Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveFrom classroom to startup: Yale grads Sneha and Anushka turn class project into a tech company

From classroom to startup: Yale grads Sneha and Anushka turn class project into a tech company

By: Amrita Priya

(November 6, 2024) What began as a class project has grown into a startup for recent Yale engineering graduates Sneha Sivakumar and Anushka Nijhawan. During their senior year, the two developed an AI-powered no-code automation tool designed to simplify and speed up the process of testing web applications without manual coding.

Their innovative solution enables companies with web-based applications to verify functionality seamlessly, a concept that quickly gained recognition. Supported early on by a $500 grant from Yale’s Tsai CITY Student Exploration Fund and recently accepted into Y Combinator’s elite accelerator program with $500,000 in funding, the duo took their idea to the next level.

This May, shortly after graduating with degrees in Computer Science, Sneha and Anushka officially launched their startup, Spur, building on the foundation of their college project. “A lot of companies spend a lot of time writing tests for their web applications, and our entire company is about automating that process and making it really easy,” Sivakumar explained in a recent interview.

Y Combinator | Indian Entrepreneur | Global Indian

Anushka and Sneha

From class project to startup

Sneha and Anushka enjoyed working with each other on different projects since their first year in college. “We first met freshman spring at Yale,” remarked Sneha. As their first project, the innovative duo built a social planning application location for fun.

After working on several other projects, the youngsters realised that they really liked working on tasks together and came up with the idea of working on a startup. They decided to work on a user experience research application. “That side of tech companies is typically very underserved. We thought we could come up with a solution that would fix that problem,” shared Anushka. “We worked for three months during the fall semester in 2023 on the idea. Part of that was because we were taking this class at Yale called Software Engineering, which allowed us very dedicated, focused time throughout the semester to actually build it out in tandem with our other classes.”

Seeing their project come out well, they applied for the Y Combinator at the end of their last semester, and the rest is history.

Anushka and Sneha

What is Y Combinator?

Y Combinator (YC) is a top-tier startup accelerator that offers a three-month, high-intensity program aimed at rapidly scaling early-stage companies. It provides $500,000 in funding in exchange for a seven percent equity stake and includes tailored mentorship and a collaborative startup environment.

YC brings together founders at various stages—some just beginning, others more established—and pairs them with experienced partners for weekly guidance, along with bi-weekly group sessions. Founders connect via Bookface, YC’s exclusive platform for networking and knowledge-sharing, and participate in events like weekly talks from successful entrepreneurs, providing insights into startup growth and strategy. The program culminates in Demo Day, where founders pitch their startups to leading investors, often securing additional seed funding. Even after the program ends, YC alumni continue to benefit from ongoing support and access to YC’s extensive network, creating a lasting support ecosystem for continued growth.

“In YC, there’s about 200 to 300 companies every single batch and they break these companies into different groups. So, it builds a community in which everybody is working on all of their startups together,” explains Sneha.

Sneha and Anushka

Help and support from other sources

Sneha and Anushka’s journey in creating Spur was bolstered by crucial support networks and resources at Yale. Assistant Professor Arman Cohan’s mentorship was instrumental, beginning with his class on AI Foundation Models, which inspired the pair to work with him on their senior thesis.

Throughout their last semester, Professor Cohan offered ongoing guidance, connecting them with other industry experts and helping shape their project. Additionally, a $500 grant from Yale’s Tsai CITY Student Exploration Fund provided them with vital workspace and resources. The fund, which awards grants of up to $500 to student-led teams working on early-stage innovation and entrepreneurship projects, became essential for Sneha and Anushka as they refined their product. With a collaborative workspace at Tsai CITY available daily, they had the ideal environment for brainstorming, teamwork, and advancing Spur to launch readiness.

Anushka and Sneha during a Y Combinator launch live event

Taking entrepreneurship in stride

Sneha Sivakumar and Anushka Nijhawan’s journey of building Spur has been challenging and a learning experience for the young entrepreneurs. They admit that taking the plunge into full-time entrepreneurship was nerve-wracking, but once they committed, everything came into focus.

Now, each day is a new lesson—not just in engineering but in marketing, sales, accounting, HR, and tax management, as they are currently handling all aspects of the business themselves. “We’re just picking them up as we go,” remarks Anushka talking about the multiple skills that an entrepreneur’s life demands.

Although their life as an entrepreneur is far cry from their initial roles as developers, and while the hours are long and the work demanding, the youngsters find fulfillment in building something truly their own. Embracing the highs and the challenges alike, they’re learning that startup life is about so much more than just innovating something —it’s about adaptability, and the drive to bring their vision to life.

Follow Sneha Sivakumar and Anushka Nijhawan on LinkedIn
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Published on 06, Nov 2024

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Pranay Kumar: Empowering tomorrow’s leaders through Nine Foundation

(May 10, 2024) After graduating from the Ramaiah Institute of Technology in Bengaluru, Pranay Kumar embarked on a new chapter in Sikkim. Passionate about entrepreneurship, he founded Chakrasfarm Pvt Ltd, which found a home at the AIC-SMUTBI at the Manipal Institute of Technology at Sikkim. The breathtaking beauty of the state served as a catalyst for his thoughts on climate change, as he noticed a lack of awareness on the subject in the region. Pranay founded the non-profit Nine Foundation which has impacted 500 students. “It’s a non-proﬁt organisation I established to tackle climate change through education. The best part is that we offer our program completely free of cost to students. We don’t charge anything from schools we collaborate with,” Pranay tells Global Indian. Although agritech had sparked his journey, the Sikkim floods ignited in him a passion that he couldn't ignore. “As an engineer, I felt compelled to contribute to nature. Witnessing the exploitation of our planet became too much to ignore,” he shares. [caption id="attachment_37722" align="aligncenter" width="655"] Pranay Kumar[/caption] Compelled to take action “Witnessing our planet's vulnerability, I knew action was crucial. Inspired by UCDF, I co-founded Nine Foundation, not just to educate, but to empower. Seeing

an engineer, I felt compelled to contribute to nature. Witnessing the exploitation of our planet became too much to ignore,” he shares.

[caption id="attachment_37722" align="aligncenter" width="655"] Pranay Kumar[/caption]

Compelled to take action

“Witnessing our planet's vulnerability, I knew action was crucial. Inspired by UCDF, I co-founded Nine Foundation, not just to educate, but to empower. Seeing the potential in young minds fuelled my mission to equip them as the leaders of tomorrow's climate fight,” he remarks.

The Chakrasfarm project got on hold due to unforeseen reasons but the engineer with an entrepreneurial bent of mind started a travel company. Moreover, the foundation has injected a new lease of life into his journey.

So profound is Pranay’s commitment to the cause that he incurs all expenses of the foundation from his own pocket. However, the rewards he gains from this investment are priceless. "There's something truly special about being present, engaging directly with the students, and witnessing their enthusiasm firsthand," he shares.

He looks at education as a tool to change the mindset of an entire generation, creating a ripple effect that lasts for decades.

The Nine Foundation

“The name ‘Nine’ wasn't chosen at random. It symbolises completion and new beginnings, which perfectly reﬂects our commitment to a sustainable future, and I believe education is the key to real change,” Pranay says, about the significance behind the foundation’s name.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdY-3QFGGa4

Pranay and his team partners with schools to integrate climate education into their curriculum, making environmental awareness and action an essential part of the students’ learning experience. The aim is to empower students to become informed advocates for planet Earth, equip them with knowledge and critical thinking skills they need to create a more sustainable future.

“While I have a fantastic and reliable team who helps initiate partnerships with schools, I also make it a priority to visit these schools myself whenever possible,” Pranay remarks.

Nine Foundation team engages senior and junior classes, sparking interest and action through interactive workshops and presentations. These sessions explore the science behind climate change, present real-world solutions, and empower students to take ownership of their environmental impact.

Empowering the youth

Those students who show extraordinary interest in Nine Foundation's work are given the option to become volunteers and form ‘School of Climate Change’ clubs in their respective schools. “These student-led groups serve as a platform to deepen their knowledge, brainstorm creative solutions, and organise school-wide initiatives promoting a sustainable lifestyle.”

[caption id="attachment_37732" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Nine EnviroEd volunteers[/caption]

Nine Foundation’s ‘hands-on activities’ immerse students in environmental challenges. Interactive experiences, like planting trees, cleaning up local parks, or conducting water quality tests, connect students with the environment and its problems directly and provide them with a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. The school volunteers and their teams are made to showcase their ongoing climate efforts at the end of a three-month period. “This encourages reflection, peer learning, and collaboration, showcasing the power of individual and collective action,” Pranay tells.

The most dedicated student, chosen on the parameters of leadership, initiative, and commitment, earns the title of ‘The One Human.’ “The title empowers the student to become an ambassador for climate action within their community, inspiring others to save, conserve, and protect our planet,” tells Pranay.

Challenges and triumphs

It's not always easy to fit climate change education into packed school schedules. “Funding is another hurdle (educating one child costs around Rs. 65). But seeing the curiosity and engagement in students' eyes during our sessions makes it all worthwhile,” remarks Pranay.

The outdoor learning experiences are something that he particularly cherishes. “Connecting students with nature ﬁrsthand is incredibly powerful. It's amazing to see how connected they become when surrounded by the environment we're ﬁghting to protect,” he tells.

[caption id="attachment_37724" align="aligncenter" width="866"] Pranay Kumar at one of the sessions in Sikkim[/caption]

Future plan

So far, Pranay has impacted students in five schools of Sikkim. Very recently he has started expansion programmes in colleges of Jharkhand as he belongs to that belt being a native of Muzaffarpur. “My vision goes far beyond the schools we've already impacted in Sikkim and Jharkhand. We have a bold dream of expanding our climate change education program throughout the entire Northeast, the Himalayan belt, and eventually, the plains of India. We are on a mission to educate the whole northeast India in the next 2 years,” he shares.

Pranay even dreams of going global with Nine Foundation someday. “Charity begins at home. We're laser-focused on impacting our home country ﬁrst,” he remarks adding, “It's a long road ahead, but with education as our weapon, we can build a more sustainable future, one generation at a time.”

Follow Pranay Kumar on LinkedIn
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Apsara Iyer: The first Indian-origin female president of Harvard Law Review

(March 22, 2023) In 1990, when former US President Barack Obama was in his second year at Harvard Law School, he created history by becoming the first black president of the Harvard Law Review – a monthly journal comprising 2500 pages per volume published every month from November to June. This year, history has been made once more by Apsara Iyer, who became the first Indian-origin female to be elected the president of the prestigious journal in its 137-year history. The second year student succeeded Priscila Coronado and has begun her full-time volunteer position as editor-in-chief, supervising the law review’s team of nearly 80 editors. “Since joining the Law Review, I have been inspired by her (Priscila Coronado’s) skilful management, compassion, and capacity to build vibrant, inclusive communities. I am so grateful that we ‘Volume 137’ inherit her legacy, and I am honoured to continue building on this important work over the next year,” said Apsara after being elected. [embed]https://twitter.com/Harvard_Law/status/1622264234221486080?s=20[/embed] Overseeing a rich legacy Launched in 1887, by former Supreme Court judge Justice Louis D. Brandeis, the Harvard Law Review is an entirely student-edited journal. It is the world’s most impactful student law journal, among the 143 published around

) skilful management, compassion, and capacity to build vibrant, inclusive communities. I am so grateful that we ‘Volume 137’ inherit her legacy, and I am honoured to continue building on this important work over the next year,” said Apsara after being elected.

[embed]https://twitter.com/Harvard_Law/status/1622264234221486080?s=20[/embed]

Overseeing a rich legacy

Launched in 1887, by former Supreme Court judge Justice Louis D. Brandeis, the Harvard Law Review is an entirely student-edited journal. It is the world’s most impactful student law journal, among the 143 published around the world.

According to the Review’s website, “the journal is designed to be an effective research tool for practicing lawyers and students of law.” Apart from student contributions, the review features write-ups from professors, judges, and solicits who contribute articles, analysis of leading cases, comments on recent decisions by courts and developments in the field of law. The students on the team follow a rigorous editorial process to produce the hefty annual volume.

Apsara’s academic journey

The Indian-American law student graduated from the Yale University in 2016 with a B.A. in math, economics, and Spanish. She went on to do an MPhil in Economics at the University of Oxford as a Clarendon Scholar.

She enrolled in Harvard Law School in 2020 and became a part of the editorial team of the Harvard Law Review.

“Apsara has changed the lives of many editors for the better, and I know she will continue to do so, “said Priscila, Apsara’s predecessor. “From the start, she has impressed her fellow editors with her remarkable intelligence, thoughtfulness, warmth, and fierce advocacy. The Law Review is extremely lucky to have her lead this institution,” she added.

[caption id="attachment_28636" align="aligncenter" width="515"] Apsara Iyer[/caption]

The Global Indian is associated with the International Human Rights Clinic of Harvard and is a member of the South Asian Law Students Association.

The art crime investigator

A deep interest in indigenous communities and archaeology led Apsara to join the Manhattan District Attorney’s Antiquities Trafficking Unit (ATU), after she completed her MPhil.

At ATU, she became deeply engaged in investigating art crime and repatriation, coordinating with international and federal law-enforcement authorities to repatriate more than 1,100 stolen works of art to 15 countries.

“Several of these objects were from India,” she said, in an interview with Mid-Day, “I was the lead analyst on many investigations concerning trafficking networks operating in India and Southeast Asia,” she revealed.

[caption id="attachment_28637" align="aligncenter" width="886"] Apsara Iyer with ATU team[/caption]

Among her first cases at the District Attorney’s office was one involving a Nataraja idol, stolen from the Punnainallur Mariamman temple in Thanjavur. “Over the next three years, I worked tirelessly with the lead prosecutor to uncover new evidences, witnesses, and investigative leads. Our work single-handedly resulted in the return of the Nataraja to the Government of India,” she explained. “In such cases, I have seen first-hand how the communities had maintained hope and prayed for years for the relics to be returned,” she added.

The Indian-origin law student’s favourite memories from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Antiquities Trafficking Unit are of organising repatriation ceremonies to return stolen objects to their lawful owners.

At the intersection of archaeology and law

Apsara’s interest in history and antiquities was first kindled in high school, when she worked on an archaeological excavation site in Peru. When she joined Yale, her research was focused on the value of cultural heritage.

“During one of my field research projects in India, I had the opportunity to visit a site that had been looted. I distinctly remember that while I was at the site, someone asked me, ‘What are you going to do about this?’ she recounted in the Mid-Day interview. “This wake-up call led me to work in law to address the issue of antiquities trafficking,” she revealed.

[caption id="attachment_28639" align="aligncenter" width="754"] Apsara Iyer with ATU team[/caption]

Apsara’s commitment towards fighting illicit antiquities trafficking has been so strong, that she even took a leave of absence from Harvard Law School in 2021-22 to return to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, where she worked on an international antiquity trafficking investigation case as the deputy of the ATU.

In the future, Apsara aims to work at the intersection of law and archaeology. “I would love to continue working in this space (archaeology), probably in a prosecutorial role, possibly in an international court,” she had said, in an interview published in Harvard Law Today, a news portal of Harvard Law School.

Born to Tamil parents who moved to USA before her birth, Apsara grew up in Indiana. Apart from being exemplary in studies she is good at art and is a trained boxer.

Follow Apsara Iyer on Facebook

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Vibing to his own tune: Rishaad Chaudhry has many musical gems in his bag

(August 8, 2022) Rishaad Chaudhry began his musical journey as an amateur who used to write songs in his room during the pandemic-induced lockdown. As the world opened up, he continued to make music, very different from that of others. He could incorporate numerous genres into one song or make songs of different kinds of genres. From pop and hip-hop to rap and indie Hindi music, this Geneva-born singer has created his brand of music, which sets him apart from other artists. "While making music, I simply reflect on my own life, experiences, learnings, and emotions," smiles Rishaad, in conversation with Global Indian. His latest track, ‘Tu’, is a Hindi pop song with a touch of desi rap, which is refreshingly different from a regular Hindi song. [caption id="attachment_20469" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Singer Rishaad Chaudhry[/caption] “I have played with the pop and rap styles that my English songs have and integrated these into a Hindi one. I was inspired to write a Hindi song that my audience would relate to," informs the 20-year-old, who believes that the desi rap and pop genres are growing rapidly and his latest song fits perfectly in both. The song, he informs, came to be as

pop and rap styles that my English songs have and integrated these into a Hindi one. I was inspired to write a Hindi song that my audience would relate to," informs the 20-year-old, who believes that the desi rap and pop genres are growing rapidly and his latest song fits perfectly in both. The song, he informs, came to be as a result of Rishaad’s own experiences as well as those of others about how love can have a huge impact on us.

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

He says the beat for ‘Tu’ really struck out for him as it has a happy yet gloomy melody and tune. “After deciding the beat, I thought of the chorus of the song. I was slowly able to bring the harmony together with elements of desi rap,” explains the singer, about what all went into the making of the song.

Musical journey

Rishaad was born in Geneva, where his father was transferred for a job opportunity in 1997. The family, however, returned to India later and settled down in Gurgaon. The budding singer went to Shri Ram school Aravali, Gurgaon, and then to La Martiniere, Lucknow. “Having spent a major part of his school life at the boarding school, I made lifelong friends and memories, along with gaining important life lessons which I believe are of use to me till today and will be for the rest of my life,” says the youngster, who is currently studying Business in OP Jindal Global University, Sonepat.

Rishaad began writing songs in the pop/hip hop genre. “As I grew as a musician, I delved into rap as well as Hindi songs. I initially did not choose rap and was inclined only towards singing. However, after listening to the kind of music my generation and target audience listen to, I gave rap a shot as well and found my niche in it," he says. His previous song ‘Khafa’ echoes the pain of longing. ‘Not Alright’ and ‘I’m Sorry’ are also two of his most popular previous releases.

“Not Alright is a song for everyone who is putting up a happy face for the world but is struggling within themselves. I wrote this song to remind everyone to be kind because we can never know what is happening in someone else’s life. ‘I’m Sorry’ is an apology for all the wrongs I did while being hurt in love,” informs Rishaad.

The music he has been listening to over the years has had a huge impact on the way Rishaad began to make his own. “I am a huge fan of the rap, pop, and hip-hop genre as well as Indie Hindi music. Some of the artists I have been listening to for years, including 21 Savage, Powerful, Drake, The Kid Laroi, Juice Wrld, Zaeden, and Yashraj have inspired me to showcase my take,” says Rishaad, who also performed in his high school band. The youngster believes rap is a genre that has become increasingly popular among the people of his generation. “This inspired me to incorporate the genre into my songs."

Finding his voice

With his music, says Rishaad, he intends to connect with people and allow them to connect as an audience. “Life is full of ups and downs, and no one should feel as if they are alone on this roller coaster ride,” says the singer, who is looking forward to travelling abroad to obtain a degree in digital marketing, which will assist him in his career as a musician.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdyApGuz3WA

So what more tracks are in the making? “Currently, I am working on an English song, its working title is ‘Broke My heart’. It is a song about heartbreak and betrayal and echoes the feelings of sadness one feels after losing the one they loved the most. This song is an extremely special one as I am in the process of recording my first ever music video for the same,” informs the talented singer, who also has several Hindi singles in the making which will also be released soon.

He says the constant motivation to create music is what gives him immense joy and satisfaction. “Each day, my passion only grows along with my experience and knowledge regarding the brand I wish to build as a musician,” smiles the youngster who indulges in different kinds of sports including football. “I now see a clear image of where I wish to be in the coming years and what I wish to achieve. My main focus is on creating music and content to reach an audience all around the world and continue to do what I love,” says Rishaad.

Follow Rishaad Chaudhry on Spotify and Instagram

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Lights, Camera, Combat: Akila Narayanan’s unconventional path from being a Tamil actress to U.S. Army paralegal

(January 14, 2024) In 2019, Akila's cinematic debut in director Arul's spine-chilling thriller 'Kadampari' marked her entrance into the world of Tamil cinema. Although she had found success, Akila wanted more than the glamours of stardom. After the film’s release and other projects like pageantries and stage shows in India, Akila returned to the US, where she had been raised, and enrolled in the US Army Combat Training. “Soldier, paralegal, educator, singer, model, actress - these are the various jobs that I have held to date which may seem excessive; however, I believe each one of these roles is my passion and has moulded me into an individual I am proud to be today,” shares the multifaceted youngster as she connects with Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_35242" align="aligncenter" width="466"] Akila Narayanan[/caption] Apart from being a U.S. Army paralegal, and an AIT Honour graduate, Akila has earned honours like the FETNA Women Achievement Award 2022, Visionary Celebrity Award for Young Talent 2018, Queen of Madras 2017, Miss Worldwide India 2017, Miss Tamil Nadu 2016, and Miss Teen India USA 1RU 2016. With an interest in both Indian and Western classical vocals, pop, rock, jazz, and R&B, Akila has performed in award shows,

rned honours like the FETNA Women Achievement Award 2022, Visionary Celebrity Award for Young Talent 2018, Queen of Madras 2017, Miss Worldwide India 2017, Miss Tamil Nadu 2016, and Miss Teen India USA 1RU 2016.

With an interest in both Indian and Western classical vocals, pop, rock, jazz, and R&B, Akila has performed in award shows, fashion shows, corporate events, beauty pageants, and concerts throughout South India.

A Bharatnatyam dancer with training for 13 years under the tutelage of guru Sridevi Tirumalai, Akila has also done photoshoots in both the US and India for brands like Pothys, VBJ Jewellers, Lemuria, amongst others before becoming a full-time civil paralegal and a part-time paralegal at the US Armed Forces. Her choices of occupation seem quite unusual and at the same time make her career graph look unique.

From acting, singing, and pageantry to law

Growing up in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, Akila’s childhood was immersed in the arts and academia.

After high school, she moved to India for a few years to pursue her dreams of singing, modelling, and acting in the entertainment industry. She completed her BA in music specializing in Western classical and musical theatre voice at the KM Music Conservatory run by AR Rahman. The institution is affiliated with the Middlesex University in the UK. She has also earned a certification from Berklee College of Music.

Talking about what nudged her to the field of law after all that she says, “I had started teaching music at a school during my time in India. Teaching made me realise the deep divide in education systems between the rich and poor and created a desire in me to become an international public interest attorney to help bridge the gap.”

[caption id="attachment_35243" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Akila Narayanan[/caption]

The youngster is currently pursuing her master's in international educational development from Columbia University at present and plans to enrol in a law school after her master's is over in May 2024.

She has done a paralegal certification from Boston University which has enabled her to work as a paralegal professional.

Beyond the glitz and glamour

The actor-turned-soldier recently went through six months of rigorous training for the U.S. Army after being selected as a part-time paralegal specialist there. “I was pushed to the edge physically and mentally. I learned combat skills, rifle marksmanship, land navigation, how to survive in the field, how to throw grenades, and more,” she mentions.

She provides paralegal support to unit commanders and the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate in a wide range of legal matters which include criminal, international, civil, contract, and fiscal law.

Talking about the selection process in the US Army she mentions, “It is difficult. There is this test called the ASVAB that you need to get a certain score on to be selected for the paralegal specialist job. There are also physical fitness requirements that you must pass during training to graduate and become a soldier.”

Her fitness test involved deadlifting at least 120 pounds, running two miles within 22 minutes, doing push-ups, doing a plank, a power throw, and an event called sprint-drag-carry. Along with the fitness test soldiers must complete ruck marches.

“Ruck march means walking 5-12 miles with 35-50 pounds on your back. We also had to qualify for the M4 rifle. There are 40 targets and to qualify, soldiers must hit at least 23 of them,” she says.

[caption id="attachment_35244" align="aligncenter" width="473"] Akila Narayanan[/caption]

The six months of training tested her limits and reshaped her perspective. “I did things I never thought I could do,” she says.

The love for law

The paralegal certification, the opportunity with the US armed forces, and her civil job have already laid a sound foundation for a full-fledged career in law for Akila.

“As a paralegal specialist in the Army, I gained extensive experience in legal research, drafting legal documents, and assisting with investigations and trials. I have been responsible for managing case files, preparing witnesses for testimony, and assisting attorneys with trial preparation,” she shared adding, “I have developed a strong sense of professionalism, teamwork, and leadership.”

Her responsibilities as a real estate paralegal span a wide spectrum, from managing high-volume transactions and ordering title searches to writing title commitments, preparing contracts, and closing documents, and coordinating closings with clients and lenders. She has assisted attorneys in all aspects of real estate transactions.

Purposeful ventures

Akila is in the US Army Reserve. Being part of the army reserve means she can be deployed to any country at any time within her eight-year contract. “I always have to be ready to be deployed anywhere to serve my country,” she says.

After her Army training, she came back home and went back to her civilian job as a real estate paralegal as being in the reserve is like a part-time job. “I have ‘drill’ weekends once every month and annual training two weeks every year. During drill weekends I do my paralegal specialist job and other army-related training such as going to the shooting range, doing field exercises, practicing first aid on casualties, and more,” she shares.

Musician at heart

Akila has always maintained her deep connection to music and has even managed an online music school, the Nightingale School of Music. She had begun singing at the age of four, after being introduced to Carnatic music. Whenever there were choirs and musicals in her school, she always was a part of those.

[caption id="attachment_35245" align="aligncenter" width="520"] Akila Narayanan[/caption]

She loves educating children about the world of music. “No external achievement of mine can hold a flame to the joy that I get looking at children with constant smiles and enthusiasm for music,” she remarks.

Films are not ruled out

Although she plans to focus on law, she has not ruled out the idea of acting in Tamil films again. “I just want to focus on my studies right now, but my love for acting still calls to me,” she says.

Quite by chance, Akila had got a role in the Tamil horror movie ‘Kadampari’. “It happened by chance. I was participating in a lot of pageants in India when I moved there which made my social media presence higher. The director of the film found me through social media,” she says. “I had never really acted before but I’ve always loved watching horror movies so acting a possessed character, kind of came naturally.”

Being a master at time management

The multifaceted youngster is a master of time management and sometimes ‘compromises on doing fun things’ that most people in their 20s get to do like going out on weekends or traveling.

“I have always done so many things at the same time. In undergrad, I was doing my BA in music and teaching music at the International Village School while working in the Indian entertainment industry as a singer, model, and actress. Now during graduate school, I am doing my MA in International educational policy while working my 9-5 civilian job and my weekend army job.,” she says adding, “I think it’s all about time management.”

Her job keeps her occupied from nine in the morning to five in the evening. After that, she attends her classes until 9 pm. “So, by the time I get home, it is too late to do assignments, homework, and readings. Hence my weekends are filled with doing assignments,” she shares.

Finding support in the family

Akila’s family is her biggest support. “My parents gave me the best gift they could give their child: the freedom to follow their dreams. My parents have always gone above and beyond to help me with my career and I am doing everything I can to make them proud,” says the youngster who was born in Coimbatore and moved to the US when she was two.

[caption id="attachment_35247" align="aligncenter" width="423"] Akila Narayanan with her sister[/caption]

She considers her younger sister who is a pre-med student to be her best friend. “We love shopping for clothes, doing funny dances, and going to bookstores together,” she mentions.

Future plan – to be of use to others

Akila holds a deep inclination towards serving her community. She also nurtures the desire to start an NGO that advocates for and provides quality education to marginalised students in India. “Having a law degree will help me run this NGO,” she believes.

“I find great joy and pride in serving the nation and being a role model to young Indian American girls who aspire to join the military,” she signs off.

Follow Akila Narayanan on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn

Reading Time: 5 mins

Terrific at terrible two: Toddler Anvi’s painting glory

(May 3, 2022) At two-and-a-half years, Anvi Vishesh Agrawal from Bhubaneshwar has become a celebrated artist with a coveted place in the World Book of Records, London for creating maximum number of paintings (72) by a toddler at such a tender age. With invitations like presenting work at exclusive art exhibition in Delhi to inauguration of childcare product stores, the toddler artist has also wrapped up a meeting with Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, happy to receive chocolates from him. In fact, when she was approached by Global Indian, the little artist thought it would be the chief minister again to discuss her paintings. Though cheerful, she was not ready to disclose much, saying “You are not Naveen Patnaik”. [caption id="attachment_16020" align="aligncenter" width="619"] Anvi, award-winning little artist[/caption] The October 2019–born also found a place in the India Book of Records when she was just one year and nine months old for her exemplary vocabulary of 42 Spanish words, and knowledge of all the 42 phonic sounds. “This is an ability that children can display at three years of age but not as early as 21 months,” says her educator mother Anuradha Dalmia, adding that by then Anvi also knew the

e India Book of Records when she was just one year and nine months old for her exemplary vocabulary of 42 Spanish words, and knowledge of all the 42 phonic sounds. “This is an ability that children can display at three years of age but not as early as 21 months,” says her educator mother Anuradha Dalmia, adding that by then Anvi also knew the names of 26 birds, and 42 animals besides having started her abstract art journey at the age of 9 months.

Mom – the pillar

Armed with training in Montessori education and child psychology, Anvi’s mother Anuradha is the director of Indian Public School Sambalpur, a venture started by her parents, and also the director at her own venture, Little Harvard preschool in Bhubaneshwar. A strong pillar of support behind the little prodigy’s achievements, she has given her daughter the “freedom to explore and test her own limits.”

“We could observe that Anvi was keen on painting since a very young age. She used to go to the garden, come back and try to replicate the patterns of the leaves on paper. She knew all primary and secondary colours by the age of 21 months, and also knew how to draw shapes by the time she was 26 months old,” beams Anuradha with pride.

Anvi was given natural colours to experiment with in the beginning like beetroot mixed with flour, and the likes to create patterns. When it got ascertained that she is able to handle the liquid colours well without harming herself, she was introduced to market colours. “With the number of hours of exposure, and allowing to willingly practice, without any pressure; Anvi was able to reach this point,” tells Anuradha.

Born artist with a knack for experiments

Inquisitiveness and experimental persona of the little artist became evident when she started using many household objects to create interesting art pieces, much to the happiness and surprise of her elders. “When Anvi was gifted magnetic toys, she soiled them in colour, and rejoicingly informed, ‘magnet colour pulling’. In play, she discovered the non-brush form of painting. We later googled to find out that it’s a form of painting through which human geographical figures are created, and is quite popular abroad with people spending hours watching painters creating magic,” adds Anuradha.

Whether it was the water gun that was given to the toddler around Holi, or her mom’s hair dryer, or the icing cones for cakes being baked at home, or the kitchen wipers, Anvi applied basic science to create beautiful abstract paintings; analysing and experimenting on her own without much adult intervention. This led to stunning revelation by her parents, who upon some research found that similar forms of art with fluid colours were practiced by established artists across the world. “When she is painting, she doesn’t want to be disturbed, and even puts her play time on hold till she is finished,” says the doting mom.

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She seems to have acquired her love for the art from her grandmother, who has been into Tanjore painting with some exhibitions in Bhubaneshwar to her repertoire.

The little artist’s father, Vishesh Agrawal runs Vibha press which has been printing the Times of India and The Hindu Bhubaneshwar editions. The Delhi branch of the press has found a place in the Limca Book of Records for publishing newspapers in 42 different languages.

In-born intelligence

The keen observations of the little artist are not just confined to her world of paintings but she is also perceptive about everyday things around her. “Since she is taken to the garden quite often to water plants, if lemons in the salad are left unused, she points out, ‘it takes one month to grow, we should not waste it,’” says the proud mother.

The gifted child is already proficient in the nursery syllabus orally and her vocabulary is “fantastic”, sometimes using untaught but relevant words in the middle of conversations, to the surprise of her parents. “Either this generation is very smart or she is picking up faster,” wonders her mother, quickly adding that the reason could be her mini library of 200 books that are full of illustrations. Reading four or five of them daily is a part of her routine, refusing to go to sleep if she has not finished the day’s quota. The toddler has the tendency of repeating her favourite sentences from the books and one of those as spoken by her favourite teddy character is – “I am not tired, let’s play instead.” She merrily uses different versions of it too like, “I am not tired, let’s paint instead,” making life interesting for people around her while being completely unaware of the accolades she has already earned!

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