Empowering voices: Shreya Gupta, the young author making a global impact
Written by: Team GI Youth
(August 19, 2023) What were you up to when you were just a sprightly 12-year-old? Chances are, your greatest accomplishment might have been mastering that perplexing Rubik’s Cube or perhaps navigating the treacherous realm of pre-algebra. But, Canada-based author Shreya Gupta is different. This 12-year-old dynamo isn’t just diving into the realms of adventure between school bells; she’s crafting her chapter of inspiration, compassion, and change.
A burgeoning author, Shreya’s words have not only penned stories but have etched a tale of benevolence. The recent winner of the prestigious Diana Award, the author raised over CAD 12,000 through the sale of her books and donated the amount to a charity supporting girls’ education in India. She also gave about CAD 1,000 for Kids Help Phone in Canada. The young Canadian has worked hard on driving an anti-bullying campaign at her school and is also involved in events like the TCCSA RBC Future Launch. “It’s amazing to see kids being inspired by my book,” the Global Indian said in an interview while talking about her charity through books sale, adding, “I want all of my future books to raise awareness about bullying because it’s such an imperative message. I hope to inspire my readers and help them learn to cope with bullying and gain self-confidence.”
Inspired by India
Born in Cambridge, Canada to Indian immigrants, Dr. Sunjay and Sonia Gupta, Shreya has always loved reading the book. The author, who is passionate about making education accessible to young girls in developing nations, Shreya is also one of the toppers of her class at the Grand View Public School. “My goal is to inspire young girls around the world to always chase their dreams, no matter what. Unfortunately, I have been bullied myself. This is a big reason why I wanted to spread awareness about the issue. In my spare time, I enjoy sketching, reading, and writing stories,” shared the author, who also won the Mom’s Choice Award for her first book.
Her book, Flamingo Feet, is about a young girl named Aria, who has always dreamed of being a jazz dancer. When some kids bully her and call her “flamingo feet”, Aria drops out of the dance competition. “I take jazz dancing lessons which inspired me to write Flamingo Feet. I wrote it to help kids stand up to bullying and learn how to stay confident in themselves no matter what,” the author expressed.
The author went on to write another book, called The Flip Side. “I wanted to write about another issue that has been affecting youngsters. So, this book is about a young girl, called Autumn, who has just recently moved to Toronto and started at a new school. She has always loved creating animations about her pet hamster named Nibbles. When Autumn gets cyberbullied for her animations online, she gets very hurt and discouraged. The story is about how this young girl fights the odds to shape her dream,” she said.
The little philanthropist
While writing a book was born out of her passion, what could have inspired a young 10-year-old to do charity by selling her books? Well, the answer is a ‘trip to India’. “While I was in India there were a lot of kids who were coming up to me selling pens for money so they could get food. This made me very sad that many kids did not have access to basic needs like food and clothing. I wanted to do something to help out. My grandfather runs a charity that helps girls access education in developing countries like India. I decided this was a great opportunity to get involved with the charity and write a book to raise money for it,” shared the author.
Shreya with her family
Currently working on her other book, Shreya is very happy with the success of her books. “Both children and adults love my book. I feel so honoured. I wasn’t so sure that I would earn anything from them, but when I started getting the cheques, I decided that I would rather donate the earnings towards a charity called Positive and Progressive Educational Support Canada. The charity helps girls in India access education, food, and other resources that they wouldn’t normally have access to,” the author said, who is also inspiring her friends to start writing short stories.
(July 19, 2023) It was in the spring break of 2022 that the then 16-year-old Uday Bhatia embarked on a school project. His destination was the village of Bichpuri in Uttar Pradesh, where he aimed to mentor 30 students on financial literacy and ways to earn a sustainable livelihood. Little did he know that this endeavour would profoundly impact the lives of the village residents. It all began when his students turned up without homework the following day. When inquired, he learned about the frequent power outages plaguing the area, lasting between 6 to 8 hours each day, making it impossible for the students to finish their assignments. "The only alternative they had was kerosene lamps, which I found was harmful due to the release of carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide. Additionally, they posed risks of respiratory problems and eye irritation," Uday tells Global Indian. Motivated by the discovery, Uday delved into research and found that an inverter costs ₹10,000, the amount equivalent to the average income of many households in the village. This pushed him to find a low-cost solution, which he did with an emergency inverter bulb capable of providing 10 hours of power backup. The ground-breaking invention,
emergency inverter bulb capable of providing 10 hours of power backup. The ground-breaking invention, that has illuminated 5000 households till now in five states, earned him the Diana Award 2023.
[caption id="attachment_32012" align="aligncenter" width="547"] Uday Bhatia is the founder of Uday Electric[/caption]
A low-cost solution for power outages
Initially, he had no sense of direction but only a strong will to find a low-cost solution for people of Bichpuri. This led him to comb through reams of information and explore varied options like solar panels and hydropower before zeroing in on power storage system - a technology he describes simple yet complex. "I started using a lithium-ion rechargeable cell. How the bulb works is that when it's connected to a power source, the energy gets stored in the cell. During a power outage, the stored energy from the cell powers the bulb, ensuring it continues to glow," reveals Uday, who reached the solution after working on seven-eight prototypes.
However, one problem still loomed large - the limited backup time of three hours. That's when he tapped into his expertise in computer science to devise a solution. Leveraging his skills, he developed a pulse width modulation technique in conjunction with dynamic lumen technology. By implementing this approach, he found a way to extend the backup duration. "The algorithm enables one to adjust the bulb's brightness according to their requirement. The lower the brightness, the longer the backup. For instance, if someone desires a brightness level of 9 watts, they could adjust the bulb's settings from 12 watts to 9 watts, thereby granting them the freedom to control the brightness and the backup duration," says Uday who is happy that his technology caters to people across all demographics.
“For a longer backup, we decrease the brightness of the bulb. The algorithm helps the user have an optimum level of brightness based on his needs. If someone needs a 9-watt brightness, they can move it from 12 watts to 9 watts, thus giving them the freedom to control the brightness and the backup," adds Uday who is happy that his technology caters to people across all demographics. "In Uttar Pradesh, people are using it at a lower brightness, while in the Himalayas, since a new hydropower plant has come up, people are using it at a higher brightness."
The beginning of Uday Electric
It was after 24 prototypes that Uday arrived at the 10-hour backup. However, the journey over the past year has been nothing short of captivating for Uday. It all began with his humble experiments conducted on his terrace, eventually culminating in the establishment of Uday Electric in June 2022. The brand name was chosen as a blend of Uday's luminous technology and a personal touch, inspired by the meaning of his name, which signifies the rising of the sun. "I thought people in the villages would easily connect with it."
The dire situation in Bichpuri served as a catalyst for Uday's journey into sustainable energy solutions, leading to the birth of Uday Electric. Their tagline, "Bijli gul fir bhi ujaala full," encapsulates their mission. The initial six months were dedicated to intensive research and development, and later they organised their first donation drive in Kabadi Bazar in Dehradun, followed by another collaboration with the Aasra Foundation.
Uday was only 16 when he started Uday Electric, and for the most part has been the sole army behind the work, apart from an outsourcing company that helps with manufacturing. But now he plans to get an in-house team into place and start full-fledged manufacturing.
Creating brand value
Being a teenager, age did play a spoiler, however, the entrepreneur recognises the significance of brand value as a crucial stepping stone for any business. "In order to gain trust, we would offer one-year warranty for our bulbs, surpassing the standard six-month warranty provided by others. Though we were a loss-reading company initially, we distributed free bulbs to retailers for testing purposes." His resilience proved instrumental in navigating the challenges, ultimately illuminating 5000 households across Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Rajasthan, Haryana and Kerala. As a novice, he pursued three strategies - cold calling retailers in different markets to gauge demand, advertising on platforms like India Mart and conducting on-location surveys in places like Manesar industrial area and Kabadi Bazaar in Dehradun.
Uday firmly justifies the price of ₹250 for his bulbs, emphasising that he is not in direct competition with other bulbs on the market but rather with expensive power storage systems. "You either buy an inverter which costs a lot in comparison to the price of the bulb." At the onset, he bootstrapped the business, starting with an initial investment of ₹17,000 from which he produced the first 100 bulbs. "Initially, we started with the profit-making incentive and later used the sales reserves to do donation drives, since we wanted to check the consumer response first."
Making an impact
In a short span, Uday Electric has made a significant and positive impact on the lives of individuals in rural India. His vision as a value creator is to ensure that every household in rural areas has access to sufficient lighting. "And in places where electricity is yet to reach, I want to illuminate them with the help of renewable energy," he says, adding, "Uday Electric is not just a bulb but I see ourselves getting into renewable energy soon."
Uday recently received the prestigious Diana Award 2023, and while he is grateful for the recognition, he believes that the true validation for his work lies in the number of households he has illuminated. Since third grade, he was keen to run a business, as he was inspired by his dad and uncle, both entrepreneurs. "Uday Electric is my second venture, my first venture was an edtech marketplace for finding a tutor called FindOurTutor.com that I started during the pandemic," says the teenager who wants to do a double major in economics and computer science.
Uday loves to gym, run and swim in his free time, and is keen to take Uday Electric to new heights in the near future. He advises youngsters "to put your best foot forward and never give up. That's how you make a successful business."
(February 17, 2024) It was in December of 2019 that while navigating through the bustling streets of Delhi, New Jersey-based Rohan Varinakaval had to hold his breath to avoid a cloud of smog. His tryst with Delhi's smog during his visit to India to meet his sick grandfather in a hospital left him shocked. It was a paradox - he could see that the capital was home to the best healthcare but at the time it was imprisoned by pollution, a result of farmers burning crop residue which was leading to an environmental health crisis. He found that this pollution is lessening the lifespan of an average Delhiite by nearly a decade. "Amidst this haze, thousands of students persistently attended school, their commitment to education unwavering. Students, even those with conditions such as asthma, were subjecting themselves to these toxic surroundings," said Rohan, who saw a void in the realm of air quality monitoring. This led him to take action, and he developed myAQI. Unlike regular monitors that only give air quality readings, myAQI does more. It gives schools easy advice based on current data. Instead of just knowing pollution levels, principals can get helpful tips like 'Keep students inside
It began when Rohan realised that smog permeates through classrooms and even makes indoor learning environments safe, and the absence of air conditioning and filtration systems, it accelerates the risk. "Discussions with friends and family indicated that despite this grim scenario, the severe pollution was not being accorded priority, and school administrators were unable to address the health risks involved," he added.
On delving deeper, he found that air quality monitoring devices only provide data but do not interpret air quality data. Moreover, their usage in Indian schools was almost negligible. "They received current air quality figures, but no practical steps to counter the problem," revealed Rohan.
Passionate about engineering solutions, he was keen to find a solution. He spent countless hours talking to school leaders in both the US and India, making the app fit their needs, and fixing problems that popped up during testing the first version. So, using a particulate matter sensor and microprocessor, he created myAQI - a small, affordable air quality monitoring device designed especially for Indian schools. But what makes it different is its adaptability as Rohan understood that pollution affects people differently. Those who already have health problems like asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and COPD are more likely to get sick from bad air. His device helps provide customised recommendations for these sensitive groups, thus ensuring that everyone in the school, even those with health problems, stay safe.
"School administrators can install a myAQI device within their premises, register via an Android app, and obtain summaries of the air quality data. The most significant feature of the app, though, is its ability to offer recommendations for appropriate action based on the prevailing air quality and trends. It also allows administrators to view separate sets of suggestions tailored for different student populations with specific respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and COPD," he added.
The Indian-American teen wants school leaders to use myAQI to help shape school rules, make smarter choices about dealing with air quality, and understand pollution levels inside their buildings better. His device can sit in a classroom and gather data from a small area, so leaders can put it where it's most needed.
Till now, the student at the Pingry School in New Jersey has distributed the device to ten schools in India, which include a total of over 16,000 students and is flooded with requests from many more schools. In the future, he wants to expand his project by providing several devices to each school. Additionally, he aims to inspire more young innovators to address environmental challenges globally.
It was in December of 2019 that while navigating through the bustling streets of Delhi, New Jersey-based Rohan Varinakaval had to hold his breath to avoid a cloud of smog. His tryst with Delhi's smog during his visit to India to meet his sick grandfather in a hospital left him shocked. It was a paradox - he could see that the capital was home to the best healthcare but at the time it was imprisoned by pollution, a result of farmers burning crop residue which was leading to an environmental health crisis. He found that this pollution is lessening the lifespan of an average Delhiite by nearly a decade. "Amidst this haze, thousands of students persistently attended school, their commitment to education unwavering. Students, even those with conditions such as asthma, were subjecting themselves to these toxic surroundings," said Rohan, who saw a void in the realm of air quality monitoring.
This led him to take action, and he developed myAQI. Unlike regular monitors that only give air quality readings, myAQI does more. It gives schools easy advice based on current data. Instead of just knowing pollution levels, principals can get helpful tips like 'Keep students inside during recess' or 'Open windows.'
It began when Rohan realised that smog permeates through classrooms and even makes indoor learning environments safe, and the absence of air conditioning and filtration systems, it accelerates the risk. "Discussions with friends and family indicated that despite this grim scenario, the severe pollution was not being accorded priority, and school administrators were unable to address the health risks involved," he added.
On delving deeper, he found that air quality monitoring devices only provide data but do not interpret air quality data. Moreover, their usage in Indian schools was almost negligible. "They received current air quality figures, but no practical steps to counter the problem," revealed Rohan.
Passionate about engineering solutions, he was keen to find a solution. He spent countless hours talking to school leaders in both the US and India, making the app fit their needs, and fixing problems that popped up during testing the first version. So, using a particulate matter sensor and microprocessor, he created myAQI - a small, affordable air quality monitoring device designed especially for Indian schools. But what makes it different is its adaptability as Rohan understood that pollution affects people differently. Those who already have health problems like asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and COPD are more likely to get sick from bad air. His device helps provide customised recommendations for these sensitive groups, thus ensuring that everyone in the school, even those with health problems, stay safe.
"School administrators can install a myAQI device within their premises, register via an Android app, and obtain summaries of the air quality data. The most significant feature of the app, though, is its ability to offer recommendations for appropriate action based on the prevailing air quality and trends. It also allows administrators to view separate sets of suggestions tailored for different student populations with specific respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and COPD," he added.
The Indian-American teen wants school leaders to use myAQI to help shape school rules, make smarter choices about dealing with air quality, and understand pollution levels inside their buildings better. His device can sit in a classroom and gather data from a small area, so leaders can put it where it's most needed.
Till now, the student at the Pingry School in New Jersey has distributed the device to ten schools in India, which include a total of over 16,000 students and is flooded with requests from many more schools. In the future, he wants to expand his project by providing several devices to each school. Additionally, he aims to inspire more young innovators to address environmental challenges globally.
(September 14, 2023) How many of us are comfortable with dancing in public? And how many would do so without inhibition, to break gender stereotypes for art? 23-year-old Jainil Mehta has captivated Instagram, thanks not only due to his great dance moves but also because of his fashion choices! He has taken the streets of New York by storm, matching his steps to Bollywood numbers, and rocking them in colourful skirts. Mehta’s dance to Jume Re Gori from Gangubai Kathiawadi went viral with over 17 million views, while many of his reels including Saami Saami from Pushpa were widely appreciated. Mehta’s journey is much more than making an Instagram reel. It is about living a dream, shedding centuries old stereotypes and inspiring others to follow their passion, no matter the hurdles on the way. That he gets a million likes in the process is an added bonus! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jainil Mehta (@jainil_dreamtodance) Dancing star Jainil Mehta had quite a sheltered life due to health concerns which restricted his activities and diet. “Despite my initial shyness as a child, I never compromised on my deep-seated love for dance, which has been a
Jainil Mehta had quite a sheltered life due to health concerns which restricted his activities and diet. “Despite my initial shyness as a child, I never compromised on my deep-seated love for dance, which has been a significant part of my life from a young age.” he recalls, in an interview with Global Indian.
At 18, the youngster relocated to the United States to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance at the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, part of the University of Southern California. Subsequently, he moved to New York City to work with the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, specializing in Contemporary dance styles. Currently, I am a freelance dancer, performer, teacher, and choreographer.
From Garba nights to the Glorya Kaufman School
As a Gujarati, Navratri has always held a special place in Mehta’s heart. “The festival's vibrant colors, richness, and the joy of Garba have consistently appealed to me. My dance journey began at the age of 5 when my mother enrolled me in Garba Folk Dance classes.” he reminiscences. He later transitioned to Shiamak Davar International, where he spent 12 years honing his skills in ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, and Bollywood.
One memory which puts a smile to the dancer’s face is recalling the times in his childhood, when he often put on living room performances for my family. He smiles, “I distinctly remember one performance where, in the middle of a twirl, I lifted one of my skirts above my head, holding it with my hands. My grandfather was so delighted that he gave me 500 rupees. This skirt performance was fueled by my fascination for skirts.”
However, as Mehta grew older, he felt some uneasiness and insecurity about dancing in a skirt. It wasn't until he moved to New York in 2021 that he embraced wearing skirts again for his dance performances. “My first adult performance in a skirt was, fittingly, a Garba performance dedicated to Navratri, focusing on the theme of unified love transcending gender boundaries.” he shares.
The concept for his first video came during Navratri, when he wanted to show the love between Radha and Krishna as one. In the video there are two guys wearing skirts and Mehta was one of them. “You cannot identify who is Radha and Krishna. And that was the whole magic of that.” he notes. That video birthed his popular dance series #MenInSkirts.
Blurring boundaries
Twirling in brightly coloured skirts, Jainil Mehta has chosen the garment as his signature outfit. “I chose skirts for their flowing and graceful qualities. When I dance, the skirt acts like wings, adding a beautiful texture to my movements with its flares.” he says. He picks up skirts based on multiple criteria - the song he is performing, the vibe of the music and the texture of the garment.
When Mehta first started performing in public places wearing a skirt, he was quite apprehensive about people's reactions. Therefore, his initial skirt dance videos were shot in a studio, even though people would ultimately view them on Instagram. He says, “However, my love for outdoor performances gradually made me more carefree about dancing in public while wearing a skirt. Building confidence took time, but I now relish the experience, despite occasional challenges like traffic and weather conditions. Dancing in a natural environment is truly exhilarating for me.”
With his videos garnering millions of views, not all reactions are positive. There are homophobic comments as well as those who belittle the dancer. Mehta’s reaction is matter-of-fact and he says, “While I have encountered negative and hateful comments more recently, I choose to focus on the positive feedback and consider these negative comments as distractions. Many people draw inspiration from my choice, which fuels my determination to keep going.”
The artist’s biggest challenge initially was reaching his audience effectively. He states, “There were periods when my videos struggled to reach the intended viewers. Over time, I've learned that conveying my message in various ways can resonate with the audience.”
His confidence is evident as one scrolls down his social media feed. He appears more comfortable, in sync with his passion and at ease with the camera. Even the content has transformed – while initially, it primarily revolved around dancing, now he shares insights into his life, preferences, attire, and experiences.
Exploring the profound through art
Ask him why he does what he does and Mehta says, “If even one person is influenced by my journey, I am eager to share it.” A dedicated workaholic, his passion for dancing has been a constant driving force throughout his life and his current focus is to travel and establish a professional dance education program in India that higher education opportunities for students pursuing dance as a career.
[caption id="attachment_33069" align="aligncenter" width="683"] Jainil Mehta in NYC[/caption]
Fueled by passion and creative, Mehta’s journey is an inspiration. Navigating life's challenges, seeking truth and self-realization, his medium of expression is a profound exploration not only for himself but for his millions of viewers.
His advice to youngsters who want to follow their dreams? With passion, it's crucial to maintain a degree of dispassion to develop compassion. Continue doing what you love and invest in your training. Turning your dreams into reality is not a mere fantasy; it's a goal you can actively work towards achieving.
(December 13, 2023) Arundhati Banerjee, the trailblazing Miss Teen Diamond Australia 2019, and the Lifetime Miss Diamond Ambassador shattered norms and made history as the first Indian-origin teenager to claim the prestigious title. Beyond pageantry and modelling, she champions causes, excels as an Indian classical dancer, and advocates for women's rights and sustainability. Recognised as the 'Emerging Leader (2020)' by the South Australian Government, Arundhati has passionately fundraised to support individuals with Down syndrome. Rooted in her Indian heritage, the 20-year-old who is pursuing education at Griffith University in Australia, has made the Indian diaspora of the country proud by her accomplishments. As a fashion model, Arundhati has been on the cover pages of renowned magazines in Australia, the United States, India, and Africa. She has showcased her dancing talent at numerous national and international festivals across Australia such as the OzAsia Festival, International Indian Film Festival in Melbourne, International Folkloric Festival to name a few. [caption id="attachment_34610" align="aligncenter" width="637"] Arundhati Banerjee[/caption] Breaking barriers In 2019, Arundhati Banerjee became the first Indian teenager to win the Miss Teen Diamond Australia title. The Miss and Mr Diamond International & Australia goes beyond the conventional beauty pageant concept. It serves as a
_n-683x1024.jpg" alt="Indian Model | Arundhati Banerjee | Global Indian" width="637" height="955" /> Arundhati Banerjee[/caption]
Breaking barriers
In 2019, Arundhati Banerjee became the first Indian teenager to win the Miss Teen Diamond Australia title. The Miss and Mr Diamond International & Australia goes beyond the conventional beauty pageant concept. It serves as a community hero initiative, aiming to establish a platform where individuals of all ages can fundraise and advocate for causes dear to them. Securing seven additional titles within the pageant, aside from claiming the overall title, Arundhati became the first Indian-origin teenager to achieve this prestigious honour, all while balancing her commitments as a high school student during that time.
“I went in with the purpose of just spreading love and gratitude and to gain some experience. I was very fortunate to win and I'm very happy that I'm able to say that I'm Miss teen Australia 2019,” she said in an interview. She was later selected as the Lifetime Miss Diamond Ambassador in 2021.
Arundhati achieved another significant milestone in 2021 by securing a place among the top 30 contestants in the prestigious Australian Super Model of the Year (ASOTY) competition. “I joined it for the message that it conveys – the message of sisterhood, diversity and inclusivity and speaking about the issues of those who are discriminated on basis of colour and creed,” she said adding, “After weeks and months of selection process I was lucky and fortunate enough to be selected as one of the 30 contestants and work as a network of sisters for rebuilding the society as women working together instead of pitted against each other. That’s what attracted me to associate myself with the pageant.”
In a remarkable achievement, Arundhati who is also a trained Indian classical dancer and performer, was honoured with the 'Emerging Leader (2020)' award by the South Australian Government on Australia Day for her contribution in the fields of art and humanitarian services. While the youngster cherishes all her accomplishments, it is the prestigious Emerging Leader award in Australia that she is proudest of. “Being a woman of colour, getting that award was really very special to me and initially I couldn’t believe that I have really got it,” she remarked adding, “I want to open more doors for others to rise in life with my titles”.
Modelling for giving back
In the course of her journey in pageantry, the Global Indian has successfully fundraised more than AUD $3850 for the charitable organisation, emotion 21, dedicated to aiding young adults and children with Down syndrome. She is also associated with CanTeen, Cancer Council, and Foodbank.
Arundhati serves as the brand ambassador for the boutique firm Bridal Fusion Mascia, aligning with her core values of inclusivity, diversity, and body positivity. Passionate about sustainability, she advocates for eco-friendly fashion and slow clothing through her partnership with South Australian brand NoRuYeLo, promoting a message of saying 'No to Rubbish, Yes to Love.' Additionally, she has been at the ramp for Lorna Jane at BU Fashion to support fundraising efforts for victims of domestic violence. Committed to giving back, she volunteered with the Rotary Club's Cold Plunge initiative, dedicated to raising funds for the homeless.
Before securing the Miss Teen Diamond Australia title in 2019, Arundhati had triumphed as the winner of the Miss Glamour Genic-Supreme Talent competition in 2018.
Recognised as a dedicated dancer and 'Arttrepreneur,' she is also the founder of the dance academy, AIDA Bharatanatyaved in Adelaide, South Australia. Proficient in three classical Indian dance forms - Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi - Arundhati has tried to make these art forms popular. “I feel happy that through my dance I am able to showcase the beauty of my Indian roots and culture to a multicultural audience in Australia,” she remarked.
Her expertise in Indian classical dance was honed under the tutelage of esteemed gurus, including the renowned Padmashree Shobana Chandra Kumar, an award-winning actress, dancer, and choreographer, from whom she learned Bharatanatyam.
Since most of her gurus are based in India, Arundhati’s dance classes have mostly been on zoom or Skype. The youngster is grateful to her gurus’ patience in teaching her in online mode. However, since she had moved to Australia from India at the age of 11 owing to her father’s transfer, she had picked up the basics of dancing before migrating.
Spreading positivity
Arundhati looks at her achievements as a starting point for her greater goals. Her aim extends beyond personal success. The multi-talented youngster wants her efforts to positively impact the community and serve as inspiration, especially for young people, so that they get encouraged to aim higher.
“I want to instigate change, build something meaningful, and leave a lasting impact, creating a legacy for future generations to surpass,” she says.
The fashion model believes in the inherent beauty of individuals regardless of their appearance – colour and body type. “Clothes fit you, you don't fit the clothes,” she said, advocating the idea that clothes should complement one's body rather than the other way around, especially when women are increasingly facing challenges finding clothes that suit them.
In love with her ‘Indian-ness’
“I was born in India and spent the first 11 years of my life there before I moved to Australia,” tells Arundhati who embraces her ‘Indian-ness’ with élan, and ‘loves everything about India’. “My love for theatre, music and other forms of art stems from my cultural roots.”
The Indian-origin youngster received recognition for her contributions to promoting art and multiculturalism, and was honoured with the Multicultural Award by the International Film & Entertainment Festival Australia at the New South Wales Parliament. Additionally, her impactful involvement in arts and fashion earned her the Highflyer Achiever - NRI Award at the Milestone Global Awards.
(May 28, 2024) On May 19, when Kaamya Karthikeyan and her father, an Indian Navy Commander S Karthikeyan were hours away from Camp 4 in Mount Everest, at an elevation of 7,950 metres (26,085 feet) — they were greeted by extremely heavy winds, laden with small pieces of snow which cut through their skin. It fogged up their glasses, making it difficult to walk through what was already a precarious route. Braving it all, the 16-year-old and her father reached Camp 4. As the night approached, the ferocity of winds increased drastically as they set their sights on the summit. Several hours later, both were on top of the world — against all odds. “At Camp 4, we were extremely nervous as our oxygen supplies were limited and we could not afford to spend another night there (due to the worsening weather). Thankfully, the weather cleared up slightly early morning and we were finally able to leave for the summit,” smiles Kaamya Karthikeyan, the second youngest girl in the world and the youngest Indian mountaineer to summit the world’s highest peak from the Nepal side. She accomplished the mission on May 20. Speaking exclusively to Global Indian from Kathmandu, hours after descending from Mount
ndian.com/youth//wp-content/uploads/2024/05/kaamya-1--1024x1024.png" alt="Indian Mountaineer | Kaamya Karthekiyan | Global Indian Youth" width="594" height="594" />
Speaking exclusively to Global Indian from Kathmandu, hours after descending from Mount Everest, Kaamya says she was extremely excited and somewhat in disbelief after reaching the summit. “Thankfully, I was still feeling strong and was able to converse clearly. Being able to talk to my mom from the summit was definitely an amazing experience,” says Kaamya, class XII student of Navy Children School, Mumbai.
Sitting in Mumbai, her mother Lavanya Karthikeyan was both excited and relieved after having a brief conversation with her daughter and husband over satellite phone.
The father-daughter duo left for the summit at 3 am from Camp 4. “We reached Camp 4 around 1:30 pm on May 19 and we were supposed to leave for the summit around 9:30 that night. But bad weather played spoilsport. Once it improved slightly, we left at 3 am,” she informs.
Just 24 hours after Kaamya achieved the feat, a British climber and his guide, who too summitted Everest went missing during descent and have not been found since.
Prepping up for Everest
Kaamya says the physical preparation for summitting Mount Everest was very strenuous. “ we would go on long runs or cycling thrice a week. On other days, we climbed the stairs of our 21 floor building 10-15 times with a bagpack!,” informs the mountaineer.
Other than that, Kaamya had also been reading a lot about the expedition and details of the climb to mentally prepare herself for the long expedition.
Mt Vinson Massif next
Having conquered Mount Everest, Kaamya has now set her sights on Mt Vinson Massif, the highest mountain in Antarctica. “I will be leaving for Antarctica in December this year,” she informs adding that she intends to climb many more peaks in the Himalayas in the near future.
[caption id="attachment_9220" align="aligncenter" width="559"] Kaamya Karthikeyan at the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro[/caption]
Under the umbrella of Mission SAHAS, Kaamya had previously climbed the highest peaks of Africa (Mt Kilimanjaro), Europe (Mt Elbrus – where she set the world record for being the world’s youngest to ski descent from the peak), Australia (Mt Kosciuszko) and South America (Mt Aconcagua). “I also climbed Mt Mentok Kangri in Leh in 2019, summitting my second 6,000 metres plus peak as a practice climb prior to climbing Aconcagua,” says Kaamya, who is an avid runner, cyclist, skier and scuba diver.
Mt Aconcagua
As a 12-year old, Kaamya had scaled Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain peak of Andes mountains. In early 2020, she travelled halfway around the world to reach Mendonza in Argentina — the base town for Mount Aconcagua.
Accompanied by her father, the mountaineer was to obtain a special permit from the Aconcagua National Park to scale the highest mountain peak of the Andes mountains. Yet, within hours of her arrival, she was confronted by a mountain of challenges, not just the permit. As a minor, the authorities wanted a resolution from the court.
“Will a 12-year-old be able to climb this mountain peak?” the court enquired, ordering a series of medical tests. Stranded for 14 days, experiencing red-tapism on foreign soil, finally luck favoured Kaamya. The judge went on leave, was replaced, and he fortuitously was a mountaineer himself! He swiftly went through Kaamya’s credentials and granted her a permit. Overcoming all challenges, Kaamya made India proud by becoming the youngest in the world to summit Mt Aconcagua.
Conquering Aconcagua brought laurels her way – The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for her remarkable feat, and she was the first to virtually interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2020. “I was elated. The PM advised me to treat this award as a stepping stone for future accomplishments and not as an achievement by itself,” says the teenager, who actively participated in debating. She is also the first runner-up at Mindwars — a debating TV championship.
Trekking Himalayas at seven
Born in Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) in August 2007, Kaamya was barely three when she started accompanying her parents on trails in Lonavala, where her father Navy commander S Karthikeyan was posted. By seven, she was trekking the Himalayas.
Her first expedition above 6,000 meters to Mount Stok Kangri in August 2017 made her the youngest girl in the world to have scaled a peak at those dizzy heights. “Scaling this peak three days short of my 10th birthday was special. I had been to the base in 2012 when my dad was climbing it, and had wondered when I would climb it too. There I was, after five years,” says Kaamya, then 14.
Her father had completed his mountaineering courses and was training in and around Lonavala. Both Kaamya and her mother would accompany him on easy trails, and that is where her love for the wild was cemented.
First trek
Once her father started leading expeditions, his daughter wondered why mountains attracted her father so much to leave the family for days on end. She asked her mother, and “she told me to find out first-hand. So I did my first Himalayan trek in Uttarakhand,” says Kaamya, whose mother Lavanya Karthikeyan heads a Kindergarten school.
She explored beautiful treks across Chandrashila, Kedarkantha, Roopkund, Brighu Lake, Har-ki-dun and Sar Pass.
[caption id="attachment_9222" align="aligncenter" width="559"] Kaamya Karthekiyan with her parents at Mt Stok Kangri[/caption]
In May 2017, she trekked to the Everest base camp. After climbing Stok Kangri, the Indian girl mountaineer asked her father what next. He questioned whether she even realises that she had climbed a peak higher than the highest peaks in five of the seven continents!
Training
Training for expeditions is tough. Kaamya would run over 10 km or cycle for 20-25 km four days a week. On other days, she would do indoor exercises or climb stairs at her 21-storeyed apartment complex in Mumbai (helped train her muscles). And on weekends, a trek on the Sahyadri mountains helped with balance training.
Gulmarg has been her winter training ground for the past six years. “In early 2021, I had the opportunity to train with the Army’s High Altitude Warfare School where I practiced techniques like walking with trekking shoes, skis and sledge pulling,” informs the hardworking girl who has also participated in the junior national skiing and snowboarding championship in Gulmarg.
In the tough terrain of Arunachal Pradesh, she also did a basic mountaineering course from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. The future is bright, and peaking Kaamya’s schedule is packed in 2022-2023. “I hope to climb Mt Denali (the highest peak in North America) and ski to the South Pole.”
Meeting a legend
Before her expedition to Mt Elbrus, she had the opportunity to meet legendary naval mountaineer Captain MS Kohli, the leader of the first successful Indian expedition to Everest in 1965. “He told me whenever I felt tired on a mountain, I should always look back instead of looking ahead — advice that has greatly helped me,” says Kaamya who is also learning Bharatnatyan, and is a grade 2 and grade 5 pass piano player (Trinity College of Music). “I enjoy the journey, not just the destination. I love being in nature’s lap and pushing myself. I like the competition within – it keeps me going,” says the girl whose mother was her trekking-partner early on, and now with climbs getting tougher, treks with her father. She thanks her school for being supportive too.
Dangers
Mountain climbing has its own perils, and Kaamya recalls an avalanche hit her group during her recent expedition on Mt Trishul in October 2021. “Sadly, we lost a few close friends but thankfully we returned safe. It has made me more respectful of the mountains, and more determined. Mission SAHAS is my way of paying tribute to the lost souls,” says Kaamya, who loves reading adventure/crime thrillers, the Famous Five series by Enid Blyton, and Agathe Christie.
Her idea of a birthday celebration is to take her friends for a hike! “The path to the summit is not easy. But if I can do it, so can you,” smiles the mountaineer who always carries a small idol of Lord Krishna, and always bring down something special from each expedition as a souvenir.
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Kaamya Karthikeyan at the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro[/caption]
Kaamya Karthekiyan with her parents at Mt Stok Kangri[/caption]