Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveCheers! Bartender Aashie Bhatnagar bags People’s Choice Award at World Class 2023

Cheers! Bartender Aashie Bhatnagar bags People’s Choice Award at World Class 2023

Written by: Amrita Priya

(October 18, 2023) After an intense, two-day competition, with 12 top bartenders around the world mixing and stirring their way to the top prize, it was a big moment for the Indian bartending community when Aashie Bhatnagar was named the winner of the prestigious People’s Choice Award in World Class. One of the world’s premier bartending competitions, World Class 2023 took place in Sao Paulo in September this year, where Aashie represented India. On Day 1 of the competition, Aashie emerged as the crowd favourite from among an elite group of 50 bartenders, earning her spot in the top 12, as the only female finalist, before going on to win the coveted People’s Choice Award.

Aashie Bhatnagar

Aashie expressed her gratitude to the Indian bartending community for their support through her journey, beginning from the moment she won the Indian finals, all the way to representing the country at Sao Paulo, Brazil. “I have been overwhelmed with messages and shoutouts, offers for help and so on. Knowing they were watching from back home, and that I could make them proud, was a driving force for me. I am very grateful for the love I received and I am really very happy I could do this for you all.”

Getting inspired

It was coming across images of Jeet Rana, who had represented India at Miami in a previous World Class edition, that had ignited the fire in Aashie to fetch a laurel like him.

“It ignited a dream within me—a dream that would shape my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined,” shared the bartender who spent countless hours honing her craft at her work station, fixing errors, and pushing herself to become better in her craft. In all this endeavour she garnered immense support of team members of Cobbler & Crew – her workplace in Pune, and Mayur Marne, her colleague who has been her consistent and greatest supporter.

Aashie Bhatnagar with Mayur Marne

Fruit of persistence

Winning World Class India had been Aashie’s dream for four years. She fought hard and hustled right from the first day she stepped behind the bars to achieve this dream of hers.

Her journey with World Class started in 2021, when she competed with several talented bartenders from across India to represent the country on the global platform. Although she made it to the finals of the India competition, she eventually returned home with a dream still unfulfilled. Determined not to let this setback mark the end of her aspirations, she carried on training to win her fraternity’s most coveted trophy.

This year, after competing in several rounds of challenges that tested her mixology skills, creativity, and knowledge, she was able to emerge India’s representative to World Class, winning the title of World Class India Bartender of the Year 2023. She took a significant stride forward by bagging the People’s Choice award at the global platform, proving that persistence pays.

While announcing Aashie’s achievements, her employer Cobbler & Crew shared on social media, “When Aashie joined our team, unlike other bartenders, her life goal wasn’t to open her own bar – She wanted to represent India at World Class and last night her dream became a reality.”

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A post shared by Vikram KU (@drinkswithvikram.ku)

The 2023 World Class Global Bartender of the Year title was claimed by Jacob Martin from Canada.

Journey of representing India

Being chosen as India’s representative in the global competition was no small accomplishment. Following months of preparation, Aashie and 14 other bartenders endured a weekend of stiff competition.

The event was judged by a panel from around the world, including Manu Chandra, Ashish Kapur, Jenna Ba, Millie Tang and Yangdup Lama, with Aashie emerging as the World Class India Bartender of the Year 2023. “As I stand behind the bar, shaker in hand, I find myself in a world of flavours and stories. Each cocktail I craft is an expression of my soul, a piece of art meant to be savoured and enjoyed,” said the ace bartender, who is one of the stars at Pune’s Cobbler & Crew.

From Uttarakhand to the craft of mixology

Cobbler & Crew holds a special place in Aashie’s heart, as she cherishes her role as an innovation artist – the title of the position highlights the vital significance her workplace adds to the bartender’s craft.

Aashie Bhatnagar

Aashie’s career began as a guest service associate at the Oberoi Gurgaon’s bar. After that, she served as a bartender at the Kimon Club and The Ritz-Carlton in Pune. The Dehradun-girl graduated from the Kukreja Institute of Hotel Management Dehradun, and the Bar Academy of Doon.

2023 has been a year of awards for her as she also won the ‘Mixologist of the Year’ title at Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2023.

Follow Aashie Bhatnagar on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn

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Published on 18, Oct 2023

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Greeshma Davu: NRI teen empowering underprivileged girls through education

(November 8, 2023) Monika Chandolu, a resident of Movva village in Krishna district in Vijayawada, got an impressive 95.4 percent in her 12th grade and qualified for the JEE Mains exam. She is confident of clearing her JEE advanced test and getting admission into a top institute. This wouldn't have been possible without the help of 16-year-old Greeshma Davu, an Indian American living in the suburb of Washington DC, who is helping many deserving students like Monika by providing financial assistance for their education. Greeshma is on a mission to empower underprivileged girls and is doing everything possible to help the girls get the right access to education, and it's her parents who are helping her in the process. She is assisting Monika in her pursuit of engineering education using Tata's Palleseva organization, which is located in Kaza village within the same mandal. [caption id="attachment_33957" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Greeshma Davu[/caption] "During a visit to my grandparent's hometown in India, I have learned about the dire consequences of inadequate education. Witnessing the lack of access to basic rights for women, I became motivated to make a difference through charity," she told a daily. While her parents have been the wind beneath her

quences of inadequate education. Witnessing the lack of access to basic rights for women, I became motivated to make a difference through charity," she told a daily.

While her parents have been the wind beneath her wings, she has been working hard to provide financial help to girls like Monika by working at Kumon learning centers, as well as working as an intern at the University of Virginia Neuro Science Lab. The concept of aiding the underprivileged by offering education took shape during her visit to India, where she saw distressing situations in which women encountered hardships because of their limited access to education.

In addition to her commitment to academics and sports, the teenager is also actively involved in charitable work through her non-profit organization, 'Care 4 Needy,' which extends its assistance to both Indian and American communities. 'Care 4 Needy' was founded in January 2022, with the initiative stemming from the vision of Greeshma's mother and founder, Srilatha Tata, along with her maternal uncle, Pavan Kumar Tata. Greeshma and her uncle, Anil Kumar Tata, serve as co-founders of the organisation.

This dual-pronged dedication to education and community service exemplifies their family's commitment to making a positive impact both locally and abroad through 'Care 4 Needy.'

Apart from charitable work, Greeshma has demonstrated her academic prowess by achieving the sixth position in the State Technology Student Association (TSA) conference, showcasing her excellence in this field. Simultaneously, she is passionate about sports and has earned a spot on the Junior Varsity Volleyball team at Rockridge High School, her former educational institution.

Furthermore, Greeshma is not only excelling in her studies and sports but also showing her commitment to social causes. Her goal is to provide sanitary napkins to women and teenagers in rural areas, and she has already managed to raise an impressive $20,000 in funds to support this vital cause. Her dedication to both academic and humanitarian pursuits is truly inspiring.

"Working at the National Institute of Health to support those suffering from lupus disease, Greeshma achieved recognition in the State Technology Student Association. With the guidance of her mentors Ravi Davu and Dr Prakash Bethapudi, she also published research on brain tumour identification," Greeshma's mother added.

Tanmay Bakshi: Harnessing AI to transform healthcare and education

(October 27, 2024) In the heart of Ontario, Canada, a remarkable journey began in a modest basement. This is where Tanmay Bakshi, a prodigy in artificial intelligence (AI), first fell in love with technology. His fascination sparked at the tender age of five when he started coding, a passion that took the shape of a mission to revolutionise healthcare and education through machine learning. "For the past 13 years, I have not only been in love with technology but I have been working towards applying it in domains where I believe that have an impact on human lives," he said at a talk. The 20-year-old Indo-Canadian's journey is not just a personal quest; it represents the aspirations of many in the Indian diaspora in Canada, where dreams of innovation and progress blend with a rich cultural heritage. [caption id="attachment_40041" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Tanmay Bakshi[/caption] From Basement to Brilliance From a young age, he was curious and this led him to start coding at the age of five. While most kids his age were playing with toys, he was fascinated by his father, Puneet Bakshi's work as a computer programmer. "It was so fascinating to me how computers could really do anything,"

ing at the age of five. While most kids his age were playing with toys, he was fascinated by his father, Puneet Bakshi's work as a computer programmer. "It was so fascinating to me how computers could really do anything," Tanmay recalled. His father recognised his budding interest and took the time to teach him programming basics. "I wanted to know what goes on behind the back end and see how you can control the computers and tell them what to do," he explained.

At just seven years old, Tanmay launched a YouTube channel to share coding tutorials and web development tips. He set a goal to help 100,000 aspiring young coders and responded to thousands of questions from followers around the globe. By the age of nine, he had developed his first app, teaching multiplication, which was accepted into the Apple Store. His parents, immigrants from India, nurtured his interests by encouraging him to explore technology's possibilities. This environment fostered his growth, allowing him to dream big.

Tryst With AI

Despite his early successes, he began to feel disillusioned with programming, thinking, "I always felt that technology was very limited. I always felt that the moment you put something in, it would become obsolete." However, his life took a significant turn at age eleven when he stumbled upon a documentary on "question answering machine" IBM Watson while uploading a YouTube video. This was his first encounter with artificial intelligence, and it instantly reignited his passion for technology. "From there, I was just immediately hooked to IBM Watson and AI," he recalled.

Within a week, he had created his first Watson app, “Ask Tanmay,” which provided users with answers by weighing the best possible responses. Shortly thereafter, he encountered an IBM service called Document Conversion, which could convert documents from one form to another. Still in the alpha stage, in a stroke of serendipity, he discovered a bug in the software and reported it on a programming website and Twitter. His keen observation caught the attention of IBM developers, marking the beginning of a relationship with the tech giant.

However, it hasn't been an easy journey for the youngster who had to face skepticism around his age and abilities. However, he did not let this deter him. His connection with IBM provided him a platform to showcase his talent, allowing him to push boundaries and challenge perceptions. "I am essentially a kid in the basement trying to solve big problems by using machine learning technology," he had said.

Making Coding Accessible

In the midst of this journey, Tanmay Bakshi also took on the role of an educator. He recognized the importance of sharing knowledge and inspiring others. Through his YouTube channel, where he shares tutorials and insights, he reaches a vast audience, encouraging young people to explore the world of coding and AI. His efforts reflect the ethos of the Indian diaspora, where education and community support are deeply valued.

A Vision for the Future

His vision extends beyond personal success; he aims to make technology accessible to everyone. He believes that AI should not only be a tool for the privileged but a force for good that can uplift communities globally. As he continues to innovate, he remains focused on ensuring that technology serves humanity. His work in healthcare and education is driven by a commitment to equity, emphasising that everyone deserves access to the tools that can enhance their lives. "I am most passionate about changing the way we do things. Be it healthcare or education because I feel millions of people don't have access to the right healthcare and students across the globe are taught the same way as their peers. It doesn't work because how we as humans learn."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-lyzsqnK-c

The Indian community in Canada has played a significant role in shaping Tanmay's journey. With a strong emphasis on education and technology, the diaspora has produced many innovators and leaders who, like Tanmay, are passionate about using their skills to contribute to society. Tanmay embodies the spirit of this community, showcasing how cultural heritage can inspire a commitment to positive change.

His story reflects the potential of young people to challenge norms, break barriers, and create solutions for a better future. As he continues to work on transformative projects, Tanmay serves as an inspiration to many, proving that age is not a limitation but a stepping stone to greater achievements.

Follow Tanmay Bakshi on LinkedIn
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Chess player R Vaishali: Meet India’s 84th Grandmaster

(May 12, 2024) Ever since she was little, R Vaishali found herself drawn to an 8x8 square grid with alternating dark and light squares - a chessboard. She would spend hours learning the game and coming up with strategies to oust her opponents. She harboured the dream of becoming a grandmaster someday, and that day finally arrived this month when R Vaishali was named India's 84th Grandmaster. "Achieving the title was a dream come true," said the 22-year-old chess player, who is the sister of Pragganandhaa, India's youngest Grandmaster. Vaishali achieved the necessary 2500 ELO points during the Llobregat Open tournament in Spain, making her the third Indian woman, following Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli, to attain the title of Grandmaster. Nevertheless, she received the title officially during the FIDE Council meeting at the Candidates Tournament in Toronto last month. "Yeah, it took some time to get it official, but I'm happy that the title is finally out. I was okay with it (the delay)," the Global Indian said. [caption id="attachment_37771" align="aligncenter" width="619"] R Vaishali is India's 84th Grandmaster[/caption] The long wait In 2018, she achieved the title of Woman Grandmaster after fulfilling her final norm at the Riga Technical

youth//wp-content/uploads/2024/05/vaish1-1024x683.jpg" alt="R Vaishali | Global Indian" width="619" height="413" /> R Vaishali is India's 84th Grandmaster[/caption]

The long wait

In 2018, she achieved the title of Woman Grandmaster after fulfilling her final norm at the Riga Technical University Open in Riga, Latvia. However, she had to wait for six long years to obtain the GM title, and those years filled her with doubt, especially after her ratings stagnated due to the lack of competition during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"In between, I could not play any tournament for two years due to the (Covid-19) pandemic. But I was working throughout, trying to improve my game. I completed my International Master (IM) cycle post-pandemic (in 2021)," she said, adding, "Although I was improving my game slowly, my rating became stagnant. There were some low moments when I felt I might not get the title, but people believed in me and helped me to attain it."

It was only a week before the Llobregat Open tournament in Spain that R Vaishali decided to participate as she was just short of three points to achieve the title of Grandmaster. "My only goal to participate in the tournament was to get the title, and I was glad that I achieved it in the first two rounds," said the Arjuna Awardee.

[caption id="attachment_37773" align="aligncenter" width="776"] R Vaishali receives Arjuna Award[/caption]

Hooked to the boardgame

Born in Chennai to a banker father and a homemaker mother, R Vaishali got interested in chess at a young age. At the age of 12 in 2013, she scored a victory against the future World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen during a simultaneous exhibition match that Carlsen conducted while visiting her hometown of Chennai for the World Chess Championship 2013. Three years later, she attained the title of Woman International Master (WIM), and by October of the same year, she held the second rank in India and was ranked as the 12th best U16 girl player globally. During this period, her Elo rating stood at 2300.

Two Grandmasters under one roof

Growing up, she played friendly matches with her brother R Pragganandhaa. Together they are the first brother-sister duo to become Grandmasters in chess history. Talking about her relationship with Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali stated, "We talk a lot about our games, which is natural since we have been playing together since our childhood." "He helps me a lot with my game. It's great to have such a strong player at home with whom I can discuss more about the game at any time."

[caption id="attachment_37772" align="aligncenter" width="689"] R Vaishali with mom Nagalakshmi and brother Pragganandhaa[/caption]

After getting the GM title, she is now looking up to the World Championship and "playing against some of the best women chess players in the world." Though she is currently pursuing a PG Diploma course in Human Resource Management, R Vaishali is keen to pursue chess as a career. "I am in the final year of my Human Resource Management course after having completed my B Com. But I don't have any academic aspirations. I just want to complete this PG and focus on playing chess full-time and professionally," says the girl who has found her support system in her parents. While her mother accompanies her to the tournaments on most occasions, her father takes care of the logistics, planning, and finances. "In fact, both of them take care of most of our needs, which indeed helps us focus more on our game. Really grateful to them," she added.

Making the right noise - globally

It was in 1988 that Vishwanathan Anand became India's first grandmaster and now R Vaishali is the 84th Grandmaster. Calling him an inspiration for chess players in India, she said, "It all started with one man - Anand sir, and it has reached where it is now. He has brought in many changes, and his Westbridge Anand Chess Academy, of which I am a part too, has helped us train with some of the top trainers. Moreover, he inspires us and encourages us."

The game of chess has been booming in India in a big way in the last few decades, and R Vaishali credits government support. "Moreover, a lot of sponsors are coming in, and tournaments happening in India which is helping the chess players shine. As we speak, there must be someone else who must be in the making of the 85th grandmaster title," says the girl who loves dosa, and that's the one thing she wants to gorge on as soon as she returns home from a tournament.

With many Indian names shining in the world of chess, R Vaishali is certain that the future looks bright. Moreover, she believes that Fishrandom chess, also known as Chess960, is the future of chess. "Going forward, we will have more Fishrandom tournaments."

India's 84th Grandmaster, R Vaishali, is happy that she is serving as an inspiration for many upcoming chess players. "I often meet a lot of kids during tournaments and I am happy that Chess is getting its due."

Follow R Vaishali on X

Arshdeep Singh: How this 14-year-old wildlife photographer of the year captured two owlets, a treetop douc, and more

(December 29, 2021) His Instagram page is a gateway into the wilderness. If the beautiful dusky leaf monkey of Malaysia stares right back with those distinctive eyes in one capture, the other has a stunning diademed sifaka revelling in his natural habitat in Madagascar. That’s Arshdeep Singh for you - a teenager behind the phenomenal snapshots that have earned him a credible place among the wildlife photographer fraternity. And he is just 14 years of age. It was a splendid snapshot of a treetop douc that earned this boy from Jalandhar the tag of Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2020. “When I started, I never expected to gain so much recognition at such an early age. I am happy that my photos are loved by millions,” says Arshdeep in an interview with the Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_8986" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Arshdeep Singh's award-winning picture of a treetop douc[/caption] Born in Jalandhar to a businessman father and a homemaker mother, Arshdeep’s fascination for Nature and the wildlife translated into a passion for capturing them on his lens early on. He was all of five when his dad Randeep Singh gifted him a DSLR on his birthday, after seeing his young son’s raw

r and a homemaker mother, Arshdeep’s fascination for Nature and the wildlife translated into a passion for capturing them on his lens early on. He was all of five when his dad Randeep Singh gifted him a DSLR on his birthday, after seeing his young son’s raw talent. “My dad loves photography and pursues it as a hobby. When I was three, I would often see him holding large cameras, and that sight enthralled me. I wanted to do the same,” recalls the boy, who got tips from his father and learnt from YouTube videos.

His first camera forays were capturing snapshots in his grandmother’s backyard, which impressed his father immensely. Soon he started accompanying his father to the outskirts of Kapurthala to birdwatch. “Dad has been my teacher. His love for wildlife rubbed on to me and I started learning photography from him,” reveals the Apeejay School student.

[caption id="attachment_8988" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Arshdeep Singh[/caption]

Following the trail

An avid wildlife enthusiast, Singh loves to explore the fauna across the world. From the tropical forests of Malaysia to Madagascar’s enchanting woodland, the class eight student has explored wildlife across continents. On a trip to Vietnam in 2020, he came close to the red-shanked douc langur which won him the Wildlife Photographer of the Year. On his father’s business trip to the Son Tra nature reserve, Vietnam’s last coastal rainforest, and a habitat for the langur, he captured the mercurial creature. After reading about the endangered species, Arshdeep, waited for more than an hour to capture the douc. “I took more than 1,000 pictures but was unable to get that perfect shot of the treetop douc. After more than an hour, I found the perfect one. If you look at the langur, he looks like he is wearing a grey coat and black-brown pants – that’s what makes this photo so incredible,” says the teenager, who won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2020 in the 11 to 14 year category.

[caption id="attachment_8987" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Owl in pipe[/caption]

The accolades, they keep coming

His passion and love for photography have earned him accolades internationally though the teenager still has to battle fiercely against his family and school to earn respect. “Only my father was supportive of my decision to pursue photography. My mom and grandparents were quite unhappy with my choice. Like every family, they wanted me to focus on studies. Even my school was against it as I was missing classes,” divulges Arshdeep.

However, his accolades and a great body of work have helped change perspectives. “My mom is super proud and so is my school. I now strike a balance between my passion and studies. I mostly indulge in photography during vacations or weekends,” says the boy, who is greatly inspired by Vijayan Thomas, a renowned wildlife photographer.

Wanderlust through his lens

Singh loves Nature and often travels to the hills of Himachal with his Nikon D500 in search of impeccable shots. “Between landscape and wildlife photography, I prefer the latter. While the landscape hardly changes, there is always a thrill in clicking wildlife as nothing is certain. However, it does need a great deal of patience,” he reveals.

[caption id="attachment_8989" align="alignnone" width="1080"] A picture clicked by Arshdeep Singh[/caption]

Patience helped him earn the award-winning shot of owlets peeping through a pipe. Then a 10-year-old, Arshdeep spotted a pair of owlets in a pipe one balmy Sunday morning (2018) on his way to Kapurthala for birdwatching. “I remember it was 6.30 am when I saw the owlets, and asked my dad to stop the car. Though dad was sceptical as owls are nocturnal birds and not easily spotted in the day, I was sure. We patiently waited for an hour after which both the owlets peeked up at the pipe, and I got a picture-perfect shot,” smiles Arshdeep about the photo that won him the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2018. “It was such an amazing moment that I couldn’t sleep the entire night,” reveals the wildlife buff.

A Nature lover, he has travelled to over 15 countries, and is keen on creating a greener world. “I have planted trees in my backyard, and would like more people to take the initiative. It’s high time we maintain the ecosystem and help wildlife enjoy their habitats,” affirms Singh.

[caption id="attachment_8990" align="alignnone" width="1080"] A photo of butterfly clicked by Arshdeep Singh[/caption]

Accolades aside, Arshdeep wants to help people learn photography. “I am keen to launch a course for amateur photographers. It’s important to give back, and I wish to do so with my course,” Singh signs off. Photography changed his life, and he now wants to help others do so too.

Follow Yash Aradhya on Instagram and Twitter

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How young racers are putting Indian motorsports on the global map

(May 5, 2023) The news of Indian racer Jehan Daruvala joining the reigning Formula 2 champions MP Motorsport for the 2023 season sent ripples of anticipation among motorsports fans, as he became the second Indian racer to join Kush Maini for the 2023 FIA Formula 2 Championship season as he races for Campos Racing. The sport, which found its popularity in India in the 90s, has spurred the racing aspirations of many. 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 of a mean machine that can go insanely fast around a corner. [caption id="attachment_29785"

n id="attachment_29785" align="aligncenter" width="646"] Jehan Daruvala[/caption]

The adrenaline rush, blind cuts, and need for speed keep 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 April, 25-year-old Arjun Maini, and his team Haupt Racing got their first podium in the bronze category of the GT World Challenge Europe in Monza. Being his First Race of the Championship, getting a podium "meant a lot" to this young Indian racer.

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 the racer 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.

[caption id="attachment_29786" align="aligncenter" width="668"] Arjun Maini[/caption]

If Arjun is vrooming through unchartered territory with each of his races, his younger brother Kush Maini, too, is busy taking the legacy forward. He recently won his first-ever Formula 2 podium with a third-place finish in Melbourne. Sharing a photo, he tweeted, "P3 in today’s @Formula2 sprint race! Thank you @CamposRacing for the great car. Looking forward to the feature race."

P3 in today’s @Formula2 sprint race! Thank you @CamposRacing for the great car. Looking forward to the feature race 🇮🇳👊🏽 pic.twitter.com/1659pCfrBH

— Kush Maini (@kmainiofficial) April 1, 2023

Following the footsteps of his brother, the 22-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 the 2021 Formula 3 Asian Championship where his team Mumbai Falcons did the unthinkable by clinching 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, 20-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.

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 grassroots 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.

[caption id="attachment_8740" align="aligncenter" width="452"] Yash Aradhya at French Formula 4 2020.[/caption]

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 in 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 on the doors of Formula 1. At the cusp of achieving his childhood dream, the 24-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 41-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 engagements soon,” says the racer who has started his 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.

Follow Yash Aaradhya on Instagram
Follow Jehan Daruvala on Twitter
Follow Arjun Maini on Twitter
Follow Kush Maini on Twitter

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