Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveCrafting victory: Badminton player Chirag Shetty wishes to have a room full of medals

Crafting victory: Badminton player Chirag Shetty wishes to have a room full of medals

Written by: Team GI Youth

(March 12, 2024) A few years back, when an interviewer asked Chirag Shetty what was his future goal, the Indian badminton player had replied, “Currently, my target is to become the World No.1, and I know that I and my partner (Satwiksairaj Rankireddy) can achieve that if we continue to play as well as we did in the Indonesia Open.” And just yesterday, the 26-year-old joined the exclusive ranks of the only doubles pair from India to achieve the prestigious World No. 1 position in the BWF World Ranking. So, now what? “My ultimate target is to win a medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics,” quipped Chirag, during the press conference.

Player | Chirag Shetty | Global Indian

Known to be the first Indian to win a gold at the Asian games in badminton, Chirag has been working towards just one goal, for the last seven years. “A couple of years down the line when I retire, I want to have a room filled with all the big medals that badminton has to offer,’ said the player, adding, “My ambition is to have a medal in all prestigious events, including the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and world tour finals.”

Chirag Shetty (right) and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy with their former coach Tan Kim Her.

Alongside his partner, Chirag has been making waves in the badminton scene, clinching victories at the Indonesia Open, Asia Championships, Swiss Open, Korea Open, and the most recent French Open 2024. “The key was to be steady,” said Chirag talking about a difficult match he had with his Chinese opponents – Lee Jhe-Huei and Yang Po-Hsuan, adding, “They can be quite a formidable pair. They play some really attacking badminton. So you need to keep your calm. We knew that they would come all guns blazing. But we had to stick to our plan and that’s what we did.”

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Rising star

Born and raised in Mumbai in a Tulu family, Chirag was always inclined towards outdoor sports. While he always participated in various sports activities in school, a real turn came in his life when his father took him to the Uday Pawar Badminton Academy. The young badminton player first held the racket and completely fell in love with the sport. “I started playing badminton at the age of seven under Manish Hadkar. Initially, I started playing just as recreation but gradually when I started winning tournaments, my interest grew,” shared the player, adding, “After completing my 10th standard I chose it as a career option. After passing my 10th standard, I had to choose between science and commerce and I opted for the latter because I wouldn’t have been able to continue playing badminton if I had taken science.”

Chirag Shetty with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The young player later moved to the Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad, where he crossed paths with his current partner, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy. Although he was initially paired with Arjun MR, the team coach, Tan Kim Her, recognised the potential of uniting two tall, strong players with impressive skills to form a formidable doubles pair. “It was one of the best decisions to pair with Satwiksairaj. We are now adept at adapting to a given situation, and our responses in a crisis have been effective. Satwik is a very calm and composed guy, ensuring the pressure doesn’t build up. We complement each other pretty well with a clear strategy going into a match,” Chirag said of his partnership.

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Heightened horizons

Although they have been partners since 2015, the world witnessed the true strength of this duo only in 2018, when they played a crucial role in earning India a historic gold medal in the mixed team event at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Chirag also won the men’s doubles silver with his partner. “That was an interesting year,” the young player shared, “We won our first big badminton tournament, the Hyderabad Open, by beating an Indonesian pair named Akbar Bintang Cahyono and Muhammad Reza Pahlevi Isfahani in the final.” Since then, the Global Indian has won several titles, including the BWF World Tour, Thailand Open, Swiss Open, and India Open.

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All set to represent India at the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024, Chirag is confident that he will be able to bag a medal with his consistent performance in the last couple of years. “We have had some brilliant games, and would like to replicate the performances,” said the player, adding, “Our first target will be to make the quarter-finals in whichever tournament we play and if we do reach the quarters then we will take one match at a time.”

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Published on 12, Mar 2024

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Kitchen Confidential: Chef Neel Kajale’s journey from Mumbai to New York

(February 18, 2022) As he stood before the chopping board at New York City's famed Eleven Madison Park, all set to start cutting, Chef Neel Kajale found himself face to face with an angry sous chef. "I simply couldn't understand why he was upset," he said. Neel was even more mystified when the sous chef then adjusted the cutting board. "He told me that everything has to be perpendicular and parallel. My cutting board was not in line with my workstation. I was at Eleven Madison Park. Everything had to be perfect," said Chef Neel explained. When you're working with the world's most celebrated chefs, every detail needs to be perfect. The Michelin experience By the age of 25, Chef Neel Kajale has done quite the tour of world-famous, Michelin-Starred restaurants and their chefs. After graduating from the Institute of Hotel Management, he worked with Chef Atul Kochhar, of Benaras fame, joining the team as they began NRI in Mumbai. He has also worked at The Bombay Canteen and Farzi Cafe before setting off to study at the Culinary Institute of America in New York City, where Eleven Madison Park would come calling. Today, he has moved away from the high-glamour, high-stress restaurant life and works

helin-Starred restaurants and their chefs. After graduating from the Institute of Hotel Management, he worked with Chef Atul Kochhar, of Benaras fame, joining the team as they began NRI in Mumbai. He has also worked at The Bombay Canteen and Farzi Cafe before setting off to study at the Culinary Institute of America in New York City, where Eleven Madison Park would come calling. Today, he has moved away from the high-glamour, high-stress restaurant life and works at a test kitchen, creating content and exploring a space that to him, feels like home.

[caption id="attachment_11024" align="aligncenter" width="651"] Chef Neel Kajale[/caption]

When food is what you aspire for

At 13, the Mumbaikar knew he wanted to be a chef. He loved food, disliked maths, so the choice was simple. “There was no point in struggling with something I had no talent for. What I did have, however, was a passion for food,” recalls Neel. Encouraged by his parents, he leaped headlong. “I had no backup plans. It was a do-or-die situation for me,” adds the 25-year-old.

MasterChef piqued his interest, and he was hooked. “As an Indian, it was a revelation to see what could be done with food. Here, we didn’t think about plating food or about Michelin stars. I wanted to know what is happening in the world of food,” explains Neel who was blown away by the culinary revolutions in France, Italy, Germany, and Spain.

New York Minute

In June 2021, Eleven Madison Park re-opened its doors to guests - even on opening night (after the pandemic), the three Michelin-starred restaurants had a waiting list of around 15,000. And Neel was at the heart of plating, cooking and more. Celebrities streamed in - Angelina Jolie, Jake Gyllenhaal, Chipotle founder Steve Ells, etc. For Kajale, however, accustomed as he was to celeb-spotting, Angelina Jolie was a revelation. “You feel good because they’re so mesmerized by what you’re doing,” he recalls, adding, “Rightly so because the food is phenomenal but it’s so stressful that after a point, you start saying, it’s just food, not rocket science.”

Plating up aging beets and mustard leaf kimchi, or learning a thing or two about chef-owner Daniel Humm’s famed dry-aged duck breast – it’s the sort of experience any young chef cherishes. Neel was no exception – with a combination of talent, dedication, and unshakeable grit. “You need to bring your A-game every day. If you want to excel at anything, you need to give it everything. The standards and expectations are so high,” he explains.

When a test kitchen turned food into learning

His days of exploring the fine dining experience, of plating herbs with tweezers are behind him for now. Except for the tweezers, which he carries around. “Since there were so many guest walk-ins at Eleven Madison, we couldn’t really do things with our hands. So, we used tweezers. Now - instead of plating herbs, I’m flipping phulkas at home!” smiles the chef who is reinventing his culinary repertoire.

[caption id="attachment_11018" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Chef Neel's journey took him from Mumbai to Manhattan as he worked with some of the world's best chefs[/caption]

Today, Neel yearns for innovation, to find a bridge between food and media that India - and the world, haven’t seen before with his painstaking work at the test kitchen. Think Chef Sanjyot Keer, of Your Food Lab, or global superstars like Babish and Joshua Weissman. After decades of watching the most glamorous chefs plate up gourmet meals, Neel has found his calling at Haven’s Kitchen as test kitchen manager (New York). Diving deep into recipe development and content creation, his days are filled with ingredient-spotting and taste trails. These are then filmed to be shared with epicureans across platforms.

“If a tomato soup is trending on a rainy day, my job would be to use our sauces to make that soup. It’s a very different life from running a station and handling pressure. Here, you’re perfecting one thing, time and time again,” he adds. Not an easy job but one that has, as Neel puts it, brought him closer to food.

A few of his favourite things

Ask him what he truly loves to cook, pat comes the reply, “home food.” For Chef Neel, it’s the food that nourishes him. The welcome sound of a fragrant curry leaf popping in hot oil is his all-time best aroma. “It's so special to Indian cooking. It’s something I absolutely love,” says Neel.

“What do I cook for myself? A dal chawal or roti sabzi.” His kitchen at his New York home is stocked with Indian ingredients and his mother, does, on occasion receive a call with a request, “How do you make your dal?” Not the restaurant-style dal tadka but “mum’s simple moong dal” is unmatched.
The young Indian chef is a music enthusiast and often strums the guitar. High on fitness and sports, a game of tennis is a welcome break, or it's travel and good wine.

Follow Chef Neel Kajale on Instagram
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Reading Time: 6 min

The strong Indian presence at Sweden’s Children’s Climate Prize

(January 10, 2023) Indian-origin youngsters have set a benchmark in global Spelling Bees and have, over the last few years, begun to make their mark in environmental activism too, surging past their peers from around the globe to bag the International Children’s Climate Prize. For the last four years, Indian-origin innovators have won the SEK 100,000 awarded by Swedish company Telge Energi as part of the prestigious prize. The winners of the prize also receive a diploma and medal along with the cash award to continue developing their projects. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-glFd5QsUoc Telge Energi is a frontrunner in renewable energy and deals with solar, wind, and hydro power. To support young people's actions to bring sustainable solutions for the planet earth, it set up the Children’s Climate Foundation. The initiative is an integral part of the organisation’s ongoing work for sustainable development and production of renewable energy for improved climate and environment. Global Indian celebrates the Indian-origin winners of the International Children's Climate Prize. Sparsh Nirav, winner 2022 Resident of Patna, India Solution: The Thermal Floater Coming from the rural side of Patna, Sparsh Nirav understands well the pain of frequent power cuts. As a solution, he designed a thermal floater, a

s an integral part of the organisation’s ongoing work for sustainable development and production of renewable energy for improved climate and environment.

Global Indian celebrates the Indian-origin winners of the International Children's Climate Prize.

Sparsh Nirav, winner 2022

Resident of Patna, India
Solution: The Thermal Floater

Coming from the rural side of Patna, Sparsh Nirav understands well the pain of frequent power cuts. As a solution, he designed a thermal floater, a device that converts thermal energy from the sun into electrical energy. Sparsh's floating device can easily be installed on inland or stagnant water bodies. The device is small – a mere 15 cm x 15 cm – and can be connected to several units to generate increased amounts of energy. The jury was impressed to learn that his solution is three times more efficient than a typical solar panel of the same size. Apart from converting thermal energy, the device provides a range of environmental benefits, including the reduction of evaporation (increasing water availability for other uses) and the reduction of algal bloom in freshwater. 

[caption id="attachment_26347" align="aligncenter" width="610"] Sparsh Nirav[/caption]

 Since it makes use of water surfaces, such as dam reservoirs, wastewater treatment ponds or drinking water reservoirs, it reduces pressure on land resources. The jury of Children's Climate Prize found the idea innovative, easy to implement and accessible enough in countries where land resources are scarce, “This solution creates a huge potential globally,” remarked the climate prize jury.

Reshma Kosaraju, winner 2021

Resident of Saratoga, USA
Solution: AI against forest fires

US-resident Reshma is well aware of forest fires and the damage they can cause. The problem exists on a global scale, causing thousands of premature deaths and posing a threat to animals and nature, making Reshma’s project stand out in the eyes of the jury.

[caption id="attachment_26348" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Reshma Kosharaju[/caption]

Her AI based solution claims to predict forest fires with almost ninety percent accuracy. Reshma’s solution makes use of open data like temperature, humidity, wind speed, soil moisture and human behavior, along with artificial intelligence, to calculate the probability of the forest fire and its extent. “A clear and scalable business concept, with a global approach to accessibility,” is what the jury felt about Reshma’s solution.

Vinisha Umashankar, winner 2020

Resident of Tiruvannamalai, India
Solution: The Solar Ironing Cart

Vinisha has seen numerous ironing carts on Indian streets, all using charcoal to heat the device. ‘There are millions of ironing carts in India and together they must be using tons of charcoal every day’, she thought. Realising that the coal consumes large amounts of wood, pollutes the air and contributes to climate change, Vinisha created a solar powered ironing cart to find a sustainable alternative.

[caption id="attachment_26353" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Vinisha Umashankar[/caption]

My generation and I would live to see the consequences of our action today. I am not just a girl from India, I am a girl of the earth and I am proud to be so. We need to stop talking about old debates but a new vision for new future,” remarked Vinisha at the COP26summit.

Aadya Joshi, winner, 2020

Resident of Mumbai, India
Solution: The Right Green

Deforestation is the second-leading cause of climate change and an issue that Aadya Joshi wanted to address. She founded The Right Green, a BioPower Index, which is a database carrying information about more than 15,000 plant-insect feeding relationships from different eco-regions of India. The Index enables gardeners, landscapers and civic authorities to plant the best biodiversity supporting plants as per the characteristics of the region they are based in.

[caption id="attachment_26350" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Aadya Joshi[/caption]

Aadya has also conducted educational and outreach workshops enabling and empowering communities to restore healthy ecosystems, which are rich in biodiversity, to address climate change. “As the winner of the Children’s Climate Prize, I was given the chance to talk at the India International Science Fair and it was a very big moment for me. India’s Prime Minister was there as well as all the heads of the scientific departments in the government,” she said in an interview.

Shreya Ramachandran, winner, 2019

Resident of Fremont, USA
Solution: The Grey Water Project

Shreya witnessed the wastage of water in households and came up with a solution to address this. Realising that almost fifty percent of water used annually in a household can be reused for activities like watering the plants in the garden, she developed the Grey Water Project.

[caption id="attachment_26351" align="aligncenter" width="613"] Shreya Ramachandran[/caption]

She built a grey water cleaning system with soap nuts that make grey water reusable. Shreya has been teaching people how to install their own grey water systems with regular workshops on water reuse and conservation. “Shreya is working to save the source of life,” remarked the jury of children’s climate prize.

Vihaan and Nav Agarwal, winners, 2019

Residents of New Delhi, India
Solution: One Step Greener

Siblings Nav and Vihaan Agarwal founded an NGO, One Step Greener, to fight the deadly air pollution of the Northern India, especially the NCR region. Their organisation strives for a zero-waste future with the goal to reduce air pollution and improve the health and wellbeing of people.

[caption id="attachment_26354" align="aligncenter" width="719"] Vihaan and Nav Agarwal[/caption]

Since they live in New Delhi, which is one of the worst cities in terms of air quality, they have been educating people about the importance of recycling waste at source and offering door-to-door dry waste pick-ups, to counteract the garbage that is burned on large dumps. “We realised that trash and air-pollution are heavily interrelated, and we wanted to do something to change this. This situation can be avoided by taking simple steps,” said Vihan Agarwal in a video to promote good garbage dumping practices.

Follow Children's Climate Prize on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn

Reading Time: 7 mins

Indian American students again top the Regeneron Science Talent Search

(March 17, 2024) Proving the accuracy of President Joe Biden's statement that "Indian Americans are taking over the country," numerous Indian-origin youths have consistently excelled in the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Dubbed the "Junior Nobel" of the United States, several high school students of Indian descent have consistently claimed spots among the top 10 finalists in this esteemed STEM competition, renowned for identifying the most inventive young scientists. Keeping up the tradition, Indian American student Achyuta Rajaram, has been named the winner of the Regeneron Science Talent Search this year too, bagging a cash prize of $250,000. But, he is not alone at the top. A total of 13 students among 40 finalists in this year's science talent search are of Indian origin. Motivated by pressing challenges that hinder daily progress, these students have devised straightforward, distinctive, and affordable remedies, showcasing their promise as future scientists and innovators dedicated to benefiting humanity. Global Indian puts a spotlight on these young geniuses. Achyuta Rajaram At just 17 years old, Achyuta is already making a significant impact in the scientific community. This young innovator devised an automated technique to unveil the segments of a computer model responsible for decision-making when analysing images.

r devised an automated technique to unveil the segments of a computer model responsible for decision-making when analysing images. This understanding illuminates the cognitive processes of these algorithms, thereby aiding in their enhancement to be more efficient, equitable, and secure.

He enhanced the automated detection of visual circuits through his computer science project submitted to the Regeneron Science Talent Search. In the realm of machine learning, computer algorithms sift through data to address vital real-world inquiries. Achyuta's research has advanced our capacity to comprehend the inner workings of computer models that discern patterns in images. Specifically, his work sheds light on the thought processes behind these models when analysing photographs and identifies which components of their computational frameworks contribute to decision-making.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75hRQGvznsw

But he isn't just another nerdy kid. Achyuta really likes cats but doesn't have any at home. So, he used computer tricks to organize 2,300 funny cat pictures. He says it's a fun way to take a break and enjoy looking at cute cats.

Aditi Avinash

She took the stage to speak on behalf of the Regeneron Science Talent Search Class of 2024 and was named the Seaborg Award winner. Another 17-year-old student of the Rock Canyon High School, Colorado, Aditi discovered that a blend of three enzymes efficiently breaks down gluten proteins, a finding she deems to hold therapeutic promise for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. She observed that concurrently administering the enzymes proved more effective than administering them sequentially, both in degrading gluten and in diminishing T-cell immune reactions. This discovery could pave the way for novel treatments for celiac disease.

The student's research suggested that blending the enzymes proved superior in breaking down gluten and lowering the immune response of T-cells compared to administering the enzymes one after the other. She envisions developing a pill to alleviate the discomfort associated with celiac disease and gluten intolerance, enabling individuals with these conditions to consume wheat products without issues.

Arnav N. Chakravarthy

Holding ninth place at the competition, Arnav was granted a $50,000 prize for his investigation into the genetic origins of macrophages, a type of immune cell found in the brain, liver, and bone marrow. His research aimed to shed light on the mechanisms through which these cells regenerate themselves. While many cells can be traced back to their embryonic origins, Arnav uncovered evidence suggesting that specific brain cells might also be replenished from our bone marrow as we grow older. His discoveries have the potential to inform future targeted treatments for age-related ailments such as Alzheimer’s disease.

In order to evaluate this hypothesis, Arnav employed a genomics tool to track the origins of brain and liver samples, alongside bone marrow samples sourced from the same donors. He then compared the lineage and distinctive mutations of the cells. His results indicate the potential for the regenerative capabilities of macrophage cells, which could have implications for age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Saraswathy Amjith

A nonprofit founder and president offering free teaching and tutoring to more than 200 underserved students, Saraswathy devised a method to enhance the precision of identifying illegal logging as part of her environmental science project for the Regeneron Science Talent Search. She aimed to develop a tool for detecting illegal logging. She conducted experiments with different machine-learning techniques, leveraging satellite-based remote sensing data to identify the most effective approach for detecting logging activities. Given the challenge of cloud cover in tropical regions hindering satellite imagery's effectiveness, Saraswathy integrated both optical and radar imaging methods to achieve more precise detection results.

In her project, Saraswathy discovered a way to mitigate the impact of cloudy weather by merging satellite optical and radar datasets, as radar imagery remains unaffected by clouds. Subsequently, she evaluated different machine learning methods to ascertain the most effective approach for this particular application.

Reading Time: 5 mins

Vibha Janakiraman: The violinist who enchanted the White House

(July 1, 2023) In a harmonious convergence of diplomacy and artistic brilliance, the corridors of power at the White House resonated with the enchanting melodies of 17-year-old Vibha Janakiraman, a young Indian American prodigious young violinist. Amidst the distinguished guests and the grandeur of a state dinner hosted by US President Joe Biden, it was the sublime talent of this 2023 US Presidential Scholar in the Arts that captivated all who were present. The youngster, who has graced illustrious stages with her mesmerising performances for years, masterfully rendered Kreisler's enchanting Recitativo and Scherzo at the White House, casting an ethereal spell upon the audience gathered for this momentous occasion. Speaking to the media after her performance, the violinist said, "It was such a privilege to play at the White House and to be a representation of Indian Americans everywhere! I had the most inspiring view: the Jefferson Memorial directly in front of me and the Washington Monument off to the side. I tried to soak in every moment of that experience, using silences between phrases to allow the beautiful location to be a part of my music-making. I will treasure this forever, and I am so grateful to the people

ument off to the side. I tried to soak in every moment of that experience, using silences between phrases to allow the beautiful location to be a part of my music-making. I will treasure this forever, and I am so grateful to the people and mentors that made this possible."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyNZqm3Q-_U

One among that audience was the First Lady of the USA, Jill Biden, who took to Twitter to praise the grace and finesse of this young virtuoso. Sharing a photograph of Vibha, Jill Biden tweeted, "Vibha Janakiraman, a youth violinist and 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts kicked off the Official State Visit for the Republic of India today. Vibha honored her cultural connection to Western classical and South Indian classical music for guests at the White House (sic)."

Melodic majesty

Inspired by her grandfather - who is also a prominent Carnatic classical musician and stage performer - Vibha embarked on her musical odyssey at the tender age of six, when she started learning violin and Carnatic music under his guidance. However, growing up in West Chester, Pennsylvania, the youngster was heavily influenced by Western classical music as well.

"I always liked music, and grew up surrounded by music as my grandfather is a professional South Indian musician and musicologist," the violinist said during an interview, adding, "When I was about six, my parents decided that it would be good for me to learn a musical instrument, and violin was the most well-known instrument at the time for me. So, we went to the Music School of Delaware, and signed me up for the violin classes there. Since the first class, the violin has been a core part of my life. I feel that it is not the instrument that makes as much of a difference to me as just being able to play music."

From the Top · 15-year-old violinist Vibha Janakiraman

The violinist, who recently graduated from the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School, is now gearing up to embark on her bachelor's degree journey at Juilliard School’s pre-college division this year, under the tutelage of the distinguished Catherine Cho and the legendary Itzhak Perlman. The Global Indian currently performs on a loaned 1855 Jean Baptiste Vuillaume violin, graciously provided by the Tarisio Trust.

It's a musical world...

An academic genius, who loves to study mathematics and Sanskrit, the young violinist finds music in every aspect of her life. "Even when I am not playing the violin, I am usually doing something musical or listening to music," the violinist shared, "I think it is because of my Carnatic music training, I am drawn to the Sanskrit language. I find it intellectually stimulating and quite beautiful. I feel it's a great way for me to connect with my culture, but also studying a language like Sanskrit, which has so many intricacies is also just very interesting."

[caption id="attachment_31540" align="aligncenter" width="646"] Vibha performing at the White House[/caption]

The violinist, who has on the Estella Hillersohn 2018 scholarship and the 2019 Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra competition, has previously played with the Gray Charitable Trust Advanced Scholarship Piano Trio at the Settlement School and has performed as a soloist with several orchestras in the Philadelphia region. In her message to young musicians across the globe, the youngster said, "I think it is important that one finds which aspects of music, or which medium resonates with you the most, and what brings you the most joy. Use that as a reason to always remember why you do what you do. Because when you are playing an instrument there will always be several periods when things aren't going the way you want or you might feel like your progress isn't how you planned it to be. So, for those days, it is helpful to know what I love about music and why I am pursuing it."

Follow Vibha Janakiraman on YouTube and Instagram

Reading Time: 5 mins

When Indian kids say the ‘earnest’ things on Ted Talks, they inspire

(February 15, 2022) Ideas are everywhere. And the world is nurtured through them. The confidence and power to unleash those ideas into reality is something few possess. One of the best ways to spread the power of these ideas is through speeches and talks; TED talks is among the most recognised and celebrated platforms. From inspiring people to changing lives and perspectives, each talk coaxes one to step out of their comfort zone. A whole crop of young Global Indian children are unleashing the power of their ideas through these TED talks. Times Kid of the Year, Gitanjali Rao, innovator Neha Shukla, achiever Ishita Katyal and others, there is no dearth of confident young Indian-origin children taking to the stage to create awareness, and get the world to sit up and take notice. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1kV3NQ87FY[/embed] Young and raring to go Recently, five-year-old Indian American child Kiara Kaur became the world’s youngest TEDx Speaker on Unboxing Curiosity at a TEDx event in Maharashtra on November 2021. Before that, it was 10-year-old Ishita Katyal, who held the distinction of being the youngest Indian to deliver a TED talk. Her topic: Why you don’t have to wait till you grow up. [caption id="attachment_10868" align="aligncenter"

[caption id="attachment_10868" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Gitanjali Rao[/caption]

It’s true. These young ones aren’t waiting for adulthood to make a difference. Their time to act (… or speak) is now, and they’re grabbing every opportunity to make a difference. Age is not a factor when it comes to initiating change too. Gitanjali Rao’s TED Talks, India Nayi Baat in 2019 witnessed the young leader expound these very ideas. “I don't think there should be an age barrier to solving problems. I hope that with the right focus and approach to continuous learning, we can all be superheroes, saving lives," she had told Shah Rukh Khan at the event.

In fact, several of these teens are quite enamoured by the entire platform and are adding to it through Indian TED Talks. Manasi Patil, a young author and STEM enthusiast avers, “TED talks display diverse perspectives of people all over the world. Bringing forward crucial messages and breaking stereotypes, I love the power every single TED talk has. Moreover, gaining insights into how people think and present themselves is an added bonus. TED talks are a cocktail of excitement, inspiration, changemaking ecosystem and simply a powerhouse for thinking beyond the box.”

Influencing minds, one talk at a time

[caption id="attachment_10869" align="aligncenter" width="641"] Neha Shukla[/caption]

Stressing on the importance of getting young people to innovate was Global Teen Leader Neha Shukla when she took the stage at TEDx Atlanta. “Our generation has just begun to embrace innovation. Gen Z already knows what challenges to care about; they just don’t know how to channelise their passion into tangible solutions,” she said during her Indian TED talk, adding, “Now more than ever we have the power to harness cutting edge science and technology to create positive change in our communities. With more people involved in the innovation process, the more problems we can solve, the faster we can do it.” Incidentally, Neha has impacted over 22,000 students and industry leaders through her talks and workshops. She was also honoured by NASDAQ.

An entire generation of thinkers and innovators are getting inspired. For instance, Yathaarth Murthy, a two-time Limca Book of Records holder for singing the highest number of anthems in the world, said that he loved watching TEDx videos as a young child. He wanted to be on the hallowed platform himself and his dream came true when he was invited to give his first TED talk at age 12 on being an anthemologist. His fourth talk was in 2020 when he spoke about pursuing one’s dreams.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IVIcvIMKhU[/embed]

For Tamil Nadu’s Young Nutrition Ambassador and YouTuber, TED turned out to be a dream platform. The 13-year-old motivational speaker had for long been a fan of the platform and drawn inspiration from it and its speakers. So, when she was invited to speak twice on TED, she considered it a huge milestone in her young life. “Being able to speak on TED has been very special for me,” says the teen, who also talks about the kind of hard work that goes into delivering what might seem like a simple talk. “On the face of it, it might just look like a simple 20-minute talk, but there’s so much planning and preparation involved. It took me six months to be able to shape my speech and prepare for my talk.”

Leading by example

[caption id="attachment_10556" align="aligncenter" width="350"] Manasi Patil[/caption]

The fact that platforms like TED also afford these young speakers’ visibility and leverage is an added bonus. Manasi, who herself has enjoyed watching several TED talks by Shashi Tharoor, Tim Urban, and Rohini Godbole, says, “I have always believed that once you are on the stage, in the spotlight, you have this undefined power to get people on board with your dreams, your vision. The TED platform is one of the most powerful ways out there to do this. It's fascinating how your voice, from one part of the world, can be heard throughout the world through a video that is never more than 18 minutes. I intend to reach many GenZers and ‘reinforce the GenZ potential’ in a much wider sense through my TED talks.”

Top 5 Indian TED talks to watch

Motivational: Sparsh Shah on How a 13-year-old changed Impossible to I’m Possible
Life: Ishita Katyal on Experiences of a 12-year-old author
Invention: Deepika Kurup on A Young Scientist’s Quest for Clean Water
Positive Thinking: Manoj Dora on Never Give Up
Innovation: Anwesha Das on The role and Opportunities of child innovators

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