Global Indianstory EntrepreneurAryan Nangia: Empowering a generation with future-ready skills

Aryan Nangia: Empowering a generation with future-ready skills

Written by: Charu Thakur

(December 4, 2024) Some 6707 km away in London, UK and 4894 km in Phuket, Thailand, students are turning ideas into reality with the help of LaunchPad, an initiative by Delhi-based Aryan Nangia. Designed to empower students with future-ready skills, LaunchPad has expanded to 15 chapters in five countries within a span of a year. “Most students lack the skills needed to turn ideas into tangible products. I am bridging that gap through LaunchPad,” Aryan tells Global Indian.

What began as a school club in Gurugram in the summer of 2023 has grown into a global initiative, which has already impacted 400 students through physical chapters in 15 schools and a digital platform. “Seeing my idea go global is motivating, but what’s fulfilling is knowing that students are benefitting from it,” adds the 17-year-old.

Aryan Nangia

Turning Student Ideas into Reality

His journey began when his switch from the CBSE to IB (International Baccalaureate) board introduced him to practical subjects like design. Each semester, he worked on projects where he identified problems and created solutions, plans, and prototypes. However, there was a problem. “I never saw myself implementing the solutions I came up with.” The turning point came when his app on empowering senior citizens with hobbies after retirement remained just a prototype. “I realised that I wasn’t able to scale most of my solutions.” The issue echoed among his peers and friends, who too lacked the skills to scale their solutions. This epiphany led him to start LaunchPad to bridge the gap with essential skills.

Taking out a leaf from his own experiences and learnings at the school, he wanted to impart the same knowledge to other teenagers through what he calls “future-proof skills,” like AI, design thinking, storytelling and communication, financial literacy and business fundamentals that are important in today’s time and world. “They can be applied to every sphere, no matter what career path the students decide to take on,” adds Aryan.

The initiative started small as a club in Pathways School, with 12 students with a curriculum that included quizzes, assignments and content sessions. It became an instant hit as students built robots and created website that connected volunteers to NGOs. “I realised there is some merit in this idea and we could scale and reach more kids. That’s how LaunchPad was started.”

Aryan Nangia at an NGO

Building Experience

Growing up, Aryan always found himself gravitating towards technology and innovation. From doing online courses on data analytics to joining innovation clubs at school, he found every opportunity to align himself with technology, innovation and its intersection. “My family always encouraged me to be curious and ask questions. It naturally led me to develop an entrepreneurial tech-focussed mindset.”

This inquisitiveness led him to attend programs like Young Entrepreneurs Bootcamp at BITS Pilani and Harvard Conference. These experiences helped him build a network of like-minded people who enthusiastically helped set up LaunchPad chapters in schools across India and abroad.

From School Club to Global Platform

Launched in July 2023 at Pathways School, Gurgaon, LaunchPad quickly expanded to schools in Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mysore, and Mumbai in India, as well as London (UK), Houston, Alpharetta, Raleigh (USA), Phuket (Thailand), and Dhaka (Bangladesh).

Soon Aryan realised the need to reach more students wand took LaunchPad digital by creating an online platform where students can access course content, quizzes, guided assignments, and interviews with experts. “They can sign up for free and fill up a form highlighting their interests. Each module has one guided assignment which walks students through creating a project, business plan, or pitch deck as an MVP (Minimum Viable Product). Our biggest success metric is not how many students are watching the course but how many students take the first step toward building something tangible,” explains Aryan. Launched in June 2024, the platform already has 200 users, and continues to grow with each passing day.

Aryan Nangia at BITS Pilani

Vision Forward

LaunchPad’s collaboration with NGOs has further extended its reach, impacting over 75 students through customised modules. Apart from skill building, Aryan and his team is currently working on mentorship and volunteer program to match students with mentors who can help them guide on their journey. “We want to spread the axis of the high-quality education, which is free, and mentorship to everyone irrespective of the resources available to them,” says Aryan, who has plans of expanding LaunchPad to government schools and NGOs. “That’s a part of the larger vision for LaunchPad.”

However, LaunchPad came with its set of challenges including pitching the idea and sparking interest among the students. But Aryan calls launching the website his biggest challenge. A self-proclaimed perfectionist, Aryan kept procrastinating the process of making it live as he struggled to perfect it. “I kept delaying, but I finally realized it’s better to launch and refine after feedback,” he admits, echoing Reid Hoffman’s philosophy: “If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late.”

Aryan is a teenager on a mission. He plans to reach 5000 kids by the next two to three years, a 10x of where LaunchPad is right now. Moreover, he plans to streamline the process of opening new channels through the website, allowing students worldwide to start initiatives in their schools.

Aryan, who loves listening to podcasts and watching cricket, advices youngsters to figure out their interests and do some research. “You can use resources like LaunchPad to build something within your interest area, completely for free. It’s important to have the confidence to take the leap of faith,” he signs off.

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Published on 04, Dec 2024

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Jagriti Agrawal: Leading the way for AI in education

(April 17, 2024) Jagriti Agrawal, the co-founder of Kira Learning, is a woman with a mission. Her aim is to bring Computer Science and AI education to middle school and high school students, to empower teachers to teach, and students to learn, through a specially developed curriculum and AI-enabled tools. Now based in Palo Alto, the Forbes 30 Under 30 worked at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory where she helped build autonomous planning systems for NASA's Perseverence rover. However, the journey to the top wasn't a smooth one, and Jagriti began her career feeling like an outsider who was far beyond her peers... A rocky start When she first arrived at university, Jagriti had never studied Computer Science before, and signed up for an 'intro' class, designed for people like herself. However, the class was extremely difficult and she and her friends struggled with it. "It affected our self-worth for years after, because the way you're taught and your education can affect how you see yourself. That experience made me think of how education can affect self-esteem," said Jagriti. [caption id="attachment_37236" align="aligncenter" width="532"] Jagriti Agrawal[/caption] Although the seed had been planted, Jagriti Agrawal graduated from Cal Tech and joined NASA's Jet

ntent/uploads/2024/04/jagriti-2-1024x971.png" alt="Jagriti Agrawal | Kira Learning | Global Indian" width="532" height="504" /> Jagriti Agrawal[/caption]

Although the seed had been planted, Jagriti Agrawal graduated from Cal Tech and joined NASA's Jet Propulsion Labs, where she was part of a 30-odd member team building the Autonomous Planning Systems for the Perseverance Rover. JPL also had a fairly extensive education programme and Jagriti began teaching through this. "I had also tutored kids, especially those living in women's shelters," she says.

Pivot into education

This kindled a new passion in her and Jagriti decided to risk it all. She quit her job at NASA and went to Stanford Business School. "It was a huge pivot for me, but my experiences teaching had showed me the impact of education and that the way someone is taught can impact their self esteem. That was motivating to me," Jagriti recalls. "After three year sof working at JPL I wanted to see if I could turn this passion into a career. And I knew that Stanford had some good education classes."

She went to Stanford, she says, with an open mind, knowing the university offered good education classes. A startup still wasn't on her mind, she didn't even know anyone who worked in one. "I went with the attitude that I want to learn and work in education and help people. THat was my high level thing." At university, though, she began talking more to people at startups and learned more about them.

And it so happened that she received an email from Andrea Pasinetti, a Stanford alumni who wanted to collaborate with students for his startup. Jagriti joined him as an intern over the summer, and found in Andrea Pasinetti a strong and supportive mentor. "It's really important to surround yourself with the right mentors," she says. "He made me believe I could do it and be a co-founder, much more than I did."

Kira Learning

The AI education company recently completed its Series A funding, and raised $15 million. Their aim is empower students and teachers at the middle and high school levels in AI and CS education, through a specially designed curriculum, and a host of AI tools. "We work with professors from Stanford and Berklee who have experience in the teaching these subjects," Jagriti explains. "It's not easy to build a curriculum that's exciting and motivating."

That is the core aim of Kira Learning however - to empower and to motivate. The curriculum includes video instructions, exercises, activities and projects to facilitate learning and to also help teachers, many of whom are teaching these subjects for the first time. Jagriti's responsibilities involve leading the development of content and curriculum, improving the autograding capabilities and using AI as a teaching tool. "We are developing an AI tutor companion which will guide students when they get stuck on a problem. Our challenge is to make sure that the AI doesn't produce the wrong answer, or even produce the answer in full. We want the students to not be stuck but we also want them to learn." A beta version is nearly ready for release.

Scaling up

Their biggest partnership is with the state of Tennessee, and their course has also been used by the state of Ohio. Kira Learning hopes to work at the government level and to introduce their curriculum to schools at a large scale. "We're also speaking to New York and California," Jagriti adds. That apart, the company is also setting up a presence in Asia, as well as East and West Africa.

Purpose and legacy

Driven by her purpose to empower, Jagriti says, "I hope I can be someone who helps other people believe in themselves a little more." Education, she says, has a big role to play in that. "We want to create a curriculum that makes people feel they can be who they want and do what they want. And hopefully, they will also be empathetic and kind," she smiles.

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From Competitions to Contributions: Mithra Rajaram champions climate action

(February 15, 2024) A resident of Mudichur in southern Chennai, which is known for its frequent floods, Mithra Rajaram has had close encounters with nature's fury. Growing up amidst such challenges deeply influenced the mind of this 15-year-old. When the pandemic struck, she saw it as a chance to 'pause, reflect, and act for nature.' Mithra is the winner of the British Council Climate Action Video Making Competition. Her winning entry was showcased at prestigious events like UNCOP26 and COY16 and is also a British Council resource for teaching. Additionally, the teenager emerged a winner at Enterprise Adventure, an international event focusing on youth entrepreneurship, organised by the UK-based charity ‘Teach a Man to Fish’. These two wins led Mithra to venture into social entrepreneurship. Her organisation, 'N2 - Nurture The Nature,' reflects her commitment to making a positive impact on the environment. For her volunteering and climate action efforts Mithra has received the WE Volunteer grant, by WE Schools, a non- profit charity organisation in the UK. [caption id="attachment_35806" align="aligncenter" width="395"] Mithra Rajaram[/caption] The British Council climate action video In 2021 Mithra learned about a video competition being organised by the British Council, and decided to participate. “I didn’t

s/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-14-120419.jpg" alt="Indian climate activists | Mithra Rajaram | Global Indian " width="395" height="697" /> Mithra Rajaram[/caption]

The British Council climate action video

In 2021 Mithra learned about a video competition being organised by the British Council, and decided to participate. “I didn’t have high- end electronic equipment or any knowledge about a tech platform that would help in creating an impressive video. But still, I tried my best to deliver my message for climate action,” Mithra tells Global Indian. To her great delight, the video that she co-created with two fellow nature enthusiasts was selected as one of the top ten videos in the global competition.

“In their official statement, the British Council stated, ‘Selected from more than 200 entries across the world, these ten videos demonstrate both the width and depth of the climate issues surrounding schools, and feasible solutions for teachers and students to tackle climate change impact’,” Mithra shares.

https://youtu.be/BvdJjO4jeAA?si=2vJm0DaHeOHxxSi1

That win served as a catalyst, helping her recognise the power of educational videos to convey a message to society. The youngster went on to make several such videos to drive in her point. "In the next 10-20 years, we are going to witness significant development and technological transformation. However, alongside these advancements, the planet is facing increasing temperatures and alarming signs of environmental degradation, such as sudden floods and declines in biodiversity," she remarks. "It is important that we take action now to build a sustainable future. As a responsible Indian youth, I believe it's my duty to contribute towards shaping a safer future," she tells.

Winning at ‘Teach a Man to Fish’ event

Continuing with her winning streak, Mithra became the winner at the international event, Enterprise Adventure, conducted by the UK-based charity organisation 'Teach a Man to Fish.' Talking about Enterprise Adventure, Mithra says, “It’s a platform for youngsters to learn about businesses, curate their own, plan and launch them.” She participated in the category of developing a social enterprise, where young people aged 13 to 19 from countries like Nigeria, Zambia, Pakistan, and the UAE had also competed. Mithra was 14-years-old when she bagged the first prize.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Urw31gBxmVk

In the world of social entrepreneurship

With victories in two global competitions Mithra established her organisation, ‘N2- Nurture The Nature’. "N2 was founded in 2022, attracting many passionate young students eager to make a difference in nature through their skills," she explains. "We have organised awareness programmes, training sessions, and mentoring workshops for students." In an extension of N2, Mithra initiated 'Catalyst Academy' during the same period, with the goal of educating people about the transformative potential of 21st-century skills in addressing real-world issues. "It's an emerging social enterprise aimed at engaging and inspiring more children," she adds.

She has also started 'The MYE Foundation' with the purpose to promote public speaking and youth entrepreneurship. The young activist has earned recognition as the the best delegate in several national and international Model United Nations simulations for voicing out global issues, and drafting effective resolutions.

[caption id="attachment_35807" align="aligncenter" width="916"] Mithra Rajaram with the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Thiru R.N.Ravi at the Raj Bhavan, as a part of ‘Meet and Greet with Student Achievers' event[/caption]

Motivating students who are older than her

Mithra is not just engaged in awareness programmes but is also an innovator who innovated the concept of percolation pits for restoring groundwater, integrated with a system of greywater management with herbal solutions. For this innovative concept she was honoured at SRM College of Engineering, Kattankulathur and St. Joseph College of Engineering, Chennai.

Mithra has also addressed the MBA students at Thiagarajar School of Management, Madurai upon being invited by a professor. “It was an amazing experience to share my experiences with students older than me. They genuinely liked my presentation, and the true measure of its success was when many of them approached me afterward, saying, "Your achievements at such a young age inspire us to aim higher."

[caption id="attachment_35809" align="aligncenter" width="843"] Mithra Rajaram after interaction with MBA students at Thiagarajar School Of Management (TSM) Madurai[/caption]

Recently Mithra also gave a talk at a government school as part of the ‘Chennaiyin Climate Champions’ programme. Recognising the impact of her endeavours, even her school, Shree Niketan Patasala, facilitated online connections for the 10th-grade student with youngsters from Egypt, Ukraine, and Brazil. "I trained them, and together we explored various topics, exchanging ideas rooted in our respective countries' environments," she shares.

Making a difference through writing

Mithra uses all mediums to drive in her message. She has published 15 articles in Times of India centred around environment and bringing change. The young writer’s story revolving around climate got featured in ‘Futurity’ a magazine of IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language). “I was invited to write my thoughts on climate action as one of the youngest authors by IATEFL,” she says. Mithra is also the author of ‘The Eco- Read’, a book for young minds to explore ways for getting involved in climate actions and become changemakers.

Striding ahead

"I want to pursue engineering to discover and unlock the potential of building a climate-resilient India," remarks the young enthusiast, who draws inspiration from various sources. "I can't pinpoint one individual. My inspiration comes from everywhere, whether it's a movie I watch or the passion of Virat Kohli and the calmness of MS Dhoni in cricket. Even at home, my optimistic mother is a source of inspiration," she remarks.

[caption id="attachment_35808" align="aligncenter" width="788"] Mithra Rajaram at her school's annual day function receiving the General Proficiency award from chief guest, IPS Aravindhan[/caption]

Balancing studies, exams, and events becomes challenging at times, but for Mithra, her love for learning and nature keeps her going. "Prioritising tasks based on daily requirements helps me maintain balance," she says. With six years of Bharatanatyam training under her belt, Mithra enjoys dancing, listening to music, and engaging in arts and crafts. "With proper planning and wise time management, 24 hours is more than enough," she signs off.

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Young innovators shine: Indian Americans lead the way in 3M Young Scientist Challenge 2023

(July 22, 2023) In a remarkable display of scientific brilliance, six young innovators of Indian American heritage have emerged as shining stars among the USA's brightest in the prestigious 3M Young Scientist Challenge. These ingenious middle school students have secured their spots in the competition's top ten finalists, captivating judges and spectators alike with their groundbreaking research and innovative ideas. Hailing from diverse backgrounds and regions, these budding scientists have proven that age knows no boundaries when it comes to transforming the world through science. The 3M Young Scientist Challenge, renowned for its rigorous selection process, attracts talent from all corners of the US. Global Indian delve into the stories behind these six extraordinary kids, whose names are etched in the hall of fame for young scientists. The future indeed looks brighter with these young trailblazers at the forefront of scientific innovation. Ishaan Iyer The brilliant innovator behind the groundbreaking Tactile Electronic Braille Display Device 2.0, Ishaan Iyer is the youngest among the ten finalists of the esteemed Discovery 3M Young Scientist Challenge 2023. With a passion for creating solutions that make a difference, Ishaan set out to revolutionize the process of Braille writing for the visually impaired. His ingenious

orefront of scientific innovation.

Ishaan Iyer

The brilliant innovator behind the groundbreaking Tactile Electronic Braille Display Device 2.0, Ishaan Iyer is the youngest among the ten finalists of the esteemed Discovery 3M Young Scientist Challenge 2023. With a passion for creating solutions that make a difference, Ishaan set out to revolutionize the process of Braille writing for the visually impaired. His ingenious device offers a cost-effective and efficient alternative to the traditional slate and stylus method, encoding the English alphabet into Braille language and simplifying the way the visually impaired read.

https://youtu.be/EywD3MLMzbI

When asked about his favourite invention from the last century, Ishaan enthusiastically cites the reusable rocket, showcasing his fascination with space exploration. Aspiring to be a rocket scientist, he dreams of contributing to the development of economical and eco-friendly spacecraft. Beyond his years in age, Ishaan's innovative spirit and determination have propelled him to the forefront of the Young Scientist Challenge, earning admiration and respect from his peers and mentors alike.

Anisha Dhoot

The remarkable Indian American innovator's passion for the environment drove her innovative project, aimed at creating a sustainable planet through the use of kelp seaweed to enhance soil nutrition and combat climate change. With a vision for a better world, Anisha aspires to pursue a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to positively impact the lives of people on Earth.

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At just 14 years old, Anisha is determined to break barriers and challenge the underrepresentation of girls in STEM fields. With her scientific curiosity and dedication, she aims to inspire a shift in this trend both during high school and college and in professional careers. Hailing from Portland, her journey as a budding scientist reflects her unwavering determination to create a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Shripriya Kalbhavi

Just in eighth grade, and already making headlines. A student of Joaquin Miller Middle School in San Jose, Shripriya is making waves with her groundbreaking invention: EasyBZ microneedle patches, an affordable and painless solution for medication. This active drug delivery system utilizes Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction automation, enabling precise doses of medication to be administered into the body. Fueled by her passion for scientific advancements, particularly in the realm of medication, the innovator harbors dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon.

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Beyond her impressive work in the medical field, Shripriya's talents extend to mathematics, where she excels as a mathlete. Her enthusiasm for numbers and problem-solving has led her to actively participate in esteemed math competitions like Math Kangaroo and AMC8, showcasing her versatility and acumen in diverse academic pursuits.

Adhip Maitra

Ever heard of ptosis? It's a condition that causes eyelids to droop abnormally, potentially obstructing vision. Though often linked to aging, many individuals remain unaware of its presence until it worsens. This intriguing fact, combined with ptosis being a symptom of 48 different diseases and disorders, served as the catalyst for Adhip Maitra's brilliant idea: a computer programme for early ptosis detection. With his innovation, he aims to identify the condition promptly and unveil any underlying serious ailments that might otherwise go unnoticed until advanced stages.

https://youtu.be/GWM2VXzE2Xs

An eighth grade-innovator from Jackson Heights Middle School in Oviedo, Florida, Adhipa delved into the realm of deep learning and other cutting-edge technologies to develop this remarkable computer programme. By employing these advanced tools, he hopes to make a significant impact on healthcare and improve the lives of countless individuals. As he continues to fine-tune his invention, Adhip's dedication and ingenuity shine as a beacon of hope for a future where early detection and intervention lead to better outcomes for patients facing ptosis and related medical conditions.

Shruti Sivaraman

An aspiring app developer with a mission to make a difference, Shruti Sivaraman has created a remarkable application to diagnose Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), a serious vision-related complication affecting those with diabetes. Her innovative smart app utilizes retinal image analysis, offering a more efficient alternative to the traditional dilated eye exam, which typically involves the use of dilation drops.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAkRIw7x890

Currently studying at Canyon Vista Middle School as a seventh grader, Shruti's passion for technology and her relentless pursuit of excellence have led her to dream of becoming a computer engineer. Through her groundbreaking app, the innovator aims to contribute to the field of medical technology, making healthcare more accessible and effective for individuals affected by Diabetic Retinopathy.

Anish Kosaraju

According to the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2021, cybersecurity failure ranks among the most critical risks of this decade. Addressing this pressing concern, Anish Kosaraju, based in San Jose, has carved a place among the finalists of the prestigious 3M Young Scientist Challenge 2023 with his groundbreaking invention. Anish Kosaraju's innovation revolves around harnessing the power of machine learning to bolster cybersecurity measures.

https://youtu.be/oeF8-GV8w4k

His ingenious model focuses on verifying the legitimacy of login attempts, providing an added layer of protection to accounts lacking multi-factor authentication. By preventing cyber takeovers, Anish's invention offers a proactive approach to safeguarding sensitive information from potential breaches. With aspirations set high, the innovator envisions himself as a cybersecurity expert in the future, determined to play a pivotal role in fortifying digital defenses against ever-evolving cyber threats.

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Innovator, STEM whiz, TEDx speaker, Global Teen Leader: Neha Shukla is inspiring teens to solve real world problems

COVID-19’s aftermath deeply vexes her. It changed a carefree 16-year-old to a thinking and inventing one. Innovator and STEM whiz Neha Shukla spent the pandemic-driven lockdowns leveraging science and technology to create social change. She invented a device — SixFeetApart — a wearable social distancing sonic sensor cap which beeps or vibrates when the six foot distance is breached, thus helping slow the spread of Covid-19. Even more credible is that her expectant childlike smile adorned the Nasdaq screen at New York City’s Times Square in 2020 as a ticker congratulated Neha for developing SixFeetApart. The recent Diana Award recipient is thrilled as she speaks with passion about STEM and spreading knowledge on her travels across the US on science and entrepreneurship. [caption id="attachment_8062" align="aligncenter" width="536"] Neha Shukla on the Nasdaq screen at Times Square[/caption] The Indian-origin Pennsylvania resident from Cumberland Valley High School taught herself engineering and technology during lockdown, and her invention is an attempt to address world problems. Honored with the Diana Award for social action and humanitarian work, it was her research on SixFeetApart and running global Innovation and STEM workshops to build the next generation of young problem-solvers and innovators tackling the world’s biggest problems that set her apart. “I’ve impacted over 45,000 students through my sessions. I aim to reach over 100,000 students

e Indian-origin Pennsylvania resident from Cumberland Valley High School taught herself engineering and technology during lockdown, and her invention is an attempt to address world problems. Honored with the Diana Award for social action and humanitarian work, it was her research on SixFeetApart and running global Innovation and STEM workshops to build the next generation of young problem-solvers and innovators tackling the world’s biggest problems that set her apart. “I’ve impacted over 45,000 students through my sessions. I aim to reach over 100,000 students around the world by partnering with corporate companies and local organizations! It means so much to be recognized by Princess Diana as she represents kindness, humanitarian spirit, and service above self. It was also a wonderful surprise to hear Prince Harry’s words of encouragement at the awards ceremony,” Neha Shukla told Global Indian in an exclusive interview.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cAkARPZl_U[/embed]

Evolving with the times

The world of science is ever changing, and her invention too has evolved. It has grown to three devices to be more accessible — an original SixFeetApart hat, a lanyard for school and corporate settings and an armband for on-the-go safety, and is now available on the Google Play Store as a companion app for the device.

“I’m most excited about the potential of creating real-world impact amid the new wave of Delta variant seeing a surge, especially in India. I hope that SixFeetApart is a small part of the solution to saving lives. The research paper detailing the creation and data behind SixFeetApart will be published in the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) in London this September,” adds Neha.

Neha was recently chosen by Masayoshi Son, CEO, SoftBank, to join the Masason Foundation and will receive grants, lab facilities, and mentorship for all future innovations too. The recipient of the National Gold Presidential Service Award from President Joe Biden, her scientific explorations have come a long way from when she would code apps using a block coder, and even started designing a heart rate-oximeter. Neha believes that caring enough about a problem, and being willing to take action, and solving it is the key to growth.

Mentors to nurture her mindset

[caption id="attachment_8063" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Neha Shukla and her inventions[/caption]

That, and having parents who are amazing mentors has nurtured her scientific mindset. Her parents Bharti and Rajiv Shukla are IIT and Harvard alumni — thus asking questions and exploring was encouraged at home.

“I’m currently working on a new innovation to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers' and Parkinsons' at an early-stage using brain-computer interfaces and artificial intelligence. I’m excited to begin my research and create my innovation starting Fall 2021,” she says.

Even through the pandemic which was “definitely a struggle”, Neha kept focused. “The silver lining of being at home during quarantine has been the ability to explore new research, innovate, and be able to expand the scope of my innovation sessions to students across the world.” By Spring 2022, she plans to launch her book Innovation for Everyone - a guide on Innovation, Problem-Solving, and STEM. The book aims to equip students, adults, and organizations to leverage science and technology to solve problems.

Advocate for innovation

[caption id="attachment_8064" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Neha Shukla with the Presidential Award[/caption]

The entrepreneurship ambassador for girls, TEDx Speaker and global teen leader also runs Innovation and STEM workshops for students. As an advocate for innovation and youth in science and technology, she says, “Seeing children from even the first or second grade getting excited about innovation and coming up with tangible solutions to pollution, etc, within a 45-minute session is amazing. I see this as a testament that young people need to be a part of the dialogue to solve global problems," says the girl who believes in harnessing her knowledge for positive action. (You can sign up for workshops on her website at: https://bit.ly/NehaShuklaWorkshop)

Selected as a 2021 Global Teen Leader from the 3 times Grammy-winning artist Nile Rodgers’ We Are Family Foundation, she aims to continue her mission to help build the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators. “As a Global Teen Leader, I had the opportunity to spend the summer attending the virtual Just Peace Summit, where we learned from experts around the world, met iconic peacemakers and industry experts, and celebrated the work that all the 40 amazing Global Teen Leaders are doing.”

Neha is also the Youth Ambassador for NYU Stern School of Business’ Endless Frontier Labs where she sits amidst venture capitalists and emerging startups in deep tech, to unscramble the world of VCs and startups. For her, this augurs her foray into business, product development and entrepreneurship, which incidentally, she is already doing as executive director at Boss Ladies. She was recently awarded the Whitaker Centre's 2021 Women in STEM - Rising Star. One of Neha’s most fervent drivers is the urge to solve climate change, healthcare and cybersecurity.

Of family ties and roots

[caption id="attachment_8065" align="aligncenter" width="633"] Neha Shukla working on SixFeetApart[/caption]

Quite Indian at heart, she loves celebrating Diwali with her grandparents, cousins, and family in Mumbai and Pune. Ever thankful for parents who are proud and supportive, she adds, “It means so much to me that they believe in the work that I’m doing. I definitely couldn’t have created SixFeetApart or any other innovation without their support."

"They have always encouraged me to be curious about the world, but let me figure out things on my own — no spoon feeding. My dad is an avid reader who inculcated in me the idea that it is possible to have a super deep knowledge of all subjects. His knowledge is so deep and wide, it’s crazy,” she smiles.

A piano player who loves Beethoven, Mozart, and even contemporary tunes like Rag Time, Neha also strums the acoustic guitar. She paints too — oils and acrylic, with a love for landscapes and still art. Her sister Niharika, her playing companion, is incidentally also a budding innovator.

If science excites you, she urges,

“Start now! The world needs your unique talents and ideas, so find a real-world problem and begin innovating. Put your creativity and imagination towards solving a problem and use frameworks like my three-step process to guide you. Anyone can be a problem-solver, anyone can be an innovator.”

Her goal is to follow her parents’ footsteps and join Harvard, or MIT, but before that, Neha Shukla is busy — taking STEM knowledge to the world.

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Miss India Worldwide 2024 Dhruvi Patel: Combining a passion for pageantry and philanthropy with pride in her Indian heritage

(September 27, 2024) Dhruvi Patel, a student from the USA, was named Miss India Worldwide 2024. This was the 31st edition of Miss India Worldwide, the longest-running Indian pageant held outside of India. It is considered one of the top ethnic pageants, and is dedicated to providing a platform for young women to showcase their talent, culture, and values on an international stage. "Winning Miss India Worldwide is such an incredible honour. It's more than a crown – it represents my heritage, my values, and the opportunity to inspire others on a global scale," Dhruvi said expressing her excitement after receiving the prestigious crown at the pageant held at Edison, New Jersey. Lisa Abdoelhak from Suriname was named the first runner-up, while Malvika Sharma from the Netherlands was declared the second runner-up at the competition. Dhruvi is pursuing a degree in Computer Information Systems at Quinnipiac University. In 2023, the youngster earned the title of Miss India New England. She combines her love for pageantry with a passion for philanthropy, co-running the nonprofit 3DCharities along with her siblings. Talent, culture and values “To all my sister queens, sharing this pageant journey with you all has been a true blessing. Your

love for pageantry with a passion for philanthropy, co-running the nonprofit 3DCharities along with her siblings.

Talent, culture and values

“To all my sister queens, sharing this pageant journey with you all has been a true blessing. Your friendship, support, and shared experiences have made this adventure unforgettable. Each one of you have brought a unique sparkle to this journey, and I am grateful for the memories we’ve created together. Here’s to the bond we’ve formed and the special moments we’ve shared as sister queens,” Dhruvi remarked highlighting the pageant's journey that culminated into her winning the title.

With a passion for both pageantry and philanthropy, the Indian-American youngster aspires to become a Bollywood actor and serve as a UNICEF ambassador, following in the footsteps of some of the Indian actors she admires.

Giving back through 3DCharities

While managing her nonprofit, Dhruvi Patel dedicates her time to volunteering at senior centers, participating in food drives, and supporting various fundraising efforts. Her nonprofit regularly donates to organizations like UNICEF, Feeding America, and the American Red Cross. “Doing a good deed, whether large or small, will always come back to you in a positive way,” she believes.

3DCharities is a home-based nonprofit funded by Dhruvi and her siblings, Dhriti and Darsh. Eleven years ago, they founded it with the monetary gifts they received during birthdays, Diwali, Christmas, and other occasions as children. The charity's name was created by combining the first letters of their names.

“God has blessed us with privileges, and as we strive to be transformational leaders, we want to use our blessings to do good and bring smiles to others. Charity starts at home but shouldn’t end there. We promise to elevate this mission to new heights,” is the driving force behind the siblings' initiative.

[caption id="attachment_39493" align="aligncenter" width="653"] Dhruvi with her siblings Darsh and Dhriti, the cofounders of 3DCharities[/caption]

They launched 3DCharities with the goal of serving and touching as many lives as possible, donating essentials like food, water, clothing, and school supplies to temples, churches, medical research institutions, and other causes. Their efforts extend beyond the U.S., reaching India as well. Recently, they partnered with a local organization to feed over 300 children in Vadodara.

The charity also provides menstrual hygiene products and blankets to the homeless and underprivileged, and they regularly distribute food and clothing to orphanages. In 2023 3DCharities impacted the lives of 4,800 people. "We have donated $15,000 of our monetary gifts from many holidays and other occasions to charities in the past decade. We have also fundraised over $7000 for Jump rope for heart, American Red Cross, St. Jude’s, disaster relief charities during the pandemic and many other causes and charities," the siblings shared.

A proud member of the diaspora

The young Indian American pageant winner hailing from Gujarat was invited to be a part of the India Independence Day parade held at NYC few weeks back. She was also present at the address of PM Modi in New York during his U.S visit this month. Calling it an incredible experience, she shared with a news channel, “As you can see, there is so much energy in this stadium. It is absolutely incredible. It’s so contagious. Everyone has so much passion for Bharat. It is absolutely insane. It just feels so surreal being surrounded by so many Indian people who are so passionate about their own country. Even though they’re living in America, they’re still so passionate. It truly is amazing.”

Dhruvi Patel's enthusiasm and pride in her heritage comes from the strong connection she maintains with her Indian roots, despite living abroad.

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