Diana Awardee Aditi Gera rose above toxicity to find sisterhood through Empowerette
Written by: Amrita Priya
(April 15, 2022) “All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me..,” said legendary American animator, Walt Disney, on the many challenges he overcame on his journey to success. For the 21-year-old Aditi Gera, early life wasn’t uncomplicated either. The founder of Empowerette, Aditi recalls dealing with her share of hardships in school. “We were all girls but there was a lack of support and immense toxicity, with people competing with each other,” says she in a conversation with Global Indian. Her initiative to bridge gaps in accessibility and opportunity for young, marginalised girls led her to win Diana Award in 2020. She has also been recognised as Ashoka Young Changemaker, and has been conferred Lead Like a Girl fellowship from Shenomics.
Aditi Gera, founder, Empowerette
Rising above adversity
“There was an air of negativity and the absence of empathy, not just among students but from the teachers as well,” says the young changemaker. With Empowerette, she wants to establish a sense of sisterhood that she found sorely lacking. “Women should lift each other up, instead of pulling one another down,” says she.
Aditi saw many women being forced to compromise on their ambitions and passions while remaining within the patriarchal and hierarchical societal structure that reigns in India. “My grandmother had roots in Pakistan. She came from an economically backward family with many siblings. She was married off at 12 and my grandfather was almost thrice her age,” she mentions.
It was deeply disturbing when the youngster came to know about it. In contrast, at age 12, Aditi was playing state-level basketball. “It changed my perspective on how women are positioned in our society,” she says.
The young changemaker describes her mother as a “highly intelligent, ambitious and smart woman. I have always looked up to her.” She compromised on a career in the field of medicine in order to stay home and raise the kids. “To her, it seemed like a natural transition but I feel she could have done a lot more in her life.”
Building a sisterhood
“A few years ago, I saw niece of my househelp being married off to a person who was nearly double her age. Clearly, things haven’t changed much since my grandmother’s time. It compelled me to start Empowerette,” says the changemaker.
She and her team execute a one-on-one mentorship program enabling young girls in government schools to build their own identities and perceive themselves as leaders. “The programme is designed on a cohort-based model where we focus on developing leadership, confidence, communication and other career skill sets while paying attention to every individual’s emotional well-being,” Aditi explains.
After graduating as a finance major, Aditi has been working as a senior associate at Razorpay since the last four months. While enjoying the exposure at her maiden job, she devotes her weekends to Empowerette.
The empowerment journey
Aditi began Empowerette with four friends who were aligned with its vision. To carry forward the activities, they identified a government girls’ school in their town, Ujjain. The pupils of this school are from rural areas and stay at the school hostel. However, convincing school authorities to believe in a bunch of nineteen-year-olds who wanted to add value to their students was an uphill task. The hostel warden, however, stepped up and made an effort to understand the intent behind their initiative. She also got the school management to agree to the proposal.
Today, Empowerette has grown to a team of seven, with plans to bring a couple of paid interns on board as well. All seven members have supported the cause as volunteers.
Mentoring young students
Empowerette is associated with two campuses catering to 120 girls in all. Around three hours every weekend are devoted to working with them. The process involves personality development with a focus on their leadership skills, improving communication skills and encouraging their curiosity and ability to dream.
The girls are taught societal norms and values to give them an informed vision so that they can contribute to society. They are also taught subjects like politics, healthcare, economic development and made aware of issues like climate change, and women’s rights. “The girls themselves asked if they could be taught English, so we made that part of the Empowerette curriculum as well,” Aditi says.
Motivation is key
“The idea is to maintain an engagement with these girls for as long as possible because changing a mindset takes time and cannot happen in a matter of weeks or even months,” Aditi maintains. The team did not compromise on communication with the girls even during the pandemic. They conducted regular sessions over the phone to keep track of their growth and emotional well-being.
“Since the Empowerette team works voluntarily, keeping their excitement alive is paramount. The curiosity of the mentees also needs to be constantly stoked. Learning and developing new qualities is never easy considering the fact that the girls have been born into hardship. It’s not a cakewalk to make them believe that the world is waiting for them,” Aditi says, “If only they are able to present themselves to it.”
On the personal front
Aditi wants to take up both business as well as social entrepreneurship in future. Her father, a businessman, is fully supportive of his daughter’s dreams. The young changemaker also sees herself advocating for women’s rights in the future and draws huge inspiration from women who have made a difference. “I really admire women in politics and those who have fought for the rights we now enjoy. One such person is Savitribai Phule. Girls in India are able to access basic education because she fought for these rights,” says the youngster.
Aditi with her mother
Aditi is an avid reader with a special inclination toward poetry by Tony Morrison, Mary Oliver, and the likes. With formal training in guitar and keyboard, she uses the instruments as a medium of rejuvenation. Though basketball has been her passion, a sudden interest in tennis is keeping her on toes, literally. In active support of a more equal world, Aditi is keen to take Empowerette to great heights by widening its reach.
(April 11, 2024) "Aconcagua, we came, we saw, we conquered," said Ayaan Saboor Mendon after becoming the youngest mountaineer to ascend Mt. Aconcagua at the age of 9 years and 6 months, this February. "Being on top of the world at such a tender age is amazing," he mentioned on social media. Ascending about 20,000 feet of the highest peak in the Americas was tough. "Despite facing challenging weather conditions and strong winds that prompted us to prioritise safety over reaching the peak, every moment of this journey was cherished," said the climber. This is not the first feat of the Indian-origin, Dubai-based mountaineer. Last year, at the age of eight, he had scaled Mount Elbrus in Europe. Before that, he had ascended Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mount Kosciuszko in Australia and Mt Everest base camp in Nepal. [caption id="attachment_37089" align="aligncenter" width="647"] Ayaan Saboor Mendon[/caption] Climbing high with encouragement and support of parents Given his young age, the mountaineer is always accompanied by his parents on mountaineering expeditions. "Immense thanks to Mom, Dad, my guides, and all those who contributed to making this unforgettable expedition possible. I am deeply grateful that my parents not only support me but also prioritise
Given his young age, the mountaineer is always accompanied by his parents on mountaineering expeditions. "Immense thanks to Mom, Dad, my guides, and all those who contributed to making this unforgettable expedition possible. I am deeply grateful that my parents not only support me but also prioritise my well-being and health throughout all my climbs," he had remarked after the Mt. Aconcagua expedition, adding, "Your presence in this milestone means the world to me. Here's to embarking on the next adventure."
The young mountaineer has inherited the love for climbing from his parents, Vani Mendon and Saboor Ahmad.
The American expedition
During the arduous Aconcagua expedition in America, Ayaan successfully climbed up to 19,600 feet on the daunting slopes of the mountain which stands at a towering height of 22,838 feet.
With just 3,000 feet, Ayaan was ready to become the youngest person in the world to summit the peak but they faced adverse weather conditions during the journey.
With wind speeds expected to exceed 65 km/h for three consecutive days, his parents decided to prioritise Ayaan’s safety over continuing with the ascent.
“Considering the unfavourable weather conditions and the inherent risks associated with climbing, particularly for someone of my age, we opted against it. We were quite apprehensive; the conditions made it challenging for us to even walk,” the Dubai based climber shared in an interview with Khaleej Times.
“Even though his slender frame could not proceed, his resilience and determination shone through. It is nothing short of an impressive record in itself,” remarked Ayaan’s mother, Vani.
This was the young mountaineer's third major attempt and it began on a high note. At the Aconcagua Base Camp, he had a chance encounter with his idol - Nirmal Purja MBE, a Nepal-born naturalised British mountaineer who achieved the remarkable feat of summiting 14 peaks in just six months. Impressed by the young boy, Purja inquired about his identity. Coincidentally, Ayaan was clad in the mountaineering gear from Purja's own brand.
Their journey commenced on January 21, with the family planning to reach the summit after 20 days on February 11, navigating through various checkpoints leading to the peak. Ayaan found himself among a group of over 5,000 individuals attempting to summit the peak, making him the youngest among them. All others were at least 16 years old, requiring him to obtain court approval. The application process for this had begun last year.
Past milestones
At the age of eight, Ayaan successfully scaled Mount Elbrus in Europe last year. Expressing gratitude to their guide, he had remarked, “A special shout-out goes to our exceptional guide, who proved to be our guardian angel amidst dangerous weather conditions. Your support, knowledge, and quick thinking saved our lives and made this experience memorable.”
Despite aiming to reach the peak within eight days, the young hiker had completed the ascent of the 5,642-metre-high peak in just five days. Prior to this achievement, he had already scaled Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mount Kosciuszko in Australia and Mt Everest base camp in Nepal.
Additionally, he had participated in Tough Mudder (an endurance event series in which participants attempt 10-to-12-mile-long obstacle courses) and Spartan races (a series of obstacle races of varying difficulties). With these early achievements, his ambitions to conquer the mountains had only grown.
The student of North London Collegiate School in Dubai undergoes intense training sessions to prepare for his mountain adventures. It involves activities like treadmill jogging, walking with heavy weights, pushing sledges, and completing hurdle courses. While these activities may seem demanding for a boy who is not even 10, it's precisely this dedication that makes him a mountaineer at such a tender age.
He also quite often explores the hills of Hatta and Ras al Khaimah in UAE to hone his skills.
Giving back
The mountaineer is good at saving money. Last year he was deeply moved when he heard about the innocent people dying in the Gaza conflict. Before that he did not know much about the wars. He had Dh8,000 in savings from his expedition awards. Upon discussions with his parents and tutor when Ayaan learned about the suffering children and families, he donated the amount to help them out in his own little way.
Aiming high
Full of ambitions and fascination for mountaineering, the young achiever has his future expedition goals set.
He aims to conquer the peaks of the Himalayas by the age of 16, a feat that would establish him as the youngest to summit the tallest of all the 14 tallest peaks in the world. "Age is not a barrier," he believes.
(December 24, 2023) Motorsport enthusiast Aditya Kousgi has an inherent spirit of sportsmanship that has held him in good stead behind the wheels. Starting as a photographer, Aditya Kousgi is now making his mark on the track as he makes strides in the arena of motorsports, after his tenure at Chetan Shivram Motorsport. Currently preparing for the Indian National Rally Championship, Aditya's aspirations include conquering the Asia Pacific Rally Championship and ultimately, the World Rally Championship. Early days Born in Bangalore, Kousgi’s educational journey took him on a whirlwind tour of various cities across India. This nomadic upbringing shaped his perspective and instilled in him the ability to adapt to diverse environments. “My formative years were marked by a deep love for sports, with football being my true passion. I was more at home on the sports field than in the classroom, and I proudly represented my school and college teams. But my enthusiasm extended beyond football; I excelled in tennis and hockey during my childhood. These early experiences instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and the competitive spirit.” As he grew older, a new passion began to emerge – photography which he decided to pursue by
– photography which he decided to pursue by enrolling in an undergraduate program at Symbiosis in Pune. This marked the start of a four-year stint as a professional photographer, which ran parallel to his college education.
Rally cues
The transition from photography to the world of rallying was an unexpected and thrilling journey that began during his tenure with Chetan Shivram Motorsport, a respected name in the motorsport industry, led by the visionary Chetan Shivram. “The pivotal moment arrived unexpectedly when Mr. Shivram generously allowed me to take the wheel of one of his rally cars during an event. The sheer exhilaration of being behind the wheel of a rally car was a revelation. It was in that electrifying moment that my love for rallying was firmly rooted, and the seeds of my future in motorsport were sown,” he says He took part in The Indian National Autocross Championship for the first time just for fun which was an unexpected decision but turned out to be a life-changing one. “To my astonishment, I qualified unexpectedly in that competition. Since that remarkable day, I haven't looked back and continued my career in the exhilarating world of rallying, determined to push my limits and chase my dreams on the racetrack,” he adds.
Shifting gears
Naturally the shift from photography to rallying was a thrilling journey that transformed his life in ways that he could have never imagined. “While I was busy capturing the excitement of rallying through my camera lens, my heart yearned to experience it from the driver's seat. This transition underscored the importance of pursuing one's passion relentlessly, even if it meant taking a leap of faith into the unknown. The change was exhilarating yet challenging. It required me to rewire my mindset, adapt to a new set of skills, and embrace the relentless pursuit of excellence. But the thrill of rallying, the camaraderie of the motorsport community, and the adrenaline-fueled competitions made every sacrifice worthwhile,” he explains. His journey in rallying has been made possible by the unwavering support of his parents, who have been his pillars of strength through multiple career transitions as well as Chetan Shivram, whose unwavering belief in his potential has been a constant source of inspiration.
Racing journey
In the early stages of his rallying career, "Snap Racing" was his trusted service team, ensuring that the cars were always prepared for the demanding challenges of rallying. Later he made the strategic move to "R-tech," a decision that further solidified his rallying career. R-tech's support in crafting dependable cars, promptly addressing technical issues, and optimizing performance has been invaluable. “My navigator, Deeksha Balakrishna, has played an essential role in my rallying career. She's been there with me since my first rally, teaching me a great deal about pacenotes and navigation. Her guidance and partnership have been crucial to my success on the racetrack,” he says. His journey on the racetrack has been a whirlwind of emotions and challenges, each rally presenting its unique terrain and set of obstacles, pushing him to adapt and excel. “One of my most memorable moments was my first autocross event, an adrenaline-pumping experience that put my skills to the test. It was a baptism by fire into the world of competitive rallying, where split-second decisions and precise manoeuvres are the keys to success,” he says.
Testing times
However, no journey in motorsport is complete without its share of setbacks. He experienced his first crash during the Rally of Chennai, a tough situation that put both his skills and his car to the test. “Despite the challenges, this experience taught me valuable lessons in resilience, quick thinking, and the importance of safety in rally cars. Another unforgettable moment was when my car toppled during a race. It was a heart-pounding experience that tested my mettle as a driver. While it was a harrowing ordeal, it underscored the resilience of rally cars and the unwavering support of my team. These experiences, both triumphant and challenging, have been crucial in shaping my skills and determination as a rally driver,” he says.
Training hard
His training regimen is rigorous and intense, designed to push his limits and strengthen his bond with the rally car which has been fundamental in his success in rallying. “One particularly memorable experience was a recent four-day endurance training program. It provided invaluable insights into my car's mechanics and dynamics, enhancing my understanding of how to maximize its performance on the track. As I prepare for the Indian National Rally Championship in Hyderabad, my training focuses on refining my skills, honing my reflexes, and pushing my boundaries. This training not only enhances my performance but also strengthens the symbiotic relationship between me and my rally car. It's about taking good care of the car, and it, in turn, takes care of me,” he explains.
Balancing life outside motorsport
While motorsport is a significant part of his life, he also finds relaxation and rejuvenation in the great outdoors. “Trekking and traveling are my preferred ways to unwind, often accompanied by my trusty canine companion. These adventures provide me with profound joy and an opportunity to disconnect from the high-octane world of rallying,” he says. His passion for photography endures, and he often capture the beauty and stories of his journeys and says it is his creative outlet that allows him to share his perspective and experiences with others. “Maintaining a balance between work and life is paramount. While I am deeply committed to my rallying career, these moments of leisure refresh my spirit and provide a counterbalance to the intensity of motorsport,” he adds.
Future Perfect
His journey has been a treasure trove of invaluable lessons. He also encourages aspiring rallyists to embrace change with open arms. “I emphasise that resilience is a cornerstone of success in rallying. Crashes and setbacks may be daunting, but they offer profound opportunities for learning and growth. Each challenge is a chance to become a better driver and a stronger individual. To budding rallyists, I offer the advice to pursue their passions relentlessly. Seek guidance from mentors, appreciate the safety features in your cars, and dedicate yourself to rigorous training. Every experience, whether positive or challenging, is a chance to learn and excel in the world of rallying,” he avers. Looking ahead, he says that the road ahead is filled with excitement and ambition. “My immediate goal is to establish myself as one of the top rally drivers in the country. As I continue this remarkable journey, my aim is to make my family, Chetan Shivram, and Deeksha Balakrishna proud, as they have been the driving force behind my transformation from a photographer to a successful rallyist. This is a journey marked by passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence in the thrilling world of rallying,” he concludes.
(December 22, 2023) Indian-origin Malaysian model Manvin Khera made Malaysia proud by winning the Miss Globe 2023 title. With its inception in 1925, the contest holds the distinction of being one of the world's longest-running major international beauty pageants. The annual event, with headquarters in Albania, is ranked seventh in prominence in the international beauty contest for women. Manvin’s win marks a historic first for Malaysia, as she brought home the first ever Miss Globe crown, leaving behind 49 contestants from across the world. “It’s truly an honour to represent my country on the international stage and I am really happy to be the first ever Malaysian to bring home the Miss Globe crown. I am happy to have raised the bar high for my country,” the 22-year-old said in an interview with after the historic win. [caption id="attachment_34806" align="aligncenter" width="511"] Manvin Khera[/caption] Beyond the glitz and glamour of the ramp, Manvin is a dedicated law student pursuing her education at the University of Malaya. She is a passionate advocate for animal rights and veganism, and aspires to become a human rights lawyer while continuing her modelling career. A pageant pro Before her participation in the Miss Globe competition, Manvin
e University of Malaya. She is a passionate advocate for animal rights and veganism, and aspires to become a human rights lawyer while continuing her modelling career.
A pageant pro
Before her participation in the Miss Globe competition, Manvin has competed in multiple pageants, gaining recognition and winning titles.
Her journey in the world of modelling began in 2017 when she earned the Miss Teen Malaysia title at the age of 16. This win led her to participate in the Miss Teen International competition held in her country of origin, India that same year. She was one of the top 10 contestants in the competition and earned recognition for the best national costume.
Continuing to pursue her modelling career alongside her academic endeavours, Manvin kept on working for modelling assignments and subsequently participated in the inaugural Ratu Wanita Malaya pageant, the Malaysian franchise of the Miss Globe competition. Apart from clinching the main title in the international pageant, Manvin also won the titles of 'Best in Evening Gown' and 'Best in Talent'.
Her advice to people chasing their dreams is, “stop doubting yourself. Whatever aspirations that you have, just go for it.”
The multifaceted youngster
Born in 2001 in Kuala Lumpur, Manvin hails from a family where both her parents are business owners. “Initially they were apprehensive of me entering the field of modelling but as I won the pageants, they said, ‘we believe in you’,” Manvin revealed.
Despite her Malaysian upbringing, the Indian-origin youngster boasts of fluency in Punjabi (her mother tongue), Hindi, English, and Malay.
The Malaysia-born Indian has passion for diverse cultures and has travelled to countries like India, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, Indonesia, and the United States learning about their cuisines and exploring the cultural diversity in the process.
Before appearing in the Miss Globe nationals, she suffered from acne for a year and felt quite insecure about the situation. “It was a challenging phase for me and I was constantly worried about it and of facing the camera but I worked towards improving the condition and was finally able to come out of it,” she shared highlighting. “Health problems can be reversed with corrective measures and you should not let them come in between you and your goals.”
When it comes to the inspiration of life, Manvin finds a role model in Priyanka Chopra, and respects her achievements, confidence, and humanitarian endeavours.
Not merely limited to pageants, Manvin’s talents extends to classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi. She also finds joy in, archery, hiking, and reading.
(December 28, 2023) In 2023, a wave of young Indians made waves on the global stage, leaving an indelible mark in the realms of art and culture. From commanding attention at international film festivals to making strides in the dynamic world of K-Pop and creating mesmerising snapshots through photography, these emerging talents redefined the narrative of Indian creativity. Their achievements not only underscore the rich diversity of India's cultural landscape but also showcase the global resonance of their artistic pursuits, signaling a promising future where young Indian artists continue to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide. Global Indian takes a look at the young Indians who shone bright in the world of art and culture in 2023. Kamal Singh - Ballerino At the opening night of Brecon Festival Ballet this Christmas, an Indian took centrestage as the main lead in Nutcracker – the world’s most popular ballet – to perform to packed houses in Wales. Amid the thunderous applause, he couldn’t help but reminisce the time he first saw a ballet in a Bollywood film. Six years later, the dream of performing ballet came true for Delhi-born Kamal Singh. [caption id="attachment_26068" align="aligncenter" width="486"] Kamal Singh is English National Ballet School graduate.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_26068" align="aligncenter" width="486"] Kamal Singh is English National Ballet School graduate.[/caption]
He had never heard of ballet until he watched a Bollywood film on his small television at his home in Vikaspuri on a balmy afternoon in 2016. A sweet twist of fate put him in the company of the Imperial Fernando Ballet School that changed the trajectory of his life and made him take those steps toward his dream. Then a 17-year-old, whose father is an e-rickshaw driver in Delhi, he was bewitched by the ballet dancers and wanted to try it for himself. Five years later, he became the first Indian to be selected to study at the English National Ballet School in the UK. "Coming from a humble background, where I couldn’t afford fees for ballet school to now performing in the UK, I am living my dream. Taking a leap of faith, knowing that I can back it up with hard work is what changed the game for me,” Kamal told Global Indian
Rhea Bakshi - Documentary filmmaker
This September Delhi-based teen Rhea Bakshi was in for a surprise when her 20-minute documentary India’s Treasures on Indian artisans won big at the New York International Film Awards, in the best student film category, making it the only Indian film to be awarded the finalist laurel. The documentary, that delves into the captivating journey of India’s age-old traditional art forms, showcases the passion and struggles of artisans who are preserving India’s heritage. "The recognition validated the work that I had put in, and, also stood for the fact that age doesn't limit a person’s ability to make a meaningful impact," she told Global Indian.
[caption id="attachment_33212" align="aligncenter" width="678"] Rhea Bakshi with artisans[/caption]
With the documentary getting a nod at an international film festival, Rhea calls it a “great opportunity for the artisans who have now taken the centrestage due to the popularity of the documentary. Through the documentary, I am trying to provide a platform for the voices of marginalised India and the people who are the real heroes of the time-honoured traditions and expertise," she added.
Aria - K-Pop singer
The Hallyu Wave, a cultural phenomenon from South Korea, has taken over the world with catchy music, impressive dances, and engaging stories. This wave, led by the global sensation of K-Pop, has captivated India, and one shining star in this K-Pop craze is Gauthami, also known as Aria. Coming from Kerala, Aria is the second Indian to join a K-Pop group, following in the footsteps of the trailblazer Sriya Lenka. Her story is about daring to dream big and making those dreams come true. Like many Indian fans, Aria passionately followed K-Pop, dreaming of being part of this dazzling world. In April, Aria made a remarkable debut with the girl group X:in, releasing their first album, Keeping the Fire.
Getting attention for her nationality, she said, “I thought people from India would be giving me all the attention but it turned out that people from all over the world are showering with me love and support. I was surprised but at the same time feel grateful." In her aspirations for the future, the 20-year-old K-Pop sensation envisions her girl band, X:in, entering the Billboard Charts, while also expressing her openness to exploring acting opportunities in both K-dramas and Bollywood as an individual artist.
Vihaan Talya Vikas - Photographer
Ten-year-old Vihaan Talya Vikas, armed with his Canon EOS 7D, ventured to the Bengaluru airport in pursuit of the perfect shot. Intrigued by an ancient tamarind grove, he soon found himself captivated by a spider on a wall next to an idol of Lord Krishna. For Vihaan, it wasn't just a normal sight; it was a moment where the spider seemed enchanted by Krishna's flute. Capturing this unique scene earned him the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023 award in the under-10 category. Expressing his joy, Vihaan shared that photography allows him to think creatively and connect with nature.
Organised by The Natural History Museum in London, the competition, often called the "Oscars of Photography," attracted entries from 95 countries worldwide. Out of 50,000 submissions, Vihaan's photograph, titled "The Wall of Wonder," stood out among the top 100. The image, featuring a spider and an idol, conveys a powerful message of coexistence. Dhritiman Mukherjee, a judge and Wildlife and Conservation Photographer, praised the thought process and composition of the image, emphasizing its significance in conveying art, concept, conservation, and science. The winning photograph will join the WPY59 collection and be showcased in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition at the Natural History Museum, traveling to 25 locations across four continents to raise awareness about wildlife conservation through impactful imagery.
Siddharth Salgaonkar - Filmmaker
Siddharth Salgaonkar, a budding filmmaker from Belagavi, Karnataka, gained international recognition with his short film Monster, a guerilla-style project entirely managed by him in his house. The one-minute film, featuring his mother as the sole actor and his father as a crew member, earned a spot at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival, showcasing Belagavi on the global cinematic stage.
Salgaonkar, who started making films while studying at the Srishti School of Art in Bengaluru, expresses his passion for both fiction and non-fiction. His earlier works, such as Call and Delete, explore poignant themes like the relationship between a mother and son and the peculiar attachment of a young man to an eraser, demonstrating his knack for capturing tension within mundane scenarios. Salgaonkar's films often leave audiences intrigued, showcasing his unique storytelling approach focused on everyday life experiences.
(February 15, 2022) As a child, Jahnavi Dangeti’s grandmother told her countless bedtime stories. One, about a woman who lived on the moon who distributed chocolates and toys to children, was her favourite. It fuelled her imagination about space, planets and a sky full of unimaginable possibilities. Curious at heart, the Nasa junior citizen scientist wanted to learn more. As a child, she would research Apollo Missions, astronauts, particularly Neil Armstrong to learn more. Those starry tales propelled her into creating history. Jahnavi is the only Indian to undergo the International Air and Space Program (IASP) at Nasa Launch Operations’ Kennedy Space Centre in Alabama, US in 2021. The aspiring astronaut was part of a carefully chosen group of 20 youngsters from across the world to be selected. “My interest in space exploration was triggered by my grandmother’s bedtime stories. I want to become the first Indian to set foot on Mars,” declares the confident Nasa junior citizen scientist. [caption id="attachment_10903" align="aligncenter" width="834"] Jahnavi is a junior citizen scientist for NASA[/caption] When zero gravity was attainable Born in Poolapalli, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, the 19-year-old completed the astronaut programme involving multi-access training, underwater rocket launch, zero gravity, etc. What more,
Born in Poolapalli, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, the 19-year-old completed the astronaut programme involving multi-access training, underwater rocket launch, zero gravity, etc. What more, she also got to pilot an aircraft for the first time. “Flying a Cessna 172 with my co-pilot was a dream come true. I love flying, and will soon be taking up a piloting course,” says Jahnavi, speaking exclusively to Global Indian.
Such is her fascination for the cockpit that once, on a flight to Andamans, she told the flight crew about her interests and requested entry into the cockpit. “They consulted the pilot and I was allowed in, and all the instruments were explained, and it was an incredible experience,” says Jahnavi who has twin goals – becoming a pilot and an astronaut. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electronics and communications (honours) from Lovely Professional University, the brilliant mind is on to greater heights.
At the US programme, Jahnavi was appointed mission director for Team Kennedy, a group of 16 who successfully launched and landed a miniature rocket into the sky, safely. “Our team accomplished a great deal. For me, it was a great opportunity to develop project management skills along with leadership and international work experience,” smiles the teenager. Her team worked on a multi-axis trainer based on a real-life astronaut training simulator. “The experience is intended to simulate the sensation of an uncontrolled spin in microgravity,” informs the Nasa junior citizen scientist who got a scholarship from a Mexican company for the IASP programme.
[caption id="attachment_10904" align="alignnone" width="1440"] Flying a Cessna172 with a co-pilot was a 'dream come true,' says Jahnavi[/caption]
Aspiring to be an astronaut
While going through various phases of astronaut training, Jahnavi met retired American naval aviator and former Nasa astronaut Kenneth D Cameron, who mentored her batch. IASP, a five-day educational programme drives the leaders of tomorrow in STEM. It involves teamwork, problem-solving and communication among students, with expert Nasa engineers to help solve unexpected problems. The Nasa junior citizen scientist was in the fall edition from November 14 to 20, 2021.
Participating in several workshops by ISRO, she has been a campus ambassador for several organisations including Space Technology and Aeronautical Rocketry, which is an Indian private aerospace company. She is the vice-president of Space Magica, a startup astronaut training centre for students and general public, and has also participated in hackathons. “I come from a very small town, with hardly any awareness about space programmes and research. Therefore, I don’t miss any opportunity that takes me closer to my dreams,” informs the Nasa junior citizen scientist, who is a member of the International Organization of Aspiring Astronauts, and has analysed the images caught by the Pan-STARRS satellite in pursuit of unexposed asteroids.
[caption id="attachment_10905" align="aligncenter" width="868"] From the depths of the ocean into outer space. the sky is no limit for Jahnavi[/caption]
Scuba, doobie do
The Andhra girl, a record holder in the Indian Book of Records for being multitalented, undertook an open water scuba training, and is today an internationally certified open water scuba diver. First learning swimming in a pool, she travelled to Visakhapatnam to learn open water swimming. She obtained mandatory approval from the state government for advanced adventure scuba diving too. When it did not come through, the Nasa junior citizen scientist went to Goa, and finally got her open water scuba diving certification. Needless to say, it was not easy.
“While scuba diving in Goa, I was stung by a jellyfish, and had a close encounter with a lionfish,” recounts the girl who travelled to the Andamans for further training. “I learnt night, single and other special dives, getting a license in adventure scuba diving. I love life under water,” smiles Jahnavi, whose parents, Sreenivas Dangeti and Padmasree work in private companies in Kuwait. Jahnavi was raised by her grandmother Leela Ramanadham.
[caption id="attachment_10906" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Jahnavi is an internationally certified scuba driver and was trained here in Goa[/caption]
As she manages her time between academics, and other pursuits, she never misses a chance to stargaze. Watching sci-fi movies, and cartoons, the bookworm gorges on books on astronomy and by astronauts. “Wings of Fire is my favourite,” reveals the Karate champ, who has won several awards. Hard pressed for time, the Nasa junior citizen scientist manages to indulge in meditation and workouts. When it comes to her academics, Jahnavi, who went to Montessori English medium school and Aditya Junior College, was among those bright minds who were in the top 10 students.
Dreaming big, she is thankful to her parents for doing everything possible to help her realise her dreams. “There are huge financial constraints when it comes to taking up a pilot course,” says the Nasa junior citizen scientist, who is looking at the Andhra Pradesh government for support. An active member of student organisation Robotics and Intelligent System Community at college, she thanks her grandmother who has been her anchor.