments for learning and change. “I think maintaining a growth mindset is imperative since the beauty of the job is its dynamism,” she admits. Being an entrepreneur involves a wide range of skills, and Arya has learned on the job, teaching herself everything, from production management and marketing, to expansion strategies.

“It has been a truly humbling and rewarding journey. If I were to share one lesson that comes to mind, I would say it’s the fact that no matter how difficult it can be, feed your creative mind first and then your commercial mind. When you are in the startup headspace, often it can be challenging to straddle the tightrope of saleability vs. experimental creativity. Finding that sweet spot is imperative,” she says. Outside work her stress buster and emotional outlet is dance. “There is so much in the pipeline for AG, BG, and otherwise and I look forward to sharing more with you. You can expect more dynamic collections, more places to find our work, and exciting immersive experiences,” she concludes.

Follow Arya Giri on Instagram.

Arshdeep Singh: Teen wildlife photographer seeing the world through the lens

(January 31, 2023) His Instagram page is a gateway into the wilderness. If the beautiful dusky leaf monkey of Malaysia stares right back with those distinctive eyes in one capture, the other has a stunning diademed sifaka revelling in his natural habitat in Madagascar. That’s Arshdeep Singh for you - the teenager behind the phenomenal snapshots that have earned him a credible place among the wildlife photographer fraternity. And he is just 15 years of age. It was a splendid snapshot of a treetop douc that earned this boy from Jalandhar the tag of Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2020. “When I started, I never expected to gain so much recognition at such an early age. I am happy that my photos are loved by millions,” says Arshdeep in an interview with Global Indian. He continued the winning streak by bagging the Asian Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021, and very recently, a picture of a 'winking' owl earned the teenager the Junior Award at the 2022 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. The photo clicked in Bikaner during a family trips, helped him bag the prize, making him the only Indian to make the cut. [caption id="attachment_26994" align="aligncenter" width="725"] The picture

he only Indian to make the cut.

[caption id="attachment_26994" align="aligncenter" width="725"] The picture of a 'winking owl' that won Arshdeep Singh an award[/caption]

It runs in the family

Born in Jalandhar to a businessman father and a homemaker mother, Arshdeep’s fascination for nature and the wildlife translated early on into a passion for capturing them on his lens. He was all of five when his dad Randeep Singh gifted him a DSLR on his birthday, after seeing his young son’s raw talent. “My dad loves photography and pursues it as a hobby. When I was three, I would often see him holding large cameras, and that sight enthralled me. I wanted to do the same,” recalls the boy, who got tips from his father and learnt from YouTube videos.

His first camera forays were capturing snapshots in his grandmother’s backyard, which impressed his father immensely. Soon he started accompanying his father to the outskirts of Kapurthala to birdwatch. “Dad has been my teacher. His love for wildlife rubbed off on me and I started learning photography from him,” reveals the Apeejay School student.

[caption id="attachment_8988" align="aligncenter" width="847"] Arshdeep Singh[/caption]

Following the trail

An avid wildlife enthusiast, Singh loves to explore the fauna across the world. From the tropical forests of Malaysia to Madagascar’s enchanting woodland, the class nine student has explored wildlife across continents. On a trip to Vietnam in 2020, he came close to the red-shanked douc langur, taking a photo which won him the Wildlife Photographer of the Year. On his father’s business trip to the Son Tra nature reserve, Vietnam’s last coastal rainforest, and a habitat for the langur, he captured the mercurial creature. After reading about the endangered species, Arshdeep, waited for more than an hour to capture the douc. “I took more than 1,000 pictures but was unable to get that perfect shot of the treetop douc. After more than an hour, I found the perfect one. If you look at the langur, he looks like he is wearing a grey coat and black-brown pants – that’s what makes this photo so incredible,” says the teenager, who won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2020 in the 11-to-14-year category.

[caption id="attachment_8986" align="aligncenter" width="817"] Arshdeep Singh's award-winning picture of Tree Douc[/caption]

The accolades, they keep coming

His passion and love for photography have earned him accolades internationally, though the teenager still has to battle fiercely against his family and school to earn respect. “Only my father was supportive of my decision to pursue photography. My mom and grandparents were quite unhappy with my choice. Like every family, they wanted me to focus on studies. Even my school was against it as I was missing classes,” divulges Arshdeep.

However, his accolades and a great body of work have helped change perspectives. “My mom is super proud and so is my school. I now strike a balance between my passion and studies. I mostly indulge in photography during vacations or weekends,” says the boy, who is greatly inspired by Vijayan Thomas, a renowned wildlife photographer.

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A post shared by Arshdeep Singh (@arshdeep.wp)

Wanderlust through his lens

Singh loves nature and often travels to the hills of Himachal with his Nikon D500 in search of impeccable shots. “Between landscape and wildlife photography, I prefer the latter. While the landscape hardly changes, there is always a thrill in clicking wildlife as nothing is certain. However, it does need a great deal of patience,” he reveals.

Patience helped him earn the award-winning shot of owlets peeping through a pipe. Then a 10-year-old, Arshdeep spotted a pair of owlets in a pipe one balmy Sunday morning (2018) on his way to Kapurthala for birdwatching. “I remember it was 6.30 am when I saw the owlets, and asked my dad to stop the car. Although dad was sceptical as owls are nocturnal birds and not easily spotted in the day, I was sure. We patiently waited for an hour after which both the owlets peeked up at the pipe, and I got a picture-perfect shot,” smiles Arshdeep about the photo that won him the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2018. “It was such an amazing moment that I couldn’t sleep the entire night,” reveals the wildlife buff.

[caption id="attachment_8987" align="aligncenter" width="873"] Owl in pipe[/caption]

A nature lover, he has travelled to over 15 countries, and is keen on creating a greener world. “I have planted trees in my backyard, and would like more people to take the initiative. It’s high time we maintain the ecosystem and help wildlife enjoy their habitats,” affirms Singh.

Accolades aside, Arshdeep wants to help people learn photography. “I am keen to launch a course for amateur photographers. It’s important to give back, and I wish to do so with my course,” Singh signs off. Photography changed his life, and he now wants to help others do so too.

Follow Arshdeep Singh on Instagram and his website

Reading Time: 5 min

Indrani Das: Indian-American STEM girl pioneers new treatment for brain damage

(December 15, 2022) A rebellion put Indian American Indrani Das on the path to research brain injuries, something that led her to win a quarter-million-dollar at the Regeneron Science Talent Search award as a 17-year-old. While most Indian parents coax their children to become doctors when they grow up, Indrani's parents weren't the same. With their roots in Kolkata, the banker couple had warned their daughter against opting for science. They even told her to not be a doctor. "Don’t become a doctor, it’s long and expensive. So, I decided I wanted to be a doctor,” she said. This passion led the Harvard University graduate to a medical-oriented project that focuses on her new approach to neurological damage. Always fascinated with brain injuries after learning about their irrevocable and devastating effects, she decided to learn more with her full-fledged project. As a senior at the Academy for Medical Science Technology in New Jersey, she explored how brain damage occurs and examined ‘astrogliosis’, a process that can lead to the excess production of a toxin that can damage neurons. She was keen to understand the nuances of how brain damage occurs and if she could figure out a way to slow

re out a way to slow or reverse the process. "My work centers on repairing the behaviour of supporting cells to prevent neuron injury and death. It was really that shock of what it can do to a person that pushed me to work," she explained.

[caption id="attachment_25387" align="aligncenter" width="683"] Indrani Das is an Indian-American young scientist[/caption]

This very work led her to win $250,000 at the 2017 Regeneron Science Talent Search, which is nicknamed the Junior Nobel Prize. "These diseases are so prevalent, so debilitating, it matters to me that I continue to work on this," she added. Her purpose is to treat traumatic brain injury which can lead to stroke, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases. "In all these injuries, there is an insult to brain tissue which on the one hand causes neurons to die, but on the other hand causes supporting cells to calm these neurons. In my model, I found one of the problems which contributing to the disease condition, and then I also helped to treat it," she added.

The New Jersey resident was only three when she heard about the Regeneron Science Talent Search, as her love for science began blossoming at a young age. Seeing her fascination for dinosaurs and discovery at a young age, her parents suggested she submit her fossil findings to the competition. Years later, she not just applied but also took home the top prize for promoting neuron repair. But it wasn't a cakewalk for the Indian American who went through a process of reading scientific literature and running small experiments over many years to finally work on the subject.

[caption id="attachment_25388" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Indrani Das won the 2017 Regeneron Science Talent Search[/caption]

It was at the beginning of her high school as a 14-year-old that she began working on the project with only a rudimentary understanding of biology. The lack of in-depth experience with molecular biology and neuroscience was one of the biggest challenges for Indrani, which was exacerbated by the absence of "any one source for basic information." "What set the tone for my work was the learning curve I went through in the following months and years. I spent hours each day reading research journals to come to an understanding of the problems in a brain injury that I wanted to study, and used my growing knowledge base to help me conduct more and more refined experiments," the Global Indian said in an interview.

Being educated at the Bergen County Academy for Medical Science Technology, one of New Jersey's top public schools, she would often push her limits by conducting her research projects. That's when she wanted to focus on the brain. "Neurodegenerative diseases ruin a person's quality of life, they take away from (a person's) basic humanity. It was that impact I wanted to understand and to study and to try and repair,” she told CNN. With the help of mentor-cum-biology teacher Donna Leonardi, she embarked on her research journey, and began learning how cells lived and died by growing and manipulating cell cultures. She's also a member of the Stevens Lab at Boston Children's Hospital, where she works on synaptic pruning, a critical process in brain development.

[caption id="attachment_25389" align="aligncenter" width="601"] Indrani Das with her parents[/caption]

Indrani, who aspires to be a physician-scientist, is grateful to her parents for letting her follow her passion. "I’ll never forget my parents’ stories of how they worked full-time day jobs while securing additional degrees by night, and saved religiously for over a decade before my birth to provide me with the most comfortable life possible. I wouldn’t say that I’ve chosen a different path from my family, but that my choices reflect the evolution of theirs. We’re living the American dream," she added.

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

Indrani, who has plans of wrapping up her Ph.D. program in the next 10 years, advises youngsters to not be limited by their circumstances and to break bigger goals into small steps. "At the end of the day, it’s not who you know, how much you know, or what you have that determines whether you achieve your goals – it's how much you are willing to go through. If you aren’t losing your drive to excel, you’re winning the game."

Reading Time: 4 min

Connecting generations: Anika Kumar’s fight against elderly isolation

(October 22, 2024) At 15, Anika Kumar's world shifted when she volunteered at an assisted living facility in San Jose, California. There, she met Abigail, an 87-year-old woman who lived in quiet isolation, her voice unheard despite numerous requests for basic assistance. Abigail's story wasn't just about the loss of dignity in her daily struggles — it represented the widespread issue of social isolation among seniors, an issue often ignored. Abigail's resignation to her situation deeply impacted Anika Kumar. This wasn't just a personal challenge; it was a growing public health crisis. Abigail's helplessness showed how widespread ageism and social isolation can be for elderly people. That single encounter laid the foundation for Forget Me Not, a nonprofit designed to combat loneliness among older adults through weekly phone calls with teenage volunteers. These calls, simple yet impactful, aim to build meaningful connections and forge lasting intergenerational bonds. Forget Me Not: Bridging the Generational Gap Founded in 2015, Forget Me Not operates with a clear goal: to provide companionship to isolated older adults, many of whom are referred through partner organisations such as Meals on Wheels. The organisation pairs seniors with high school volunteers, training them to make weekly phone calls.

teers, training them to make weekly phone calls. Anika was only 15 when she started the nonprofit while volunteering at an assisted living facility. She added that the conversations between the elderly and student volunteers are "meaningful, rewarding, refreshing and touching. The elderly talk about their interests, hobbies, families, bygone days, childhood, favourite books and movies."

[caption id="attachment_39966" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Anika Kumar[/caption]

Calling herself a perpetuator of ageism like many Gen Z, Anika too wasn't keen on interacting with senior citizens until a high school community service requirement that forced her to start volunteering at one changed her perspective. "I realised how ignorant I had been in my thinking. At that nursing home, I met a World War II veteran, a former professor at my university, a college football player and the first teen female Bay Area radio host. I met some of the most genuine kind wise and dynamic people I had ever met and the stories they told me. It opened me up to a whole world of truly meaningful interaction that I hope to continue for the rest of my life," she told Global Indian.

With the elderly population growing and social isolation on the rise, Forget Me Not addresses a critical need. These weekly calls became even more crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person visits were restricted, leaving many seniors more isolated than ever before.

Based in San Jose, Forget Me Not is more than just a phone call program — it's the product of careful research and strategic planning. She didn’t build her intergenerational nonprofit overnight. Inspired by her firsthand experience with elderly isolation, she "delved deep into ageism-related issues, studying the mental health impacts of depression and loneliness on seniors." To refine her vision, she spoke with geriatricians and elder care experts, making sure that Forget Me Not could effectively tackle the rising public health crisis of social isolation.

Teenagers Making a Difference

In a time where teens are often criticised for being glued to their phones or disconnected from reality, Anika and her peers turned technology into a tool for good. By using something as simple as a phone call, they built connections and shattered stereotypes of both the elderly and the youth. Teen volunteers undergo training to help them navigate conversations and handle emotional challenges. The result is an exchange that goes beyond small talk — it's about building trust, understanding, and a sense of purpose on both sides.

For the seniors, these calls are a lifeline, providing an outlet to share their lives and experiences, while the teenagers gain a new perspective on aging and life’s challenges. "Forget Me Not is a perfect example of how one person’s idea can create ripples of change, connecting communities and providing a solution to an often overlooked issue."

The Importance of Cultural Connections

Anika’s journey is also deeply rooted in her Indian heritage. As a young Indian American in San Jose, Anika Kumar is part of a thriving Indian community in the Bay Area, where many Indian Americans have made significant contributions across sectors. The Indian diaspora in the Bay Area is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and its active role in technology, education, and social causes.

San Jose, and the wider Bay Area, are home to a large and vibrant Indian community. Like many in the diaspora, Anika Kumar grew up balancing her cultural identity with her desire to give back to her local community. The intergenerational bonds she has fostered through Forget Me Not reflect this duality —honouring the wisdom of elders while empowering the youth to step up and take on leadership roles.

A Growing Movement

Today, Forget Me Not has grown from a local initiative in Santa Clara County to a nationwide program, with plans for further expansion. The organisation continues to partner with schools and senior care organisations across the country, aiming to combat social isolation on a larger scale. Anika's vision is clear: to create a world where older adults are valued, and where young people are given the opportunity to connect with them in meaningful ways.

The pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, but it also highlighted the importance of Forget Me Not’s mission. With so many seniors cut off from physical interactions, the program’s phone calls became a crucial support system. As the world moves forward, Forget Me Not remains committed to expanding its reach, ensuring that no senior is left feeling invisible or forgotten.

Indian Diaspora: An Integral Force in the Bay Area

Anika Kumar’s story is part of a larger narrative of Indian Americans making a difference in the Bay Area. The Indian diaspora in San Francisco and San Jose has long been a key player in the region's success. From entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley to leaders in education and social justice, Indian Americans have carved out spaces of influence, and they continue to give back to both their local communities and their homeland.

For young changemakers like Anika, who is an undergraduate research assistant at Brooks Lab, being part of the diaspora means blending cultural heritage with a passion for making a difference. Forget Me Not is not just about bridging generational gaps—it’s about fostering a deeper sense of community, one that transcends age, ethnicity, and borders.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4L6D9XT_hA

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Reach

With the overwhelming success of Forget Me Not, Anika has ambitious plans for the future. She envisions the organization expanding its reach to even more states and communities. The goal is simple: no senior should ever feel alone, and no teenager should miss the chance to learn from someone with decades of life experience.

Forget Me Not is proof of what can happen when empathy meets action. Anika's journey, from a high school volunteer to a nonprofit leader, is a validation that one person can indeed make a difference. And for the seniors who receive those weekly calls, the impact is clear—connection, companionship, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Follow Anika Kumar on LinkedIn

Indian American golfer, Akshay Bhatia, is creating waves in the international circuit

(August 1, 2023) Imagine being one of the best amateur golfers in the United States of America, dreaming to become a professional player and winning several tournaments for the country in the coming years. However, when the opportunity came, you couldn't perform up to your potential. 21-year-old Akshay Bhatia was quite heartbroken when he couldn't cut in any of the six PGA Tour starts in September 2019. "I struggled mentally, I missed every cut," the golfer recalled, "I had a lot of people expecting me to play well and it didn’t happen.” But while several others would have lost hope, Akshay dug in further and worked very hard on honing his skill further. The golfer, who acknowledged that he faced challenges upon turning pro, took the pandemic as an opportunity to pause, re-evaluate, and gain valuable insights. “I got to sit back, talk to my coach, realise where I’m at in my life. After that, you know, I’ve just climbed the mountain slowly and slowly and slowly," he shared. And he might have just made a significant stride by winning his maiden PGA Tour title at the Barracuda Championship in California, defeating Patrick Rodgers. The win will earn the Indian

slowly and slowly and slowly," he shared. And he might have just made a significant stride by winning his maiden PGA Tour title at the Barracuda Championship in California, defeating Patrick Rodgers. The win will earn the Indian American golfer earned him full Tour status and a spot in the FedEx Cup playoffs.

Inspired to greatness

Born in Northridge, California to an Indian couple, Akshay's childhood was not unlike other immigrant kids in the USA. However, his life was shaped due to his sister's passion for the sport. As a young child, the golfer witnessed his elder sister, Rhea Bhatia, swinging a golf club for the first time. In the following years, Rhea's dedication to the sport paid off, as she achieved the title of 2015 4A Regional Champion during her high school days. Notably, she continued her golfing journey as a valued member of the women's team at Queen's University of Charlotte.

Soon the young golfer started playing the sport and found it quite immersing. Having a remarkable junior career, the Global Indian achieved the distinction of being the first high-schooler ever to participate in the U.S. Walker Cup team. Coached by George Gankas since he was 13, Bhatia kept on piling up amateur victories till he began getting noticed. In 2017, the golfer caught the nation's attention when he contributed to the victorious team in the 2017 Junior Presidents Cup. Remarkably, at the age of 15, Bhatia made his mark at the Boys Junior PGA Championship by setting multiple records. According to the JuniorPGA website, the golfer, "carded an all-time course and championship record 61, at the 42nd Boys Junior PGA Championship at the Country Club of St. Albans in Missouri."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orWxrz67Z44

In 2018, Akshay secured the runner-up position at the U.S. Junior Amateur tournament. The golfer showcased his talent at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics, where he earned two silver medals - one in the boy's event and another in the mixed team event alongside Lucy Li. Moreover, his pivotal performance contributed to the triumph of the US team in the Junior Ryder Cup held in the same year.

Looking past his failures

After failing in the September 2019 golfing season, he kept working on his game. And just four months before turning 20, Akshay achieved a historical feat. The golfer lifted his maiden Korn Ferry Tour (KFT) title at the $750,000 Bahamas Great Exuma Classic. He became only the third Indian-origin golfer to do so after Daniel Chopra and Arjun Atwal. At the age of 19 years, 11 months, and 19 days, the golfer achieved the distinction of being the third-youngest professional golfer to secure a victory on the development circuit, joining the ranks of notable players such as Jason Day and Sungjae Im.

[caption id="attachment_32300" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Akshay after winning The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic[/caption]

And now, the golfer is now one step closer to his dream of being on the PGA Tour. After winning his first PGA Tour title, Akshay got emotional while interacting with the media. "I can’t even talk," he said, adding, "I’m just excited. I love playing golf, I love playing on the PGA Tour, and it’s just a dream come true to have it.” Recognising the challenges he faced along the journey, the golfer acknowledged that it had been "a really tough road." However, he said that he always knew that he was “going to get here, it was just a matter of time. For it to happen this year with Special Temporary Membership and now to get to play all these events and to get it done today was, I can’t even describe it.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVtp2d8UlXI

The young golfer is looking forward to playing several international tournaments in the upcoming season and winning many as well. "Good golf takes care of itself and if I play good golf, the rankings will go up. I don’t look at it too much. My goal is to get into the US Open," he shared.

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