Global Indianstory ActivistAmika George: How the Indian-origin activist ended period poverty in the UK

Amika George: How the Indian-origin activist ended period poverty in the UK

Compiled by: Team GI Youth

(September 11, 2024) “Girls Too Poor to Buy Sanitary Products Missing School” – this headline on the BBC website in 2017 was the starting point of a revolution that was set to change the course of the education system in the UK. Behind this tectonic shift was a then 17-year-old Amika George, who stumbled upon the fact that period poverty was a startling reality in not just India or Kenya, but the UK too. One in ten girls in the UK was unable to afford sanitary products. Many girls were forced to miss school every month for the lack of access to menstrual products – this shocking truth led the activist to set up Free Periods, to campaign against period poverty. It was on Instagram that the movement took off in April 2017 and soon turned into a peaceful protest outside Downing Street with a turnout of 2000 people including big names like Suki Waterhouse and Adwoa Aboah. “Even though everyone was protesting period poverty – something so horrendous – it was also a celebration of periods,” she told the Guardian in an interview. The activism carried on for almost three years, which translated into a big win in January 2020 when the British government decided to provide schools with free sanitary products.

Amika George is the founder of Free Periods.

An article that led to a revolution

An article about young girls missing up to a week’s classes in the UK every month due to the unaffordability to buy sanitary products left Amika shocked. “It seemed unfair that a natural biological process was responsible for girls falling behind. To imagine being absent from school hit me,” she told the Hindu. The fact that the girls were no different from her except for their financial background, led her to start a Free Periods petition, especially at a time when the government was rolling out tampon tax – seeing it as a luxury item.

The response was unprecedented, with girls from Asian communities and other ethnic backgrounds emailing her about their struggles during periods. They told her their families had a hard time affording two square meals, and there was no money for sanitary pads. One mail made her realise how “deeply entrenched” the taboo is after a girl wrote to her saying that she would search her parents’ wallets or sofa for coins every month to buy pads as she felt embarrassed to ask for help or talk about periods.

“I was shocked and decided to start a campaign to lobby the government, urging them to give free menstrual products to children from the lowest income families. I found support quickly and globally. So many people outreached to offer support, with many telling me that this was something they were going through and needed to be addressed.” she told Pink Parcel.

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Ensuring equal access to education for all children, irrespective of their sex was the foundation of the Free Periods movement which later turned into a legal campaign against the UK government, along with a collaboration with the Red Box Project. “Period poverty is a situation many girls and women find themselves in when they cannot afford costly period products. Globally, period poverty intersects with other forms of disadvantage, including poverty and geography. It costs young girls their education. It impacts their ability to fulfill their potential and affects their ability to secure decent jobs and lift their families out of poverty. Period poverty is an issue of gender inequality,” she wrote for UN Women.

Much-needed change

As soon as her petition attracted 1,80,000 signatures, she led a protest outside the British PM’s residence in Downing Street in December 2017. However, the journey was long with its share of ups and downs. There were times when nothing worked, and social media was the only place that kept her goals afloat as she found support from many people online. On other occasions, she kept demanding change through media interviews and school visits. To give momentum to the campaign, she launched Free Periods – a nonprofit in January 2019 – to work with human rights lawyers who could persuade the UK government to pay for menstrual products and make sure that every child in the UK attended school regularly.

The journey towards activism

Her efforts were paying off as she became the poster girl of youth activism by making it to the Time Most Influential Teens of 2018 list, and later to Teen Vogue’s 21 under 21 list. The 24-year-old, who studied Indian colonial history at Cambridge University, also became the youngest recipient of Member of the Order of the British Empire at the age of 21. However, it was nothing short of a double-edged sword for her because it was while pursuing her degree in history did, she learn about the atrocities of the British empire on Indians, and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to be a Member of its Order.

While she was born in London, her grandparents moved to the UK in the 70s, and her extended family still resides in parts of Kerala. However, after much apprehension, she decided to accept the award stating that young people of colour are underrepresented in politics and activism.

All her hard work paid off after years of determination and persistence. “That took two and a half years. I started my campaign before I could even vote, and I think that’s a testament to the fact that you can achieve change as somebody who is not represented in politics,” the Global Indian said. This gave her the confidence that activism at the grassroots level can change the course of history and motivated her to pen her first book Make It Happen to inspire others to contribute to a better world through practical steps. The step-by-step guide sheds light on every possible stepping stone from how to choose a cause to how to make allies to bring change at a time when the world needs it.

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“I’m not the loudest person in the room. Neither am I the most confident. If you’d told me four years ago, I would be speaking in front of TV cameras, or that I’d be standing alone on an open stage holding a mic on the other side of the world, I wouldn’t have believed you. But the urge to act takes over, and you feel you just have to do it. That feeling comes from something which matters to you. Whatever you want to change, whatever issue you feel is demanding to be heard, it can be you who makes it happen,” reads an excerpt from her book.

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Published on 11, Sep 2024

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Being CarryMinati – how Ajey Nagar became one of YouTube’s biggest sensations

(March 26, 2024) Some people love him, some hate him, others love to hate him. Whatever category you might be in, Ajey Nagar makes sure you just can't ignore him. Best known by his stage name, Nagar, who will turn 25 this year, is India's most followed YouTube personality in 2024, with a whopping 41.6 million subscribers on his channel, CarryMinati and another 12.1 million on his livestream gaming page, CarryisLive. This month alone, CarryMinati ranked 36 in YouTube Entertainment and 84 worldwide. In 2019, he was named one of the Next Generation Leaders by TIME Magazine, and at the age of 20, was one of the youngest on the list. CarryMinati is slapstick, very loud, and often downright silly, with his over-the-top takes on "cringe-worthy" videos he finds on Facebook and TikTok. Behind the camera, though, Nagar is an astute and savvy creator. Born and raised in Faridabad, Nagar always steps out of the house in a black hoodie, even in peak summertime, to avoid being recognised by his legion of fans. "I can't go to malls or restaurants," he told TIME. [caption id="attachment_36840" align="aligncenter" width="382"] Ajey Nagar, aka CarryMinati[/caption] In 2019, CarryMinati found worldwide fame when he dissed

ign="aligncenter" width="382"] Ajey Nagar, aka CarryMinati[/caption]

In 2019, CarryMinati found worldwide fame when he dissed Swedish YouTuber Felix Kjellberg (PewDiePie), another controversial star of content. At the time, PewDiePie was locked in a subscriber race with T-Series and released a video that mocked an Indian man speaking broken English. CarryMinati came to the rescue on January 1, 2019, with a Hindi rap video called ByePewDiePie, where he says, "one day, India will rule the world." These days, the Global Indian produces videos only in Hindi, targetting a large chunk of India's 462 million YouTube users (India has the world's largest YouTube audience, with the US a far second at 239 million).

The CarryMinati method

Ajay Nagar began making video content when he was eight years old. And the more he did it, the surer he was that it would be his life. When he completed 10th grade, his mother hoped he would prepare to study medicine, "but I knew I couldn't do it," Nagar told the Hindustan Times. "I said, 'Buy me a PC', and chose arts," he added. It was a big move for Nagar, who comes from an established, and highly educated family. His mother is a doctor, his father a lawyer and his grandfather (late Shri Gajraj Bahadur Nagar) was a Cabinet Minister in the Haryana government.

When he started out, he ran many different channels, but around 2016, focussed his attention on one of them, where he felt he had found a niche. Back then, he was just a school kid playing video games and trying to make his friends laugh by mimicking and roasting celebrities - at the time, it was Bobby Deol. Deol went by CarryDeol and would inspire Nagar's own online name, CarryMinati.

However, the process has remained the same, even though his team has grown. The first, and most time-consuming step, Nagar says, is to find the content. And it could take more than three or four days at times. "Then comes the scripting part, it is the most fun part. I lock myself up in my room for two days and focus on the script." Then comes the shooting and editing, which takes another four days. Viewers send him ideas too, his inbox is always full with links to cringe videos. In 2018, after his team "worked day and night, to get him an opportunity," CarryMinati interviewed Tom Cruise and the team of Mission Impossible 6, and that video has received 33 million views to date.

"My expectations were nothing. I only wanted 50k subscribers, a room to play my games in and to make enough money to be able to buy new games and create content," he said. His channel grew beyond his wildest dreams, though, and time and time again, Nagar, who has also matured over the years, has re-evaluated and re-strategised his offerings. He's always the over-the-top goofy kid, though but these days, he does have to be careful of what he says, given his massive reach.

Being Ajey Nagar

In front of the camera, CarryMinati is brash and unapologetic. Behind the scenes, Ajey Nagar struggles with the weight of his fame, and of catering to expectations. "I struggle with that, as I do with getting out of the house. I have the fear that once I am outdoors, I will be judged, or that even if I eat, I will ahve 10 people staring at me." He has also admitted that he struggles to walk up to strangers, even at a party, and make conversation, and is happy when they come up to him. That said, relating to people is a crucial part of what he does, because that's the source of his content. It's also essential to him having some normality in his life. "Honestly, there has been a time when I sat down and started feeling bad about myself thinking, 'Oh, poor me, I've missed out on so many things'. The love of my friends, late night rides on scooties and eating junk food at the nearby 24x7. But take a look at my life, it's not bad at all," he said in an interview.

There's also the struggle of expectations and insecurities. "When I'm working on my videos there are moments when I scrutinize my jokes, especially if I like them because I'm worried about whether the audience will find them funny or not," Nagar says. And it's a valid concern, because with his outspoken ways and his incredible reach, controversy follows him around. Just the other day, he found himself in hot water for his supposed mocking of cricketer Virat Kohli for not having an IPL trophy in his collection. RCB supporters were furious and the YouTuber went on to issue a quick clarification, saying it was merely a promotional skit where he was doing a parody of RCB fans. However, in a profession like this one, learning to deal with criticism comes with the job description. “I take criticism seriously, but only if it has value to it. Otherwise, I just really don’t have the time,” says Carry, adding, “The amount of criticism I receive, I criticise myself 10 times more for the same thing," he told Hindustan Times.

Tips for aspiring creators

Learn by observation, CarryMinati advises. "Don't observe it like an audience, rather do it as if it's your job. Observe the little things, then you will understand how someone does that stuff, then your mind will open up." When you're watching a video, he says, try and think about what went into making it - from the thought process to the methods of shooting. And, he adds, it's very slow going. Nobody is going to make a million subscribers in 100 days. "The main thing," he says, "is to keep doing it." Evolving and changing with the times is also crucial. Change and uncertainty are the only constants, and Nagar is always prepared for eventualities. "Evolve the content, figure out what works and figure new things in life. And be yourself because nobody can be you."

Follow CarryMinati on Instagram and YouTube.

Varin Sikka: The young innovator’s invention AirCat tackles carbon capture with self-sustaining tech

(October 30, 2024) Varin Sikka, a 16-year-old innovator, is advancing climate technology with his invention, AirCat, a Direct Air Capture (DAC) system designed to capture carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. AirCat addresses the high energy costs traditionally associated with DAC systems and has been in development for over three years. Sikka’s invention could play a pivotal role in climate change mitigation by offering a new solution to the ongoing issue of carbon emissions. Sikka’s journey with AirCat began in 2020 when intense wildfires near his home in California blanketed the sky in an ominous orange hue for weeks. "The wildfires brought the reality of climate change right to my doorstep," Sikka said. "Seeing it first-hand drove home the urgency of this issue." The fires had an immediate impact on his commitment to climate action, inspiring him to dedicate countless hours to developing a solution. He recognized that traditional DAC systems were often criticized for their high energy consumption, and he set out to create a more efficient alternative. [caption id="attachment_40111" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Varin Sikka[/caption] From Concept to Prototype Over the next three years, Sikka worked tirelessly to bring AirCat from concept to prototype, learning advanced math and science along

arin Sikka | Gloria Barron Prize | Global Indian" width="1024" height="768" /> Varin Sikka[/caption]

From Concept to Prototype

Over the next three years, Sikka worked tirelessly to bring AirCat from concept to prototype, learning advanced math and science along the way. "Teaching myself the technical aspects was challenging but necessary," he stated. Sikka attributes part of his progress to mentors and internships, which provided guidance and insight into navigating technical obstacles. "Having mentors who believed in my work was a huge help. They kept me motivated when things got tough," he shared.

AirCat’s primary advantage lies in its energy efficiency, which sets it apart from other DAC technologies. Unlike traditional systems, which often require large amounts of external power, AirCat is powered by the excess energy generated by wind turbines. "Many DAC systems require vast amounts of energy, which limits their feasibility," Sikka explained. "But with AirCat, the system essentially powers itself, allowing for net zero energy usage." By utilizing the power that would otherwise go to waste, AirCat provides a sustainable solution with minimal environmental impact. This self-sustaining approach has garnered attention for its potential to reduce the carbon footprint of air capture technology.

A Turning Point at COP28

In 2023, Varin Sikka took his prototype to COP28 in Dubai, where he presented AirCat to a global audience of climate experts. The event marked a significant milestone for him, as he shared his vision for AirCat at the Siemens Energy Pavilion. "Climate change isn’t a distant threat; it’s burning in our lungs, scorching our lands," he told the crowd, urging them to recognize the immediacy of the crisis. His call to action resonated with many in attendance, who saw AirCat as a promising tool in the fight against climate change.

The positive reception at COP28 opened doors for Sikka, including a potential partnership with Siemens Energy. Currently, he is working on scaling AirCat beyond the 3D-printed prototype to an industrial level. His goal is to make AirCat widely available and to deploy it in regions most affected by climate change. "I dream of AirCats helping reduce CO2 levels in developing countries where climate change impacts are most severe," he stated. This vision reflects Sikka’s commitment not just to technological innovation, but to using his work to benefit communities around the world.

Raising Awareness on Climate Solutions

Beyond AirCat’s design, Varin Sikka is passionate about raising awareness around the need for scalable climate solutions. He uses digital platforms to share the science behind carbon capture, often emphasizing the immense scale required to offset current emissions. In a recent blog post, he highlighted that removing the carbon we emit annually would require planting approximately 1.6 trillion trees, a scale that would occupy land equivalent to the size of North America. "It’s an overwhelming task," he wrote, "but it underscores the urgency of investing in technological solutions like AirCat." For Sikka, these calculations demonstrate the need for a multifaceted approach to climate change, one that includes both natural and technological methods of carbon capture.

While AirCat is currently focused on DAC technology, Sikka’s commitment to climate action extends beyond this single invention. He envisions a future where carbon capture becomes a routine aspect of industrial operations worldwide, integrated into energy infrastructures to reduce emissions. "We have the technology; what we need now is action," he emphasized. Sikka advocates for government support of carbon capture technologies, cleaner energy practices, and investments in renewable resources. His vision includes making DAC technology accessible and affordable, especially for developing nations where resources are limited. "DAC can’t just be for wealthy countries," he argued. "The places hit hardest by climate change deserve access to these tools as well."

A Future Beyond AirCat

"DAC can’t just be for wealthy countries. The places hit hardest by climate change deserve access to these tools as well." - Varin Sikka

Looking ahead, Sikka plans to introduce additional innovations to address the climate crisis. "AirCat is just the beginning," he stated. His approach combines scientific rigor with a clear vision for practical, large-scale implementation. Through AirCat and his ongoing efforts, Sikka is positioning himself as a key figure in the next generation of climate innovators. His work exemplifies the role that young inventors can play in tackling global challenges, and he remains committed to his mission. "Climate change demands our best efforts," he said. "I’m just trying to do my part."

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Divaa Uthkarsha: Diana Awardee’s Project Surya empowers kids with Type 1 diabetes

(July 23, 2023) When the wheels of the world came to a screeching halt in 2020, people saw themselves adapt to changes that the pandemic brought with itself. Amid the uncertainty and fear, a family in Bengaluru found that their 9-year-old son Surya has Type 1 diabetes. The news left his 12-year-old sister Divaa Uthkarsha shell shocked. "I had no idea what Type 1 diabetes was. My first reaction was he is just a child, how can he get Type 1 diabetes? I was shocked at my brother's diagnosis and my lack of awareness on the chronic condition," Divaa tells Global Indian. It was this knowledge deficit that prompted her to start Project Surya in 2021 to help create awareness and provide assistance to underprivileged children living with Type 1 diabetes. The initiative won her the Diana Award 2023. "It was a moment of pride because I have been putting my heart and soul into Project Surya. It is an inspiration and motivation to work harder and help more people and save more lives," adds the 15-year-old. [caption id="attachment_32064" align="aligncenter" width="726"] Divaa Uthkarsha is the founder of Project Surya[/caption] When life turned upside down In 2020, Divaa's life took a

wp-image-32064" src="https://www.globalindian.com/youth//wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_1465.jpg" alt="Divaa Uthkarsha | Global Indian " width="726" height="662" /> Divaa Uthkarsha is the founder of Project Surya[/caption]

When life turned upside down

In 2020, Divaa's life took a significant turn when her younger brother was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a condition where the body stops producing insulin. Fortunately, their doctor parents provided valuable support, guiding her to comprehend the complexities of the illness. The family as a collective took time to adjust to the new reality. "Eventually within a few months, he became independent and could manage himself," adds the teenager who accompanied her brother on all doctor visits. "I would ask them all sorts of questions and read the manuals and diet chart in detail to understand the subject. Previously, I thought diabetes only affected adults." Together, the family embarked on a journey of lifestyle changes, altering their diets and habits to accommodate Surya's needs. "It isn't just a lifestyle change but also takes a toll on mental health."

Having witnessed the challenges firsthand, Divaa gained a profound insight into the resources required and the considerable expenses associated with managing Type 1 diabetes. less privileged children lacking access to essential resources, knowledge, and proper healthcare facilities. This prompted her to contemplate the plight of the less privileged kids lacking access to essential resources, knowledge, and proper healthcare facilities. Motivated by her experiences, she founded Project Surya in June 2021, aiming to improve the quality of life for underprivileged Type 1 diabetic children residing in Karnataka.

The beginning of Project Surya

Upon joining the Future Leaders Program by 1M1B, which aims to cultivate one million young leaders impacting one billion people, Divaa embarked on her journey of conceptualising Project Surya. "After identifying our problem statement and target audience, we started working on our plan of action. We came up with solutions that were very effective, sustainable, and impacted Type 1 diabetic children in a significant way," adds the National Public School student.

Her journey in developing Project Surya involved a meticulous process of gathering insights through 30 interviews with key stakeholders, such as doctors, dieticians, and Type 1 diabetic children, alongside conducting over 500 surveys involving teenagers and ASHA workers. "It was through Samatvam Endocrinology For Science and Welfare Trust that we conducted online sessions, awareness workshops, Q & A sessions, and interactive counselling sessions with the help of an endocrinologist and raised awareness about Type 1 diabetes in a concise and scientific manner, covering essential aspects such as dietary considerations, the importance of exercise, and adjustments to insulin dosage when eating outside." Divaa discovered that many teenagers and ASHA workers lacked awareness and had misconceptions, often confusing Type 1 diabetes with general diabetes affecting older individuals." However, the sessions conducted by Project Surya helped dispel myths and equip them with the knowledge to manage diabetes effectively."

Crowdfunding and Samatvam - the helplines

Project Surya has adopted crowdfunding as its approach, successfully raising ₹1,50,000 till now. "Additionally, we are receiving $5000 from a corporate based in the US. We are also in talks with corporates for grants and CSR funding," reveals the teenager. The initiative aims to support underprivileged children with Type 1 diabetes by donating both funds and insulin syringes to Samatvam, who then distributes them.

Despite government healthcare facilities not providing free insulin, Divaa, and her team stepped in to offer low-cost insulins to these children through Samatavam. Their goal is to raise more funds to provide insulin pens, a less painful alternative to syringes, further enhancing the quality of life for these young patients.

Despite being passionate about Project Surya, many questioned her credibility initially owing to her age. "The major stakeholders that I pitched my project to initially didn't believe me. As I was only 13, many thought that this was some school project that I would get over within a few weeks. But I had to convince them how passionate I am about the cause." Fundraising, too, posed difficulties as the appreciation for the project did not always translate into donations. "Initially not many people showed up at fundraising events but then we were successful when almost 8000 people were in attendance. Right now, we are looking at accelerating the funding of the project."

Throughout the two-year journey of Project Surya, Divaa has experienced both successes and setbacks, but she has come to realise the impact that even a small step can have on someone's life. A passionate individual who enjoys playing basketball and engaging in debates, she firmly believes in seizing every opportunity that comes her way.

The impact

With the vision of making a significant impact, Project Surya took a deliberate approach, focusing on one-on-one interactions and targeting a smaller support group of 100 diabetic families over the last two years. "Directly, we have impacted 150 children and indirectly, we have impacted so many people as these children educated other children and families, thus creating a ripple effect," adds Divaa. To raise awareness about Type 1 diabetes among the masses, the initiative organized rallies, school sessions, and engaged with ASHA workers. The result was far-reaching, impacting over 2000 students through sessions held in seven schools, and creating a Domino effect of awareness as volunteers initiated drives in their schools and ASHA workers spread the word in their community. Passionate about the cause, Divaa has actively advocated for insulin tax bans and the inclusion of Type 1 diabetes in the Disabilities Act, furthering her commitment to creating a positive change.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faokCq8SsMM&t=2s

Looking towards greater sustainability, Divaa envisions implementing an "adopt a child" plan as a funding option for Project Surya, where individuals can commit to supporting a child's insulin needs for a specified period, ranging from 5 to 10 years or until the child reaches adulthood. Alongside, she plans to secure additional funds from corporates and continue fundraising efforts. "We want to provide insulin pens and more effective diabetes management resources to these kids because the resources they currently have are limited and painful."

With 95,600 cases of Type 1 diabetes affecting children under 14 years of age in India, Project Surya is determined to make a positive impact on these young lives. "From creating awareness where people under what Type 1 diabetes is, its symptoms, and the lifestyle changes they can make to keep it under check, we also focus on the mental health aspect where we talk about the stigma surrounding diabetes. The right approach and information can go a long way. And that's what we are doing," she signs off.

Follow Divaa Uthkarsha on LinkedIn
Follow Project Surya on Instagram

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From Tirupati to Troy: Jupudi Vamsi Kalyan turns vision into action with AI-powered BrightLyf

(December 20, 2024) After working for one-and-a-half years as a software developer at IBM, Jupudi Vamsi Kalyan moved to the US in 2023 to pursue a master's degree in computer science at Troy University, Alabama. During his time there, he identified a significant gap in America's mental health support system. Determined to address this, he came up with the idea of BrightLyf, an AI-powered mental health platform. BrightLyf recently won the Troy University pitch competition, earning $2,000 in prize money. For someone who has been in the US for less than two years, taking on such a crucial challenge and gaining recognition for his efforts has been a significant source of motivation for Kalyan. It has strengthened his resolve to develop innovative, solution-focused products to help society. [caption id="attachment_41055" align="aligncenter" width="677"] Kalyan received Troy University's pitch competition's first prize[/caption] “BrightLyf is currently in active development, with plans to begin operations in January 2025. We're working closely with Troy University's Psychology Department to develop and validate our AI-powered mental health platform. Our initial pilot program is scheduled for Q1 2025, followed by a public beta launch in Q3 2025,” Kalyan shares with Global Indian. A solution for young adults in the

h plans to begin operations in January 2025. We're working closely with Troy University's Psychology Department to develop and validate our AI-powered mental health platform. Our initial pilot program is scheduled for Q1 2025, followed by a public beta launch in Q3 2025,” Kalyan shares with Global Indian.

A solution for young adults in the United States

“Young adults across the United States often face weeks-long wait times for mental health services. As an international student, I experienced this firsthand, which led me to realize how widespread these accessibility challenges are—affecting students, adults, and institutions nationwide,” the 25-year-old says. Through research, he discovered that university counselling centres are often overburdened with cases. “Some students wait up to three weeks for initial appointments, while others struggle to find support during off-hours when they need it most.”

This systemic issue inspired Kalyan to combine AI technology with clinical expertise to create BrightLyf—a comprehensive support system designed to provide immediate, accessible mental health support while helping institutions better understand and serve their communities.

[caption id="attachment_41058" align="aligncenter" width="691"] Kalyan during Troy University's pitch competition[/caption]

Kalyan works closely with his co-founder, Jaydeep Patel, who brings extensive clinical mental health expertise to the table.

Their team is further strengthened by advisor John B., a seasoned CTO and healthcare executive at a leading healthcare technology company. Together, this combination of technical innovation, clinical knowledge, and healthcare industry experience forms a robust foundation to tackle the complex challenges of mental healthcare accessibility.

From India to the US

Kalyan hails from Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage. His father, Jupudi Mahesh, serves as a Village Revenue Officer in the Andhra Pradesh government, supporting the local farming community. “Growing up, I watched him serve others while my mother, Jupudi Annapurna, provided unconditional support at home. This taught me the importance of using one's skills to help people. My parents’ emphasis on education and service to society has deeply influenced my passion for solution-focused entrepreneurship,” he shares.

With aspirations for both personal and professional growth, Kalyan secured admission to Troy University after working for one-and-a-half years at his first job IBM in Bengaluru. He completed his B. Tech in Computer Science from Vel Tech University in 2021.

[caption id="attachment_41059" align="aligncenter" width="463"] Jupudi Vamsi Kalyan[/caption]

Coming closer to passion

Kalyan has always been driven by a desire to develop innovative solutions that make a meaningful difference in people's lives. The recent win at Troy University not only reaffirmed his passion but also fuelled his ambition to bring his ideas to life. “While my experience at IBM provided valuable insights into enterprise technology, my passion lies in creating innovative solutions that directly impact people's lives,” he says.

The $2,000 prize from the competition has provided the initial momentum for Kalyan and his co-founder to push BrightLyf forward. They are now actively working on incorporating the company and advancing product development. Their vision is to revolutionize how young Americans access mental health support, making it more immediate, accessible, and effective.

[caption id="attachment_41060" align="aligncenter" width="730"] Kalyan received Troy University's pitch competition's first prize[/caption]

Hopeful of entrepreneurial dream in America

While there are regulatory challenges for international entrepreneurs in the U.S., Kalyan believes innovation and determination can overcome these barriers. “The key is to build something truly valuable that addresses critical societal needs. There are various pathways available for international founders, and with proper guidance and a commitment to creating meaningful impact, these challenges become opportunities for growth,” he says with hope.

The overall life in the United States has been transformative for the youngster. He finds the entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly the support from universities and local communities, ‘extraordinary’. “Troy University's IDEA Bank and various mentors have provided invaluable guidance in developing BrightLyf.” The blend of academic excellence and entrepreneurial opportunity creates an ideal environment for innovation and Kalyan is making complete use of the opportunities and resources.

[caption id="attachment_41061" align="aligncenter" width="546"] Jupudi Vamsi Kalyan[/caption]

Making use of learnings in India and United States

Growing up in India, Kalyan witnessed firsthand how technology could bridge critical gaps in service delivery. Now, he sees an opportunity to transform mental health support on multiple levels—from personal care to family dynamics and community-wide wellness. Driven by a desire to address meaningful challenges and help millions access better mental health support, Kalyan remains motivated and focused on his vision of strengthening family bonds and community connections.

“My goal is to build BrightLyf into a comprehensive platform that not only transforms how young people access mental health services but also creates ripple effects of positive change within families and communities, fostering healthier, more connected societies,” says Kalyan, who aspires to make a lasting impact on mental healthcare by enhancing both individual support and broader community wellness.

Follow Jupudi Vamsi Kalyan on LinkedIn

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Rishabh Seen – The pioneer of sitar-metal

(January 22, 2023) In 2007, the year Rishabh Seen first heard the Foo Fighters and t their frontman, Dave Grohl, he knew his life had changed forever. "It was one of those moments where you just know that you're experiencing something that will change you," he said in an interview later. Until that point, Rishabh Seen, who belonged to an illustrious family of Hindustani musicians, had devoted himself to the classical tradition on the sitar. Steeped in tradition [caption id="attachment_26814" align="aligncenter" width="941"] Rishabh Seen[/caption] Rishabh's childhood in Jalandhar was spent immersed in music. His grandfather, Ustad Lachhman Singh Seen, is an acclaimed tabla maestro and music scholar, with his works preserved in the national archives. Rishabh's father, Manu Kumar Seen, is an accomplished sitarist. Growing up in this environment, Rishabh began vocal training at the age of six and his sitar practice started four years later. Despite the family's deep devotion to classical traditions, his father helped him understand the world of possibilities the sitar afforded him. Still, his knowledge of what lay outside classical music remained limited and Dave Grohl came as an inspiration. "It changed my entire vision about life and music in general," Rishabh said. "I discovered

im.

Still, his knowledge of what lay outside classical music remained limited and Dave Grohl came as an inspiration. "It changed my entire vision about life and music in general," Rishabh said. "I discovered that progressive metal was based on instrument-driven songs and that is the point where Indian classical and metal meet." His enthusiasm compounded when he realised there wasn't anybody out there who seemed to have had the idea of sitar-metal, or even a band led by any instrument other than a guitar, keyboard or drums.

Dave Grohl and a journey of discovery

Rishabh's own journey of discovery continued, and he went from the Foo Fighters to Slipknot and Nirvana. "It was around 2011, when I just played a metal song on the speakers. My dad, wondering what on earth was happening, came by to check on me. What was surprising was that he really enjoyed what he was listening to," he said in an interview. Technically speaking, too, the two forms of music are very different. Hindustani classical music involves playing one scale or raaga in a 45-minute concert. With metal, a single song can contain several scales.

At first, the young Global Indian's efforts were not well received. Metal was seen as dark and hairy, while the sitar receives reverence. His fortunes turned in 2015 when he released his first cover of Animals As Leaders' 'Tempting Time'. In no time, the song garnered lakhs of views. That was also the year he founded his band, Mute The Saint. They produced covers of artists like Animals as Leaders, Steven Wilson and Meshuggah and were a success. While the two genres might stand as polar opposites, to the trained and untrained year alike, Rishabh saw only common ground, a similarity "in terms of evoking an inner revolution and spreading peace."

In 2016, Mute the Saint released a self-titled album and two years later, the second, which contained a bunch of covers of Coldplay and Foo Fighters. Rishabh has performed with singer Arijit Singh and solo headlines sitar metal shows.

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