Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveFrom cow dung to cosmos: Vinay Dharmik’s quest from Surat to Baku

From cow dung to cosmos: Vinay Dharmik’s quest from Surat to Baku

Written by: Amrita Priya

(December 8, 2023) When Surat’s Vinay Dharmik met ISRO chief S Somnath at a dinner hosted by the Embassy of India at Baku in Azerbaijan this year, he felt on top of the world. Being face-to-face with the ISRO chief, the heartthrob of the entire nation after the successful Chandrayaan mission, was a memorable experience.

Vinay was at Baku, having earned the invitation to present his research paper at the 74th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), following his award-winning solution in the field of aeronautical sciences.

Indian youth | Vinay Dharmik | Global Indian

Vinay Dharmik with ISRO Chief S Somnath

“The 74^th IAC was organised by the International Astronautical Federation and hosted by Azercosmos. More than 5,000 delegates from 110 countries participated. During the conference, I interacted with astronauts and even had the chance to take selfies and get their autographs,” the thrilled eighteen-year-old said, during an interview with Global Indian.

The cow-dung project

Vinay, who is currently taking a gap year, had worked on a group project in school as part of ATL Space Challenge, an all-India competition launched by NITI Aayog, ISRO and CBSE. In his team project, he came up with a hypothesis about shielding astronauts from galactic cosmic rays, using an unconventional material that would hardly cross anyone’s mind – cow dung. This out-of-the box idea was chosen as one of the 75 ATL winners from across the country, which saw participation from thousands of school kids of India.

After winning the award, Vinay took a leap forward, delved deeper into his research and pursued hard to finally find an opportunity to collaborate with CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru and scientists from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai.

The innovative idea that involved cow dung, a material rich in cultural significance, showcased not only scientific promise but also highlighted the value of unconventional resources in interdisciplinary research. This led the acceptance of Vinay’s request by the two esteemed organizations to support and conduct further research on his award-winning idea.

Vinay Dharmik at Baku

While CSIR-NAL helped him in fabricating composites, BARC helped in radiation study, radiation blocking experiments and evaluation of the composites.

“I had sought guidance from CSIR-NAL for exploring the basics of composites, matrix and reinforcements, suitable binders, various resin systems, and fabrication methods in coming up with the fabrication of cow dung composites using an epoxy resin system,” Vinay remarked adding, “While they provided technical expertise, the experience was new for them too.”

When it came to evaluation of the radiation shielding efficacy of his composites, he turned to guidance from scientists of BARC in Mumbai.

With the help of BARC scientists Vinay was able to conduct further radiation studies. His dedication towards a cost effective solution eventually earned him an invitation to present his work at the 74th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), a prestigious event held in Baku this year.

The Baku experience

When Vinay learned about the International Astronautical Congress, he submitted his research paper on the cost-effective, light-weight and effective solution of shielding astronauts from galactic cosmic rays, and was thrilled to get an invitation to present his paper.

Vinay Dharmik with astronauts at IAC

Travelling to Baku proved to be a milestone in the youngster’s life as it happened to be his first foreign trip and that too earned on his own merit. “At IAC I was appreciated for being one of the youngest presenters and the sole author of the research paper that I presented,” he said.

The experience at the IAC has further fuelled the Surat boy’s determination to break barriers of coming from a small town where there is lack of opportunities and support, and aspire towards his dreams. “I want to aid humanity to thrive as an interplanetary species by becoming an astronaut or an engineer,” he remarked adding, “I want to make space tourism and colonization more accessible to people.”

Grateful for support

Grateful for the support that he has received, Vinay remarked, “I attribute my success to the invaluable assistance provided by CSIR-NAL and BARC. Their support allowed me to take my research to new heights. I am especially grateful to Nitin Bhosale Sir from BARC, who has played a significant role in my journey, and guided me in coming up with the research paper.”

The collaboration with scientific institutions has not only honed his technical skills but has given Vinay loads of confidence.

Vinay Dharmik

The Surat boy looks forward to the fall of 2024 when he will be flying to the USA on a scholarship he earned to pursue Aerospace Engineering at the University of Miami. His achievements stand as a testament to the power of perseverance and the virtues of relentless dedication towards one’s dreams.

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Published on 08, Dec 2023

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Chess prodigy Alana Meenakshi’s moves are to watch out for

(September 15, 2022) Alana Meenakshi Kolagatla was barely four when she first got the feel of the king, queen, rook, bishop, and pawn on the chess board. The child hardly had any understanding of the game, yet she was just about able to arrange the pieces in order. By the time she turned six, the chess prodigy began playing professionally. Success followed her everywhere ever since. Having won several locals, national and international championships — of which she admittedly has lost the count — Alana, now 11, has been making all the right moves. “I want to become a grandmaster as soon as possible," declares Alana Meenakshi, the World No.1 in the Under-11 girls' category, in an exclusive chat with Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_21903" align="aligncenter" width="483"] Kolagatla Alana Meenakshi, chess prodigy[/caption] Since 2018, Alana has taken the world of chess by storm with her consistent performance. She continued her winning streak with gold, silver, and bronze medals to the country's tally and went on to bag the Women Candidate Master (WCM) title when she played in Sri Lanka in 2018. “Sometimes when you're winning, you just feel you're winning and let go of it and end up losing the game

istent performance. She continued her winning streak with gold, silver, and bronze medals to the country's tally and went on to bag the Women Candidate Master (WCM) title when she played in Sri Lanka in 2018. “Sometimes when you're winning, you just feel you're winning and let go of it and end up losing the game or end up in a draw. I have never really kept track of how many games I won and lost,” informs the chess prodigy, who has travelled to Albania, China, Sri Lanka, Serbia, and Hungary among other countries for her tournaments, besides vacations. Her father, Madhu Kolagatla is a businessman, and her mother Dr Aparna Kolagatla is a scientist and a career counsellor.

A move in the right direction

The chess prodigy from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, who was also the world No 2 in the Under-10 category (December 2022) before she made it to the top, finds chess a very lonely game. “Sometimes you feel very bored, just like you're looking at 64 squares with 32 pieces. And if you don't enjoy what's going on, you don't understand what's going on,” says the chess mastermind. But at the end of the day, she says, the combinations and the tactics in the game are what draw her towards it. “People feel that chess is very hard to play and only smart people can play the game. But that's not true. If you play chess, you will become smarter. It's actually the opposite,” smiles the class VI student of Timpany school, Visakhapatanam.

[caption id="attachment_21904" align="aligncenter" width="616"] The young prodigy with all her medals and trophies[/caption]

Alana plays chess every day. “I need to work a lot to reach a certain level. I practice for about 8 hours a day. So usually it's like four to six hours coaching and then maybe two hours games and then two hours I work by myself,” informs Alana, who occasionally takes a break from the game when she is overstressed. When it comes to tournaments, her games last up to six hours.

So what does it take to become a professional chess player like her? “Hard work, talent, and seriousness. One should be willing to work a lot, even though sometimes it gets very stressful. Strategy and confidence will keep you going in the game,” feels this huge Potterhead, who has read all Harry Potter books.

She is now trying yoga and meditation to beat the stress. “My parents recommended it and though I am trying my best for the past few weeks, it feels boring sometimes,” she laughs. Before every tournament, she makes sure to check who she is playing against, prepare against them and make note of their weaknesses and strengths.

Alana’s achievements have made her parents and friends proud of her. “It feels great when family members and friends tell others that I am an international chess player and stuff like that. Parents, sometimes say I could have done better after a particular tournament,” says the prodigy, who lists her win in her first international chess in Sri Lanka as one of the major highlights of her journey so far.

Beyond the chequered world

Besides chess, Alana likes to play tennis. "I actually play tennis just for physical fitness, go swimming, and indulge in basketball once in a while," says Alana, who likes to watch all the action stuff on Netflix.

Ask her if she comes across children who love Chess, the Vizag girl feels that people should start playing chess because it develops intellectual skills, calculations, and quick reflexes. "People don't play chess because they think it's very hard and boring, but I don't think so. There are a few people who are interested in chess, who are around my age, plus or minus a few years, but many are not," says Alana, whose elder brother Dhruv is a tennis player.

What else does Alana like to do? "Fashion designing interests me but I am not very sure. I am still in VI grade so I have another three to four more years to decide," informs the champ, who like most kids her age, loves Dario for Wimpy Kid as well. She is a huge fan of Katy Perry, Dua Lipa, and Justin Bieber as well. Alana makes it a point to visit as many places as places while on a foreign trip. Recently, she was in Budapest where she visited the castle, Parliament, and many more places to understand its history and rich culture.

"Kids should do more something creative than just watching TV or spending time on mobile phones. They should go out and play or, try some arts and crafts. Maybe, they should try learning a new thing like chess," is her message to children her age.

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Empowering voices: Author Malavika Kannan aims to put the spotlight on brown women

(April 19, 2024) From the age of ten, while her Indian American peers discussed aspirations of becoming doctors or engineers, Malavika Kannan held a clear dream of becoming an author. And in 2020 at the age of 18, her dream finally came true with the release of her debut novel, The Bookweaver's Daughter. The award-winning book is inspired by Indian mythology and a younger Malavika's view on female friendship. It follows a 14-year-old girl with magical abilities who confronts the tyrannical ruler of the fictional realm of Kashmiri. Inspired by writers and thinkers such as Arundhati Roy, Zora Neale Hurston, and Amiya Srinivasan, the writer has penned another novel All the Yellow Suns, which was released in 2023. Currently an undergraduate at Stanford University, Malavika recently added another feather to her already colourful hat by winning the prestigious Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans. "I really do think stories have a lot of power to impact the way we discuss issues, power, and the way we centre people in conversations. I want to use storytelling to address a lot of issues that are faced by brown women, young women, and queer women," shared the author during a recent

nk stories have a lot of power to impact the way we discuss issues, power, and the way we centre people in conversations. I want to use storytelling to address a lot of issues that are faced by brown women, young women, and queer women," shared the author during a recent interview.

Connected to her roots

Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the author grew up in Central Florida in a tightly-knit community of Indian immigrant families. Her parents both emigrated from South India in the 1990s, and Malavika’s earliest memories include regular visits to the public library with her parents, putting on ridiculous plays with her sister, and listening to stories of Indian mythology from her grandparents.

"I clearly remember that being an author was the only dream I had, ever since I could even dream," laughed the author, adding, "We would visit my grandmother during summers in India, and she would tell me a lot of stories—Indian mythology and other folklores. And I was so fascinated by it. Before I learnt how to write, I remember telling my mom stories, and she would write them down for me."

Interestingly, the idea of her first book - The Bookweaver's Daughter - came to Malavika when she was still in school. "I had the idea for it when I was 12 years old. I also wrote a version of the book in high school, when I was in the middle of my Young Adult fantasy reading phase. It’s ultimately a story about a girl who’s trying to unlock her powers - about how language and storytelling can be used as a force for change. And I’ve placed her in this world of ancient Indian mythology, which had the characters I grew up reading and loving as a kid," shared the Global Indian.

ALSO READ | Kiara Kaur’s journey through books, speeches and world records

An activist

Growing up in Florida, Malavika, like many others her age, witnessed the effects of gun violence, police brutality, and racism in her community. At the age of 16, she had her first distinctively American experience when she and her high school peers coordinated a school-wide walkout to protest gun violence. Throughout her teenage years, Malavika actively worked with organisations such as March For Our Lives, the Women’s March, and Giffords to advocate for safer and more equitable communities.

The author's early involvement as an organiser deeply shapes her approach to writing, which she sees as both politically charged and community-driven. Through her work, she explores themes of identity, culture, and politics, contributing to publications such as The Washington Post, Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and The San Francisco Chronicle. With an online following nearing 50,000, her writing resonates widely.

"I want to amplify people who are doing the frontline work of eliminating these issues, and also support them," shared the author. "I want to talk about unspoken power dynamics in our society. I want to talk about how systemic issues can affect one person in the course of their own narrative journey. We as a community can directly take care of each other without having to wait for the government, an election, or a march. We can just do it ourselves."

ALSO READ | Shreya Gupta, the young author making a global impact

A long road ahead

A senior at Stanford University (batch 2024), Malavika has delved into creative writing, South Asian studies, and women’s literature during her academic journey. Graduating with a BA in comparative studies in race and ethnicity, the author has submitted two honours theses: one exploring Dalit women’s environmental writing and the other a literary novel depicting college student during the pandemic.

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"I'm looking to further refine my literary skills by pursuing an MFA in fiction. My goal is to become both a novelist and a literature professor," shared the author, who is grateful for the opportunities she has received, aims to continue representing queer brown girls in narratives and hopes to make her family proud.

Follow Malavika Kannan on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook

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Young innovators shine: Indian Americans lead the way in 3M Young Scientist Challenge 2023

(July 22, 2023) In a remarkable display of scientific brilliance, six young innovators of Indian American heritage have emerged as shining stars among the USA's brightest in the prestigious 3M Young Scientist Challenge. These ingenious middle school students have secured their spots in the competition's top ten finalists, captivating judges and spectators alike with their groundbreaking research and innovative ideas. Hailing from diverse backgrounds and regions, these budding scientists have proven that age knows no boundaries when it comes to transforming the world through science. The 3M Young Scientist Challenge, renowned for its rigorous selection process, attracts talent from all corners of the US. Global Indian delve into the stories behind these six extraordinary kids, whose names are etched in the hall of fame for young scientists. The future indeed looks brighter with these young trailblazers at the forefront of scientific innovation. Ishaan Iyer The brilliant innovator behind the groundbreaking Tactile Electronic Braille Display Device 2.0, Ishaan Iyer is the youngest among the ten finalists of the esteemed Discovery 3M Young Scientist Challenge 2023. With a passion for creating solutions that make a difference, Ishaan set out to revolutionize the process of Braille writing for the visually impaired. His ingenious

orefront of scientific innovation.

Ishaan Iyer

The brilliant innovator behind the groundbreaking Tactile Electronic Braille Display Device 2.0, Ishaan Iyer is the youngest among the ten finalists of the esteemed Discovery 3M Young Scientist Challenge 2023. With a passion for creating solutions that make a difference, Ishaan set out to revolutionize the process of Braille writing for the visually impaired. His ingenious device offers a cost-effective and efficient alternative to the traditional slate and stylus method, encoding the English alphabet into Braille language and simplifying the way the visually impaired read.

https://youtu.be/EywD3MLMzbI

When asked about his favourite invention from the last century, Ishaan enthusiastically cites the reusable rocket, showcasing his fascination with space exploration. Aspiring to be a rocket scientist, he dreams of contributing to the development of economical and eco-friendly spacecraft. Beyond his years in age, Ishaan's innovative spirit and determination have propelled him to the forefront of the Young Scientist Challenge, earning admiration and respect from his peers and mentors alike.

Anisha Dhoot

The remarkable Indian American innovator's passion for the environment drove her innovative project, aimed at creating a sustainable planet through the use of kelp seaweed to enhance soil nutrition and combat climate change. With a vision for a better world, Anisha aspires to pursue a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to positively impact the lives of people on Earth.

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At just 14 years old, Anisha is determined to break barriers and challenge the underrepresentation of girls in STEM fields. With her scientific curiosity and dedication, she aims to inspire a shift in this trend both during high school and college and in professional careers. Hailing from Portland, her journey as a budding scientist reflects her unwavering determination to create a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Shripriya Kalbhavi

Just in eighth grade, and already making headlines. A student of Joaquin Miller Middle School in San Jose, Shripriya is making waves with her groundbreaking invention: EasyBZ microneedle patches, an affordable and painless solution for medication. This active drug delivery system utilizes Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction automation, enabling precise doses of medication to be administered into the body. Fueled by her passion for scientific advancements, particularly in the realm of medication, the innovator harbors dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPxUOhf1ESc

Beyond her impressive work in the medical field, Shripriya's talents extend to mathematics, where she excels as a mathlete. Her enthusiasm for numbers and problem-solving has led her to actively participate in esteemed math competitions like Math Kangaroo and AMC8, showcasing her versatility and acumen in diverse academic pursuits.

Adhip Maitra

Ever heard of ptosis? It's a condition that causes eyelids to droop abnormally, potentially obstructing vision. Though often linked to aging, many individuals remain unaware of its presence until it worsens. This intriguing fact, combined with ptosis being a symptom of 48 different diseases and disorders, served as the catalyst for Adhip Maitra's brilliant idea: a computer programme for early ptosis detection. With his innovation, he aims to identify the condition promptly and unveil any underlying serious ailments that might otherwise go unnoticed until advanced stages.

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An eighth grade-innovator from Jackson Heights Middle School in Oviedo, Florida, Adhipa delved into the realm of deep learning and other cutting-edge technologies to develop this remarkable computer programme. By employing these advanced tools, he hopes to make a significant impact on healthcare and improve the lives of countless individuals. As he continues to fine-tune his invention, Adhip's dedication and ingenuity shine as a beacon of hope for a future where early detection and intervention lead to better outcomes for patients facing ptosis and related medical conditions.

Shruti Sivaraman

An aspiring app developer with a mission to make a difference, Shruti Sivaraman has created a remarkable application to diagnose Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), a serious vision-related complication affecting those with diabetes. Her innovative smart app utilizes retinal image analysis, offering a more efficient alternative to the traditional dilated eye exam, which typically involves the use of dilation drops.

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Currently studying at Canyon Vista Middle School as a seventh grader, Shruti's passion for technology and her relentless pursuit of excellence have led her to dream of becoming a computer engineer. Through her groundbreaking app, the innovator aims to contribute to the field of medical technology, making healthcare more accessible and effective for individuals affected by Diabetic Retinopathy.

Anish Kosaraju

According to the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2021, cybersecurity failure ranks among the most critical risks of this decade. Addressing this pressing concern, Anish Kosaraju, based in San Jose, has carved a place among the finalists of the prestigious 3M Young Scientist Challenge 2023 with his groundbreaking invention. Anish Kosaraju's innovation revolves around harnessing the power of machine learning to bolster cybersecurity measures.

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His ingenious model focuses on verifying the legitimacy of login attempts, providing an added layer of protection to accounts lacking multi-factor authentication. By preventing cyber takeovers, Anish's invention offers a proactive approach to safeguarding sensitive information from potential breaches. With aspirations set high, the innovator envisions himself as a cybersecurity expert in the future, determined to play a pivotal role in fortifying digital defenses against ever-evolving cyber threats.

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Sravan Kodali: Cameron Impact Scholar empowering students through educational programs

(August 27, 2024) It was in the fall of 2023 that Sravan Krishna Kodali found himself walking through the gates of Stanford University, where he enrolled himself in a bachelor's degree. But with a Cameron Impact Scholar under his belt which was given to the 18-year-old teen from New York by the Bryan Cameron Foundation for his dedication to community service and exceptional academic achievements. "I am extremely honoured to be a Cameron Impact Scholar, but I owe all to people who have supported me throughout high school," he had said. Promoting educational equity Born into a family hailing from Enikepadu in Vijayawada, his father is a businessman, and his mom is an anesthesiologist. Sravan was studying at the Christian Brother Academy in Syracuse when he found a way to make the most of his time during the Covid-19 lockdown. With the world locked in their homes, the Indian-American teen saw most of his peers engaging in unproductive activities which made him think of a solution. He started Empower CNY to offer online tutoring classes in Science and Math for lower-grade students. [caption id="attachment_38969" align="aligncenter" width="381"] Sravan Kodali[/caption] Empower CNY was created to promote educational equity in Central New York,

mage-38969" src="https://www.globalindian.com/youth/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sravan1.jpg" alt="Sravan Kodali | Global Indian" width="381" height="467" /> Sravan Kodali[/caption]

Empower CNY was created to promote educational equity in Central New York, addressing the issue of young students falling behind due to unequal resource distribution in our education system. To address this challenge, Empower CNY connects local students with high school volunteers. Tutors not only contribute to the community's development but also gain the chance to enhance their interpersonal and leadership skills. With diverse student leadership, Empower CNY creates activities and programs tailored to the needs of all ambitious students. "At Empower CNY, our goal is to equip every student with the resources needed to achieve their full academic potential," said Sravan.

The way this program works is that high school tutors from across Central New York register through their website and undergo an initial interview process. After the interview, tutors are paired with a student in need of tutoring. We hold weekly sessions on Saturday and Sunday, offering both morning and evening times. Parents and tutors can provide feedback through our optional session review forms. "We are currently operating at eight centers and providing virtual tutoring through video conferencing services to 50+ families," states their website.

[caption id="attachment_38970" align="aligncenter" width="605"] Empower CNY[/caption]

What began as a small online initiative quickly expanded into a program that now supports nearly 200 students from local schools through both in-person and virtual tutoring. In a short span, they have created an impact. "Through partnerships with key community organizations, our volunteers connect with students in need, identify local problems in education, and help address them with activism, lobbying, and organising. Primarily, we coordinate free, weekly student-support locations in immigrant and refugee hubs and provide volunteer-run workshops at resettlement agencies." So far, their team has collaborated with 12 partners across 4 cities. From refugee foundations to STEAM educational groups, these organizations have contributed to their impactful efforts.

Creating an impact

In 2022, as school shootings surged across the USA, Sravan demonstrated his dedication to tackling pressing societal challenges beyond his academic achievements. On May 26, 2022, he led a protest, supported by a local Senator, to advocate for stricter gun laws and raise awareness about the critical need for reform in response to the escalating gun violence.

His achievements, including his work as a genetic researcher and his co-founding of the youth educational organisation Empower CNY, were particularly notable to the Selection Committee, which reviewed 3,000 applications. This earned him the prestigious ‘Cameron Impact Scholar’ award in 2023 from the Bryan Cameron Foundation, earning a full scholarship for his college education. This honour, awarded to only 15 students nationwide, highlights Sravan’s remarkable community impact, exceptional self-motivation, and outstanding academic achievements.

He is the first student He is the first student from his school in the past 60 years to gain admission into Stanford University. Apart from being a top-performing student, Sravan is a skilled soccer player who actively contributes to societal improvement. In addition, Kodali has gained valuable experience through internships at SUNY Upstate Medical University, UMass Medical School, and Syracuse University, where he worked on various research projects. He also interned with the Village of Canastota, focusing on grant writing. Beyond these roles, Kodali serves as a Youth Policy Consultant with the American Youth Policy Forum, contributes to congressional campaigns, and works as an Immigration Team Intern for the Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY.

His journey from launching Empower CNY during the pandemic to becoming a Cameron Impact Scholar underscores his dedication to academic excellence and community service. Sravan's story highlights his perseverance, creativity, and significant impact, making him an inspiring role model for future generations.

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Inspiring young sheroes become change makers with their innovative ideas

This Women’s Day here are six young sheroes who've stepped into the limelight as they set about changing the world with their work and achievements. (March 8, 2022) They’re young, they’re fun and they’re raring to go. These young women know exactly what it takes to make a difference in a rapidly changing world and they’re channelising their talents in the right direction. From Karishma Mehta taking story telling to a whole new level, to giving performance art a new dimension, and conserving endangered languages, these women are in a league of their own. Global Indian turns the spotlight on some of these young movers and shakers as they gear up to take on the world. Shruti Rijhwani, researcher saving endangered languages The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based Ph.D candidate at Carnegie Mellon University was named in the 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 in science. Shruti Rijhwani researched, and has won accolades on the conservation of endangered language around the world. She pursued her BS degree in computer science at Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani in 2015. Selected as a research intern in applied science at Microsoft Research India, in 2015, Shruti developed search software for retrieval and deduplication of misspelled entries.

hruti Rijhwani researched, and has won accolades on the conservation of endangered language around the world. She pursued her BS degree in computer science at Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani in 2015. Selected as a research intern in applied science at Microsoft Research India, in 2015, Shruti developed search software for retrieval and deduplication of misspelled entries. Interning at Microsoft, and later at MIT Media Lab- Google Summer of Code, her forte in language conservation was to be her main stay.

In 2018, she was awarded a Bloomberg data science PhD Fellowship, and with that she became an expert on data science.

Shruti, who has been working on developing natural language processing technologies to help communities revitalise endangered languages, tweeted, “Incredibly honoured to be recognised on the 2022 @Forbes 30 under 30 list in science!” The Forbes moniker is just the beginning for this deeply research-oriented mind.

[embed]https://twitter.com/bhatia_mehar/status/1493197075445874690?s=20&t=Hi3Mxu1uxX8uHg2A87Zj9g[/embed]

Her goal is to rejuvenate endangered languages. According to Unesco, about 40 percent of the world’s 7,000 languages are endangered. Rijhwani’s algorithms helped extract text from non-digitised books and handwritten documents and make them accessible online. At the Language Technologies Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, advised by Graham Neubig, she says, “My main research interest lies in natural language processing (NLP) and I have worked on various NLP tasks across a broad spectrum of domains and languages. My current research focuses on developing deep learning models for multilingual and low-resource NLP.”

Follow Shruti Rijhwani on Twitter

Sriya Lenka, 18, first Indian K-pop artiste

An 18-year-old is just a step away from becoming the first-ever K-pop artiste from India. Meet Sriya Lenka, the singer who is among the two finalists set to grab a spot in the South Korean girl band Blackswan. The Rourkela-born dancer and yoga practitioner, beat thousands in auditions to gain the top spot. She is currently in Korea for a month-long training under DR Music company before the final showdown with Brazil’s Gabriela Strassburger Dalcin to win a spot in the girl band.

“Surreal,” is how Sriya describes her journey from Rourkela to Korea to train under the best in the music industry. DR Music recently shared photographs of the singer on Instagram and introduced her to the world as a Blackswan probable. A trained singer, Sriya initially had a tough time finding the perfect vocal trainer, but she eventually found a way. “I’d request everyone to support me and help me achieve my dreams,” the singer said.

Follow Sriya Lenka on Instagram

Vrinda Chadha, 26, young Odissi dancer spreading art and culture

Vrinda Chadha has dance flowing through her entire being. The senior disciple of renowned Odissi dance exponent Guru Ranjana Gauhar, Vrinda has been training under her for the past 20 years since she was six. Vrinda, an alumna of Lady Shri Ram College for Women, also received a national scholarship for Odissi dance from the ministry of culture and is empanelled with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and Doordarshan. Her mudras and expertise have taken her across the globe – Spain, Argentina, Korea, Japan, China, Singapore, United Kingdom, Madagascar, and Seychelles. Conferred with the Nalanda Nritya Nipuna Award in Mumbai, the Young Talent Award by the International Academy of Mohiniyattam in Delhi, the title of Odissi Ratna in Bhubaneswar and the Kameshwari Award in Guwahati, her talent is much talked about.

“As a dancer I have always valued the ability to express and connect with one’s innermost being through the medium of art. The liberation and joy of surrender in such an experience is unparalleled and is also what connects me not only to myself but also to those watching,” says Vrinda. As she continues to stretch artistic brilliance every time she takes to the stage, she adds, “My art empowers and frees me both on and off stage. It is my identity. Through it, I hope to spread love, peace and consciousness in the ensuing days of 2022.” This accomplished dancer also believes in giving back and works as a fellow at Teach for India.

Follow Vrinda Chadha on Instagram

Mohini Dey, 24, youngest bass player

She picked up the bass guitar when she was three years old, egged on by her jazz musician father. The youngest bass player in the country, Mohini Dey has recorded music for over 100 films and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including AR Rahman and Zakir Husain. She's a star in her own right too, with her striking appearance, marked by wild curly hair and prodigious technique, Mohini is quite unmistakable. By the age of 11, she was performing professionally and even designing her own outfits.

Described as the Most Successful Musician Under 30 by Forbes India, Mohini, now 24, has spent 16 years in the industry. It's a tough field to be in, especially as a bass player in India. More so as a woman. Dey has loved every moment of her journey, however. "I am very selective about the work I do and I have lots of fun doing it... My life has been always been adventurous and I like it that way."

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Her father, Sujoy Dey, also a bass guitarist, was her first teacher. "My dad was so busy and would come home late at night. But he would wake me up, even if it was 1 am and teach me," she said. “I didn't have friends! All my friends were uncles and brothers."

Her latest offering, Damaru directed by LA-based JS Arts, was conceptualised by Suchismita, another of AR Rahman's proteges, for Maha Shivratri 2022. An up-tempo number, Damaru uses Indian vocals, hip hop and EDM and also features Grammy-award winning composer Ricky Kej as well as London-based rapper Maya Miko.

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Aditi Chauhan, 29, goalkeeper of the Indian women’s football team

The goalkeeper of the Indian national team is known for her resoluteness guarding the Indian goal. Among the most talented and experienced in the final line-up, Aditi has a fervour and singlemindedness that is evident on the field. She is the first Indian woman from India’s national football women’s team to play internationally at an English premiere league club, West Ham United. She was also named Asian Footballer of the Year during her stint playing in the United Kingdom.

Chauhan moved to Delhi as a nine-year-old, and schooled at Amity International School. Always sporty, she tried her hand at many games before “the beautiful game” stole her heart. At 15, Aditi appeared on the team for the Delhi women's football team U19 squad.

The girl, who studied MSc in sports management at Loughborough University, joined English premiere league club West Ham United Ladies where she spent two to three seasons. Aditi was a part of the Indian women’s team that won the 2012 SAFF Women's Championship in Sri Lanka. She also played at the recently concluded 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup.

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“Those that shoulder the biggest dreams, face the biggest challenges. Maybe this team’s biggest victory will be in overcoming this, and still going - still playing with heart, still dreaming! The blue tigresses will be back and roar louder than ever, we promise. Keep supporting,” she tweeted.

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Karishma Mehta, 29, founder, Humans of Bombay

She was all of 21 when she decided to launch Humans of Bombay, a social media platform inspired by the Humans of New York page. Today, as her platform clocks in over 2.2 million followers on Instagram, it brings to life stories of grit, determination and the resilience of human nature. With tales of battling abuse, racism, and overcoming tragedy, her posts manage to touch hearts and inspire across age groups. Being able to get a hold of these stories was no easy feat for this University of Nottingham alum. Strangers would shy away from speaking to her, till she finally made her breakthrough. Today, the 29-year-old’s platform not just highlights stories, but also helps its subjects through crowdfunding campaigns.

From social media influencer to entrepreneur and author, her journey is nothing short of remarkable. And as she marches on, Karishma has also been featured in reputed international publications like Forbes. As she surges on in her mission to bring to life stories that matter and extend a helping hand along the way, Karishma posted on Instagram, “I was 21 when I founded Humans of Bombay and through these eight years, I’ve had what seems like multiple MBA courses simultaneously. But sluicing through the myriad of business, finance, and the whole shebang, the one invaluable skill we have honed, is the art of storytelling.”

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