Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveBruhat Soma: Meet the 28th Indian American to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee

Bruhat Soma: Meet the 28th Indian American to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee

Written by: Team GI Youth

(June 5, 2024) A few days ago, Bruhat Soma found himself in a whirlwind of confetti as the audience erupted in cheers, as he became the 28th Indian American to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The 12-year-old from Tampa in Florida spelled 29 words correctly out of 30 in 90 seconds in the tiebreaker spell-off round to clinch the trophy. A huge moment for the Indian-American kid for whom this year’s win was his third attempt at the national level. “When I won, I was excited, I was really happy because for the past one year, I’ve been working really hard. So, when I just won, it was like a dream come true,” said Bruhat, after winning the title.

His spell-off sprint earned him the 2024 Scripps Cup, along with a grand prize of $50,000 after he significantly outperformed his competitor, Faizan Zaki, a sixth grader from Dallas who correctly spelled 20 words. During the final stage of the Spelling Bee, all eyes were glued to the screen as Soma accurately spelled “Hoofddorp” and Zaki spelled “nicuri,” both advancing to the next round.

Bruha Soma wins 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee

It’s been months that he has preparing for a spell off with his dad Srinivas Soma, who would prepare a list of 30 words for him to practice daily. “I was very nervous when I found out that there would be a spell off. My heart was pumping very fast but then I knew that I have been preparing spell offs every day for six months with my dad. So, I knew I was ready and I had to try my best to win. When Dr Bailey announced I got 29 correct, I was surprised because the last record was 22,” he said. That’s when Bruhat realised that he had a chance at winning the competition and it was “pretty exciting.”

Along with studying with his father, he also used SpellPundit, a favourite tool among top spellers. Additionally, he relied on the dictionary, worked with a spelling coach, and created his own list of challenging words to target his weak areas. He entered in the competition with a clear goal and unwavering confidence as Bruhat knew he had prepared well for this moment. “I feel like working for it is the hardest part. But I was able to do it because I really wanted that trophy, and now I finally have it,” the Global Indian said.

Bruhat Soma with his parents

The seventh grader, however, plans to donate the entire $50,000 prize money for a cause. “I am yet to decide, but it will definitely be for a good cause,” says Bruhat.

Ever since becoming the spelling bee champion, congratulatory messages have been pouring from across the world, including his relatives in India. “It’s pretty exciting that all my relatives back in India were rooting for me,” said the boy who hails from Telangana. He plans to return to India soon to attend a family wedding, and meet his extended family. “I would also want to meet some of the Indian basketball players, in case there are any.”

At the age of 12, he is not only proficient in spellings but has already memorised 80 percent of the Bhagavad Gita. “I did this program called Pragya and it taught me 700 shlokas from Bhagavad Gita,” said the boy, who got more focussed on preparing for the spelling bee. But now he plans to return to his study of Bhagavad Gita.

Interestingly, before getting on the big stage of the spelling bee contest, Bruhat found himself chanting a shloka from the Bhagavad Gita, something that helped him stay focussed during the competition as he believed a divine power was looking after him. “The God is what makes everything happen.”

Apart from his love for words, the multi-talented kid loves a game of basketball, and calls LeBron James his favourite player. He also enjoys e playing badminton, ping-pong, and the snare drum in his middle school band.

With his big win, Bruhat plans to relax this summer, play some basketball and maybe go on a vacation. He has already chalked out his career path, and wants to be a doctor. “This championship will help me get into a good university to study medicine.”

Indian American kids have been winning spelling bee contests for many years, showing their hard work and skill. In 1985, Balu Natrajan, a then eighth grader from Chicago became the first Indian American to win the the National Spelling Bee competition in Washington. The foundation proved fruitful for many Indian-American kids in the past decades. According to Pawan Dhingra, professor of sociology and American Studies at Amherst College, the success of Indian-Americans at the Scripps National Spelling Bee stems from the firm commitment of their families to spend the kind of time and money needed to prepare their kids. “These children are not just brilliant in spellings, they also excel in geography, mathematics and other academic competitions”, Dhingra wrote in The Conversation. Now, Bruhat Soma is the newest champion in this long line of winners. His victory highlights his effort and talent, as well as the strong focus on education in the Indian American community. Bruhat’s success continues the tradition of Indian American excellence in these competitions.

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Published on 05, Jun 2024

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Racing to put Indian motorsports on the global map – Arjun Maini, Yash Aradhya & Karun Chandok

(December 31, 2021) The news of the first all-Indian team to compete internationally at the 2021 Asian Le Mans in February sent ripples of anticipation among Indian racers. The all-Indian driver line-up of Narain Karthikeyan, Arjun Maini and Naveen Rao came in fifth place, and spurred the racing aspirations of many. New technology, new drivers, and hopefully more corporate involvement are what we can expect in the future. We need to break away from cricket being sold as the only sport in India. - Gaurav Gill Of course, the memory of Formula 1 great Michael Schumacher wheel to wheel with Jean Alesi in a tarmac crunch to the chequered flag at the 1995 Europe Grand Prix, is still among the most memorable moments for racing aficionados, etched in many minds. Finally, India too has taken to a sport that is not cricket. Many youngsters are training, learning and being mentored to be the next Schumacher (or close), and it is a sign of the growing popularity of motorsports in India. Ten years after that 1995 scene, Coimbatore-born Narain Karthikeyan scripted history by becoming the first Indian to debut at Formula 1, inspiring the current generation to get behind the wheel

a 1, inspiring the current generation to get behind the wheel of a mean machine that can go insanely fast around a corner.
The adrenaline rush, blind cuts, and need for speed keeps every racer revving. However, the lack of sponsors and expensive gear often play spoilsport, thus nipping many dreams in the bud. Perhaps, this most expensive sport in the world is finding stable footing in India with a handful of young Indians revving up at the start line, and pushing the gas pedal on greater accomplishments.

The young blood

This October, the 23-year-old racer Arjun Maini became the first Indian to make a podium debut at the DTM Championship after claiming second place at the Norisring (Nuremburg) race circuit. “For me, it was a very special moment to be the first Indian driver in DTM and I am very proud of it,” tweeted Maini.

Arjun Maini, the Bengaluru boy started with go-karts when he was eight, thanks to his racer dad Gautam Maini, who once participated in the national championships. It was in 2011 that Arjun Maini made headlines when he won the Sahara Force India’s One from a Billion talent, and since then there has been no looking back for this lad.

If Arjun Maini is vrooming through unchartered territory with each of his races, his younger brother Kush Maini, too, is busy taking the legacy forward as he made his debut at the World Endurance Championship in Bahrain this year. Following the footsteps of his brother, the 21-year-old began his journey with the national karting championship before graduating to cars in 2015. In no time, he made waves in the European racing circuits by competing in the Italian Formula 4 championship, and British Formula 3 championship. However, it was this year’s Formula 3 Asian Championship where his team Mumbai Falcons did the unthinkable by clinching a third place at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. “The year 2021 Asian F3 Championship has not been the smoothest of rides, had a lot of engine issues throughout the campaign and some unlucky moments but all the credit goes to @mumbaifalcons who never stopped believing in my capability and we finished off the championship strong with a podium. A historic moment for Indian motorsports and it’s been a pleasure to be a part of it,” he wrote on his Instagram after the historic podium finish.

A universe of opportunities

If the Maini brothers found inspiration through their father, 19-year-old Formula 4 racer Yash Aradhya’s love for motorsport stemmed from his need for speed. The recipient of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, Yash’s passion began at nine years of age, and despite no family background in motorsport, the teenager dived into the game out of sheer love. “I started with karting and here I am,” the Bengaluru-born teenager tells Global Indian Youth.

Each year, new names crop up, and sponsors are at the heart of this expensive sport, and a deep bank balance too. “Motorsports is an expensive sport but I wouldn’t say the same anymore as opportunities are being given at the grassroot level. You have a chance of being picked up and taken forward as long as it’s backed by the performance that helps the sponsors and investors put their faith in you,” adds Yash, who has dreams of becoming a Formula 1 racer.

It’s been a decade since Indian racer Karun Chandok turned up the heat on the racing track in Formula 1, but new blood is now gearing up to test the waters by putting themselves on the biggest platform. It’s the plethora of opportunities that have made these youngsters confident of their skills and talent. “The new generation is quite lucky as there are so many opportunities for us in India, and the costs are low. We get the European standard of racing in India with European drivers coming in and giving us the best exposure and opportunity to prove ourselves and gain experience,” adds Aradhya.

Like Yash, Jehan Daruvala, too, was just nine when he found motorsports. Spanish Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso kept Jehan glued to the Formula 1 track as a child. Now, a decade later, like his racing hero, he is all set to knock the doors of Formula 1. At the cusp of achieving his childhood dream, the 23-year-old has come a long way. From excelling in karting championships across Europe in 2013 to transitioning to cars in 2015, he has proven his mettle time and again. So much so that he has found a fan in Arjuna Award-winner and racer Gaurav Gill. “Jehan is doing great at the world level in Formula racing,” says Gaurav Gill, who won the Asia Pacific Rally Championship thrice and Indian National Rally Championship six times.

The future is bright

It was in the early 2000s that Gill started competing at the national level, and in the past two decades, this 40-year-old racer has seen the Indian motorsport scene evolve. “Motorsport has evolved from being a hobby to a career sport especially after my Arjuna Award. The younger generation can now look at it being a full-time job/sport,” says Gill.

Gill, who calls motorsports an ever-evolving sport, is excited about the future. “New technology, new drivers, and hopefully more corporate involvement are what we can expect in the future. We need to break away from cricket being sold as the only sport in India. We see so many Olympians now, and I hope to see lots more motorsport engagement soon,” says the racer who has started his own school to groom aspiring racers to hone their skills.

As more and more Indian-origin youth foray into the world of motorsports, India is finally ready to get past the chequered flag once again in the international circuit. One race at a time.

Reading Time: 5 mins

Anurudh Ganesan, the young innovator revolutionising the healthcare world

(March 30, 2023) Almost every year, over one million kids die as a result of not getting vaccinated on time. The unavailability of vaccination transportation and storage facilities in several developing parts of the world has proven to be fatal for those who cannot afford expensive healthcare institutions. While the world leaders are still discussing the issue, a young innovator - Anurudh Ganesan - has been working tirelessly to resolve the problem in his backyard. At just 15, Anurudh invented VAXXWAGON, a portable refrigeration system to transport vaccines safely and effectively. The invention won him a slew of awards, including the LEGO Education Builder Award and the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. The VAXXWAGON runs on a "no ice, no electricity" system and is very cost-effective (less than $100), and can also keep the temperature consistent for several hours at a stretch. Living in Clarksburg, USA, the young innovator's VAXXWAGON is inspired by the problems faced by healthcare workers who have to transport vaccines to the remotest corners of the world. After working on the prototype for several years, the youngster came up with a machine that would require only 2.3 watts of energy to cool a well-insulated cold

tPdf/11314" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VAXXWAGON is inspired by the problems faced by healthcare workers who have to transport vaccines to the remotest corners of the world. After working on the prototype for several years, the youngster came up with a machine that would require only 2.3 watts of energy to cool a well-insulated cold chamber. "In this day and age, nobody should die from vaccine-preventable diseases," the innovator believes, "I’m committed to seeing this project through to the next phase. I will have succeeded when the first person’s life is saved because of VAXXWAGON.”

Destiny's child

When he was an infant, his grandparents carried him ten miles in rural South India to get him his routine polio vaccination. When they finally arrived, they found the vaccines were useless after having not been refrigerated for an extended period. "I was fortunate," he told Global Indian, adding, "For many, that trek to be vaccinated is a matter of life and death." Anurudh was able to receive the vaccine the next day but realised that so many others aren’t as lucky, with 4,000 children dying every day from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Always the one to raise important questions and come up with innovative solutions, he recalls asking his father when he was five years old, about inventing a vehicle that doesn't need gas. Anurudh didn't stop there. He went on to research the subject, learning everything he could about self-generating power. In keeping with this, VAXXWAGON works with "wheel-powered refrigeration". As the wheel turns, mechanical energy is converted to thermal energy and can keep vaccines cold for up to 16 hours after being powered for only half that time.

What an idea

It was while he was working on a school project that the young innovator got the idea for VAXXWAGON. He read several textbooks to learn everything he could about refrigeration, then he did research online to learn more about vaccines. Next, he began formulating his ideas on paper. Rather than relying on electricity or ice, Anurudh figured out a way to use wheels to power a refrigeration system for about eight hours. The entire rechargeable cooling system can be pulled to areas in need of vaccines by bicycle, car, or animal.

However, there was a loophole in his design that he not only identified but also managed to fix. To be safe and effective, vaccines must maintain a "Goldilocks temperature" between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius — similar to a very cold refrigerator — from the time they leave the manufacturers to the moment they reach the patient. Hospitals will package the vaccine on ice, but this can easily backfire if the ice is too cold and freezes the vials, or if it melts before the vaccine reaches its destination. "I took a refrigerator apart," the innovator recalled, adding, "I saw how it worked and tried to re-engineer it so that it used no electricity and no ice to provide accurate refrigeration of vaccines while in transport." All this, in roughly $100.

Eventually, Anurudh took his design to professors at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland for advice. Not only did they confirm that VAXXWAGON could work, but they also offered Anurudh funding to help build it. To test the prototype he had built, the innovator ran the VAXXWAGON on a treadmill at eight miles per hour for six hours — racking up the energy to power the refrigerator — and let it rest for nearly five hours to collect data while the compressor wasn't being powered. In this simulated last leg of the trip, the fake vaccines maintained a temperature in the Goldilocks ranges for over four hours.

The road ahead

After nearly two years of refining a half-dozen prototypes, Anurudh has a patent pending for his latest design of VAXXWAGON now. He has won several awards for his innovation including Google Science Fair and also got a chance to demonstrate the working of the machine to US President Obama at the annual White House Science Fair. However, his main priority at this time is to start selling the machine to relief organisations by the end of the year so it can be used to help people around the world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnDevi9r0hM

“In my mind,” the innovator said, "my design will be a success as soon as it saves even a single life. If it can save one life, it can save many more.” Currently, pursuing a finance degree at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Anurudh's message to the other young innovators is quite simple. "Don’t give up on your ideas. But always try to help others with your projects. That’s the point of innovation - to help people."

Follow Anurudh Ganesan on LinkedIn

Reading Time: 6 mins

How Sri Nihal Tammana’s recyclemybattery.org has recycled 145,000 batteries, and counting…

(December 21,2021) Recycling batteries for a better future Recycle My Battery has recycled over 145,000 used batteries Every day almost 15 billion batteries are purchased to power everyday objects, most of which end up in landfills. In Edison, New Jersey, a seventh grader works tirelessly to rid the world of battery pollutants, aspiring to make the world safe from fires. Interestingly, his campaign also started when a fire at a waste plant in California caused million of dollars' worth of damage. When Sri Nihal Tammana read about it on his tenth birthday, he realised the culprit was a discarded lithium-ion battery. That became a clarion call for the 12-year-old to start a campaign to rid the Earth of used batteries. It galvanised the community, and like-minded children to begin collecting and recycling all types of batteries. Most importantly to save the planet. The little boy founded recyclemybattery.org which has grown exponentially since it began in 2019. Collaborations with Call2Recycle, today there are recycle bins in 200 US locations, and the non-profit is also working with US school superintendents, covering over 200 schools (200,000 children). [caption id="attachment_8698" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Recharge My Battery founder Sri Nihal Tammana[/caption] "I started to learn about

,000 children).

[caption id="attachment_8698" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Recharge My Battery founder Sri Nihal Tammana[/caption]

"I started to learn about all types of batteries, and how chemicals cause pollution when they end up in landfills, poisoning groundwater and damaging the ecosystem. I realised that our entire world is powered by batteries, and they are only going to be more widely used. I founded Recycle My Battery to address this," says the pint-sized TEDx speaker, environmentalist, eco-hero and Point of Light honouree.

His large, observant bespectacled eyes light up at the mention of science and sustainability. The winner of the NJ Governor’s Award and the Jefferson Award for his work, Nihal has a sensibility that defies his years.

The method to the research

The Woodrow Wilson student, Nihal researched on how to prevent batteries ending up in landfills, and it was a huge turning point that has been the guiding light that is slowly creating a change. "I started RMB to reduce the 15 billion batteries that are carelessly thrown away each year to zero. We have an amazing team of over 150 kids, and have achieved so much in the two years thanks to my team! We have recycled over 145,000 used batteries so far, and educated over an estimated one million people." Now, Nihal hopes to reach India with his campaign.

[caption id="attachment_8700" align="aligncenter" width="837"] Sri Nihal Tammana[/caption]

Always thinking ahead, partnering with Call2Recycle and Best Brains helped spread RMB’s wings across the US. Call2Recycle offered free battery bins while Best Brains helped right from initiation, advising on where to place battery bins in over 150 locations. Today, 145,000 used batteries have been recycled and the team has educated an estimated one million people on battery disposal, etc.

The 2009 March-born student has been STEM-inclined since he was a toddler, and thus math and science were his favourite subjects.

Infact, Nihal already had dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur even though his parents were concerned that he was too young to start an organisation. He started it, anyway. At age 10, news of fires and lithium-ion batteries put him well and truly on this path. His younger sister is in awe while his parents who work in IT, and are extremely encouraging, especially his father, "He kept motivating me towards my dreams. Without him, I wouldn't have started my organisation!" says Nihal. Nihal loves speaking to his grandparents in Vijaywada, India, and often regales them with his stellar achievements.

From recycle to spreading awareness

The TedX speaker admits sheepishly to being extremely nervous on the podium, and it took two months of practice to prepare for his TedX speech. The Eco-Hero awardee is a 12-year-old who has only just begun tackling world problems. With the help of more than a 145 strong childrens’ team, today RMB has placed more than 250 battery bins across the US. "We have also won 15 plus national and international awards," chirps Nihal.

The PEYA Award is what Nihal cherishes the most, One in a Million Award, NJDEP Recycling Award, Citizens Award, Nihal is thankful for the acclaim and attributes it to team effort, and the partners who supported his dream.

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A post shared by Recycle My Battery (@recyclemybattery)

If STEM subjects bring a glint to Nihal's eyes, he is also a proficient artist, and has won national awards for his distinctive drawings, one of which is shared below. "I have loved art and drawing since I was little. It was super creative and fun to draw, and impress everyone. I drew frenetically just to pass time - 100s of drawing, and I have gotten many awards," says the achiever who seems earnest and adult in demeanour.

The boy who has received appreciation from New Jersey state senators Bob Menendez, Sam Thompson, Patrick Diegnan and Vin Gopal, and Edison Mayor Thomas Lankey, exudes a wisdom beyond his years, and is grateful for their support which has furthered RMB.

As other children were gaming or playing tag, Nihal went CEO hunting to ask for support. That came in the form of kudos from Kevin Kassekert, COO of Redwood Materials, among many others.

Experience and impact has already given Tammana the depth to charter new paths in his life. His research-minded proclivity takes him forward, "I tend to do research to learn more about the environment, waste management, and recycling! When I see the battery bin is full, I feel very proud that people are using the bins that we place," says Nihal who still has ample amount of schoolwork to do, his first priority. After that comes RMB work, and of course, research.

[caption id="attachment_8702" align="aligncenter" width="772"] Sri Nihal Tammana[/caption]

Busy increasing RMB's influence across the US, the 12-year-old was also hired to research on waste management by an Indian firm. "I was recently hired as the youngest research lead at the Delhi-based EnviroVigyan (started by a professor and some PhDs). I want to do more research to learn more about waste management now," he adds. He also blogs for them.

Higher goals, ahoy

Egged on in no small measure by parents in IT, Nihal now has a clear goal in mind - of studying at an Ivy League like Stanford, and learn about environmental science, business development, science, space science and math.

For budding STEM students, his advice is, "Always go after your dreams and never give up! Failure leads to success!"

Having the right mentors opened a whole world of learning and opportunities, and Nihal is grateful for the guidance of Professor Dr Madigosky, Call2Recycle ex-CEO Carl Smith and his dad who "has guided and supported me throughout my journey to bring down the 15 billion batteries thrown away each year to 0!" he smiles.

It's not all work and no play, with doodling giving him the space to rejuvenate, playing and developing video games adding some fun, yet on any given day, reading and researching touts all else.

[caption id="attachment_8696" align="aligncenter" width="541"] A doodle by Sri Nihal Tammana[/caption]

"I practice martial arts, and recently got my black belt in Taekwondo. I love to learn about space. My dream is to become a space scientist. I hope to learn lessons from space to help us improve life on Earth," says the boy who has his own YouTube channel Learn with Nihal, where he educates through videos.

"In my spare time I draw and have also won some national awards for my work. I like to develop and play games on Roblox with my friends," smiles the boy who recently came third at a school geography competition, the GeoBee.

The world is his oyster, and Nihal is already thinking ahead, about how alkaline batteries help grow corn (which even the author did not know), and, a hopeful wish, "I want to start another company that can develop clean batteries in the years to come."

Follow Recycle My Battery on Twitter and Instagram

Reading Time: 7 min

Sienna Katelyn: Indian-origin prodigy making waves in Australian music

(September 29, 2023) “As a daughter to immigrant parents who have made Australia their home, I feel so proud to share that I’ll be singing the Australian National Anthem at the Australian Open on Australia Day!,” the 12-year-old Indian-origin singer announced excitedly on social media earlier this year. One of the fastest rising talents Sienna Katelyn is a gifted young singer and dancer who made her remarkable debut on the television screens in 2022 when she became the youngest ever grand finalist on Australia's Got Talent at the age of 11. She had released her first album when she was just 10. The talented singer actively contributes to the music community in Australia and has showcased her talents by singing the National Anthem at prominent events such as the Australian Open on Channel 9, Channel 7's Good Friday Appeal, and Adelaide Carols by Candlelight, among others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bw4QXTehs5c Currently, she is neck deep into a prestigious project playing young Tina in the megahit ‘Tina – The Tina Turner Musical,’ which features the musical legend herself and depicts her life from humble beginnings to transforming into a rock ‘n roll star. Sienna, a Melbourne girl is living away from home for

Tina Turner Musical,’ which features the musical legend herself and depicts her life from humble beginnings to transforming into a rock ‘n roll star.

Sienna, a Melbourne girl is living away from home for the project. “I have been living in Sydney since March of this year and will be here until Jan 2024 for the musical,” she tells Global Indian adding “I have been doing online schooling through Virtual School Victoria.”

A musical prodigy

Sienna started singing when she was just six. Always an audience lover, she performed in community events whenever there was an occasion. Gradually she started participating in competitions like the Fast Track competition, which was founded in Melbourne in 2013 by co-founders Christine Collyer and Ben Brazil. It quickly evolved into the largest non-televised talent competition in Australia. Sienna won the overall prize in her age group in 2019.

The singer achieved a remarkable feat in her musical journey when at just 10 years of age, she released her first original song ‘CRY’. It was an impressive musical endeavour at such a young age. Her song is available on all major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Google Play.

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

What touched the chords of the audience was that while the song addressed the important topic of bullying, the video took a light-hearted approach, featuring Zoe, Sienna's younger sister, in the role of an annoying sibling. Diana, Sienna’s mother remarked, "We had to intersperse humour into the picturization of the song because a child was attempting to convey a message."

The family was delighted that Sienna's teacher distributed the music video to the entire school.

After gaining stardom Sienna has been excelling at her studies via homeschooling which she has been doing this year. “She is very self-driven which has made it a smooth transition for her. Her school supports her by providing a flexible approach, which allows her to do her shows sometimes during school hours. The musical’s team also has a tutor that visits to further assist the learning as required,” her mom shared.

Music in the family

Sienna's musical journey can be attributed to her cultural background and musical environment at home. Her Anglo-Indian family who hails from Chennai, shares a deep passion for music. Her father Mario and his side of the family have a strong musical inclination. Everyone in the family either plays a musical instrument or enjoys singing. It's not an uncommon sight that after every gathering, someone inevitably grabs a guitar to play.

Talking about her guitarist dad Sienna said, “What I love about him most is how he is an inspiration to others, and how confident and brave he is. This inspires me to become like that as well.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X31HUflHeGw

Mario has a small studio with some instruments at home. Both he and Sienna have spent a lot of time in the music room working out songs since she was young. As singing is her passion Sienna aspires to make a career out of it and wants to be a leader and a role model to inspire people.

The singing sensation

Sienna grabbed the limelight when she became the youngest ever grand finalist on Australia's Got Talent at the age of eleven in 2022. Although she did not win, she became an overnight singing sensation. “I was not there to win but to share my talent with Australia and the rest of the world. I am happy,” she remarks.

For her auditions on the show, Sienna performed ‘If I ain’t Got You’ by Alicia Keys dedicating the song to her family. Her dad, Mario, had accompanied her on the guitar and the father-daughter duo had received a standing ovation from both the audience and the judges. Not just Australian nationals but participants from around the world were part of the auditions.

Encountering stiff competition from talented co-contestants reaching the final at just the age of 11 was a big achievement and the entire Australia took notice of the star in the making.

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A post shared by sɪᴇɴɴᴀ ᴋᴀᴛᴇʟʏɴ- Young Tina Turner| AGT Finalist ‘22 (@sienna.katelyn)

There has been no looking back ever since. The little singer has been part of major singing events in the country. Talking about singing the Australian National Anthem at the Australian Open on Australia Day, she remarked, “It was surreal and I enjoyed the experience of so many people watching me sing. It was a great experience.”

What Sienna loves most about her musical endeavour is that she gets to meet new people on stage and otherwise. “I am looking forward to meeting more new people in the industry, making friends with people who love music and have the same passion as me, and getting more opportunities to sing,” shared the grade 7 student who loves sipping lemon and honey ginger tea before her performances. “It’s all about staying at it and working hard and making sure to follow your dreams and never give up,” she remarked talking about her mantra for success.

Follow Sienna Katelyn on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube

Reading Time: 5 mins

Shreya Nallamothu: Indian-American teen helps draft Illinois law for safeguarding child influencers

(August 30, 2023) Holed up at her home during the pandemic, like almost everyone, Shreya Nallamothu, too, took refuge in social media. The then 13-year-old was quick to notice that children, much younger than her, were nothing short of social media stars or kid influencers. While she didn't think much about it initially, but as her Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok pages kept populating with content by children, the Indian-American teen realised the kids can be victims of exploitation, in terms of monetisation of social media content. "I realised there was absolutely zero legislation in place to protect them," she told AP. This led her to campaign for amending child labour laws in Illinois, making it the first state in the country to create protections for minors showcased in online videos, including provisions for their compensation. [caption id="attachment_32788" align="aligncenter" width="626"] Shreya Nallamothu[/caption] The 16-year-old fondly remembers her parents capturing some of her firsts - first steps or first day at school on video camera, and is deeply grateful to them for keep these personal moments private. "It made me realize family vlogging is putting very private and intimate moments onto the internet," she said in an interview. Her parents always

This prompted the University High School student to work on an independent study to help child influencers. During the process, she explained that child influencers include any kids under 18 with their own social media accounts, not just those in family videos, and can earn a lot of money from their followers on TikTok, YouTube and other social media sites. "I definitely wanted to create policy and legislation around child influencers because I felt like Illinois could be kind of a trend setter and a precedent setter for this issue," added Shreya.

[caption id="attachment_32789" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Shreya Nallamothu[/caption]

She began conducting research on child influencers, and found that kid influencers accounts are run by their parents as kids can't set up in their names due to age restrictions on social media. What intrigued her what that due to the social media explosion, parents were using it to monetise kids being on videos. And realised that with money being made and nothing set aside for the kids, it was nothing short of child labour. "A lot of the time (the child influencers) are being forced by their parents to appear in videos, but then because they're a minor they don’t have access to any of that money," the Global Indian said in an interview.

That's when after her detailed research, she wrote a letter to her state senator, Democrat Dave Koehler, urging him to consider legislation to protect young influencers. Two weeks ago, inspired by Sherya's letter, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker approved a new law that changes the Child Labor Law in the state. This law lets teenagers who are 18 or older sue their parents if they appeared in videos on social media that made money, but they weren't paid fairly. This is like the rights that young actors have. July 1, 2024 onwards, parents in Illinois will need to save 50 percent of the money earned from a video for their child. This money will go into a special fund until the child turns 18, based on how much time the child is seen in the video.

Children "deserve to be shielded from parents who would attempt to take advantage of their child's talents and use them for their own financial gain," said Alex Gough, a spokesperson for Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, after the governor signed the legislation.

Shreya's determination and awareness have brought about a significant change in Illinois. Recognising the exploitation faced by young influencers, this Indian-American teen took action to protect the rights and futures of children in the world of social media. By identifying a gap in legislation and sharing her concerns with Illinois state Senator David Koehler, Shreya set in motion a series of events that led to the proposed bill amendment. Her efforts demonstrate how the proactive actions of a single individual can catalyse positive change, ensuring a safer and fairer environment for child influencers and ultimately inspiring others to advocate for meaningful reforms.

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