Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveYoung innovator Bhavya Sri Suravajhala is helping tackle the teen mental health crisis

Young innovator Bhavya Sri Suravajhala is helping tackle the teen mental health crisis

Written by: Vikram Sharma

(August 30, 2024) As a high school student, Bhavya Sri Suravajhala was witness to the increasing pressures faced by her peers, leading to anxiety, stress, and other teen mental health issues. Unlike many her age who would only wish they could do something about it and leave it at that, Bhavya swung into action.

The result was Adolescencesio — a platform that provides educational resources, mentorship, and mental health support to adolescents. “Adolescencesio was born out of a deep concern for the mental well-being of adolescents. It combines modern mental health practices with holistic and Ayurvedic approaches, ensuring a comprehensive support system for young individuals,” says Bhavya, founder and CEO of Adolescencesio, in a chat with Global Indian.

The young innovator is a Grade XII student at Amrita Vidyalayam, Puthiyakavu, Kerala.

Bhavya Sri Suravajhala

Adolescencesio

At Adolescencesio, Bhavya leads a dedicated team of over 20 members, who share her passion for supporting adolescent mental health. “Daily operations involve coordinating with the team, overseeing content creation, managing outreach programs, and ensuring the platform’s growth and sustainability,” informs the 17 year old, who also organizing workshops, awareness programs, besides providing resources to those in need.

She feels the mental health crisis among youngsters in India is a pressing issue. “With the increasing academic pressure, social expectations, and the impact of social media, many adolescents struggle to cope with these challenges,” points out the youngster, who launched Adolescencesio in 2022, with a vision to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive platform.

The journey has not been without its challenges— ranging from technical difficulties to addressing the stigma surrounding teen mental health. “However, resilience, adaptability, and the continuous support from mentors have helped me navigate these hurdles,” says Bhavya, for whom managing Adolescencesio alongside her academic responsibilities has been a challenging yet rewarding experience.

She even received letters of appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi twice, in 2023 and 2024. “It was a recognition of my efforts and contributions towards adolescent mental health, which further motivated me to continue my work with even greater zeal,” smiles the teenager.

Denmark born

Born in Denmark in 2007, Bhavya’s mother Renuka Suravajhala is an Assistant Professor/Research scientist at Amrita University while father Dr Prashanth Suravajhala is a Principal Scientist, Systems Genomics at Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.

Bhavya had her primary education at Absalons skole, Roskilde (Denmark) after which the Suravajhala family moved back to India. Both Renuka and Dr Prashanth went to Denmark to do their PhDs (2004 to 2008) and subsequently postdoc that Dr Prashanth did until 2016. Bhavya has a sibling named Nirmala, who is 11.

Science researcher, COO & more

But Adolescencesio is just one part of Bhavya’s introduction. She is a science researcher, social volunteer, a passionate explorer and the Chief Operating Officer at TeenVisor, which provides a platform for teenagers to interact with industry experts and get timely guidance/mentorship.

As a science researcher, the teenager is currently working on a study that explores how the composition of tears is affected by emotions. “This research delves into the physiological and psychological connections in human behavior, a topic that fascinates me and aligns with my passion for psychology and behavioral sciences,” she informs.

In addition to her research, Bhavya is an active social volunteer, who organises workshops, awareness programmes and providing resources to those in need, through various initiatives.

As a passionate explorer, Bhavya is someone who is always eager to learn and discover new things, whether through travel, reading, or engaging in creative endeavours. “My curiosity drives me to explore different cultures, perspectives, and ideas, enriching my understanding of the world around me,” says Bhavya, who was honoured with the Little Shakespeare Award by the Biofootprints Foundation for excellence in literature, in 2021.

Atal Innovation Mission

With a vision to ‘Cultivate one Million children in India as Neoteric Innovators’, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) established Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) in schools across India.

Bhavya was selected among the Top 100 in the ATL (Atal Tinkering Laboratories) Tinkerpreneur 2022 Program and later among the Top 21 in the Atal Catalyst Program, which was a testament to the innovative ideas she brought to the table.

Through workshops, boot camps, and continuous support from experienced mentors, she learned business planning, product development, and market strategies. “These programs provided me with invaluable mentorship and resources, allowing me to refine my vision for Adolescencesio.”

Her journey with AIM started with a simple idea — to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive platform for adolescents to talk about their mental health. “I wanted Adolescencesio to be a place where teenagers could share their thoughts anonymously, get support from peers and professionals, and access holistic mental health resources. The idea was clear, but making it happen was not. The breakthrough came when I learned about AIM,” she says.

AIM’s mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among young Indians resonated with Bhavya’s goals for Adolescencesio. The initiative was designed to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit in students.

One of the most impactful parts of the AIM experience was the mentorship. Industry experts guided Bhavya, helping to refine her vision and offering practical insights into the mental health sector.

Atal Catalyst Program

The next significant step was the Atal Catalyst program with the Indian School of Business (ISB). This program taught the teenager all the essential business skills such as making business projections, identifying target markets, and perfecting her pitch to investors.

“Under the mentorship and guidance of Vinay sir from ISB and my AIM mentors, Adolescencesio was selected among the top 21 business ideas.”

Next came The Big PItch 2.0. It gave Bhavya the opportunity to pitch Adolescencesio to investors live and Adolescencesio was selected among the top 10 ideas for sponsorship by the DLabs Incubator association at ISB. This recognition not only provided financial support but also validated the potential and impact of Adolescencesio.

COO at TeenVisor

Thanks to AIM, Bhavya connected with other young entrepreneurs who share similar passions and goals. One exciting outcome is her current role at TeenVisor as the Chief Operating Officer, where she works on innovative solutions for adolescents with other young entrepreneurs.

“Whatever I have achieved so far would not have been possible without the guidance and blessings of Amma, Satguru Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, all my gurus, mentors, teachers, my school, my school principal, my parents, and my friends. They have stood by me throughout my journey.”

More recently, Adolescencesio won the 2nd place at the International Stogofest in Dubai, marking a significant achievement on the global stage. “We were the only team from India to have won this prestigious award, marking a significant achievement on the international stage,” smiles Bhavya, beaming with pride.

As a Tinker Champ, Bhavya had the opportunity to mentor and guide other young innovators, sharing her experiences and insights to help them realize their potential. “This role has been incredibly fulfilling, as I am able to contribute to the growth and development of future leaders and change-makers.”

Bhavya Sri Suravajhala | Adolescenscio | Young innovator | Global Indian

The Young Innovator is also COO at Teen Visor

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Bhavya aspires to further her studies in psychology or a related field in behavioral sciences and cognition. “My long-term goal is to expand Adolescencesio’s reach and impact, while also contributing to the field of psychology through research and practical applications.”

She hopes to implement awareness programs in schools and collaborate with NGOs and government bodies to create a global community where every adolescent feels supported and empowered.

Follow the young innovator on LinkedIn.

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Published on 30, Aug 2024

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Young environmentalist Sneha Shahi is on a mission to revive rivers

(May 21, 2022) As a young child, environmentalist Sneha Shahi would go to the north east of India, where her father was stationed. Over the years, she fell in love with nature. Back in Vadodara, Gujarat, where she grew up, Sneha showed a marked interest in environmental activities. Today, a PhD scholar at the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment in Bengaluru, Sneha is one of India’s 17 UN Young Climate Champions. [caption id="attachment_16973" align="aligncenter" width="615"] Sneha Shahi[/caption] "Ever since we were in school, we have been learning about how the irresponsible disposal of plastic waste can adversely impact our flora, fauna and land water systems,” says the young activist, during an interview with Global Indian. “While we are taught about it, most of us don’t ever do much to actually reduce the impact.” Sneha is among the proactive few and has cleaned around 700 kilos of waste from a rivulet so filthy that people mistook it for a gutter. Daughter of the earth A military brat, Sneha grew up travelling to various parts of the country, even though she was primarily in Vadodara. "I come from a joint family. My grandfather was also in Indian Air

has cleaned around 700 kilos of waste from a rivulet so filthy that people mistook it for a gutter.

Daughter of the earth

A military brat, Sneha grew up travelling to various parts of the country, even though she was primarily in Vadodara. "I come from a joint family. My grandfather was also in Indian Air Force, and after travelling across the country my family decided to settle in Vadodara for it was a beautiful, quaint city," says the young environmentalist, who loves to travel. "I loved to go to national parks and zoological parks, and enjoyed spending time there. So, it was natural that I would develop an interest in working with the environment,” says Sneha, laughing as she recalls people’s surprise when she first told them her career choice. She stuck with it, though, enrolling at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda to pursue bachelor's degree in environmental science and later a masters in the same subject. And this is where her life took a turn.

A rivulet runs through it

Her love for nature inspired her to enroll in UNEP’s Plastic Tide Turner Challenge, which began in her college in 2019. Funded by the United Kingdom since 2018, the “Tide Turners Plastic Challenge” has reached over 225,000 youth in 25 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. The initiative is a crucial element of the British government’s 25 Year Environment Plan to reduce ocean plastic.

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A post shared by Sneha Shahi (@snehashahii)

At 23, when she was doing her masters in environmental studies, Sneha led a campaign to clean a polluted rivulet that had been choked with plastic waste. Since the rivulet ran through their college campus, Sneha managed to round up 300 students for the campaign. They began cleaning what they thought was a ‘nala’ or gutter which was once said to have been home to several crocodiles. However, the crocodiles left, unable to withstand the mounting garbage. “We would make jokes about crocodiles living on campus,” Sneha says. “But that isn’t the issue, is it? The fact is that the stream belonged to the crocodiles and we ruined it.” The endeavour took months and the team had cleaned 700 kilos of waste by the end.

Braving the odds

While the students worked day and night to clean the rivulet, they faced several challenges during the campaign. "The biggest task was to create awareness in the nearby localities about plastic waste. For most of them this nala had been a dumping place for years. The after-effects of such deeds were shared and it took some time to see them react positively," shares the environmentalist, adding, "Sometimes, the police would also enquire about our projects as they had never seen anyone bother to clean this stream."

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A post shared by Sneha Shahi (@snehashahii)

However, things changed slowly. "Today if someone throws plastic in the stream, the locals question them and ask them to pick up the garbage. They are very protective of the stream," she smiles. The environmentalist also points out that what amazed her the most was the interest shown by the local women. "We think they are mere housewives, but they are important stakeholders in society. When we were running the awareness campaign, I was amazed by how much they wanted to learn about the water bodies near their homes, how they cause flooding and pollution and its impact on their health," Sneha says.

Interestingly, after removing over 700 kg of plastic from the urban stream, many turtles and crocodiles found their way back to the water during the monsoon. "Many other insects and plants also grew in their surroundings," shares Sneha, who adds that the college authorities installed fences for the safety of students. Currently, Sneha's juniors are managing the programme, while she monitors them.

Against the tide

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A post shared by Girl Up Sheईशा (@girlup.sheisha)

Currently pursuing her PhD in Extreme Hydrological Events at ATREE, Bengaluru, Sneha is gearing up to work on restoring the Thamirabarani, Tamil Nadu’s only perennial river. "The project is only six months old and is still being developed," Sneha explains. The Thamirabarani, which is 128 long, "supports drinking water and agricultural activity," the environmentalist says, adding, "We want to install physical instruments to control pollution and also spread awareness on the harm it has caused. We want to impact the prevailing mindset."

Follow Sneha Shahi on Instagram and LinkedIn

Reading Time: 7 mins

Electroshoe to the rescue: How innovator Siddharth Mandala’s device keeps women safe

(April 23, 2022) He was 12 when the infamous Nirbhaya rape case shook the nation in 2012. People took to the streets asking for justice, and his mom was one among them. Curious about the protests and confused about the word rape, Siddharth Mandala joined his mom for one of the protests. “A 40-year-old woman came up to me, and told me not to be like rapists. I didn’t even know what rape meant back then. This was a catalyst for me. I ended up surfing the internet, asking my friends and teachers to get a grasp on this concept called rape. Understanding the gravity of the issue, I decided to do everything in my capacity to prevent sexual assault,” Siddharth tells Global Indian. This awareness led to the birth of Electroshoe, a small badge that can be clipped onto any footwear, or worn as a ring or pendant and can be easily activated during any threatening situation by pressing. “It pulls out two sharp pointers, mimicking stun gun’s mechanism, and pierces through clothing, and even skin to electrocute the attacker,” explains Siddharth who took two years to build a working prototype; and another three years to create a market-friendly

gh clothing, and even skin to electrocute the attacker,” explains Siddharth who took two years to build a working prototype; and another three years to create a market-friendly product by interviewing over 500 women across India and California.

[caption id="attachment_15377" align="aligncenter" width="478"] Siddharth Mandala[/caption]

The Hyderabad born and raised reveals Electroshoe activates an alarm sound to alert nearby police stations and sends location to family members. “It can even sense angst in a conversation, and can raise alarm,” adds the entrepreneur. With a built-in solar plate, it recharges itself when exposed to sunlight. “The idea was that it should be something that women can carry with them easily all the time,” adds the 21-year-old.

An incident caused a shift

Born in 2000 to a businessman father and a criminal lawyer mother (now a homemaker), Siddharth loved to build things as a kid. And he found time to pursue his interest in his growing years. But the Nirbhaya rape case pushed him to put his innovative side to better use, and that’s how Electroshoe came into existence. But it was an uphill climb with many obstacles in the path. He taught himself programming and coding with the help of mentors from Linkedin and social media. While his prototype failed 17 times, he also faced electrocution twice. But Siddharth never gave up.

But things started to shift when he moved to the US to pursue further studies. “I grew up reading about startups in the Silicon Valley and wanted to be a part of that environment. But I realised it was more about finance and investment,” reveals Siddharth. Around the same time, he met Zach Latta, founder of the hack club, who told him that San Francisco was the place to be for his startup. “I dropped out of my college in California and lived homeless to fundraise for Electroshoe. My parents sold their house in India to send me to college in America. Hence, I didn’t tell them. I used to go to meetups and pitches for free food, where I tried to convince as many people as possible to help me out," reveals the young innovator who didn’t find much support from investors.

[caption id="attachment_15372" align="aligncenter" width="847"] Electroshoe[/caption]

An uphill task

But that didn't deter Siddharth who tried making “shoe attachments from greeting card sound chips that make a sound when you step on them” and tried to sell them in San Francisco. But he didn't know where he could meet women. “I tried standing outside Starbucks and selling them to women. That did not work. I realised that only two types of people will listen to me: My parents, friends, and people who are interested in me. So I went on dating apps. I’d go on dates and somewhere in the conversation would show the product and sell it to them. This is where we found the first 50 users,” reveals Siddharth who returned to India and worked on his product.

Siddharth, who is pursuing a degree in international relations and computer science from Claremont Mckenna College, spent six years turning a prototype into a product “that has gone through almost 30 iterations.” It is no secret that electric shock can often cause internal damage, even leading to cardiac arrest or trauma. However, Siddharth reveals, “We spent years creating the exact amount of voltage to ampere ratio that electrocutes lethally but not enough to kill a person." But he had to face a blow ahead of its launch owing to the Covid 19 pandemic. “We were very close to partnering with Telangana police but Covid first wave kicked in,” says the boy who has branched out his personal safety company to real estate and crypto.

[caption id="attachment_15376" align="aligncenter" width="631"] Siddharth Mandala working on Electroshoe[/caption]

Innovator-turned-activist

Apart from being an innovator and entrepreneur, Siddharth is also an activist who started a nonprofit Cognizance Welfare initiative with his friend Abhishek to spread awareness about rape. “Together we filled over 50 potholes in Hyderabad, we made underprivileged children build inexpensive GPS trackers to track their younger siblings and prevent human trafficking, we even helped a California-based non-profit adopt a village called Kanigiri in Andhra Pradesh and helped them build libraries and infrastructure,” beams Siddharth with pride, adding, “We even built an education class module and spent three months travelling to different cities educating young children about sexual assault and how to detect it very early.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMck9K6D15o

Siddharth, who has come a long way, advices youngsters to “get started and build something already. Even if it’s broken, miscalculated, and consumes most of your time, do not worry. These things usually take time, however, the key is to put something out and let the world see it and show you the path.”

An innovator at heart, he has designed a hardware wallet and a mobile app that can protect people, and their funds safe in the crypto space. "When I was in California, people in the NFT and crypto space were being kidnapped and beaten to share their private crypto keys. Once shared, even police can't trace down the funds. So the wallet acts like additional security feature," concludes Siddharth who loves working out in his free time.

Follow Siddharth Mandala on Linkedin

Reading Time: 5 min

Singer Purva Mantri gives a melodious spin to this year’s Navratri Garba song penned by PM Modi

(October 11, 2024) As Navratri festivities sweep across India, the cultural vibrancy of Garba, a traditional Gujarati folk dance and song brings people together in devotion and celebration. This year, the festival shines even brighter for young singer Purva Mantri, who got a unique opportunity to sing a Garba song penned by none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Known as the 'Indian Shakira,' Purva's energetic and mesmerising performances have become a Navratri staple over the years, drawing thousands to her shows in the previous years. No wonder when the PM penned a song for this year’s Navratri, Purva was chosen to give her voice to his lyrics. PM’s lyrics, Purva’s voice In a heartfelt message shared on X, Prime Minister Modi introduced the Garba song he wrote, titled Aavati Kalay, as a tribute to Goddess Durga. The Prime Minister lauded Purva for her "melodious rendition" and recognized her as a talented artist who truly brought the song to life. Purva Mantri who is just back from a five-city US tour calls herself “blessed and honoured” to get the opportunity to sing on a song penned by none other than PM Modi. She recorded the track and shot the music

tled Aavati Kalay, as a tribute to Goddess Durga. The Prime Minister lauded Purva for her "melodious rendition" and recognized her as a talented artist who truly brought the song to life.

Purva Mantri who is just back from a five-city US tour calls herself “blessed and honoured” to get the opportunity to sing on a song penned by none other than PM Modi. She recorded the track and shot the music video in just 24 hours. "This is really big for an artist and a citizen. I feel blessed. I am grateful and honoured to be part of this big track. I have tears in my eyes," said the Global Indian who has been involved with the world of music through stage shows, independent music and playback singing.

Mastering the art of live performances

For Purva who has been inclined towards music since she was a child, performing live during the high-energy nights of Navratri is an annual affair. With over 15,000 people attending her Garba and Dandiya nights in Surat each year, she has established herself as a dynamic voice in the music world. Reflecting on her journey, she shared in an interview, " My very first memory of performing during Navratri is from Rajkot when I performed at a proper ten-day Navratri event.” After giving multiple performances at Rajkot and Porbandar, the artist moved to Mumbai a few years back to try her luck, and started doing small events.

Her talent got identified by the founders of the band Bamboo Beats who hail from Gujarat. The Garba songs that she sang in collaboration with the band are very special to her because even after many years people dance to those tunes.

Despite the challenges of consistently delivering electrifying performances, Purva Mantri finds her energy from the audience. "The audience is my oxygen," she said. "When they come to see me perform, I think they should leave feeling it was worth it. Their energy fuels me, and even when I’m tired or jet-lagged, their positivity keeps me going." This connection with her audience has become her secret to sustaining high-octane performances throughout the festive season.

One of her most memorable experiences was during her first solo event in Surat. "There were around 15,000 people, and I got on stage with my own band for the very first time. After the show, an uncle who was in his 70s came to me with his grandson, and told her in Gujrati that his grandson calls her ‘Indian Shakiraben’. “I’ll never forget this line and it was very important to me because they felt that energy from there,” she remarked.

The global stage: Purvastic Tour 2024

While Purva has impressed Indian audiences for years, her recent Purvastic Tour 2024 took her talent to the United States. The tour, which kicked off in Atlanta, spanned major U.S. cities such as Dallas, Chicago, and Seattle, among others. Purva got an opportunity to showcase her indie music and her iconic fusion of singing with the Puneri Dhol. "Blending the Puneri Dhol with my singing has been a way to connect my Indian roots with a global audience. It’s thrilling to see how well it resonates," Purva remarked.

Purva carried her 27kg Puneri dhol to every city on her U.S. tour. It all started with an impromptu dhol act during a live show in Surat a few months back. She never imagined it would gain such popularity. “Playing the 27kg dhol while singing has become my USP,” she remarks. She gets calls from all over India to perform with it. So, she made it a point to carry it to the U.S. as well.

While performing she is so connected with the audience that she does not feel the weight of the dhol says the singer who wraps the strap of the dhol around her neck, so that it's well supported.

The power of positivity

Amidst the fast-paced music industry, Purva remains grounded, drawing strength from her father’s wisdom. "He once told me, “I know that you were meditating on stage. If performing is meditation for you, you will never fail. Just keep meditating like this.” Those words have stayed with her, and every time she performs, she remembers her father’s words and treats her performance as an act of meditation on stage.

Though the singer’s journey has been full of accomplishments, Purva acknowledges the challenges that come with it. "There is always a struggle. Even legends like Mr. Amitabh Bachchan continue to work hard to stay where they are. In this industry, you need to grow and adapt every day. But I love what I do, and my ultimate aim is to spread positivity and touch as many lives as possible."

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

Purva Mantri has observed that even audiences abroad connect with her due to this quality. Sharing an incident, she mentioned, “When I performed in New Zealand, several foreigners were also part of the event because they love our Indian culture. They went back home smiling and said, 'There are a lot of singers who come to Australia and New Zealand. But the positivity which you give on stage is different.’” Purva finds these comments as her accomplishment and inspiration.

Looking ahead: Tomorrowland dreams

With dreams of performing at Tomorrowland (one of the most popular annual music festivals in the world held in Belgium), Purva’s ambitions extend far beyond her current achievements. "They say when you perform at Tomorrowland, the whole earth moves. I want to see people dancing and jumping to my voice. It’s a big international dream that I am working toward," she said. In addition to her live performances, Purva is also exploring Bollywood playback opportunities.

As Purva continues to push the boundaries of her musical journey, her fusion of tradition and innovation, along with her infectious energy, ensures she remains a rising star in the Indian music industry and beyond.

Follow Purva Mantri on Instagram and Facebook

Reading Time: 5 mins

Powering up: Gamer Akarsh Chaudhary is taking over the world of e-gaming

(March 21, 2024) Over the past few years, India's online gaming scene has boomed like never before, propelling it among the world's top three gaming markets. Although not yet a traditional career choice, numerous young people now spend their afternoons competing in professional tournaments. Among them is gamer Akarsh Chaudhary, also known as Vivone, a nine-year-old from Mumbai. Despite his tender age, he has not only taken part in but also emerged victorious in numerous tournaments. The young child embarked on his gaming adventure at the age of four, inspired by watching his father play popular games like PUBG on his mobile device. "I asked my father if I could try the game, and he handed me his mobile. Instantly, I became hooked and began playing by myself. After practicing regularly for a couple of days, I even managed to defeat my father," shared the young gamer. [caption id="attachment_22260" align="aligncenter" width="555"] Gamer Akarsh Chaudhary aka Vivone[/caption] With a substantial following of 108K followers on Instagram and over four lakh subscribers on his YouTube channel, Vivone has created more than 6000 live streams and videos. "Recently, I participated in the SkyEsports Streamers Showdown, competing against numerous top gamers from around the

subscribers on his YouTube channel, Vivone has created more than 6000 live streams and videos. "Recently, I participated in the SkyEsports Streamers Showdown, competing against numerous top gamers from around the country. I clinched the first prize of ₹15 lakh, impressing even my opponents with my performance throughout the tournament," said the gamer, whose average earning through live streaming games is around $6000-7000 per month.

Game on

Amid the challenges of the lockdown, numerous individuals sought refuge in online gaming, including Akarsh's father, Vivek Singh. Unbeknownst to the IT professional, this pastime would eventually serve as the inspiration for his son's career. "Initially, when I started playing, it was purely for enjoyment. However, my father soon noticed my potential and began coaching me accordingly. He taught me a variety of moves and tricks that significantly improved my game," said the Global Indian.

[caption id="attachment_22261" align="aligncenter" width="549"] Akarsh with his parents, Shikha and Vivek[/caption]

Recognising his potential, his father commenced live streaming his games under his gamer alias Vivone, which phonetically sounds like "we won". Shortly after, Rooter, Vivone's streaming platform partner, received a surge of offers from gadget companies, fantasy apps, and even some FMCG brands, willing to pay up to ₹1 lakh for video collaborations. Vivone is proficient in playing games across multiple platforms, be it mobile, PC, or console. Talking about his favourite games, he said, "I really enjoy playing BGMI the most, but right now, Valorant is my top favourite. I like messing around with its characters and maps. I also like playing CODM, Fall Guys, Tekken 7, Rocket League, New State Mobile, Pokemon, and other little mobile games."

ALSO READ | How Navvye Anand is helping save endangered Kangri language through AI

A balancing act

Although it's fascinating, Akarsh's parents take caution to ensure their son doesn't spend all his time glued to his laptop. "If you really love something and want to do it well, you should start learning and practising early with someone to guide you," the gamer's father, Vivek, shared in an interview, adding, "We noticed our child's talent and helped them get better at what they love. But we also make sure they do well in their studies and play physical games. Luckily, Akarsh enjoys playing football outside just as much as he enjoys playing it on the computer."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfC_YY6SLyA

Giving an insight into the young gamer's day, Vivek shared, "Because Vivone streams games nearly every day, we decided not to give him too much schoolwork, so we chose to homeschool him. After he finishes his studies in the afternoon, Vivone streams for about two hours. Then, like any other kid, he plays with his friends, especially cricket or basketball. Sometimes in the evenings, I take him swimming too."

The road ahead

After winning against some of the best gamers in the country in various tournaments, Vivone is now preparing to represent India in international competitions. "When I first began playing, I never imagined having such a large following and subscriber base. Now, my main aim is to excel in international tournaments. I'm currently searching for tournaments for players under 13 years old, primarily organized in the US, Europe, Korea, and China," the young gamer shared.

Follow Akarsh Chaudhary on Instagram and YouTube

Reading Time: 5 mins

Young Indian environmentalists are working hard to save our planet

(February 21, 2023) The climate change sweeping the world is occurring at a faster pace than previously thought, making it imperative that governments act now to reverse the damage being done to the planet. According to a study by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), over the last few decades, the exploitation of our planet and the degradation of our environment has gone up at an alarming rate. With several natural disasters striking us more often in the form of flash floods, earthquakes, blizzards, tsunamis, and cyclones, many environmentalists have positioned themselves as advocates of sustainability, determined to meet the climate crisis at humanity’s doorstep. Global Indian takes a look at young Indians, who have been working on protecting this planet. Through their sustainability efforts across fashion, water conservation, waste management, education, policymaking, and sustainable energy, these young environmentalists inspire and impact thousands of people around the globe. Sneha Shahi, reviving rivers As a young child, environmentalist Sneha Shahi would visit the northeastern region of India, almost every summer, where her father was stationed. And that's when she fell in love with nature. Growing up in Vadodara, Gujarat, Sneha was always a girl who showed a keen interest in environmental activities.

n love with nature. Growing up in Vadodara, Gujarat, Sneha was always a girl who showed a keen interest in environmental activities. Today, a Ph.D. scholar at the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Bengaluru, Sneha is among the 17 UN Young Climate Champions from India.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maQzojOBQ44

"Since we were in school, we have been learning how plastic waste and its irresponsible disposal harm our flora, fauna, and land water systems. While we are taught about it, most people do not do anything to reduce the impact," shared the activist, who removed about 700 kg of waste from a natural rivulet that people thought to be a gutter.

Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Extreme Hydrological Events at ATREE, Bengaluru, Sneha is gearing up to work on the restoration of the only perennial river in Tamil Nadu, Thamirabarani. "It has been only six months since I started the programme here and the project is still getting developed. The objectives currently are to restore this beautiful river, Thamirabarani, which is about 128 km long," shares Sneha, adding, "It supports drinking water and agricultural activities. We do not just want to install physical instruments to control pollution, but also create awareness about the pollution and change their mindset," shared the environmentalist.

Sagarika Sriram, climate change activist

A young 17-year-old took centre stage while top leaders from across the world gathered to discuss how they can save our planet from the changing climatic conditions at COP27, held in Egypt. Addressing her audience, the young environment activist, Sagarika Sriram, pointed out the youth’s perspective on sustainability and how youngsters can have their voices heard. Stressing how awareness must be raised in schools, her closing remarks pushed for the youth around the world to be heard when it comes to their sustainable goals, ending her speech to thunderous applause from the audience.

Called an "inspiration to all young girls in her country and West Asia” by the U.N. Environment Programme, the Dubai-based Indian ex-pat has been able to inspire and motivate numerous kids to join the movement for a cleaner and healthier future for all. Her digital platform Kids for a Better World, which the young environment activist created in 2016 as a school project, has brought together nearly 100,000 young kids from around the globe who too want to fight climate change.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPWtMtGOs-s

The environmentalist who has organised numerous local clean-up drives and workshops for kids believes that young people have to stand for the cause to prevent the impact of climate change. "I want to make a real change and contribute towards helping the planet revive. I just finished my final examinations and want to take a year's break to concentrate on the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference, COP 28, which will take place in the UAE," she shared.

Soumya Ranjan Biswal, marine conservation

Mangroves might appear to be merely coastal forests, but these rich ecosystems support the planet and living being in many ways. From providing breeding grounds for fish to carbon storage, and protection against flooding mangroves does it all. However, despite its importance, the mangrove forests are under threat. Odisha-based, 24-year-old environmentalist Soumya Ranjan Biswal has been voluntarily growing intending to regenerate the mangrove forests along the 18-km-long beach stretch for the last few years. Locally called Rai, Harakancha, Sundari, Bani, Guan, and Keruan, these plants are integral to the coastal habitat and livelihood of local fishermen.

The youngster is also working tirelessly to protect the threatened habitat of Olive Ridley turtles. From making sure eggs of the endangered species are protected from predators like dogs, jackals, and other animals, taking out cycle rallies to spread awareness among coastal inhabitants for the safety of the sea turtles to cleaning the beaches for the release of hatchlings, Soumya, fondly called Olly Boy has been doing it all. When the Odisha government agreed to have the Olive Ridley sea turtle as the mascot for the 2018 Hockey World Cup, that was when the young environmentalist decided to hold their historic one-month-long cycle expedition, paddling through coastal pockets of Rushikulya, Puri, Chilika, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore to create awareness about the protection of the turtles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeXCsE5eKEo

While Olive Ridleys are close to Soumya, he has also been working for the cause of sparrows, reviving dry water bodies in forests and keeping beaches plastic-free. "As a coastal village boy, I've always been affected by ocean and beach pollution, high mortality rates of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, and mangrove destruction which have resulted in the occurrence of consistent natural calamities. This made me feel more strongly about issues like environmental degradation, climate change, and its impact on the marine ecosystem." Soumya had said during an earlier interview. Soumya was part of the "We The Change" campaign initiated by the United Nations in India.

Hina Saifi, clean air and renewable energy activist

Working with NGOs within her village in Meerut, Hina Saifi started to work on climate awareness after noting a lack of environmental awareness in her polluted village of Sisosla. From campaigning for solar-powered solutions to mobilising local communities to tackle air pollution through public campaigns, call for action, and pamphlets, Hina has been associated with the 100% Uttar Pradesh Campaign and The Climate Agenda since 2018.

"I believe that if there’s public awareness first, then we can improve the environment. It will happen if people are aware of climate-friendly behaviours and actions. This is why I want to work in the space of public awareness and mobilization." Hina advocated during a press interaction. After she launched ‘Suraj Se Samriddhi’, a campaign to raise awareness about the benefits of solar power, Hina was selected as the United Nation Young Environment Champion last year.

Berjis Driver, sustainable urban planner

An urban planner and associate member of the Institute of Town Planners India, Berjis Driver is working with the government authorities to reduce disparities, and improve accessibility and quality of life in cities. Berjis' expertise in environmental planning was important in understanding the relationship between Mumbai’s infrastructure and its environment. As an architect, he has been contributing to statutory urban policy and guideline preparation in Mumbai and Amravati.

A UN Youth Environment Champion, Berjis advocates that the urban cities' environment has been disconnected from the ecosystem. The norms on a per capita basis track back to the 60s and 70s and are not relevant to India today. He has been working to implement the basic benchmarks for green infrastructure, with rigorous control, in every city. "The promise of being able to reach out and scale up climate action, to learn the truth behind the origins and contexts of sustainability, help navigate it favourably, and to be able to safeguard the weakest in the face of climate change, is what continues to motivate me in this journey," Berjis has shared during an interview.

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