Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveArchit Patil: Saving the lives of new mothers through PPH cup

Archit Patil: Saving the lives of new mothers through PPH cup

Compiled by: Team GI Youth

(April 18, 2024) Having doctor parents, who work as a gynaecologist and an anaesthesiologist, emergency cases were the norm. But with no one to take care of him at home, Archit Patil would often accompany his parents to the hospital. After successful surgeries, he could see happiness on his parents’ faces but maternal deaths left them devastated. “I witnessed the emotional trauma my parents would go through. Feeding my curiosity, I learned from my parents that there is no single/ideal method to measure post-delivery blood loss accurately during childbirth. This information gap leads to a delay in diagnosis and the tragic death of mothers despite marathon efforts by the medical team. This inspired me to find a solution to the problem,” said Archit, who ended up designing a PPH cup that can efficiently measure postpartum blood loss, thus preventing maternal deaths. The innovation earned him Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in 2021.

Archit Patil

How it began

It all began in Grade 6 when while working on a science project on sanitary waste for the Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition, he learnt about menstrual cups. Understanding their design and functionality gave Archit the idea of a postpartum haemorrhage cup. He discussed the idea and started building up the initial prototype using a spare menstrual cup from his mother to create a metal mold. This prototype was then showcased to obstetricians within his parents’ professional circle who could help perfect the design with their feedback.

After a few modifications, the prototype underwent testing for safety and toxicity at the Indian Drugs Research Laboratory (IDRL) in Pune in March 2020. Explaining the usage of the PPH cup, Archit said that made from medical-grade silicone, the cup is inserted into the birth canal either before or after a cesarean section, or following a natural childbirth. “It has two ports at the end. One is for attaching the blood collection bag, while the other provides a facility for suction to avoid blockage of the system due to blood clots. As we create negative pressure in the suction machine, we can directly suck out the blood clots and that can help prevent atonic postpartum haemorrhage, and thus present a real chance of saving the mother’s life,” he added.

Creating an impact

Archit’s father – Rahul Patil, a gynaecologist, calls it a life-saving device as it provides doctors with precise real-time measurements of blood loss, crucial for managing postpartum haemorrhage, especially within the critical ‘golden hour.’ “At present, there is no such prevalent method to measure blood loss. My son’s innovation will revolutionise the way post-delivery blood loss is monitored in clinical practice and reduce maternal mortality and morbidity,” he had added.

In the last few years, the device has been used by over 50 hospitals across the country, and Archit is happy that his innovation is saving the lives of mothers. Moreover, the device doesn’t add to the issue of medical waste as it can reused after autoclave and sterilisation.

Archit credits his parents for encouraging him in this journey of innovation. “From networking with professionals from their field to offering financial support needed to take my innovation from an idea to an actual product, they played a pivotal role,” he said.

Keen to learn artificial intelligence, machine learning, and coding, the teenager wants to get into the best universities in the world. He believes it’s important to work hard and push towards your goals. “This world needs to think of developing many more smart and sustainable solutions for a variety of problems.”

His remarkable achievement at a young age epitomises the power of innovation and compassion. His invention of the PPH cup, designed to potentially save countless lives during childbirth, marks a significant leap forward in maternal healthcare. With his dedication and determination, Archit has not only demonstrated his talent but also his commitment to making a positive impact on the world. His story serves as an inspiration to young minds everywhere, reminding us that age is no barrier to making a difference and that even the simplest of ideas can have profound and life-saving implications.

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Published on 18, Apr 2024

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From turf to teaching: Rani Rampal’s double milestones in 2023

(September 19, 2023) Ace hockey player Rani Rampal who earned the moniker the 'Queen of Hockey,' has recently been appointed as U-17 coach to mentor rising stars of the game. "Hockey gave me an identity, people listen to me, talk to me because of hockey. So, I just want to work for it in any capacity. You can can play, mentor young kids, you can teach," she said accepting the role. This is the second milestone that the 28-year-old achieved in her career in 2023. She had reached a significant milestone earlier this year when Modern Coach Factory (MCF) Stadium in Raebareli got renamed to ‘Rani’s Girls Hockey Turf'. From being a girl who had to plead to enter a hockey academy to becoming the first female player to have a stadium in her name, Rani’s journey is extraordinary. [caption id="attachment_33144" align="aligncenter" width="794"] Rani Rampal coaches rising hockey stars[/caption] India's most celebrated female hockey player, Rani has journeyed from a village of Haryana to the international hockey stage with elan. From being a cart-puller’s daughter to representing India in all the major international hockey turfs is nothing short of an inspiration.The former captain of women's hockey team was bestowed with

rising hockey stars[/caption]

India's most celebrated female hockey player, Rani has journeyed from a village of Haryana to the international hockey stage with elan. From being a cart-puller’s daughter to representing India in all the major international hockey turfs is nothing short of an inspiration.The former captain of women's hockey team was bestowed with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2020 and received the Padma Shri, the country's fourth highest civilian award the same year.

A stadium in her name

“Words seem too less to express my happiness and gratitude as I share that the MCF Raebareli has been renamed as ‘Rani’s Girls Hockey Turf’ to honour my contribution to hockey,” she had tweeted. She achieved this rare honour for her consistent good performances in the game. In another tweet, Rani remarked, “It is a proud and emotional moment for me as I become the first woman hockey player to have a stadium to my name. I dedicate this to the Indian women’s team and I hope this inspires the next generation of women hockey players!”

The self-made hockey player had dared to dream when there were odds stacked against her and with her sheer dedication has come a long way.

Life as a cart-puller’s daughter

Growing up in Haryana, Rani dreamed of becoming a hockey player ever since she was a little girl. But her cart-puller father who could not even manage two meals a day for the family was unable to support her dreams. Rani persisted. Playing with a broken hockey stick, running around in a salwar-kameez as she could not afford a tracksuit, the youngster carried on. Her mother worked as a housemaid.

"I wanted an escape from my life - from the electricity shortages to the mosquitoes buzzing in our ears when we slept, from barely having two square meals to seeing our home getting flooded when it rained. My parents tried their best but there was little that they could do,” Rani said in an interview.

There was a hockey academy near their house. Rani would spend hours watching players practice. She too wanted to play but every time she requested the coach to include her in the practice sessions, he would reject her saying, she was malnourished. While her parents kept on postponing her demands to purchase a hockey stick. One day Rani found a broken hockey stick near the academy and was on top of the world. Determined to change her life’s trajectory she begged the coach to give her a chance to learn. Eventually, with lots of pleadings, he agreed to train her. This was the beginning of a history that was waiting to be unfolded.

[caption id="attachment_29085" align="aligncenter" width="760"] Rani Rampal[/caption]

The journey began...

When Rani’s parents came to know about her plans to play hockey, they were reluctant. Instead, they wanted her to take up household chores and disapproved of the idea of girls playing hockey wearing skirts. It was the second time that Rani had to plead very hard. “I pleaded with them to let me play and if I failed, I promised I would do whatever they wanted me to do,” she said. It was only then that they agreed.

At the academy, each player needed to bring 500 ml of milk to drink before resuming practice. However, it was just 200 ml that the family could afford for Rani. The youngster did not want to take any chances and make the coach unhappy. She would mix milk with water in a 500 ml bottle and take it to the academy to do exactly what the coach desired. Rani picked up the sport fast. Looking at her dedication to the sport and how she did not miss a single day of practice, the coach built a liking for her. Later he even bought her a hockey kit and shoes and allowed her to stay with his family so that her nutritional needs could be taken care of.

[caption id="attachment_29087" align="aligncenter" width="470"] Rani Rampal[/caption]

It was a joyous and emotional occasion for her family when Rani came home with her first earning, a Rs 500 note that she won in a tournament. It was her first earning and when she gave the money to her father, he wept in joy. “I promised my family that one day we would be having our own home and worked hard to keep that promise,” the Global Indian said.

On the path to success

After playing several tournaments and representing her state under the guidance of her coach who stood by her in thick and thin Rani Rampal got a chance to play at the nationals. As she started to play professionally, GoSports Foundation, a sports NGO provided Rani with monetary as well as non-monetary support. At the age of 15, she was the youngest player in the national team which participated in the 2010 World Cup. After giving several consistent performances, there came a day when she was named the captain of the Indian Hockey Team – making her parents and hockey coach swell in pride.

Keeping to her promise she fulfilled the need for one’s own home for the family in 2017. “It was an emotional day for all of us. We cried together and held each other tight” she said. Having played the sport for more than 13 years, the veteran player had been the mainstay of the team. In 2020 the striker who often doubled up as a midfielder was honoured with a Padma Shri. Her coach Baldev Singh received the Dronacharya Award.

[caption id="attachment_33143" align="aligncenter" width="443"] Rani Rampal receiving the Padma Shri award[/caption]

Bringing laurels to the country in numerous international tournaments Rani has also worked as an assistant coach with the Sports Authority of India. Apart from Padma Shri, she has won the Arjuna Award and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award – the highest sporting honours of India.

Follow Rani Rampal on Twitter

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Tasting success: Meet the young chefs who are taking the Indian platter to the world

(February 16, 2023) As per a recent study by German food ordering company Lieferando, Indian food is the second most popular cuisine on social media and had the fastest growth rate of 41 percent. In the last two decades, several young chefs from the Indian diaspora are tapping into the potential of regional Indian food and stacking it with consciousness, innovation, and creativity. Interestingly, a young chef from Kolkata - Naureen Shaikh - recently won the bronze trophy at the International Young Chef Olympiad, defeating 50 participants from various other countries. And she is not the only one. The culinary world is witnessing a rise of many young Indian or Indian-origin chefs, who are carving a niche for themselves. Global Indian puts the spotlight on young chefs who are changing the international perception of Indian food from spice-laden meals to delicate cuisine. Naureen Shaikh Going against her mother, who wanted her to pursue a degree in social sciences and become an IAS officer, Naureen Shaikh took admission to a hotel management institute to follow her dream of becoming a chef. And making her mother very proud, the 20-year-old recently won the bronze cup at the International Young Chef Olympiad, held

a chef. And making her mother very proud, the 20-year-old recently won the bronze cup at the International Young Chef Olympiad, held in Goa. The chef, who prepared two portions of French omelette, four portions of a prawn entree, and dessert for the finale, shared in a press conference that her love for cooking started at quite a young age. " My interest in cooking started when I was in Class VIII and I would always look for feedback on what I had prepared because that would help me improve,” she said.

For about six months before the competition, she would spend almost 12 hours in the institute 'making the same dish over and over again'. “It was exhausting and at times frustrating. But hard work, consistency, and dedication matter. It was a Michelin-star restaurant. Working in the kitchen, I learnt that the customer gives us bread and butter and we have to give them value for money," shared the young chef, who wishes to open a restaurant in Kolkata in the next few years.

Arnav Kamulkar

While his classmates at J.P. Stevens High School in New Jersey were looking up which college to apply to, this 17-year-old chef was busy experimenting with new recipes and designing a menu for his restaurant - Clove 12. Redefining the genre of the typical Indian restaurant with innovation and uniqueness, Arnav Kamulkar began cooking at the age of 6 with traditional Indian dishes because that's what his mother made. When she became a "bit explorative" and tried other cuisines, Kamulkar, who was her sous chef, found his spark. "From there it just kind of snowballed. I started making my own stuff. Originally, I was just helping my mom cook vegetables and watching her cook and then slowly I wanted to make my own recipes, and do my own stuff. And that's how it kind of led to what I'm doing today," the chef told in an interview.

Drawing inspiration from across the globe, the young chef features fusion offerings at his restaurant, that according to him, "marry the best flavors from all cuisines to provide a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience." Speaking about his plans for his restaurant going ahead, the teen chef said, "I'll explore gastronomy. I'll do molecular cooking. Like, sometimes I'll make plant-based caviar. And I'll also do fusion foods, like Indian tacos. Clove 12 is definitely a mix of all cuisines. Although I do like to keep a bit of a foundation of Indian food because that's how I first learned how to cook."

Madhumitha K P

Just 19, and already ruling the culinary world. Bengaluru's Madhumitha K P represented India at the 2019 Young Chef Olympiad and came back home with a shining trophy. Though none of her family members are into this profession, she was inspired by her mother and dreamt of becoming a famous chef. "Even as a young girl I would cook at home under my mom's supervision, and by the time I finished my schooling, I was sure that I wanted to do hotel management."

The young chef wants to work in a standalone restaurant in Europe in the coming years and hopes that it will give her the necessary experience in cooking. In the next five years, she aims to start her own food court chain across India. She also hopes to adopt orphanages and old age homes so that she can provide them with regular food.

Dev Mishra

Who can forget 13-year-old Dev Mishra - the young chef who bowled over top Australian chefs with his finger-licking lamb mughlai curry? The teen chef earned rave reviews from the judges on the show Junior MasterChef Australia, for his first-ever meal in the show, with chef Jock Zonfrillo saying, “I feel as if I’m eating at your table at home with your parents and your brothers.”

Like many chefs across the world, Dev's love for cooking was inspired by his mother. "I started learning to cook for as long as I can remember. My mum always wanted my brother and me to be independent and she encouraged us to learn cooking. My first memory of cooking is when my mum would give me some dough to knead and roll to make roti or mix and prepare ingredients," the youngster had informed during an interview. Currently running successful YouTube and Instagram food channels, the young chef plans on opening his chain of restaurants. "My restaurant will serve food from across the world. I cook different cuisines, and I try to recreate authentic flavours with my twist to them. That’s what I want to showcase at my restaurant," he shared.

Indian teen racing champ Atharva eyes Formula 3

Atharva Desai was eight-years-old when he watched his first Formula 1 race on TV, at his Virginia home. He was enchanted. He ran and pressed his face up against the screen. Today, at 19, the US-born Indian-origin racer is testing for Formula 3 in the UK with Arden Motorsports Team, Banbury. Now the Indian teen racing champ’s sights are set on a Formula 1 seat, and hopefully even a world championship. In early February, Atharva and a small group of drivers headed out to the Young Racing Drivers’ Academy racetrack at the Anglesey Circuit to test Arden Motorsports’ F3 cars – all whetted through a series of simulation rounds. Unfortunately, it was a rainy day - the track lay wet and glistening - hardly ideal for a racer. “I had never spent an entire day driving in the rain,” he recalls, in an exclusive interview with Global Indian. “But I kept it under control. I kept it fast and it went well,” said the Indian teen racing champ. A chance to sign on as an F3 driver and make headway to the coveted Formula 1, Desai is hopeful. [caption id="attachment_11211" align="aligncenter" width="875"] Atharva Desai at the Anglesey Circuit in Wales[/caption]

e to sign on as an F3 driver and make headway to the coveted Formula 1, Desai is hopeful.

[caption id="attachment_11211" align="aligncenter" width="875"] Atharva Desai at the Anglesey Circuit in Wales[/caption]

A Brit Indian with a need for speed

Atharva entered racing before he hit his teens. A cutthroat world that required emotional stability far beyond his years, just as much as talent and skill, he says, “Attitude and confidence are important. You never know who is watching you. While talent is the first thing scouts look for, the second round involves testing a person’s confidence and approach to life. They want someone who can endorse them, who will bring their team a good name.”

Soon after he watched that first race on TV, his obliging parents took the excited eight-year-old to a go-karting track called the Allsports Grand Prix in Northern Virginia. He failed to meet the height requirements but was back the following year, determined to practice on his own. He was noticed by the track owner, Francois, who remarked to Atharva’s father that the boy “drives like a young Sir Jackie Stewart” and began teaching him the fundamentals of racing.

“I was 10 when I entered my first junior league,” says the Indian teen racing champ. A rookie, going up against opponents far more experienced than himself, he went on to win the championship, levelling up, and emerging victorious the next year too. “There was the last level left to compete at but my teacher stopped me. He thought I would beat everyone. My adult opponents wouldn’t have been happy about that,” he smiles.

After finishing second at the ROTAX National Race, Atharva was invited to test Formula 4 cars. And he impressed all. “I got blazing times. It got me noticed,” says the Indian teen racing champ who, in search of a good school to study engineering, chose Oxford Brookes College in the UK due to its motorsports curriculum.

At the Young Racing Driver Academy in Virginia, he met Jamie Horner, director, an established name, Horner’s brother, Christian, the British team principal for team Redbull Formula 1. “I became a developing driver to improve my skills, and hopefully race for them in the future,” says the 19-year-old. At the academy in Anglesey, drivers were put on simulators, chosen based on skills and timing. Atharva found out soon enough that F4 cars in the UK are quite different from those in the US. “The American cars are digital, less rigid. They’re not meant for aggressive racing. In the UK, they’re built for aggressive drivers – which is what I am,” says the Indian teen racing champ who re-honed his skills, leaving his mentors impressed.

How Nikki Lauda inspired him

Committed and driven, Atharva is up before 6 am, starting with an hour at the gym. Back home, he cooks breakfast, and heads to class. Unwavering discipline, born of mental fortitude, he explains, “I don’t get angry often. Motorsports, especially, the earlier phases are competitive and full of aggression. You’re getting attacked both on and off the track. So, you learn. If someone provokes me, I think, my goal is to be in F1. My goal is not to meddle with the guy.”

Even his choice of idols is unusual – Nikki Lauda, the legendary Austrian Formula One and three-time F1 World Drivers’ Champion, the only driver in history to be champion for both Ferrari and McLaren. In 1976, Lauda’s Ferrari swerved off the track and burst into flames. “He was pulled out of the car with half his face on fire. He didn’t give up, with dedication and mental strength, he made it through. Nothing could stand in his way,” says the Indian teen racing champ.

All about motorsport

Doing engineering in motorsport technology at Oxford, Atharva is uncommonly mature. “I was raised with Indian values. I understand that a little competition can go a long way,” he adds.

This year, he hopes to join a Formula 3 team in the US. “I have built good relationships there, and they are willing to give me an F3 seat,” says the racer whose connection with Arden Motorsports will continue alongside. “Next year, I start negotiating with Formula 2 teams. I also have to work at getting sponsors to back me,” says the Indian teen racing champ.

The chequered flag beckons

Much of his success, the Indian teen racing champ attributes to his unwavering resolve. “Attitude, confidence and general likeability all count for a lot. Being a race driver requires huge mental fortitude,” says the boy whose daily regimen involves mental training, “I do reaction time testing and I juggle - for balance and skill.”

Racing is an expensive sport, and staying on the track is thanks to the unflinching support by his parents. “I'm motivated by the fact they trust me and know I'm working hard,” says Atharva. He practices on iRacing, a simulation software. “There are actual drivers and scouts on it, so I practice and register for races,” says the teen, who loves to skateboard or decipher the Rubic's Cubes. Music is also a pet passion, “When I have time to spare, I make electronic music on my laptop,” he adds. The Indian teen racing champ’s 3,420 followers on Instagram are fondly called A4Rians, and he regularly updates them on race day highs.

As Youth Ambassador for Quench 66 by AquaKraft Pvt. Ltd, an initiative by the government of Maharashtra, he is also moving forward the mission to provide 50 million litres of drinking water across 500 schools in the state.

Follow Atharva on Instagram or visit his website, https://www.atharva4racing.com/

Reading Time: 6 min

NYC dancer Jainil Mehta twirls into millions of hearts with the #MenInSkirts Campaign”

(September 14, 2023) How many of us are comfortable with dancing in public? And how many would do so without inhibition, to break gender stereotypes for art? 23-year-old Jainil Mehta has captivated Instagram, thanks not only due to his great dance moves but also because of his fashion choices! He has taken the streets of New York by storm, matching his steps to Bollywood numbers, and rocking them in colourful skirts. Mehta’s dance to Jume Re Gori from Gangubai Kathiawadi went viral with over 17 million views, while many of his reels including Saami Saami from Pushpa were widely appreciated. Mehta’s journey is much more than making an Instagram reel. It is about living a dream, shedding centuries old stereotypes and inspiring others to follow their passion, no matter the hurdles on the way. That he gets a million likes in the process is an added bonus! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jainil Mehta (@jainil_dreamtodance) Dancing star Jainil Mehta had quite a sheltered life due to health concerns which restricted his activities and diet. “Despite my initial shyness as a child, I never compromised on my deep-seated love for dance, which has been a

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A post shared by Jainil Mehta (@jainil_dreamtodance)

Dancing star

Jainil Mehta had quite a sheltered life due to health concerns which restricted his activities and diet. “Despite my initial shyness as a child, I never compromised on my deep-seated love for dance, which has been a significant part of my life from a young age.” he recalls, in an interview with Global Indian.

At 18, the youngster relocated to the United States to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance at the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, part of the University of Southern California. Subsequently, he moved to New York City to work with the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, specializing in Contemporary dance styles. Currently, I am a freelance dancer, performer, teacher, and choreographer.

From Garba nights to the Glorya Kaufman School

As a Gujarati, Navratri has always held a special place in Mehta’s heart. “The festival's vibrant colors, richness, and the joy of Garba have consistently appealed to me. My dance journey began at the age of 5 when my mother enrolled me in Garba Folk Dance classes.” he reminiscences. He later transitioned to Shiamak Davar International, where he spent 12 years honing his skills in ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, and Bollywood.

One memory which puts a smile to the dancer’s face is recalling the times in his childhood, when he often put on living room performances for my family. He smiles, “I distinctly remember one performance where, in the middle of a twirl, I lifted one of my skirts above my head, holding it with my hands. My grandfather was so delighted that he gave me 500 rupees. This skirt performance was fueled by my fascination for skirts.”

[caption id="attachment_33068" align="aligncenter" width="602"] Jainil Mehta[/caption]

Embracing his true self

However, as Mehta grew older, he felt some uneasiness and insecurity about dancing in a skirt. It wasn't until he moved to New York in 2021 that he embraced wearing skirts again for his dance performances. “My first adult performance in a skirt was, fittingly, a Garba performance dedicated to Navratri, focusing on the theme of unified love transcending gender boundaries.” he shares.

The concept for his first video came during Navratri, when he wanted to show the love between Radha and Krishna as one. In the video there are two guys wearing skirts and Mehta was one of them. “You cannot identify who is Radha and Krishna. And that was the whole magic of that.” he notes. That video birthed his popular dance series #MenInSkirts.

Blurring boundaries

Twirling in brightly coloured skirts, Jainil Mehta has chosen the garment as his signature outfit. “I chose skirts for their flowing and graceful qualities. When I dance, the skirt acts like wings, adding a beautiful texture to my movements with its flares.” he says. He picks up skirts based on multiple criteria - the song he is performing, the vibe of the music and the texture of the garment.

When Mehta first started performing in public places wearing a skirt, he was quite apprehensive about people's reactions. Therefore, his initial skirt dance videos were shot in a studio, even though people would ultimately view them on Instagram. He says, “However, my love for outdoor performances gradually made me more carefree about dancing in public while wearing a skirt. Building confidence took time, but I now relish the experience, despite occasional challenges like traffic and weather conditions. Dancing in a natural environment is truly exhilarating for me.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jainil Mehta (@jainil_dreamtodance)

Emerging stronger

With his videos garnering millions of views, not all reactions are positive. There are homophobic comments as well as those who belittle the dancer. Mehta’s reaction is matter-of-fact and he says, “While I have encountered negative and hateful comments more recently, I choose to focus on the positive feedback and consider these negative comments as distractions. Many people draw inspiration from my choice, which fuels my determination to keep going.”

The artist’s biggest challenge initially was reaching his audience effectively. He states, “There were periods when my videos struggled to reach the intended viewers. Over time, I've learned that conveying my message in various ways can resonate with the audience.”

His confidence is evident as one scrolls down his social media feed. He appears more comfortable, in sync with his passion and at ease with the camera. Even the content has transformed – while initially, it primarily revolved around dancing, now he shares insights into his life, preferences, attire, and experiences.

Exploring the profound through art

Ask him why he does what he does and Mehta says, “If even one person is influenced by my journey, I am eager to share it.” A dedicated workaholic, his passion for dancing has been a constant driving force throughout his life and his current focus is to travel and establish a professional dance education program in India that higher education opportunities for students pursuing dance as a career.

[caption id="attachment_33069" align="aligncenter" width="683"] Jainil Mehta in NYC[/caption]

Fueled by passion and creative, Mehta’s journey is an inspiration. Navigating life's challenges, seeking truth and self-realization, his medium of expression is a profound exploration not only for himself but for his millions of viewers.

His advice to youngsters who want to follow their dreams? With passion, it's crucial to maintain a degree of dispassion to develop compassion. Continue doing what you love and invest in your training. Turning your dreams into reality is not a mere fantasy; it's a goal you can actively work towards achieving.

Follow Jainil Mehta on Instagram

Reading Time: 5 mins

Nabeela Syed: The Indian politician making history at US midterms

(November 15, 2022) The General Assembly of Illinois in the United States was created by the first state constitution adopted in 1818. As of 2022, the current General Assembly is the 102nd one. In a proud moment for India, in such a long period of its existence, Indian descent Nabeela Syed has written history by becoming the first Indian, first Muslim and its youngest member. Overjoyed with her victory in the recent election she tweeted: My name is Nabeela Syed. I am a 23-year-old Muslim, Indian-American woman. We just flipped a Republican-held suburban district. [caption id="attachment_24208" align="aligncenter" width="1001"] Nabeela Syed[/caption] The Indian-American democrat, whose parents immigrated to the USA from Hyderabad, was born and raised in Palatine, Illinois. She won the US midterm elections that concluded on 8th November 2022, defeating Chris Bos of the Republican Party, receiving 52.3 percent of the votes, and will be joining the Illinois General Assembly from January 2023. “It is important as a young Indian woman to inspire other folks (in the USA) so that we can make a mark in the country,” Nabeela said in a television interview after her win. [embed]https://twitter.com/NabeelaforIL/status/1591940528110997505?s=20&t=XYsx9oV1_TMWOc8issZmkQ[/embed] At the beginning of the campaign of the race last

vember 2022, defeating Chris Bos of the Republican Party, receiving 52.3 percent of the votes, and will be joining the Illinois General Assembly from January 2023.

“It is important as a young Indian woman to inspire other folks (in the USA) so that we can make a mark in the country,” Nabeela said in a television interview after her win.

[embed]https://twitter.com/NabeelaforIL/status/1591940528110997505?s=20&t=XYsx9oV1_TMWOc8issZmkQ[/embed]

At the beginning of the campaign of the race last year, the budding politician had remarked in one of her social media posts, “When I was first considering running, I was shocked to learn that there had never been an Indian woman or a Muslim representing Illinois in the State Legislature.” The youngster went on to add, “It’s 2021 and it’s time that our leadership starts looking a lot more like us.”

Empowering moves

Nabeela is empowering young Muslim women to take on leadership roles within her religious community at the Islamic Society of Northwest Suburbs.

Armed with a double major in political science and business from the University of California, Berkeley, the budding politician has professionally worked with several organisations like EMILY's List, America’s political action committee to raise money to elect Democrats to Congress.

[caption id="attachment_24210" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Nabeela Syed with volunteers of her campaign[/caption]

Currently, she works for a non-profit that creates various civic engagement initiatives through digital strategy, addressing issues like preventing sexual assault on college campuses, mobilising voters, and advancing gender equity. “One of the best parts is that people are sending messages from India congratulating me.

It’s incredible and humbling that the campaign gained importance beyond America,” she said in an interview after her recent win.

Proving naysayers wrong

“In our district a lot of people said that an Indian woman won’t be able to win in this kind of Republican held district,” Nabeela said, but undeterred, she pushed forward, campaigning door-to-door making people aware that she is there to work for the issues that mattered most to them. In the end, victory prevailed.

[caption id="attachment_24214" align="aligncenter" width="1181"] Nabeela just after filing a petition to include her name on the ballot on 8th March 2022. Over 2,000 community members signed the petition and dozens of volunteers circulated them[/caption]

Extremely happy with the positive outcome, she credited the voters, especially the youngsters, who came out to vote for her, proving that the ‘right wave was not as strong as it was believed to be’. “Many people in the country are in favour of reproductive healthcare freedom,” she said, remarking on one of the main agendas of her campaign that clicked.

I will always – and unequivocally – protect the right to safe and legal abortions in Illinois. And I will fight to fix our broken property tax system while keeping our schools well-resourced.

That was her campaign message, delivered loud and clear to the people she met during the past year.

Nabeela’s voluntary initiatives

Leadership, working for causes and people skills come naturally to the youngster. She served as the Campaign Manager for current Township High School District 211 School Board Member Tim Mc Gowan, helping him publicize his values of accountability, community, and equity in the schools.

[caption id="attachment_24211" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Nabeela with her supporters[/caption]

From organizing Asian American voters to flip Senate seats in Georgia, to engaging in door-to-door campaigns to help elect Democrats in Schaumburg and Palatine Nabeela has worked to advance progressive causes on both a local and national scale which has honed her politician’s skills.

Nabeela's take on Hijab

The young politician who advocates interfaith dialogue believes that it’s an individual’s right to choose when it comes to wearing hijab, just as it should be for choosing reproductive freedom. “It’s my choice to wear a hijab and no one can force me to wear it or not wear it,” she said.

I am so lucky to have that choice and I choose every single day to wear hijab and represent Muslims and be very proud of it. However, I believe that the choice is necessary and every young girl should get the right to choose.

Right from her high school days Nabeela has had some uneasy experiences with some pupils calling names but the strong girl knew how to deal with it.

In fact, it was one of the reasons people even discouraged her to contest for the elections. “People told me not to run (in the election), You are Indian and visibly a Muslim wearing hijab.” Still, the final outcome is ‘exciting’, with appreciation pouring in from ‘from people in the community, across the country, and across the world,’ turning who she is and where she comes from into a cause of record-breaking jubilation.

Firmly believing that people should not be discriminated against because of their faith, the young politician is humbled with her amazing victory, and is all geared up to fulfill the promises that she made to people during her year-long campaign.

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