Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveVayun Amula: Maryland teen juggling cricket, innovation, and social impact

Vayun Amula: Maryland teen juggling cricket, innovation, and social impact

Written by: Amrita Priya

(November 10, 2023) Maryland-based Vayun Amula wears many hats at the tender age of 15. The freshman at Poolesville High School is an integral part of Rise N Shine, the youth-led initiative aimed to tackle the effects of food waste through composting and food recovery programmes. Outside of school and community activities, he is a state level cricket player in Maryland and has a knack for innovation to solve problems.

The youngster excels in all his many interests and has earned many awards and accolades for his accomplishments. He received the Governor’s Youth Service Award 2023, and the President’s Volunteer Service Award (Gold) in 2022. In Maryland’s official qualifying tournaments of the First Lego League, Vayun and his team managed to earn the first position becoming the recipients of the Innovation Project Award in 2022.

Another big achievement came one year prior, when Vayun led a team to bag the first position in the Robert Design Awards and also the Core Values Awards in that year’s first Lego League tournament in Maryland state.

Vayun Amula

“I manage my cricket, studies, volunteerism, and other activities by sticking to a schedule,” the youngster says, as he connects with Global Indian. Once he returns from school his afternoons and evenings, from three to 10 pm, are a choc-a-block with activities as he works to meet the demands of his multiple interests.

Managing food waste to avert climate change

The United States discards more food than any other country in the world. Every year in United States, approximately 31% (133 billion pounds) of the overall food supply is wasted by consumers and retailers, as per the estimates of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (USDA-ERS). The wasted food is either dumped in landfills or burned in trash incinerators. This leads to 18% of the US’ total methane emissions that come from landfills, resulting in global warming and impacting food security and resource conservation.

Vayun found inspiration in his elder sister, Shrusti Amula, the founder of the non-profit, Rise N Shine Foundation, who earned the prestigious title of L’Oreal’s ‘Woman of Worth’ honouree this year. Witnessing her dedication and the significant impact his sister’s work was making, Vayun decided to become a part of the organisation himself.

One of Rise N Shine’s food collection drives

“I became a part of the Rise N Shine Foundation in 2020, when my sister explained the pressing problems in the world, such as food wastage, climate change and homelessness. Her passion for addressing these issues compelled me to join non-profit as the COO (Chief Operating Officer). I am committed to working with the foundation’s dedicated team to make a positive impact on these critical challenges,” he says.

Innovation and awards

Vayun’s dedication to the cause did not go unnoticed and this year he received the Governor’s Youth Service Award, a state-level recognition program that honours young individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through volunteer work and service initiatives. This award aims to acknowledge and celebrate young people who have demonstrated leadership, dedication, and a commitment to positive social change. In 2022 he had received the President’s Volunteer Service Award (Gold) for his work at the non-profit.

He also received the Gold Star award for Student Engagement from Montgomery County’s Public School system (MCPS). “This award is given to students who demonstrate intensive involvement in leadership, service, and extracurriculars and have more than four years of proven track record in athletic and/or extracurricular activities. I got this award for all my service, leadership and extracurricular involvements, in addition to my work with Rise N Shine,” he says.

Vayun Amula with a friend

In pursuit of STEM learning and problem-solving

In the 2022 First Lego League innovation project, Vayun undertook research on a pressing issue involving cargo containers falling off cargo ships. Their investigation revealed a significant 40 percent slowdown at a California port in 2021 due to such incidents. To address this problem, Vayun and his team introduced a ground-breaking solution known as the ‘smart container’, which resolved multiple challenges. One of these challenges involved preserving products at a consistent temperature, achieved by incorporating smart heaters and coolers. The smart container was designed to also equip electromagnets and wind sensors. Vayun and his team’s exceptional prototype secured the first position at prestigious Innovation Project award.

In 2021, serving as the team leader, the youngster achieved a remarkable feat by securing the First Lego League Robert Design Award for his team. He had played a pivotal role in programming a robot to excel in the Robo Game. Additionally, his team was honoured with The Core Value Award, which recognises exceptional learning and teamwork. “Receiving the Core Values Award is a significant achievement in FLL, as it highlights not only a team’s technical prowess but also its character and commitment to collaboration and ethical behaviour in the pursuit of STEM learning and problem-solving,” Vayun says.

Cricket, India and future goals

A state level cricket player of Maryland, Vayun has been representing his state in the Mid-Atlantic region in U15 cricket matches. “My dad is a big fan of cricket and I was introduced to the cricket by him. He is my coach as well as my practice buddy,” he smiles.

Vayun Amula

The native of Maryland, maintains a close connection with his place of origin, Mumbai. His software professional parents have reinforced the family’s ties with India through regular visits.

Despite excelling in sports, the youngster aspires to be a successful entrepreneur. “I want to establish a company that can consistently make a positive impact by assisting those in need,” he signs off.

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Published on 10, Nov 2023

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Maanya Singh: 17-year-old empowering women through financial independence

(April 30, 2023) From a deep-rooted interest in sustainability and a love for handicrafts, Sajida from Udupi started Ecoco Creations, a brand that creates beautiful handicrafts out of coconut shells. While her products were getting some traction on social media, her tryst with Incuba Naari filled her with a renewed sense of excitement as their mentorship program helped provide with right "guidance for social media and marketing." The entrepreneur from Karnataka is one among many whose lives have been changed for the good by Incuba Naari, an NGO accelerator platform that provides free mentorship and business exhibitions for women small business owners across India. The brainchild of a 17-year-old from Bengaluru - Maanya Singh - has impacted the lives of many women entrepreneurs in the last few years. "When you empower one woman entrepreneur, she creates a ripple effect," Maanya tells Global Indian. The Class 11 student found inspiration in her mother, and at a young age realised the importance of financial independence. This led her to push the envelope and start Incuba Naari in 2020. With 927 followers on Instagram, it has touched the lives of many small-time women entrepreneurs who were looking for scalability. "Our first cohort was

s a ripple effect," Maanya tells Global Indian.

The Class 11 student found inspiration in her mother, and at a young age realised the importance of financial independence. This led her to push the envelope and start Incuba Naari in 2020. With 927 followers on Instagram, it has touched the lives of many small-time women entrepreneurs who were looking for scalability. "Our first cohort was a success, and now we are organising the second one in August this year."

[caption id="attachment_29653" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Maanya Singh[/caption]

Mom's the inspiration

The Dallas born has early memories of her mother sitting at the potter's wheel and carving beautiful pieces at her garage-turned-studio in the US. She remembers running around the garage as young as four or five while her mom worked on her art. "When she sold her first piece at Dallas City Art Exhibition, I was so proud of her." She adds that her mom quit her corporate job after the birth of her two kids, but it was the weekend pottery workshops that sparked her passion for pottery. She continued following her passion even after returning to India a few years ago, and it soon turned into a full-blown venture. "Our parents wanted us to be in touch with our culture, and that was one of the reasons we relocated to India, and I am glad that we did. It made me understand what it is to be an Indian."

A few years into settling in Bengaluru, her mom opened a professional studio in the city and gave the reins of social media marketing to Maanya. This was a turning point for the 17-year-old as she understood "how difficult it is for small entrepreneurs to get out there and take their business to the next level."

This initial realisation led her to dive into research that showed that 90 percent of the small ventures started by women had mothers at the forefront, while the remaining 10 percent were led by college students. At a young age, she started appreciating entrepreneurship, courtesy her mom, whom she saw evolving into a confident entrepreneur. However, she realised that mostly, "there is an inherent belittlement of women's labour, especially mothers. Even some women brush off their small businesses as a hobby." This pushed her to take action as she understood that financial independence is one of the ways to empower women. Keen to understand the stories of the women entrepreneurs, she ended up cold mailing a number of them asking to interview them, which gave Maanya a sneak peek into the lives, struggles, and journeys of women entrepreneurs.

The start of Incuba Naari

This was the start of Incuba Naari - a platform that took shape in 2020. A few interviews later, she decided to share these stories on social media for better reach. Soon, more women started joining the community and sharing their stories. The Indus International School student credits being a part of a startup youth program that helped increase the accessibility of entrepreneurship to young people. "After conducting 40 interviews, I published a research paper that helped me understand how financial independence empowers women. However, many of them require mentorship, networking, or digital amplification. Because of my mom and the startup program, I was uniquely in a position to help these women, and I am grateful for it."

In 2022, the Incuba Naari incubation program came to life, thanks to the MYP Student Innovators Grant, where the teenager was awarded $8000 for her social impact innovation. "The first cohort saw women entrepreneurs from different parts of the country coming for the mentorship session - some to learn social media management, and others came for exhibitions and getting their names out there apart from the revenue boost."

Ray of hope for women entrepreneurs

The mentorship program turned out to be a "ray of hope" for Assam-based Piyali Dey Maity, a fashion designer-turned-baker, who is the founder of Crusty Tasty. Sharing her journey with Global Indian, the entrepreneur reveals that Covid-19 hit her family hard as her husband, who was in Dhaka, had to cut down his business visa and return home. "While he underwent therapy, we spend all our savings on establishing my home baking business. It was the time I started marketing my designer cakes and the business showed us the light towards financial independence." It was her husband who found Incuba Naari on Google, and soon Piyali joined hands with Maanya for the mentorship program. "Maanya is an amazing woman for her age and doing incredible work for women entrepreneurs like us. Incuba Naari has emerged as a ray of hope in my life and their mentorship programs are greatly helpful," she adds.

The scaling up of businesses, thanks to Incuba Naari, has helped these women entrepreneurs to not only achieve financial independence but also put their talent on the table for the world to see. Minali Furia of Ras Creations is one such woman entrepreneur whose life changed after she joined forces with Incuba Naari. A handmade jewelry designer, she never found the support of her husband. It wasn't until 2021 that she started selling her work through Facebook pages and WhatsApp as she wanted to afford the education of her daughter. After sharing her story with Incuba Naari, her business started expanding. "Even my husband started supporting me, so thank you Incuba Naari for such a great platform and initiative."

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The vision

At 17, Maanya has been able to create a community for women entrepreneurs, and she is happy that she could "establish trust and credibility." These last two years have been a learning curve for the teenager who could help deliver what these entrepreneurs wanted. She is currently working on the website of Incuba Naari - a digital platform where mentors and entrepreneurs can interact. With 20 active volunteers in tow, Incuba Naari is making a difference in the lives of women entrepreneurs - by not just helping them scale their businesses but also making them confident entrepreneurs who are ready to take on the world.

Currently preparing for her exams, Maanya plans to take a gap year after finishing school before applying for colleges in the US. However, she is excited for her two-week summer internship at Grameen Bank in Dhaka which works across Bangladesh to reduce poverty through easy financial access to the rural poor, especially women. "It will be a great learning experience."

Maanya, who loves to swim and watch movies in theatres, credits her parents for being the wind beneath her wings. "My dad helped me write my first business email, and as a 15-year-old, I would practice my pitches on them. They not only gave me honest advice but also kept me grounded and objective."

Maanya wants to sustain Incuba Naari as long as she can as she has a vision. "I want to create a gender-equal future in India where every woman can unlock the power of financial independence through entrepreneurship," she signs off.

Follow Maanya Singh on LinkedIn
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Shreya Nallamothu: Indian-American teen helps draft Illinois law for safeguarding child influencers

(August 30, 2023) Holed up at her home during the pandemic, like almost everyone, Shreya Nallamothu, too, took refuge in social media. The then 13-year-old was quick to notice that children, much younger than her, were nothing short of social media stars or kid influencers. While she didn't think much about it initially, but as her Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok pages kept populating with content by children, the Indian-American teen realised the kids can be victims of exploitation, in terms of monetisation of social media content. "I realised there was absolutely zero legislation in place to protect them," she told AP. This led her to campaign for amending child labour laws in Illinois, making it the first state in the country to create protections for minors showcased in online videos, including provisions for their compensation. [caption id="attachment_32788" align="aligncenter" width="626"] Shreya Nallamothu[/caption] The 16-year-old fondly remembers her parents capturing some of her firsts - first steps or first day at school on video camera, and is deeply grateful to them for keep these personal moments private. "It made me realize family vlogging is putting very private and intimate moments onto the internet," she said in an interview. Her parents always

This prompted the University High School student to work on an independent study to help child influencers. During the process, she explained that child influencers include any kids under 18 with their own social media accounts, not just those in family videos, and can earn a lot of money from their followers on TikTok, YouTube and other social media sites. "I definitely wanted to create policy and legislation around child influencers because I felt like Illinois could be kind of a trend setter and a precedent setter for this issue," added Shreya.

[caption id="attachment_32789" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Shreya Nallamothu[/caption]

She began conducting research on child influencers, and found that kid influencers accounts are run by their parents as kids can't set up in their names due to age restrictions on social media. What intrigued her what that due to the social media explosion, parents were using it to monetise kids being on videos. And realised that with money being made and nothing set aside for the kids, it was nothing short of child labour. "A lot of the time (the child influencers) are being forced by their parents to appear in videos, but then because they're a minor they don’t have access to any of that money," the Global Indian said in an interview.

That's when after her detailed research, she wrote a letter to her state senator, Democrat Dave Koehler, urging him to consider legislation to protect young influencers. Two weeks ago, inspired by Sherya's letter, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker approved a new law that changes the Child Labor Law in the state. This law lets teenagers who are 18 or older sue their parents if they appeared in videos on social media that made money, but they weren't paid fairly. This is like the rights that young actors have. July 1, 2024 onwards, parents in Illinois will need to save 50 percent of the money earned from a video for their child. This money will go into a special fund until the child turns 18, based on how much time the child is seen in the video.

Children "deserve to be shielded from parents who would attempt to take advantage of their child's talents and use them for their own financial gain," said Alex Gough, a spokesperson for Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, after the governor signed the legislation.

Shreya's determination and awareness have brought about a significant change in Illinois. Recognising the exploitation faced by young influencers, this Indian-American teen took action to protect the rights and futures of children in the world of social media. By identifying a gap in legislation and sharing her concerns with Illinois state Senator David Koehler, Shreya set in motion a series of events that led to the proposed bill amendment. Her efforts demonstrate how the proactive actions of a single individual can catalyse positive change, ensuring a safer and fairer environment for child influencers and ultimately inspiring others to advocate for meaningful reforms.

Follow Shreya Nallamothu on LinkedIn

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Arti: The e-rickshaw driver from Bahraich wins Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award

(June 14, 2024) Last month in London, a rather unusual scene unfolded at the Buckingham Palace. An 18-year-old Indian girl Arti, who hails from a village in Uttar Pradesh, made a spectacular entry into the gates of the palace in a pink e-rickshaw - something she drives back home in Bahraich. This wasn't a just publicity stunt. It was a choice that was not just a sustainable mode of transport but also a symbol of an idea and a movement. Clad in a yellow chikankari kurta, she made her way inside the palace to meet King Charles III after receiving the Amal Clooney Women's Empowerment Award, named after the world-renowned human rights barrister. [caption id="attachment_38238" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Arti at The Buckingham Palace[/caption] She received the honour for inspiring young girls through her work with the government's Pink Rickshaw initiative, which offers safe transport for women and aims to drive social change. "I take pride in being able to inspire other girls who face similar challenges. The newfound independence allowed me to see the world in a different light. Now, I am able to fulfill not only my dreams but also those of my daughter," said Arti, who is a participant

ar challenges. The newfound independence allowed me to see the world in a different light. Now, I am able to fulfill not only my dreams but also those of my daughter," said Arti, who is a participant in the Aga Khan Foundation's (AKF) Project Lehar.

In late May this year, she made her maiden visit to London to receive the award at The Prince's Trust Awards in London. Founded by His Majesty King Charles III, The King's Trust International (formerly Prince's Trust International) empowers young people in 20 countries through employment, education, and enterprise programs.

[caption id="attachment_38239" align="aligncenter" width="549"] Arti with King Charles III[/caption]

"It has been an unbelievably amazing experience, meeting the King who was so nice and sent his namaste to my family back home too. He also listened carefully as I spoke about how much I love driving my e-rickshaw, which does not run on polluting diesel or petrol but the one that I charge at home every night, she added. Her journey epitomises bravery, perseverance, and an unyielding resolve to triumph despite all odds.

Fighting against the odds

Born into a family of daily wage labourers struggling to make ends meet, Arti was married off by age 13 and forced to leave school. The marriage quickly dissolved, leading her to return home with her infant daughter. Facing limited earning opportunities as a single mother in her village, Arti started engaging in domestic tasks at home. Her outlook changed when she discovered Project Lehar - a collaboration between AKF and The King's Trust International - which inspired her to envision a brighter future for herself and her daughter. Fueled by determination, she set out to turn that vision into reality.

Project Lehar provides vocational training, entrepreneurship opportunities, and life skills courses tailored for girls and young women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring Bihar. Additionally, it offers support for girls who have discontinued their education to help them complete their studies.

[caption id="attachment_38240" align="aligncenter" width="692"] Arti with her daughter[/caption]

For Arti, Project Lehar provided the insight and confidence to consider self-employment as a viable option. "The programme helped me develop my skills, especially those that impact my life, such as problem-solving ability, communication skills, managing stress and emotions, and understanding entrepreneurship," she said, adding, "Through the learning I had over that period, I became capable of making important decisions for my life."

Changing the course of her life

It was in the July of 2023 that Project Lehar introduced Arti to the Indian government's pink e-rickshaw scheme, which serves a dual purpose: to enhance employment opportunities for marginalised women, particularly widows and single mothers like Arti, and to improve women's access to safe transportation, thereby enhancing their mobility and independence.

In Arti's community, driving has long been seen as a job for men. Girls and women have fewer chances and less freedom compared to boys and men. She was one of the first women in her area to join as a trainee driver. After passing her driving test, she began driving regularly. Now, she spends six hours a day behind the wheel, earning ₹15,000 per month (about $180) to support herself and her daughter. "I know my daughter will be proud of me one day," said Arti.

Getting recognition in the UK

During her recent visit to London, she enjoyed every moment and celebrated her win, and even bought some cake and a pair of shoes for her daughter.

[caption id="attachment_38241" align="aligncenter" width="731"] Arti receives the award in London[/caption]

Seeing her journey, Amal Clooney, the British activist-barrister after whom the award is named said, "This year's winner, Arti, is an inspirational example of someone whose trailblazing work in a typically male arena makes women in her community safer. Arti is determined to create a world where her daughter will not face the obstacles that she has faced, and she is already making a difference through her example."

Arti's journey as an e-rickshaw driver in her village in Uttar Pradesh is not just about earning a livelihood but proof of her resilience, courage, and breaking gender barriers. Her determination to make the streets safer for women by offering reliable and secure transportation is an inspiration to many. Her story reminds us that change begins with individuals like her, who refuse to be bound by societal norms and instead, forge their own path, creating a brighter and safer future for generations to come.

Pen and Purpose: Keerthana Seetharaman is helping people in their writing and publishing pursuits

(February 24, 2024) Keerthana Seetharaman has harboured a deep passion for writing and getting her work published, for as long as she can recall. However, navigating limited resources and lack of knowledge of how to go about it, posed challenges. "I felt exhausted while searching for the right platform to publish my works," she shares with Global Indian. Recognising that many others might be facing similar obstacles, the Chennai-based youngster had established The Writing Arena Publishers in 2020, when she was just a 16-year-old. Building this venture during the pandemic brought her a sense of fulfilment and productivity. "Within the confines of this venture, I constructed my sanctuary of happiness, even in the face of negativity," she shares. [caption id="attachment_36094" align="aligncenter" width="583"] Keerthana Seetharaman[/caption] So far, The Writing Arena Publishers has overseen publication of 15 print-on-demand anthologies, each featuring contributions from teenagers or adults, depending upon the theme. Keerthana’s entrepreneurial initiative has garnered attention, leading to speaking opportunities at events hosted in schools and colleges. Moreover, she was recognised with a startup award from a Chennai-based organisation and also had the privilege of meeting the Governor of Tamil Nadu. These early accolades have fuelled the budding entrepreneur’s determination to continue

of 15 print-on-demand anthologies, each featuring contributions from teenagers or adults, depending upon the theme. Keerthana’s entrepreneurial initiative has garnered attention, leading to speaking opportunities at events hosted in schools and colleges. Moreover, she was recognised with a startup award from a Chennai-based organisation and also had the privilege of meeting the Governor of Tamil Nadu. These early accolades have fuelled the budding entrepreneur’s determination to continue excelling in the realms of creative writing and entrepreneurship.

In the world of writing

The engineering student found affirmation in her writing abilities last year when she was awarded a 'Gold Finalist' certificate for her entry in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, an international event organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society.

The 20-year-old is set to release her debut book of poems, titled 'Engraving Emotions'.

[caption id="attachment_36095" align="aligncenter" width="608"] Keerthana Seetharaman with Ravindra Narayana Ravi, the Governor of Tamil Nadu[/caption]

Learning from obstacles

Four years back when Keerthana had launched her publishing venture, she had formed a remote team. However, during the initial phases, the volume of submissions remained minimal, causing team members to gradually lose interest. Additionally, as time passed, their priorities shifted, and the venture experienced a temporary halt in its operations.

“There were times when I questioned my own knowledge. There were days when I felt like quitting and focusing solely on studies,” she says. “But my purpose pushed me to juggle these hassles and keep working,” she adds.

Finally, embracing a solopreneur mindset, Keerthana began working with numerous roles - editor, proofreader, compiler, marketer, and beyond. "Initially, it was exhausting, but I eventually got used to the workload," she says.

[caption id="attachment_36096" align="aligncenter" width="418"] Keerthana Seetharaman[/caption]

Recognising the challenges and time commitment involved in writing an entire book, which can often lead to loss of interest midway, Keerthana promotes creative expression through anthologies – as the writers in anthologies need to just contribute a chapter or two. “Nurturing students to become authors is a dream I aspire to share with the world," she remarks.

Publishing anthologies however, proves to be very time-consuming, as she has to deal with multiple writers and spend considerable time coordinating their contributions.

Giving back

Keerthana also helps less privileged students to follow their dreams of writing, through an initiative called Kanavugal Meipada (Dreams Come True). The organisation conducts writing competitions in government schools, and the best entries are chosen to be part of an anthology published by her venture, The Writing Arena Publishers. She also conducts sessions on mental health and wellness for these children.

“Entrepreneurship is not all about making money, rather about adding values to people’s life,” she remarks.

[caption id="attachment_36129" align="aligncenter" width="573"] Keerthana Seetharaman during an interaction at a government school[/caption]

At Chennai’s Sri Sairam Engineering College, where she is pursuing computer science and business systems, Keerthana is actively involved in a social work project called Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, spearheaded by the government. Along with her fellow students she conducts awareness programs in Poonthandalam village, one of the ten villages her college is assisting in achieving economic stability and independence.

An eye on future

The pre-final year student is also a member of the Professional Communication Society (PROCOMM), an initiative of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to improve engineers’ technical communication skills. Recently Keerthana has been selected to serve as a student chairperson of the society’s chapter in her college.

Looking ahead, Keerthana aims to carve a career path that integrates her degree in engineering and passion for writing.

Follow Keerthana Seetharaman on LinkedIn

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Bodhna Sivanandan: Indian-origin eight-year-old is the chess queen of Europe

(January 30, 2024) It was only during the lockdown of 2020, that the London based chess player Bodhna Sivanandan began learning the game, and in 2023 she made history by clinching the title of England's first World Youth Champion in 25 years, stunning the world. The chess prodigy who has caught attention of the entire chess fraternity and the worldwide media even had the opportunity to play a game of chess with British PM Rishi Sunak upon his invitation to 10 Downing Street. [caption id="attachment_35503" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Bodhna Sivanandan with Rishi Sunak[/caption] "I always try my best to win. Sometimes it happens, and sometimes it doesn't,” the eight-year-old who holds the title of Woman Candidate Master said in an interview. Extraordinary feats 2023 had been full of extraordinary victories for the young player. She defeated former British chess champion Peter Lee in an exhibition match, garnering praises from all around. Impressed by her talent, International Master Lawrence Trent tweeted, "The maturity of her play, her sublime touch, it's truly breath taking…I have no doubt she will be England's greatest player and most likely one of the greatest the game has ever seen". With her phenomenal performance at the Classical, Treble

rence Trent tweeted, "The maturity of her play, her sublime touch, it's truly breath taking…I have no doubt she will be England's greatest player and most likely one of the greatest the game has ever seen".

With her phenomenal performance at the Classical, Treble Crown and the latest European Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship 2023 held in Zagreb, Croatia, Bodhna has become one of the most loved international chess stars.

[caption id="attachment_35504" align="aligncenter" width="679"] Bodhna Sivanandan[/caption]

At the European Blitz Chess Championship 2023, she defeated a number of female grandmasters from across the world. In the penultimate round, she even earned victory over international master, Lorin D'Costa, the coach of the England women's chess team. The European Blitz Chess Championship had witnessed a massive number of registrations with 555 players, including 48 grandmasters and 50 international masters as participants. Bodhna managed to shine above all, winning the the best women's player award.

Early start

Bodhna was just five when she embarked on her chess journey, quickly mastering the intricacies of the game. A mere 15 months later, in March 2022 she had clinched silver in both Rapid and Blitz European under eight girls’ tournaments, establishing herself as the world No. 1 girl in Blitz for her age group with an impressive margin of 322 FIDE points. Leonard Barden, the English chess master, broadcaster and journalist described the little chess player as ‘exceptional’ then.

Later in the European Schools under eight age group championships held in Rhodes in May 2022, she won all the 24 games winning three gold medals. She was just seven then.

The same year in August, Bodhna participated in the British Chess Championship in Torquay, earning two wins and a draw defeating the then reigning U12 champion.

[caption id="attachment_35505" align="aligncenter" width="475"] Bodhna Sivanandan[/caption]

Stumbling into chess

Talking about how she discovered chess, Bodhna shared in an interview, “One of my father’s friends was throwing away some stuff because it was Covid. Inside that there was a chess board. I was curious about the pieces and started playing.” She was just five then.

“Accidentally she started chess,” her father Sivanandan Velayutham, remarked in an another interview.

Recognising her interest in the game he started taking her around the English Chess Federation and to other people in England who play and support chess. These individuals proved to be not only friendly but also supportive of Bodhna’s endeavours.

Chess in the UK

The British government is taking lots of initiatives to promote the game. As part of a new package announced last year, the UK's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will be investing GBP 500,000 in the English Chess Federation (ECF) over two years to nurture the next generation of world-class talent.

The funds will be utilised for specialised coaching, training camps, and advanced computer analysis for international competitions, providing crucial support to both established grandmasters and emerging players.

[caption id="attachment_35506" align="aligncenter" width="641"] Bodhna Sivanandan at UK Prime Minister's residence with other delegates[/caption]

In an interview given before the announcement and the multiple wins of 2023, the grade four student of St John Fisher Primary School of Harrow in London had shared, “My school has a chess club but it’s just for grade six students, so I am not allowed.”

When asked how does she think she would fare if allowed to play with sixth graders, “I think, I would probably win,” she had replied with a smile.

Reading Time: 5 mins