Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveEmpowering voices: Shreya Gupta, the young author making a global impact

Empowering voices: Shreya Gupta, the young author making a global impact

Written by: Team GI Youth

(August 19, 2023) What were you up to when you were just a sprightly 12-year-old? Chances are, your greatest accomplishment might have been mastering that perplexing Rubik’s Cube or perhaps navigating the treacherous realm of pre-algebra. But, Canada-based author Shreya Gupta is different. This 12-year-old dynamo isn’t just diving into the realms of adventure between school bells; she’s crafting her chapter of inspiration, compassion, and change.

Author | Shreya Gupta | Global Indian

A burgeoning author, Shreya’s words have not only penned stories but have etched a tale of benevolence. The recent winner of the prestigious Diana Award, the author raised over CAD 12,000 through the sale of her books and donated the amount to a charity supporting girls’ education in India. She also gave about CAD 1,000 for Kids Help Phone in Canada. The young Canadian has worked hard on driving an anti-bullying campaign at her school and is also involved in events like the TCCSA RBC Future Launch. “It’s amazing to see kids being inspired by my book,” the Global Indian said in an interview while talking about her charity through books sale, adding, “I want all of my future books to raise awareness about bullying because it’s such an imperative message. I hope to inspire my readers and help them learn to cope with bullying and gain self-confidence.”

Inspired by India

Born in Cambridge, Canada to Indian immigrants, Dr. Sunjay and Sonia Gupta, Shreya has always loved reading the book. The author, who is passionate about making education accessible to young girls in developing nations, Shreya is also one of the toppers of her class at the Grand View Public School. “My goal is to inspire young girls around the world to always chase their dreams, no matter what. Unfortunately, I have been bullied myself. This is a big reason why I wanted to spread awareness about the issue. In my spare time, I enjoy sketching, reading, and writing stories,” shared the author, who also won the Mom’s Choice Award for her first book.

Her book, Flamingo Feet, is about a young girl named Aria, who has always dreamed of being a jazz dancer. When some kids bully her and call her “flamingo feet”, Aria drops out of the dance competition. “I take jazz dancing lessons which inspired me to write Flamingo Feet. I wrote it to help kids stand up to bullying and learn how to stay confident in themselves no matter what,” the author expressed.

The author went on to write another book, called The Flip Side. “I wanted to write about another issue that has been affecting youngsters. So, this book is about a young girl, called Autumn, who has just recently moved to Toronto and started at a new school. She has always loved creating animations about her pet hamster named Nibbles. When Autumn gets cyberbullied for her animations online, she gets very hurt and discouraged. The story is about how this young girl fights the odds to shape her dream,” she said.

The little philanthropist

While writing a book was born out of her passion, what could have inspired a young 10-year-old to do charity by selling her books? Well, the answer is a ‘trip to India’. “While I was in India there were a lot of kids who were coming up to me selling pens for money so they could get food. This made me very sad that many kids did not have access to basic needs like food and clothing. I wanted to do something to help out. My grandfather runs a charity that helps girls access education in developing countries like India. I decided this was a great opportunity to get involved with the charity and write a book to raise money for it,” shared the author.

Shreya with her family

Currently working on her other book, Shreya is very happy with the success of her books. “Both children and adults love my book. I feel so honoured. I wasn’t so sure that I would earn anything from them, but when I started getting the cheques, I decided that I would rather donate the earnings towards a charity called Positive and Progressive Educational Support Canada. The charity helps girls in India access education, food, and other resources that they wouldn’t normally have access to,” the author said, who is also inspiring her friends to start writing short stories.

Follow Shreya Gupta on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and her website

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Published on 19, Aug 2023

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Jash Kalyani: A Change Agent in Promoting Culture, Community, and Inclusivity

(July 17, 2023) How many 22-year-olds can claim to have helped implement policy changes in their universities and local communities? For Aurangabad-born Jash Kalyani this is a reality that he embraced early in university career. Now a senior analyst in the product management division at Royal Bank of Canada, Jash continues to further his dream that was born out of a passion for promoting culture, community and a sense of inclusivity. From helping his Canadian alma maters Huron University and Ivey Business School institute policy changes to encourage EDI on campus, to collaborating with the city council for the City of London as a community connector, and publishing case studies on the subject, Jash is intent on being a change agent. Born in Aurangabad, Jash, an only child, lost his father when he was 9. Raised by his mother and grandparents, the lad found himself wanting to achieve something from an early age. “I was never given a path as such, but my mother and grandparents were confident in my abilities. My mother was convinced that I’d do well in whatever I chose. That worked well in my favour as it boosted my confidence levels,” says Jash, who moved to Dubai

, who moved to Dubai after his class X to join his mother. “She was already working in Dubai at the time and I decided to pursue my A levels there.”

[caption id="attachment_31955" align="aligncenter" width="505"] Jash Kalyani with his family at his graduation.[/caption]

By age 17 Jash moved to Canada to pursue his graduation from Huron University College where he studied political science in years 1 and 2. “I’d say Canada shaped my adulthood while India shaped my childhood. Canada is where I got my driver’s licence, got my first car and many other firsts,” he says, adding, “I got a job on my first day of college as a line cook in the university cafeteria. I wanted to build work into my schedule from day 1 and not after I graduate.”

During his time at Huron Jash also founded the Huron Indian Cultural Association (HICA) in 2018. The Association continues to thrive today and is a means for students to celebrate and share Indian culture with the Huron community. Over the last five years, the association has grown to become one of the largest student clubs on campus and at roadshows is the first to be showcased by the university. “I wanted to build a sense of community on campus and that’s how the club came about. Huron is a traditionally Anglican school and with HICA we celebrate Diwali in the chapel and Holi on the campus. The aim is to help students find a community outside of home and has now become one of the first things an Indian student coming here looks for.”

[caption id="attachment_31957" align="aligncenter" width="507"] Jash Kalyani during his city council work[/caption]

In the meanwhile, Jash also began working as a community connector with the municipal committee for City of London. “Here I worked with young and marginalised people. It involved a lot of grassroot work and over the course of three years I’d spoken with as many as 1,500 people,” says Jash. By the time he got to year 3 Jash began to get more involved in the aspects of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). It was also around the time the George Floyd incident occurred. “I was able to hone into EDI around this time and turned my focus towards it. For the first time, I also realised what it really meant to be a South Asian in Canada.”

The youngster also faced racism and used that as a learning experience to pivot his work. “I was sitting at a cafe and eating when a white guy called the cops on me for not wearing a mask. There were plenty of others there without a mask because we were all eating. But he targeted me as a ‘brown person’,” says Jash, adding, “It was scarring.”

The incident prompted Jash to speak to his university about what it was doing to make people feel safer and if it was systemically addressing racism. “That led to me doing an internal review for the school and a case study on Huron in which I got students to participate and suggest strategies.”

[caption id="attachment_31958" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Jash Kalyani at his graduation.[/caption]

As he moved to Ivey Business School, Jash wanted to continue his work in EDI and be a change agent. “I wanted to use educational platforms to talk about EDI and tied up with Ivey to build something into their curriculum. That’s how I ended up publishing an EDI onboarding module for the school with other students. The idea was to make EDI part of the student experience,” he says. He went on to intern with the Royal Bank of Canada, and was eventually hired by them.

Jash Wins Ontario Remembrance Award

In recognition of his contributions Jash was awarded the Ontario Remembrance Scholarship by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and Western University in 2021. Jash was one of the four students to receive the award which was instituted in the memory of the four Iranian students who lost their lives on board Flight 752.

“Over the years I find myself becoming more interested in pedagogy and how EDI can be built into the curriculum. To this end, I have published two other case studies and also worked with the City of London on what it can do from a civic engagement perspective for people with marginalised identities,” he says. The school also funded him to go to Kenya and teach an entrepreneurship elective at MOI university.

[caption id="attachment_31956" align="aligncenter" width="501"] Jash Kalyani in Kenya.[/caption]

When he graduated business school in 2022, Jash took up his first job with Mondelez which proved to be a great learning experience. He later took up a role as senior analyst with RBC where he works in product management and credit card strategy. “That apart I’m also involved with several non-profits. I continue to publish case studies for the school and am currently designing a digital capstone experience with insendi, a British Educational Consulting Company, meant for students at Ivey for next year,” says the youngster. “I’m also working for a boutique consulting company that works in the EDI space and am going to flying school to become a recreational pilot,” he smiles.

Follow Jash on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Yash Aradhya: How this Formula 4 racer is vrooming to podium finishes

(December 22, 2021) He stood tall and proud as President Ram Nath Kovind gave him the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. Awarded for his exceptional contribution to motorsports, Formula 4 racer Yash Aradhya has what it takes to surge past the chequered flag. Yash was just nine when he first began training, and now a decade later, he is at the threshold of a spectacular career. The 19-year-old, who is currently studying in the Netherlands, is among the new stars rising up in the world of racing. "It's such a great time to be in motorsports. A lot of new talent is venturing into it, and many new opportunities are opening up for us in India," Yash tells Global Indian in an exclusive interview. [caption id="attachment_8740" align="aligncenter" width="489"] Yash Aradhya at French Formula 4 2020.[/caption] The boy, who had a podium finish at the X1 Racing League, has participated in the 2020 French Formula F4. Born in 2002 in Bengaluru to an adman father and a homemaker mother, Aradhya's love for speed began when he was just six. "It was during a road trip from Bengaluru to Mumbai that I got excited about cars and speed. I remember my dad

participated in the 2020 French Formula F4.

Born in 2002 in Bengaluru to an adman father and a homemaker mother, Aradhya's love for speed began when he was just six. "It was during a road trip from Bengaluru to Mumbai that I got excited about cars and speed. I remember my dad explaining to me about horsepower and engines and it fascinated me. I was thrilled by the passion for speed, so at six, I started karting for fun," reminisces Aradhya.

Racing is in his DNA

Yash officially dipped his toes into racing at age nine. Seeing his passion, his father approached JK Tyres' head Sanjay Sharma for the national racing championship. "Hardy uncle (as we fondly call him) put us in touch with Akbar Ebrahim (the first Indian to race in the international circuits) and it was under him that my training began," recalls the 19-year-old whose ultimate goal is to become a Formula 1 racer.

At nine, he scored his first win at the JK Tyre MMS Rotax Rookie Cup 2012 by clinching second at the podium, which turned out to be a foundation for the forthcoming winning championships. "Graduating to the junior level was a different ball game as there is a speed difference and fighting for the top position was getting exciting and challenging at the same time. However, my passion to win helped me exceed everyone's expectations including my mentor after I won Formula Junior Series FLGB," says the Utrecht University student.

[caption id="attachment_8738" align="aligncenter" width="799"] Yash Aradhya with his mentor Akbar Ebrahim[/caption]

The win set the ball rolling for Yash who was soon nominated by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India to represent the country at Academy Trophy. It opened new opportunities for the teenager, and took him to Europe and Asia to race. With each passing year, Aradhya won more podiums and in 2019, he graduated from karting to car with the MRF 1300 National Championship 1600.

The run up to the podium

However, it hasn't been an easy run, especially since he came from a non-motorsport background though he found the perfect support system in his dad. "I knew that I wanted to be a Formula racer, and my dad helped me achieve my dream. He put me in touch with my mentor, helped me get sponsors who have put their faith in me. Despite being an expensive sport, my dad has gone above and beyond to make my dream come true," beams the Formula 4 racer.

With the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, Yash is the only teenager under 18 years to be awarded in the category of motorsports. "I didn't realise how big of a deal it was until I was standing in front of the President of India. The award means a lot to me and holds immense value," says Yash who still remembers PM Narendra Modi's advice to him. "He told me, 'This award is not the end. Take it as a beginning step, and continue to excel in the field,'" reminisces the teenager.

[caption id="attachment_8737" align="aligncenter" width="495"] Yash Aradhya with President Ram Nath Kovind[/caption]

The mettle to train

The boy from Bishop Cotton Boys School is completely focused on excelling now. Under the tutelage of coach Akbar Ebrahim, fitness coach Ramji Srinivasan and nutritionist Ryan Fernando, Yash is spreading his wings far and wide. He reveals that unlike other sports, racers don't get to train on the tracks every single day. "I do physical and mental training every day under the guidance of my coaches. However, we get only two days to test drive before the championships," says Yash, who is currently studying economics and business economics in the Netherlands and enjoying his stay in a new city.

Despite being one of the most expensive sports, Yash has found his footing, thanks to his sponsors. After racing in Formula 4 South East Asia Championship 2019 and the 2020 French Formula F4, he is now gearing up for his upcoming championships. "Currently, I am dividing my time between studies and training. These last two years were wasted, thanks to the pandemic. However, I am excited to get back into action," says the racer who loves playing tennis and swimming in his free time.

[caption id="attachment_8739" align="aligncenter" width="717"] Yash Aradhya training for championship[/caption]

Calling the recent times one of the most exciting times to be in motosporting, Yash feels lucky to be a part of it. "There are so many career opportunities right now in motorsports. The talent is getting recognised. I would say stay tuned for more," signs off Yash.

Follow Yash Aradhya on Twitter and Instagram

Reading Time: 6 min

Mishthi Aggarwal: Brewing tradition and innovation at 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters

(May 15, 2024) Coming from the family of the Indian multinational snack food company and restaurant chain, Bikanervala, entrepreneurship runs in the blood of Mishthi Aggarwal. The fourth-generation entrepreneur is the only female specialty coffee roaster in India, a certified Q grader, and an authorised SCA trainer. As the founder and CEO of 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, Mishthi oversees the production of bespoke blends innovated and developed in her organisation’s research and development centre. “During my travels across the world, I was inspired by the rich coffee culture and it led me to venture into the coffee industry,” Mishthi tells Global Indian. “While India is the seventh largest producer of coffee in the world, most of it is exported. I want to inculcate the specialty coffee culture in our Indian lifestyles. This will not only allow us to enjoy our high-quality homegrown coffees but at the same time promote the flourishing agri-economy,” adds the Harvard University alumna. [caption id="attachment_37808" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Mishthi Aggarwal[/caption] 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters At 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, each coffee batch undergoes gentle roasting in high-quality equipment to capture the fullest flavours from every bean. This meticulous process helps in discovering the window of peak

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[caption id="attachment_37808" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Mishthi Aggarwal[/caption]

93 Degrees Coffee Roasters

At 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, each coffee batch undergoes gentle roasting in high-quality equipment to capture the fullest flavours from every bean. This meticulous process helps in discovering the window of peak flavour, resulting in a perfect roast. When a coffee achieves the desired mark, it is served at cafes and made available on shelves as whole beans.

Established in the year 2022, the organisation is based out of Gurugram, Haryana. “Being born in a business family, you pick up all the traits and values that are discussed in the household. I think I imbibed the qualities of diligence and entrepreneurship from my family very early on in life,” Mishthi tells. “My family always supported me in my venture and with their constant encouragement I have been able to lay a strong foundation at 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters.”

As the sole owner of 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, the 27-year-old leads a team of 15 dedicated individuals who share her passion for specialty coffee. “While I am the primary decision-maker and visionary for the company, I deeply value the collaborative effort and diverse perspectives that each team member brings to the table.” Together the team strives to uphold the highest standards of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction in every aspect of business operations.

93 Degrees is Mishthi’s first business venture. “It has been a transformative journey so far,” she remarks. The decision to embark on this path was not taken for the heck of getting into business following her family’s legacy, rather it was a result of her deep passion for coffee and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the coffee industry of India.

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Juggling business in India and studies in the US

Mishthi started her business venture in 2022 while she was still a student of Harvard. “Managing the day-to-day operations of 93 Degrees while pursuing my management studies at Harvard has been both demanding and rewarding,” she remarks. “Thanks to the flexible learning options offered by Harvard, I was able to strike a balance between my academic commitments and the responsibilities of running a business. Leveraging technology and effective time management strategies, I ensured that the company continues to thrive in my absence,” she tells, highlighting that the insights gained from her course enriched her decision-making ability and contributed in running the business even from abroad.

“Each day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth, and I am grateful for the invaluable lessons learned along the way.” While there have been hurdles to overcome, a sense of fulfilment derived from building something from the ground up makes every obstacle worth it for Mishthi.

Blending legacy and innovation

“Coming from an esteemed business family, entrepreneurship was the most natural progression for me. I have enjoyed the process of establishing 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters. Also, I have learnt to respect traditions in businesses even while innovating and discovering new trends in the industry,” says the fourth-generation entrepreneur. She looks at her grandfather, as a visionary entrepreneur who instilled in her the qualities of integrity, persistence, and diligence towards excellence from a young age.

Drawing inspiration from his entrepreneurial journey Mishthi learned to blend tradition with innovation, respecting the rich heritage of her family business while pioneering new ventures in uncharted territories.

“Throughout my entrepreneurial endeavour, I have been fortunate to have the support and guidance of my family members. They are the mentors and advisors of my journey. Their experience, wisdom and the values that they instilled in me has shaped my identity as an entrepreneur,” she remarks.

Visionary leaders in the coffee industry who have reshaped the landscape of specialty coffee globally are also people who inspire Mishthi Aggarwal, fuelling her ambition to make a meaningful impact in the world of specialty coffee.

Beyond business

As an entrepreneur, Mishthi’s aspirations for 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters extend beyond mere profitability. She envisions her brand becoming synonymous with exceptional quality, sustainability, and social responsibility in the coffee industry. “By cultivating strong partnerships with local farmers, we aim to create a positive impact at every stage of the coffee supply chain. Ultimately, I strive to elevate the coffee experience for our customers while contributing to the greater good of society,” she tells.

93 Degrees Coffee Roasters is deeply committed to empowering local coffee farmers through initiatives aimed at promoting fair trade practices, sustainable agriculture, and community development. “Partnering with coffee-growing communities and advocating for their rights and well-being, we aim to create a more equitable and sustainable coffee industry for generations to come,” Mishthi shares, talking about her aspirations.

On the path of leadership

Before enrolling in the master’s in management at Harvard University, Mishthi completed her bachelors of science in economics from the University of Nottingham, and a three-year diploma course in coffee skills from Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE), one of the world's largest coffee trade associations.

“As an authorised AST (Authorised Specialty Coffee Association Trainer), certified by the SCAE, I possess the necessary credentials to educate and train others in the art and science of specialty coffee,” she mentions. Her Q Grader Arabica certification, awarded by the Coffee Quality Institute makes her an expert in evaluating and grading coffee beans - a unique position as a female leader in a male-dominated industry.

She has served as a jury member with the National Coffee Board for the National Latte Art Championship and National Barista Championship in the past. Winners went on to participate in global competitions. As a jury member she evaluated and critiqued the performance of contestants based on criteria such as taste, technique, and presentation. The entrepreneur and trainer loved being in the judge's shoes. She looks at it as an opportunity to contribute towards the advancement of the coffee industry of India on a global scale.

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Challenges and triumphs

“As a budding entrepreneur, I have encountered numerous challenges along the path to building and growing 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters. From navigating the complexities of supply chain management to overcoming financial hurdles and fierce competition, each obstacle has tested my resilience and determination,” she remarks adding, “However, I firmly believe that challenges present opportunities for growth and innovation. I have been able to overcome the obstacles and emerge stronger than before.”

The entrepreneur, who has just returned after completing her masters at Harvard, aims to make her venture bigger and contribute wholeheartedly in the specialty coffee industry of India as a certified Q grader, and an authorised SCA trainer.

Follow Mishthi Aggarwal on Instagram and LinkedIn
Follow 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters on Instagram

Reading Time: 5 mins

All the right moves: Indian chess prodigy Prraneeth Vuppala journey to grandmaster status

(June 8, 2023) Prraneeth Vuppala’s parents introduced him to a variety of sporting activities when he was just six. Tennis interested him and so did football. Like most children, he loved swimming too. But it was chess that fascinated him the most. He only took about a week to learn the basics and how to make the right moves. The young Indian chess prodigy and his early passion for the game led him to a chess academy where he sharpened his skills in no time. Thereafter, he went about checkmating his opponents across the globe, winning national and international tournaments one after the other. All of 16, he recently became the India’s 82nd Grandmaster after he achieved the required 2,500 FIDE rating points. “Despite all the wins, I don’t think one can still master the game of chess,” smiles Prraneeth in an exclusive chat with Global Indian. The Indian chess prodigy defeated Grandmaster Hans Niemann of USA in the penultimate round of the Baku Open 2023 held from May 4 to 22 in Baku, Azerbaijan. “I don’t get distracted by anything during a game and remain focused on it completely. Without bothering about winning or losing, I just go out there and play. The

n. “I don’t get distracted by anything during a game and remain focused on it completely. Without bothering about winning or losing, I just go out there and play. The grandmaster title is part of the process and I feel great about it,” says the teenager, who has become a role model for many budding chess players not only in his home state of Telangana but across the world.

[caption id="attachment_30877" align="aligncenter" width="487"] Chess prodigy Prraneeth Vuppala[/caption]

The Baku Open

In the Baku Open, Grandmaster Niemann’s attack on the kingside did not work out the way he wanted and Prraneeth scored a win. “Prior to the game, I do prepare against the opponent, try to analyse their moves and check their opening lines. But when the tournament actually starts, I don’t think about the opponent at all. I just play,” says the young grandmaster. He is the sixth from the state of Telangana to have achieved the title.

Prraneeth was among the 119 players, including 32 Grandmasters, 29 International Masters, 11 World Grandmasters and Women International Masters) from 14 countries who took part in the Baku Open. The nine-day, nine-round Swiss League tournament was organized by the Azerbaijan Chess Federation and the Ministry of Youth & Sport of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Upon his return to Hyderabad after winning the grandmaster title, Prraneeth was accorded a grand welcome by the Telangana state government.

He was felicitated by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and announced a reward of Rs 2.50 crore. “Meeting the Chief Minister along with my parents was a matter of great pride. He congratulated me and wished me well for my future tournaments and assured all support,” says Praneeth, whose intelligent moves on the chess board in a short span of time surprised many.

Earning his grandmaster norms

[caption id="attachment_30878" align="aligncenter" width="535"] Prraneeth with Telangana CM, K. Chandrashekar Rao[/caption]

Prraneeth has achieved three Grandmaster norms during the course of his chess career. In March 2022, he earned the first one and achieved the International Master title in Hungary. In July the same year, he achieved his second norm at Biel Master Tournament in Switzerland. He achieved third GM norm at the second Chessable Subway Formentra Open in Spain, Sunway Sitges and Lorca tournaments in Italy.

“The tournament in Hungary was tough. I lost the first round but that did not bother me. I kept my focus on the game, analysed where I was going wrong and improved it. I won other rounds to win my first grandmaster norm,” recalls the chess prodigy, who also participated in world chess tournaments held in Armenia and Budapest earlier besides Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. He also achieved his second International Masters norm in the Vergani cup in Serbia.

The prodigy’s journey

Hailing from Allagapada village in Miryalaguda Mandal of Nalgonda district of Telangana, Prraneeth’s father V Srinivasa Chary works as Assistant Commissioner in GST while his mother Dhanalaxmi is a junior lecturer at a Government college. “They encouraged me all through which made me what I am today,” says Prraneeth, a Standard XI student of Viswa Chaitanya Junior College, Tarnaka in Hyderabad.

Prraneeth held the titles of national champion (under- 7 to under-14) before he earned the international masters and grandmaster titles. Till 2021, he trained with noted chess coach Rama Raju at the RACE academy. Now, he trains with Israel Grandmaster Viktor Mikhalevski.

Earlier, the 16 year old used to do yoga and meditation. “Now I mostly rely on normal workouts in between the tournaments which helps me remain focussed on the game and agile to all the moves by opponents,” informs Prraneeth, an admirer of Norwegian world champion Magnus Carlsen.

What’s next

The chess Grandmaster says his next target is to reach 2,600 rating points and is already working towards it. “My ultimate goal is to become the world champion by achieving 2,800 rating points,” says the youngster who is all focused on his next tournament — the Asian Continental tournament in Kazakhstan which starts this month.

While he regularly practices in chess to fine tune his skills, Prraneeth likes to read books about chess and chess players. “It not only motivates me, it is also interesting to read and analyse their moves which helps me in my game as well,” explains the prodigy who puts in 8 to 10 hours of practice everyday. He even plays chess online with multiple players.

In between his academics, which he also excels at, Praneeth makes it a point to indulge in football and tennis with his friends. “There are many more tournaments to come and I constantly prepare myself for them,” he says.

Reading Time: 6 mins

Vish: UK’s first Bollywood busker brings patriotic music to London streets on Independence Day

(August 15, 2024) “In the midst of all these riots in London, we still managed to get Indians and Pakistanis to sing together for the 78th Independence Day,” the UK-based singer Vish shared with his fans, posting a video of people grooving to the tunes of Maa Tujhe Salaam. In another video that he shared, the Bollywood busker mentioned, “When Indians and Pakistanis sing together in London, 'Jai Ho'. Let’s share this video to spread love and unity. We need each other in these hard times.” Anti-immigration protests and far-right riots have been occurring in England and Northern Ireland since 30 July 2024. Despite these challenges, as the countdown to the Independence Day of India and Pakistan began, Vish managed to bring smiles to the faces of the diaspora. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vish (@vish.music) Last year, around this time too, his video of patriotic songs on the streets of the United Kingdom in honour of the 77th Indian Independence Day had captured the attention of social media users worldwide. The mesmerising performance was widely shared and praised, earning the artist immense love, admiration, and popularity. Melody on streets and stage Popular for

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Last year, around this time too, his video of patriotic songs on the streets of the United Kingdom in honour of the 77th Indian Independence Day had captured the attention of social media users worldwide. The mesmerising performance was widely shared and praised, earning the artist immense love, admiration, and popularity.

Melody on streets and stage

Popular for his engaging performances, the UK-based singer has earned appreciation from artists like rapper Badshah, playback singers Ash King and Diljit Dosanjh, and anchor/actor Maniesh Paul, who have sung alongside him during his street performances in the UK.

Vish's social media following boasts of his widespread appeal, with over 523,000 followers on Instagram and 351,000 followers on YouTube.

Apart from busking, the singer has also performed at the opening of Vishal & Shekhar concert at Wembley Arena in London and has appeared at Javed Ali's show at Indigo at The O2.

The busker whose street performances have taken him all over the UK wishes to make a mark in Bollywood as a playback singer someday. "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop," believes the Arijit Singh fan.

[caption id="attachment_38829" align="aligncenter" width="458"] Vish with Aamir Khan who was part of the audience at one of his shows[/caption]

Punjabi boy in the UK

Vishal Mattu hails from Punjab and took up singing on the streets (busking), a common practice in the United Kingdom, after being encouraged by his girlfriend. From singing along to English songs by popular artists like Justin Bieber and Drake, back home in India to busking with Bollywood classics and chart-toppers in the UK, Vish has come a long way with his guitar and stereo.

“I always wanted to be an English language singer,” he shared, naming Harry Styles among his many inspirations.

It was only after gaining appreciation for his Bollywood songs that he developed a passion for them. “I have become more interested in Bollywood beats after I began busking in the UK. I used to sing English songs, and people began coming up to me on the streets requesting Bollywood music. I did sing a few and got excellent feedback thereafter,” he shared talking about his journey.

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UK's first Bollywood busker

Since 2022, Vish has been gaining recognition and has branded himself as the UK’s first Bollywood busker. He cherishes the precious moments of passers-by singing and dancing along to his melodies, often playing late-night, kicking off at 11 pm and going on until 3 am over the weekends.

Even though the English people don’t understand the wordings of Hindi songs, they still enjoy the melodies, and a lot of them recognise songs from Shah Rukh Khan movies, he shared. Their spontaneous gestures are something that the singer cherishes the most.

However not all performing endeavours end on happy notes. Like other street performers, he has had some nasty encounters too. “Well, there will always be those who dislike you and can be harsh, but you must remain strong. You must understand how to handle the circumstances without engaging in conflict. I have had a lot of unpleasant situations in these two years, but I never got into a fight.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28cxg7_GkO8

The 28-year-old has also released a music video titled ‘Wait’ in which he has sung a Punjabi song composed and written by himself. Another of his music videos is set to be released soon. While his wait for playback opportunities in Bollywood continues, the singer is hopeful of creating a mark someday with his creative ideas, love songs and club music in India’s film industry.

Follow Vish Music an Instagram and YouTube
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