Finding his tempo: The rise and rise of tabla maestro Truptraj
Written by: Amrita Priya
(March 5, 2022) A tabla gifted to his father by a friend caught Truptraj Pandya’s eye even before he had learned to walk. The instrument lay unused in a corner of the house. By the time he was 15 months old, he was already playing it, showing, even then, a prodigious talent for music which his parents noticed and encouraged. Today, at the age of 15, the young tabla maestro is well on his way to becoming the face of India’s tabla landscape and has given over 200 public performances. He has been a guest of honour at major events and seminars and created a buzz in the media – local, national and international. In 2019, dressed in maroon attire, he stood proudly before Prime Minister Narendra Modi to receive his Bal Shakti Puraskar.
Truptraj Atul Pandya is a master percussionist He is an established radio and TV artist as well, who has given more than several live performances. Proud that he has been conferred the Bal Shakti Puraskar. pic.twitter.com/iZu8ThvxH0
Fame and accolades have not robbed the young tabla maestro of his humility – he is modest and friendly during his interview with Global Indian. Sound family values have had their part to play – good parenting has kept him grounded and Truptraj describes his father as his mentor and guide. “Who I am today is because of my father. I would not have reached this point without his nurturing and encouragement. All credit goes to him,” says he.
Finding a guru
When Truptraj was about two years old, his father took him to attend Ustad Zakir Hussain’s concert. The maestro took notice of the young prodigy and helped him out, connecting him to his disciple, Dhyaneshwar Popalghat, from the Ustad Allarakha Institute of Music for proper guidance. “My taalim started when I was about three and my association with my Guru still continues, even after 12 years,” Truptraj smiles. He is now undergoing advanced training under Pandit Nayan Ghosh and has also been blessed by legends like Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasiya and Ustad Iqbal Ahmad Khan.
Little Truptraj with Guinness Book of World Records certificate
Encouraged by his parents and his Guru, Truptraj made his bid for the Guinness World Records when he was six years old. Even that, he believes, could have happened earlier. “My father applied for it a little late because he wanted to be sure that it was more than just a short-lived interest to me.” His father’s fears were unfounded, for Truptraj’s love for the tabla has only grown stronger with time. The young tabla maestro devotes himself to perfecting his craft, leaving the details of managing his schedule to his father.
Truptraj Pandya
A student and a star
Truptraj is in the middle of the all-important Class X and exams are around the corner. Nothing holds him back from his riyaaz, however. “I might cut short the duration of my practice if I have exams but I never skip it,” he says. The Covid-19 lockdown left him with ample time on his hands, with classes taking place from home. And the ace performer doesn’t just juggle school and music, he also loves sports, serving as his school’s basketball team captain for four years until 2019.
“My teachers and friends are very supportive,” he says. “I have always taken proper permission from school before traveling for live performances. They make sure I don’t miss out on notes and important assignments,” adds the young maestro.
Truptraj with President, Ram Nath Kovind
In fact, no school event is complete without the musical stylings of Truptraj Pandya. “My teachers give equal opportunity and support to every pupil and my friends aren’t my friends because of the tabla, our friendship comes from the heart,” he says. The young maestro remains unconcerned by the looming exam season – he knows he has studied enough to do well. “My last performance was in December but if something comes up, I will take the opportunity,” he says, now seasoned at juggling his many priorities. His favourite subject, he says, is history and he prefers documentaries to reading a textbook.
Truptraj’s family
Follow your heart, he tells teens
Being on stage across India, with lakhs of people watching him, gives Truptraj a thrill like no other. “This is just the beginning, I have a long way to go,” he says, modestly. “I love stage performances, though. I feel a little nervous just before I begin but once I begin playing my tabla, my fears vanish. The music takes over me and I’m confident that I won’t let the audience and myself down,” he says.
“Do what you love” is his advice to other teenagers. “Don’t give into pressure at home or from family, if you do, you will only get tired and quit someday. But if you do things that you love, you will not get tired of it, you will always be hungry for more. You will remain motivated and passionate. Practice more and be patient,” he signs off.
(May 21, 2023) When The Jungle Book was released in 2016, the film became an overnight success. The realistic depiction of the animals and the lush jungle environment captivated audiences, creating a visually immersive experience. Based on Rudyard Kipling's timeless story, which has a universal appeal, the film adaptation grossed $966 million worldwide against the budget of $175 million making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the connection between humans and nature resonated with audiences worldwide, contributing to its international success. Directed by Jon Favreau and produced by Walt Disney Pictures, it found success in tapping the nostalgia and familiarity associated with the book, the 1967-animated film and of course, the timeless story of the orphaned boy, ‘Mowgli’, who grows up in the jungles of India. [caption id="attachment_30231" align="aligncenter" width="838"] Neel Sethi in The Jungle Book[/caption] Amidst the grandeur of the creatures and beauty of the jungle Neel Sethi's portrayal of Mowgli as the only live-action actor in a computer-generated imagery (CGI) dominated film was widely praised. In his debut role, the then 12-year-old created magic with his powerful performance. Walt Disney Studios recruited puppeteers to give the debutant actor
aligncenter" width="838"] Neel Sethi in The Jungle Book[/caption]
Amidst the grandeur of the creatures and beauty of the jungle Neel Sethi's portrayal of Mowgli as the only live-action actor in a computer-generated imagery (CGI) dominated film was widely praised. In his debut role, the then 12-year-old created magic with his powerful performance. Walt Disney Studios recruited puppeteers to give the debutant actor partners to act with. “Those animals weren't really there, but they looked like they were,' Neel said in an interview, talking about his experiences on set.
“I would just make it normal and pretend that’s it’s not a puppet. If it was a bear or a panther, I just thought to myself, it’s not a puppet. That made it a lot easier,” he remarked.
Impressing audiences with iconic debut
Selected from two thousand hopefuls during a worldwide casting search by Favreau and his team Neel stood out. Quite interestingly, he was not even looking for an acting assignment. His dance teacher had seen a flyer for the auditions and had suggested Neel to give a try.
Director Jon Favreau revealed the details of the audition. “He was a little younger than we thought. But there was something that made me smile. Then he started doing martial arts. After the audition was over, he said, I do my own stunts. I thought, this kid’s having a good time and I met with his family.”
After his selection, the youngster underwent extensive training to prepare for the physically demanding role. He worked with a movement coach who taught him parkour and martial arts techniques to enhance his agility and coordination. The training was crucial for the scenes that required him to interact with the CGI animals and navigate through the jungle environment.
[caption id="attachment_30232" align="aligncenter" width="712"] Neel Sethi on the sets of The Jungle Book[/caption]
Sethi's dedication and enthusiasm on set despite the challenges of acting in a predominantly virtual environment, impressed the cast and crew. He formed a strong bond with director Jon Favreau and received his guidance throughout the filming process. “I didn’t know acting. He taught me everything I know,” Neel said.
Director Jon Favreau praised him for bringing the beloved character of Mowgli to life so memorably, and for his ability to imagine and react to things that weren't physically present during filming. “Jon actually got into the puppet sometimes and that helped me interact with them naturally,” Neel shared.
Life beyond ‘The Jungle Book’
After making a special place in the hearts of the audiences worldwide, Neel has continued to pursue acting. The same year in which The Jungle Book released; he lent his voice to the English version of the animated film The Guardian Brothers (also known as Little Door Gods). The film, originally produced in China, tells the story of two ancient Chinese deities who must save their town from a nefarious force. Sethi lent the voice to the character named Yu Lei.
[caption id="attachment_30233" align="aligncenter" width="899"] Jon Favreau with Neel Sethi[/caption]
In 2017, he appeared in a short film titled Diwali, directed by Raj Trivedi. The film explored the themes of family, tradition, and cultural identity through the perspective of a young Indian American boy – which Neel is in real life as well. Born in 2003 in New York City, the actor calls the place his natural habitat. “I was born and raised here. I love being here. I can see myself in New York and Los Angeles, that’s it,” he said in a recent interview.
Taking pride in cultural roots
Even while he loves living in the United States, he maintains a connection with his Indian heritage. His parents are of Indian descent with roots in Gujarat.
In interviews, he has mentioned his Indian background and expressed pride in his cultural roots. Sethi has mentioned celebrating Indian festivals like Diwali and expressed interest in learning more about his heritage. Taking a break from acting to study, he recently completed his degree in film studies and is now back on the lookout for acting opportunities. “I would like to work in challenging roles with famous actors,” the nineteen-year-old smiled while talking about his future.
[caption id="attachment_30234" align="aligncenter" width="806"] Neel Sethi with his parents and sister in a recent trip to Goa[/caption]
‘The Jungle Book’ in India
The film that won accolades for achievements in visual effects at the 89th Academy Awards, 70th British Academy Film Awards, and 22nd Critics' Choice Awards, got dubbed in Hindi. Child actor Jasleen Singh Chadda gave voice to Mowgli’s character. Famous actors lent their voices to other characters - Irrfan Khan to Baloo, Om Puri to Bagheera, Priyanka Chopra to Ka, Nana Patekar to Sher Khan and Shefali Shah to Raksha.
As the Japanese anime TV series Jungle Book had been very popular in India in the 1990s, Disney India also commissioned a contemporary recording of ‘Jungle Jungle Baat Chali Hai’ (the popular song of the series) and released it as part of the film's promotional campaign in India. Neel Sethi has been to India on a few occasions after that and has enjoyed a huge fan following in his country of origin.
(October 1, 2023) Clad in Indian jerseys, the women in blue entered the cricket pitch at Hangzhou with the promise of winning the game against Sri Lanka. And staying true to their vow, the Indian Women's cricket team won a historic gold medal in cricket at the Asian Games 2023. While the team did everything to clinch the gold, it was Titas Sadhu who orchestrated a dream start by picking up three wickets in four overs and giving only six runs. The 18-year-old became a star for India at the Asian Games 2023 with her pace and swing bowling, helping India clinch its very first gold medal in cricket. "It was always a dream to play for the country but I had never expected that it would come true so soon," she told ESPN in an interview. It was in the semi-finals against Bangladesh that Titas made her international debut. Can't take my eyes off the GOLD!🥇 Proud to play my part in our team's journey to this triumph! 🇮🇳✨#asiangames2023 pic.twitter.com/okBfHnXWqm — Titas Sadhu (@titas_sadhu) September 27, 2023 Born in the Chinsurah district of West Bengal in 2004, Titas was always interested in sports, thanks to her father, who was
Born in the Chinsurah district of West Bengal in 2004, Titas was always interested in sports, thanks to her father, who was an athlete. But cricket wasn't her first love, instead, she had her eyes on swimming. So much so that she enrolled in Chinsurah Rajendra Smriti Sangha Academy on the outskirts of Kolkata to hone her skills in the sport. However, over the years, she developed an interest in cricket and started playing the sport at the age of 13. "It wasn't for my love of cricket that I joined it. Instead, I started playing it as a fun activity since I would often watch the academy matches and also help them. But when I started performing well, my interest in the sport started growing, and that's how cricket happened to me," she added. It was her father who was the wind beneath her wings, always encouraging and motivating her. "It's very important to have someone at a young age who pushes you, despite knowing your limits. I'm so glad that my dad kept pushing me to do better. He is like a friend to me."
However, she had to wait for her chance to break into the West Bengal cricket team. While she failed to clear the trials in the first go, Class 10th board exams forced her to miss out on the 2018-19 season. "Though it was heartbreaking I realised that I wanted to be a part of the U19 team. That's when I started getting more invested in the game."
It was after Covid-19 that Titas joined the senior Bengal squad in the 2020-21 season. She was only 16 when Bengal women’s coach Shib Shankar Paul saw her at one of the training sessions and realised her potential. He soon picked her up for three practice sessions. However, in the first few matches, Titas was unable to prove herself on the pitch and had to be dropped.
However, she was determined to bounce back and kept performing well in the inter-district matches and the Cricket Association of Bengal-affiliated tournaments. In 2022, she played in the Women's T20 tournament and ended up taking seven wickets in five matches, thus cementing her position in the senior squad. Talking about the Women's Premiere League, she said, "You get to play with the players from other countries, and you find that their perspective on cricket and life is very different from ours. And it also gives us the nudge to incorporate those perspectives in our game."
But it's with the Asian Games 2023 finals against Sri Lanka that Titas proved her mettle as a cricketer. "It was special as we don't get to clinch a gold at the Asian Games every time, and representing India as an athlete was a proud moment. I literally had goosebumps standing on the podium receiving the medal," she said.
(January 10, 2022) It was yet another day for the world at large. Not for Bengaluru girl Sia Godika though. She has a special surprise awaiting her - an invitation to London to receive the Diana Legacy Award for her initiative Sole Warriors that provides shoes to the needy. In just two years, the 15-year-old’s initiative has created a global movement - donating 21,000 pairs of shoes to the disadvantaged. “I literally fell off the chair reading the email about winning the Diana Legacy Award. I was so surprised and honoured. I couldn’t believe that I was even eligible,” Sia says to Global Indian in an exclusive. The big news came just five months after she had already got the Diana Award in June 2021 along with 400 other youngsters from across the globe. Being considered one of the highest honours for social action, it has put Sia among the list of future leaders. [caption id="attachment_9438" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Sia Godika receiving Diana Legacy Award in London.[/caption] It was in the fall of 2019 that Sole Warriors took a life of its own after Sia decided to help the needy by collecting used shoes, refurbishing and donating them. “Finding a solution
peg" alt="Teen Social Activist | Sia Godika " width="480" height="640" /> Sia Godika receiving Diana Legacy Award in London.[/caption]
It was in the fall of 2019 that Sole Warriors took a life of its own after Sia decided to help the needy by collecting used shoes, refurbishing and donating them. “Finding a solution to a problem that affects a larger population is important, and that’s what I did with Sole Warriors,” says Sia.
Putting the right foot forward
How Sole Warriors galvanises its support is also credible. “We have a huge network of volunteers - Robin Hood Army and Indian Ploggers Army - who help us with the process of collection and distribution,” reveals Sia.
The hard, cracked and worn-out feet of construction workers’ children in Sia’s locality stirred this Koramangala girl into action. “It broke my heart to see them running barefoot on the streets. I rushed home to find some pairs of shoes that I could give them. Seeing my shoe rack, it dawned upon me that I had so many pairs stacked up which I wasn’t even wearing anymore,” says the Neev Academy student. It gnawed on her till she had to do something about it. “I started researching, and found that according to WHO stats, 1.5 billion people worldwide don’t have shoes to wear, and around 350 million pairs of shoes are discarded each year,” says Sia, who was left aghast with the numbers.
What began as a dinner table conversation with her parents soon took the form of the Sole Warriors initiative. “My parents asked me to come up with a concrete plan regarding collection and distribution, and research on it. This gave me a sense of purpose,” reveals Sia. Within a month, Sia launched it at a Kormangala apartment, and collected 500 pairs. “It was a huge boost, knowing that I was going in the right direction after a month of making posters to spread the word, and connecting with volunteers on WhatsApp,” she adds.
Soon word spread, and she was added to many groups on WhatsApp and this helped intensify the initiative. With hundreds of shoes collected per week, Godika had to find a solution to refurbish them. Approaching local cobblers was her initial fix, but she soon found sponsors in Pressto Cobblers. “I came across the store, and on a whim, decided to meet the manager who was more than happy to help us. They decided to sponsor us,” chirps an ecstatic Sia.
Slowly, but surely making little feet matter
Still in its nascent stage, Sole Warriors faced some hiccups at the beginning of the lockdown in March 2020. Yet, they flung into action after pushing the pause button for a few weeks. “We continued collecting shoes, sanitising them and (even) quarantining them for a handful of days before sending them for distribution to the needy people,” informs the Diana Legacy Award-winner who also helped create jobs for slum dwellers with her initiative. “Through this, we allowed slum dwellers to become ‘sole’ entrepreneurs wherein they could sell a pair of refurbished shoes for Rs 50, and earn an income,” explains the activist.
Many stepped up to help Sia with the initiative. Though she cannot thank G Nagaraj aka Plog Raj (the founder of Indian Ploggers Army) enough. “From helping me get in touch with volunteers, to identify areas where we could distribute shoes, he helped me immensely,” says the Diana Award winner. After her successful stint in Bengaluru, she opened chapters in Chennai and Mumbai. Sia is now ready to spread her wings to West Africa and the US. “It was during the Diana Award ceremony that I met Abdullah O Bility, a co-winner from Liberia. He got to know about my initiative, and was happy to help me with the distribution in his country,” exclaims Sia, who will soon be sending the first lot of refurbished shoes from the US to Liberia (as sending from India was ridden with snags).
The 15-year-old found support in a family friend in Boston who is busy collecting shoes for Sole Warriors from public schools and communities, and would soon be sending them to Abdullah in Liberia. “I am so happy that the initiative is going international, and more people are joining in,” adds Sia who is hoping to expand to the UK soon.
When shoestrings make a difference
Born in 2006 in North Carolina to engineer parents, Godika moved to Bengaluru as a year-old toddler. “My parents had moved to the US in their youth to study, and worked there for a couple of years. In the late 2000s, they shifted back to Bengaluru to be closer to the family,” says the Class 10 student who found them as the greatest of support systems. “My mom has been quite inspiring in this journey of mine, and always asked me to follow my heart. My dad drove me around collecting and distributing shoes until we had things in place,” she smiles.
When she is not busy with Sole Warriors or school, Sia loves to curl up with a book. A student of Bangalore School of Speech and Drama too, the teenager is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, and passionate about theatre. With two months to her boards, Godika has her eyes set on pursuing finance and economics. “Economics is my favourite subject. That’s what I intend to pursue,” adds the social activist who calls Sole Warriors a necessity in life rather than a profession.
An Indian girl is hoping to change the unbearable plight of being in Colorado - through leadership, mental health awareness, and as a voice against sexual harassment. Even though it has not been even sailing for Jeeva Senthilnathan, the 18-year-old from Chicago, Illinois, she has persevered. Today, as a global teen leader, game changer and leader for the community at Parker, Colorado, Jeeva continues to inspire. Winner of the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) STAR Scholarship, the National Honor Society Top 24 Scholarship (the only student from Colorado), and lauded by the Nile Rodger’s We Are Family Foundation, the introvert is an activist at heart . The girl who ran for Parker Town Council, and a former council member at one time is now focusing on helping Afghans in the US seek asylum, and getting them to register to vote. Among her most fulfilling endeavors, is starting Privando, an organization that works to solve the deep-seated malaise when it comes to sexual harassment and the rape crisis in India. She researched on mental health used electroencephalography (EEG) waves to identify cognitive abilities, levels of motivation, and consciousness in teenagers. Inspired by the emergency blue lights boxes used on university campuses to
EEG) waves to identify cognitive abilities, levels of motivation, and consciousness in teenagers. Inspired by the emergency blue lights boxes used on university campuses to create a gadget that creates a network for women to receive help in life-threatening or unsafe situations, Jeeva tells Global Indian, “We mobilized young women in India from village huts to city slums to build a coalition that would not only fight against such incidents, but also create a private network for victims to heal. Privando has been able to obtain $5,000, and is currently working on developing wearable technology: it has saved more than 1,000 women from human trafficking.”
Rooted in India
Her mother, a microbiologist from Chennai, and father, a software developer from Vellore, immigrated to the US in 1998. From Ohio, to Illinois, and finally Colorado, the Senthilnathans were in search of a job for her mother. Learning how it was to be discriminated due to race and color, her “very White school” lacked diversity. She was bullied frequently, and unable to cope, she developed hypothyroidism in second grade, was on medication, and battled depression in sixth grade. “I was quiet, known as the ‘goody-two shoes’ in school. I wasn’t good at public speaking as I lacked confidence,” she says. Taking the challenge head on, she started debating through high school, regardless of the brickbats, sneers, and laughs. Now, the bespectacled girl’s gentle smile exudes wisdom, “I worked hard on issues I cared about, and concentrated on no one but myself. I was my only competition.”
Today, she feels integrated (tied to her Indian roots) rather than assimilated (Americanized). Having parents that helped her believe, and persevere helped her change her circumstances, and life. She and her elder sister Lakshmi Priya saw their parents working long hours. “It helped me challenge myself. I understood the hardships they went through to give us better lives. I realized that I have to work hard to give meaning to my parents’ struggles. Now, I have decided to not work under anyone. I want to lead by becoming my own boss,” she declares.
Turning the spotlight on mental health
Working on mental health started in high school, and while working at Colorado State Capitol in state representative Tom Sullivan’s office, Jeeva saw states passing a legislation on students having to take off mental health days. This made her question America’s standard of education.
“My research became even more important after my greatest mentor, best friend and big brother Jai Rajagopal lost his battle against depression during my first run for office. I will always be thankful to Jai because he lifted me to greater heights unequivocally, and took good care of me in the most difficult times. My first government job was also because of Jai, and I will remember him every time I run for a new office,” Jeeva says.
Covid warrior
During COVID-19 Jeeva started a donation drive to provide oxygen cylinders and oxygen tanks to prepare of India’s third wave, with the Privando team. Jeeva also helped fund students from the High School Democrats of America with online training on larger campaign positions and winning strategies with 10 hours paid work with the help of a grant from Blue Future, an organization that helps mobilize young people to work on campaigns within America. “I took leadership to provide students a stipend while working for a state race – House District 44 in Colorado. I wanted to provide a virtual opportunity for students who needed experience for college applications,” she adds.
Speaking against gun violence while she was working on her first campaign with Simone Aiken (who ran for House District 44 in 2018), and at Tom Sullivan’s office, she explains, “The Extreme Risk Protection Order, also known as ERPO and Red Flag Law, was the legislation inputted to take away firearms temporarily from the mentally ill. The legislation was opposed by Sullivan’s Republican colleagues, though Republican Sherriff Tony Spurlock favored it, and stressed the need for the legislation to assist the police force.”
The PEO STAR Scholar at Littleton (Colorado), is using Privando to empower women, and is the only student in Colorado to be the National Honor’s Society Finalist, a Top 24 Scholar, for which she was awarded $5,625.
As part of the Global Teen Leader program, she worked with over 40 global teen leaders in the summer of 2021 and bounced off new progressive ideas. Jeeva formed a deep friendship with Malawian Chmba Chilemba, Youth To The Front Manager, and facilitator for the Just Peace Summit. “She is an inspiration – so sincere, working hard to solve child marriages in Africa. She DJs in her free time,” she adds.
She is grateful that Colorado Early College Parker (high school) helped her focus on important matters – she received college credits, an associate’s degree for a guaranteed transfer at Colorado School Of Mines. “I was given $2,100 per semester as a full-time student allowing me to pay for half of my bachelor’s degree when I transferred my courses at CECP,” says the mechanical engineering student.
Eye on the future
A voracious reader, Jeeva loves sitting in libraries, devouring books, or watching Netflix. The adrenaline seeker can be seen car racing in Colorado. Next on Jeeva’s to do list is to continue to spread Privando’s reach, finish an MBA and Juris Doctorate. “I have a dream to run for Congress once I turn 25, in the House of Representatives.” Solemn advice? “This world is an ugly place, and our earlier generations created a competitive lifestyle. Students trying to find their way should not forget to live life to the fullest. Make families, education, and being your own boss in something passionate a priority. Stop comparing, focus on yourself. I would love to guide anyone (jeeva4parker.com).
High goals for a girl whose mentors – former state representative Jonathan Singer, Emily Hiltz, and Lindsey Rasmussen instilled in her belief and purpose.
(December 23, 2021) Driven, zealous and supremely skilled, 15-year-old golfer Avani Prashanth is a teen wonder whose achievements have now made her the number 1 amateur player in the country. The Bengaluru-based ninth grader recently won the Global Prodigy Award 2021, which recognises the top 100 child prodigies around the globe from different verticals. Thrilled to bits about her latest recognition, Avani tells Global Indian, "It feels great to win this award as so many children who are talented in diverse fields had applied for it. I will be heading to Dubai for the award ceremony in February 2022." [caption id="attachment_8763" align="aligncenter" width="530"] Avani Prashanth with her winning trophy at All India Ladies Amateur Championship[/caption] Road to No. 1 Avani is now the best ranked Indian golfer on the World Amateur Golf Ranking at 136th position globally, and is the number one amateur golfer in India. The All India Ladies Amateur tournament which was held in November, which Avani won, propelled her to the number 1 spot in the country. "This is a prestigious tournament which is played over a period of seven days, and I had to play nine rounds of golf. I'm the only player to have won
The All India Ladies Amateur tournament which was held in November, which Avani won, propelled her to the number 1 spot in the country. "This is a prestigious tournament which is played over a period of seven days, and I had to play nine rounds of golf. I'm the only player to have won both the match play and the stroke play, and this rare double victory is all the more special as no one else has won it in the last decade," beams the teenager who is eyeing the Asian Games for more silverware, and busy training under her British coach.
Avani topped off this major victory with another laurel by winning the IGU All-India Junior Golf Championship in Ahmedabad a week ago. The golfer is also a two-time winner on the Women's Professional Golf Tour of India. Some of the other milestones in this fervent youngster's journey are being the best-performing Indian female in the US Kids World Championship held at North Carolina and also at the European Championship held at Scotland.
The road to number one has been filled with arduous work and perseverance for Avani. Her tryst with golf happened when she was barely four. "My father, who used to play golf, wanted to take my granddad to learn the sport. On that particular day, I excitedly asked my father to take me along too, and he did and also gave me a junior club to play with. Although the coach was reluctant about teaching a four-year-old, he was amazed by my hand-eye coordination at such an early age. When he and my dad returned after three hours, they saw that I was still practising with the club. They were convinced that I was born to play golf," reminisces Avani, who first trained in Gurgaon, post which she went to Nigeria and then finally moved to Bengaluru six years ago. "Bengaluru is where I honed my golf skills properly. I currently train at the Karnataka Golf Association and also at the Eagleton, The Golf Resort and Sir Laurence Brotheridge, my coach from the UK, trains me online."
Balancing act
A ninth grader from Greenwood High School, Avani credits her school management for their constant support. "My principal Aloysius D'Mello and my teachers are really supportive and accommodative. They let me give my exams according to my schedule and don't pressurise me even if I am unable to write the exams along with the other students. Recently, I wasn't able to give my term 1 exams with the others as I was busy playing tournaments, so they created a separate question paper for me, and allowed me to take the exam later," says a thankful Avani.
Of course, having supportive parents who root for you consistently can make a youngster's journey towards their goal all the more easier. "My parents Surekha and Prashanth have been very encouraging and supportive. My dad never thought twice about taking me on a tour to Scotland when I was just six, and spending money on the best equipment and coaches to train with. In fact, my dad is my best friend," shares Avani. Her father works in the pharmaceutical industry and her mother, a home maker travels with Avani on her golfing exploits.
Despite not being able to indulge in typical teen activities like most other people her age, Avani maintains that she doesn't miss out as she loves playing golf. "I also get to travel across the world for tournaments while playing my favourite sport, so I have the best of everything," smiles the tiny golfer who idolises American golfer Nelly Korda who won the LPGA seven times.
Making golf more accessible
Golf in India is still a growing sport, and not accessible to everyone because of how expensive it is. While Avani was lucky to have the best training facilities, not every aspiring golfer has that privilege. In order to make the sport more accessible to youngsters, Avani says, "They should create more driving ranges as most of them are currently in private clubs, which you need to be a member of, to be able to undergo golf training. Increasing the number of driving ranges will expose more youngsters to golf and also make the sport more accessible to them."
[caption id="attachment_8783" align="aligncenter" width="440"] Avani Prashanth is an amateur golfer.[/caption]
As for her future plans, the go-getter has her eyes set on the Asian Games. "My goal for 2022 year is to break into the top 50-100 in the world and win a gold at the Asian Games in China, that will be held in September 2022," she signs off.
Neel Sethi in The Jungle Book[/caption]
Neel Sethi on the sets of The Jungle Book[/caption]
Jon Favreau with Neel Sethi[/caption]
Neel Sethi with his parents and sister in a recent trip to Goa[/caption]
Avani Prashanth[/caption]
Avani Prashanth is an amateur golfer.[/caption]