From Rohtak to International cricket: Shafali Verma’s story sets the right inspiration for budding players
Written by: Amrita Priya
(July 13, 2022) She was quite young when she first stepped on a cricket pitch. Disguised as her brother, who was sick, Shafali Verma played at the under-12 national school championship and ended up winning the Player of the Match award. A first-class cricketer today, this Rohtak girl has carved a niche for herself in the world of cricket. The youngest Indian cricketer to play in an international match, Shafali was just 15 when she was selected to play at the Women’s 20 International Series. Interestingly, the teen prodigy became the youngest Indian half-centurion, while playing against West Indies during her debut series. Her first international series turned out to be a great one. Scoring 158 in just five matches, she became the player of the series, garnering lots of attention for her fantastic performance.
Shafali Verma, Indian cricketer
By 2021, the 2004-born Haryana girl had built a good repertoire – becoming the youngest player to represent India in all three formats of international cricket at the age of 17 years. Her brilliant performances earned her a place in the Indian team up for the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup, to be held in New Zealand. Global Indian looks at the extraordinary journey of this brilliant, young player.
Off her own bat
Daughter of a jewellery shop owner, Shafali has been playing cricket since she was just eight years old. The young cricketer was trained by her father, Sanjeev, who once aspired to be a cricketer himself. A strict mentor, Sanjeev devised a rigorous training schedule for his daughter. However, he would also give her a reward of ₹5 whenever Shafali would hit a sixer at the local ground. Recognising that Shafali could make an excellent cricketer, her father later made her join the Ram Narayan Cricket Club, Rohtak.
Shafali Verma representing IPL Velocity at a match in Pune
Crediting her father for her success, Shafali wrote on her social media, “I am who I am today because of my father. He has always been the most supportive and friendly dad in the world.” But, her father wasn’t her only inspiration. Not unlike other cricketers, Shafali too idolised one of the greatest cricketers of all times, Sachin Tendulkar. “The reason I took up cricket is because of Sachin sir. My family has just not idolized but worshipped him,” she had once mentioned in a post.
Shafali with her idol, Sachin Tendulkar
The journey continues…
A alumna of Mandeep Senior Secondary School, Rohtak registered yet another record to her name becoming the youngest cricketer ever to play in the final of the World Cup. Owing to her game, the cricketer moved 12 places up in the ODI batting rankings, to a career-best 36th rank.
Shafali with Indian women’s cricket team
The Indian cricketer, who is a right-handed batswoman, has played a significant role in bringing India a 2-0 lead against Sri Lanka in the ten-team league ICC Women’s Championship (IWC) 2022-25 which is in its third iteration. There are many tournaments on the bay and Shafali is in a good form to make a mark in all the matches ahead.
Even though she is quite busy, the sportsperson always manages to find time between matches and practice sessions, to connect with her fans through social media.
(November 1, 2022) Born to an Indian doctor father and a Swiss artist mother, Hollywood actress Geraldine Viswanathan grew up in Australia with a deep love for horses and acting. After appearing in a Kodak television commercial when she was four years old, Geraldine began honing her acting skills. Geraldine who has also worked as a voice artist grew up deeply loving performing arts as part of her upbringing. Her mother Anja Raith who runs an acting school, attended musical theatre school in London and was an aspiring actress before getting married to her Tamil descent father Suresh Viswanathan. Geraldine’s maternal grandfather was a ballet dancer and film maker. The actress, who has been in the Hollywood Reporter’s ‘Nex Gen Talent,’ list as one of the 20 rising stars of the industry, is passionate about horses. “I came out of the womb loving horses, I don’t know what happened,” she joked in an interview with W Magazine. Groomed to be a star The 1995-born actress attended the Hunter School of Performing Arts at New Castle, Australia, enrolling in drama classes when she was in kindergarten. Although she was young, she was determined to begin preparing for what she knew would
le="font-weight: 400;">“I came out of the womb loving horses, I don’t know what happened,” she joked in an interview with W Magazine.
Groomed to be a star
The 1995-born actress attended the Hunter School of Performing Arts at New Castle, Australia, enrolling in drama classes when she was in kindergarten. Although she was young, she was determined to begin preparing for what she knew would be her future.
[caption id="attachment_23669" align="aligncenter" width="804"] Geraldine with Daniel Radcliffe[/caption]
“I remember being in this play when I was in grade five. I never got any leading roles, but I did get one little comedic bit part and I remember getting a laugh and feeling pretty cool about it,” she said in an interview with wwd.com.
When Geraldine turned 15, her family moved to Los Angeles for a few months. It became a turning point for the actress, who turned this family move into an opportunity to set a base in America, securing a manager for starting a career in Hollywood. Australia had comparatively limited options for her in acting, outside the stereotypical work.
[caption id="attachment_23672" align="aligncenter" width="839"] Geraldine with her co-star[/caption]
At the end of her family’s stay, she came back to Australia with them but continued working on her career. She would send audition tapes to her manager in America, while performing standup and sketch comedy with her group, Freudian Nip, back in Australia as she waited for her big break.
When she turned 20, Geraldine was selected for the Heath Ledger Scholarship, that gets awarded to an emerging Australian actors with extraordinary ability and dedication to their craft.
Amidst all the developments in Australia, she remained committed to her American dream and later after making big in Hollywood, told in an interview to Insider, "Here in America I didn't feel held back by my ethnicity, which was a really exciting feeling."
[caption id="attachment_23671" align="aligncenter" width="941"] Geraldine with her Miracle Workers team[/caption]
The big break
In 2016, Geraldine was cast to appear in the film, Emo the Musical in Australia where she had a very small part to play. The following year she joined the cast of ABC’s drama series Janet King in the country that she calls home - Australia.
It was in 2018 that she got her breakout role as an actor in the film Blockers in the US. She played the role of one of the teens whose parents are determined to not let them lose their virginity on the night of their high school prom, while the teens are hell bent on doing so. The film turned out to be the surprise comedy hit of the year. Geraldine’s role was acknowledged, and her dream of having a career in America finally saw the light of the day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vhy589rkgU
Following this, she went on to work on two critically acclaimed movies Bad Education where she played an Indian character, and Hala in which she portrayed the role of a girl from Pakistan. Both films earned rave reviews at Sundance Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival. Bad Education even managed some Emmy nominations.
Reel and real
In 2020 Geraldine starred in Selena Gomez-production, The Broken Hearts Gallery at Toronto, Canada. It was a breakthrough movie for her in many ways. She not only starred alongside a fellow Australian actor Dacre Montgomery but also like her real life she portrayed the character of a Brown girl whose mother is blonde. The reel mother even looked similar to her real mother.
Just a few years into her career, the actress enjoys a fairly large fan base and has shared the screen with established stars like Allison Janney, Hugh Jackman and Daniel Radcliffe. She has been playing recurring roles in the Australian series Janet King, and TBS comedy anthology, Miracle Workers in the US which is in its third season.
[caption id="attachment_23667" align="aligncenter" width="872"] Geraldine on the set of Miracle Workers[/caption]
She’s also possibly the first person to tell co-star Daniel Radcliffe that she hasn’t watched the Harry Potter films because she found them too scary. She was eight years old when she saw the first Harry Potter film and Geraldine was so terrified, she had to leave in the middle.
The actress, who lives in Brooklyn, New York, has subsequently given some more good performances in films like The Package, Cat Person, and The Beanie Bubble. She likes to work on projects that are ‘socially conscious’. Geraldine is always on lookout for acting opportunities that have a ‘fresh take’ on life and allow her to ‘explore different sides’ of herself.
The Viswanathans
Though Geraldine and her sister Indira have not travelled much to India, the actress is connected to the country through her Indian grandparents, who live in Australia. “My grandma is an incredible cook. She cooks biryani, and sambhar and chapati and poori – for me and my sister, that’s our favourite. South Indian food definitely feels homely to me,” she declared in an interview with Business Standard.
[caption id="attachment_23670" align="aligncenter" width="695"] Geraldine with her sister and parents[/caption]
The actress who is fondly called Yoyo by her loved ones, finds great support in her mom who always has some tips to give to her daughter in acting. Viswanathan home is never bereft of animals, they love their cats, and dogs as much as their horses.
(June 22, 2024) Lavik Jain has always had a vivid imagination. Once, he imagined that pop star Justin Bieber’s favourite sweater went missing, then went on to weave a story out of it. This was the first time he had put his creative thoughts down on paper. It’s precisely this quality which makes the eight year-old one of India’s youngest and promising authors. “I noticed the pop star's frequent choice of sweaters and the idea ( of the missing sweater) struck me. I narrated it to my parents, who were surprised and encouraged me to write more,” smiles author Lavik Jain, speaking to Global Indian. This short story even went on to spark the idea for his first, recently released book Alexandrian Knights. [caption id="attachment_38331" align="aligncenter" width="449"] Lavik Jain[/caption] Alexandrian Knights After working on a few drafts, Lavik narrated the plot to his English teacher, who gave him some suggestions on how to make the tale more engaging. The entire experience made him realise how different people think differently. The story revolves around the unbreakable bond among four friends—Alex, Mike, Max, and Felix. Their friendship, characterized by unwavering support and loyalty, becomes a powerful force that helps them navigate and overcome the
re experience made him realise how different people think differently.
The story revolves around the unbreakable bond among four friends—Alex, Mike, Max, and Felix. Their friendship, characterized by unwavering support and loyalty, becomes a powerful force that helps them navigate and overcome the darkest challenges their adventurous journey throws their way.
“The way friendships are in India, Alexandrian Knights highlights the profound strength found in true companionship and the enduring power of human connections,” says the fourth grader of Pathways School, Noida.
Adventure world
What makes the book stand out is that it transports its readers to a world full of adventures, where anything a kid can possibly imagine, comes to life. “The colourful pictures and easy-to-follow story enabled readers picture the scenes in their minds as they read the book, making their imagination grow even more,” says Lavik.
The brave characters and the beautiful visual setting of ‘Kuldhara’ make the readers feel like they are present right there with the knights, facing challenges and discovering new things. “It’s almost like watching a 3D movie. I have tried my best to add some sci-fi and adventure, but at the same time not compromised with the relatability quotient by showcasing the power of true friendships,” says the young author, who has generated enough curiosity to keep the readers engaged and read on to see what happens next.
Upon his return to India from the US in 2022, Lavik was captivated by the vibrant Indian culture, and he was moved by the genuine affection that people share with each other. “The newfound admiration for the culture and its people naturally inspired the setting for my first book.”
He says his debut book (Alexandrian Knights) is his humble attempt to explore his imagination and himself.
Grandma’s tales
As a toddler, Lavik would listen keenly to all the stories his grandmother told him. “It took me to a mysterious world of imagination. Those memories indeed have had a profound impact on me,” says the promising author.
His parents have always stood by him. His mother, Dr. Silky Jain, is a senior paediatric haemato-oncologist working as an Assistant Professor at Post Graduate Institute of Child Health Hospital, Noida, while Lavik’s father, Dr. Harshit Jain is the Founder & Global CEO of Doceree, a platform for programmatic healthcare advertising.
“They have always been the inspiration behind all my endeavours,” says Lavik, who actively participates in debates and recently got the opportunity to become one of the ‘sharks’ in a shark tank competition held at his school.
Lavik says his parents keep reminding him to keep practicing and learning, as with more experience and knowledge, he can create stories that are special and unique. “So, I keep writing every day and constantly think of new ideas.”
A global citizen
Lavik was two years old when the Jain family moved to the United Kingdom in 2018 after Dr Harshit took up leadership role at McCann Worldgroup, UK. The family lived there for a year and a half and moved to the United States in 2019, where they stayed for three years.
In 2020, Lavik’s father decided to establish his venture Doceree, with offices both in the US and India, and they moved back to India in 2022. “All this moving around has given me a chance to see how people live in different countries,” he says.
Globe trotter
Lavik has already travelled to 10 countries including Greece, the United States, London, Paris, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Switzerland, Ireland, Rome and Italy and says each place has its own unique story.
Describing his travel experiences, Lavik says in Greece, he learned about the legend’s sayings on the ancient gods and goddesses while in the US, he saw skyscrapers so tall they seemed to touch the sky.
One Christmas, he went to Norway and saw the beautiful northern lights and visited Lego Land, where everything adventurous one can imagine, exists. “London’s busy cobblestone streets were full of energy, Paris was sparkling with the Eiffel Tower and yummy pastries. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I saw amazing futuristic buildings and played in the desert sands. Switzerland's snowy mountains felt like a fairy tale. Rome was like walking through a history book with stories of kings and emperors.”
But right now, says Lavik, his heart is in India, as it is only in this country that all the colours, spices, and stories come together like magic.
Colourful culture
Back home, Lavik was immediately captivated by the colourful culture that he believes makes the country so lively. “The strong bond between family members here is truly inspiring. My family and grandparents are very close and always look out for each other. This makes me feel safe and loved,” says the author, adding people in India love to talk and learn about each other, which helped him understand their thoughts and imaginations, boosting his creativity.
What’s next
“I plan to introduce ‘Alexandrian Knights-Vol 2’ soon. In the new version, the shadow lord will become even more powerful, and Alex, Felix, Mike and Max will fight with him to save the world from being destructed by mysterious darkness,” informs the young author.
Lavik says right now, he is having fun figuring out what his interests, likes and dislikes are. But one thing he knows for sure is that he is very curious about who made the world and how the universe came into existence. “This is a big mystery that I and the world still really want to know. Maybe one day, when I'm strong enough, I'll even go to space to find out,” smiles Lavik.
What he reads
Lavik likes to read books by two of his favourite authors — Jeff Kinney and Ruskin Bond. “Jeff Kinney’s books are super funny, the characters make me laugh. Ruskin Bond’s tales are truly magical. Both make me feel like I'm in the story and this inspires me to write stories that make readers feel the similar way.”
His favorite books are Diary of a Wimpy Kid (by Jeff Kinney) and The Blue Umbrella and Roads to Mussoorie (by Ruskin Bond). “These authors have helped me love reading and telling stories even more,” says Lavik, who also enjoys dancing.
When he's not reading...
Lavik’s hobbies reflect the curiosity to know more about the unknown. “I certainly love writing, storytelling, traveling, reading, and occasionally dancing. Like my debut book suggests, I can watch anything and everything that’s sci-fi, supernatural, horror or full of adventure,” says the super talented child, who has also been a big fan of Marvel Entertainment.
Lavik’s friends often compliment him for his writing and believe in him. “My friends love it when I tell them about spooky haunted houses, amazing space adventures, and thrilling action scenes. Their encouragement makes me want to write even more.”
Alexandrian Knights by Lavik Jain is available on Amazon.
(August 11, 2022) India's Space Activity Bill 2022 is all set to give private sector participation in space tech the launch pad for which they have been waiting. As space-related activity and research are ramped up around the world, India, which is home to over 100 spacetech startups, intends to be a major a global player. In November 2021, Hyderabad-based space tech firm Skyroot Aerospace successfully test fired Dhawan 1, India's first privately-built fully Cryogenic rocket engine. As Skyroot makes headway on its launch vehicle, Vikram-1, the company will give private innovation another boost, through its collaboration with Spaceonova. A space-research startup co-founded by Shivam Singh and Dr Shreya Santra, Spaceonova is currently developing a one-of-a-kind miniaturised lab in space that will be launched on Vikram-1. "We are looking at biophysical experiments in microgravity using technology called micro-electromechanical systems," Shivam says, in an interview with Global Indian.This year, Shivam will head to the US to complete his training as a Scientist-Astronaut Candidate by Project PoSSUM, the Aeronomy Research Program at the International Institute of Astronautical Sciences (IIAS). At the time of our conversation, Shivam had just moved to Hyderabad, where Spaceonova will be part of the Atal Incubation Centre at
>At the time of our conversation, Shivam had just moved to Hyderabad, where Spaceonova will be part of the Atal Incubation Centre at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology. The Incubation Centre falls under the umbrella of the Atal Incubation Mission, a non-profit company established in 2019. It is part of the larger Atal Innovation Mission, a flagship initiative by the government of India and NITI Aayog. "Here, we have access to the high-tech biological labs and other facilities we need," Shivam says.
Missing out on IIT to being a citizen space scientist
Born in Visakhapatnam, into a Navy family, Shivam's early years were spent moving around the country. He returned to hometown and finished his tenth grade at the Navy Children's School, showing a deep interest in both science and psychology. So, he ended up at the FIITJEE junior college with a 100 percent scholarship, where all roads led to IIT and the focus was concentrated solely on strategising for the rigorous entrance exam.
"I almost gave up on studying at that point," Shivam admits. "I spent two years thinking of everything except my coursework." He didn't get into the IIT of his choice and instead joined Delhi University for a BSc Honours in Electronics. "There was a certain mindset at the time - if you take BSc, you are a failure," he remarks. "But I decided to follow my passion for the subject and prepare for B.Tech. The course also had an entrepreneurial element, which interested me."
In college, Shivam, who was interning with i3 Indya Technologies, would conduct technical workshops at local colleges. As he did this, he realised the glaring gaps in the system and the fact that students aren't adequately prepared to meet industrial needs. "Even the IITs train you to work at Google and other MNCs but don't really delve into newer technologies," he says. At the same time, he and a friend were discussing the absence of telescopes in college and decided to start their own astronomy club, Vyoma. This was back in 2019. "We did some research and participated in an asteroid search, we managed to locate three confirmed asteroids," Shivam says. Hhey also interned with the Star Lab in Surat, which was working to build a 3D printed, high-powered rocket. "They were working on the recovery system and although I didn't have enough knowledge then, I joined the team as a Systems and Propulsions Engineer."
[caption id="attachment_20364" align="aligncenter" width="543"] Team Spaceonova[/caption]
How Spaceonova came to be
One year later, Vyoma, which began amid great opposition from their seniors in college, emerged as Spaceonova. At the time, their aim was to teach astronomy and the latest technology to students and faculty in their college and to underprivileged kids. The idea was to "create a space ecosystem where anyone can be a space technologist." So far, over 45,000 students across some 40 countries have been impacted by their work, which involves helping them to pursue careers in the space sciences.
In August 2021, their organisation became Spaceonova Private Limited, a space tech and research company, which received its government of India recognition in October that year. "We have two laterals," Shivam explains. "One is space research and tech, we're using microgravity research for therapeutic applications."
Microgravity is a condition in which the pull of gravity is so low that objects appear weightless. These 'G-forces' can never entirely be absent - however, one would have to go very far from the Earth's orbit to experience this state. "We are looking at simulators, high altitude balloons and parabolic flights to create microgravity conditions," Shivam explains. "We could, for instance, launch our lab in a balloon and allow it to free fall, mimicking microgravity for a few seconds. This will give us real-time data on how the lab performs."
High altitude balloon tests for the miniature lab are being planned for the end of 2022. "This is our milestone for the year. Once it's done, we move to space qualification testing and expose it to thermal radiation. Next year comes the orbital launch." They are also working to access parabolic flights through the US-based spaceflight services. A Falcon 20 aircraft is specially modified to simulate microgravity conditions.
Revolutionising therapeutic research
The possibilities of using microgravity are endless, especially in terms of therapeutic applications," Shivam says. "For instance, there are many recessive traits which are revealed in those conditions that are not revealed on earth. It can lead to faster R&D, more innovation and generation of IP and holds great potential in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and fluid physics." Pharma giant AstraZeneca has been studying nanoparticle formation in microgravity to revolutionise molecular-targeting strategies in drug delivery systems.
"In India, we still tend to think of space research in terms of satellites and launch vehicles," Shivam remarks. "But there are many companies already exploring therapeutic applications, software and space robotics." Spaceonova currently has a core team of four people, led by Dr Shreya Shanta and Shivam.
(March 2, 2024) "I grew up in one of the poorest corners of Delhi - Shakur Basti. I spent my afternoons dancing to Bollywood songs and coding in the community computer lab. Through a series of scholarships, I became the first person from my community to go to a college in the US. In one generation, I went from Shakur Basti to Stanford," is how 27-year-old Manu Chopra addressed people in one of his speeches. The founder of Karya was one of the few people who was able to find a path out of poverty, but not everyone gets that chance. This very thought led him to start Karya, a not-for-profit enterprise, that brings dignified digital work to rural Indians, helping move them out of poverty. Every year, big technology companies spend a lot of money gathering information to teach their AI programs. But many people in rural India don't have the chance to be part of this work. Karya helps fix this problem by connecting these rural communities to opportunities in the tech industry. Explaining how this works, Manu elaborates, "Microsoft wants to make a language model in Marathi, one of the many regional languages of India. They reach
language model in Marathi, one of the many regional languages of India. They reach out to Karya to collect thousands of hours of speech data in Marathi. Karya takes Microsoft's big digital task and breaks it into micro tasks and we distribute these micro tasks to our workers in rural India via their smartphone." Apart from the employment, the biggest differentiator for these rural Indians is the pay. "We pay our workers 20 times the Indian minimum wage."
[caption id="attachment_36316" align="aligncenter" width="532"] Manu Chopra, the founder of Karya[/caption]
In just two years, the AI startup has already helped 30,000 rural Indians earn ₹65 million so far.
Growing up, Manu was always interested in technology, and during his time at Stanford, where he studied Computer Science, he co-founded CS+ Social Good, Stanford's first student group focused on the intersection of technology and social impact. Upon his return to India in 2017, he joined Microsoft Research as a fellow to explore ways to tackle extreme poverty by giving the poor access to digital work. During this time, he travelled the length and breadth of the country.
"I expected it to be harrowing. Mainstream media (within India and especially, abroad) paints such a bleak picture of India, as if nothing good has ever happened or will ever happen in India. I expected to feel jaded at the lack of progress, to be disappointed at the lack of good work happening on the ground. Obviously, the opposite happened. Every single village I visited blew me away. The more I travelled within India, the more optimistic I became," he wrote on his website.
At 21, he began working for an AI firm, and during one of his field visits to a data company, he saw over 30 men hunched over their laptops. Upon striking a conversation, he learnt that they were earning $0.40 per hour for the data that was worth 10 times that amount. "I thought, this cannot be the only way this work can happen," said Manu, who was named in the TIME100 Most Influential People in AI. "The idea in my head was, what if we could bypass skilling? Can we give people a livelihood and money for skills they already have? What is the skill that rural India already has? Their language?" he said in an interview.
[caption id="attachment_36313" align="aligncenter" width="766"] Manu Chopra with the rural Indians working for Karya[/caption]
This led to the birth of Karya - which means work for dignity in Sanskrit - in 2021. He chose to use Indian languages to help rural India make more money. He teamed up with his manager at Microsoft Research, Vivek Sheshadri, who became the Chief Technology Officer.
They not only pay them $5 per hour, which is 20 times more than the minimum wage but also help them earn royalties every time their data is sold, which provides them a source of passive income. Right now, Karya focuses on gathering information in Indian languages that haven't been included much in the AI world. This data will be used to create AI systems in those languages that are not only accurate but also fair for everyone. Their work involves gathering written, spoken, and picture information in India's regional languages.
Creating an impact
"I genuinely feel this is the quickest way to move millions of people out of poverty if done right," he told TIME, adding, "Wealth is power. And we want to redistribute wealth to the communities who have been left behind."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrcHdWd_dCA
With Karya, Manu Chopra is not only fulfilling the important requirement for accurate data in the AI industry but also changing how much money data annotation workers make. In the last few years, big tech companies have shown keen interest in Karya for its data requirements. For instance, Microsoft utilised the startup to acquire regional speech data for its AI products. Additionally, due to biases in AI chatbots stemming from large language model inputs, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is collaborating with Karya to minimise gender-related biases in the data. Even Google is not far behind as it's relying on Karya to amass speech data across 85 Indian districts.
Manu Chopra's journey is proof that determination and innovation has the transformative power. Rising from poverty himself, he has broken the cycle and now aims to extend that opportunity to others. With a focus on providing dignified digital work to rural Indians, Manu seeks to empower individuals and communities, offering them the chance to participate meaningfully in the digital economy. Through his endeavours, he not only creates economic opportunities but also fosters a sense of pride and self-worth among those he seeks to uplift.
(October 16, 2024) October 1st, 2024, was no ordinary day for Nidhi Gautam, a student from Karnataka currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in History and Geography at Miranda House, Delhi University. She received the extraordinary opportunity to serve as the British High Commissioner to India for a day - a position typically held by seasoned diplomats. While this role usually takes years of experience to attain, she earned it after being selected from a competitive pool of over 140 applicants. Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India, took on the role of Deputy High Commissioner for the day, shadowing Nidhi and supporting her in carrying out the responsibilities of the High Commissioner. The opportunity equipped Nidhi with a deeper understanding of the responsibility that comes with leadership. "One key takeaway for me was the immense responsibility diplomats carry. It’s about presenting a seamless front to the world, but behind the scenes, there’s a wealth of knowledge, collaboration, and effort that goes into every decision," she remarked in an interview with Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_39867" align="aligncenter" width="745"] Nidhi Gautam with Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India[/caption] The ‘High Commissioner for a Day’ competition The opportunity allowed the 19-year-old
[caption id="attachment_39867" align="aligncenter" width="745"] Nidhi Gautam with Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India[/caption]
The ‘High Commissioner for a Day’ competition
The opportunity allowed the 19-year-old to experience the challenges and responsibilities of international diplomacy, especially within the context of the strong UK-India partnership.
Since 2017, the British High Commission has celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child, observed in October, through initiatives like the 'High Commissioner for a Day'. This initiative, designed to empower young women across India, is more than just an opportunity to shadow diplomats. It is a platform to promote gender equality, challenge societal norms, and provide young women with the tools to tackle global challenges head-on.
Nidhi secured the first spot in the competition through a thought-provoking one-minute video submission. The youngster’s articulate response and clear vision to the question, “How can the UK and India collaborate on technology to benefit future generations?” stood out, ultimately leading her to this once in lifetime experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PW73g9IoSM
Stepping into diplomacy - a day to remember
The day began like no other, with Nidhi arriving at the British High Commission in New Delhi. Her morning started with a breakfast briefing from the senior leadership team, where she was introduced to the inner workings of UK-India relations. The focus was on the UK-India Technology Security Initiative, a key aspect of the two nations' partnership. Discussing everything from climate change to healthcare, this briefing provided Nidhi with a comprehensive view of the critical collaborations happening between the UK and India.
What struck her most, however, was the gravity of the role she was stepping into. 'I was seated at the head of the table, and I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of responsibility. They treated me with such respect, just as they would a real diplomat,' she reflected, recalling how she was served first and even had the car doors opened for her. "That moment made me realize the power and symbolism of diplomacy. Riding in the High Commissioner’s vehicle with the flag was surreal. These were ceremonial gestures, but they also made me feel like I was part of something much bigger than myself."
This, of course, was only the beginning. Nidhi’s day as High Commissioner took her through a series of meetings and visits that would leave a lasting impact on her future ambitions.
[caption id="attachment_39862" align="aligncenter" width="700"] The day started with a breakfast briefing[/caption]
The power of innovation – a visit to IIT Delhi
A defining moment of Nidhi’s day was her visit to the National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. Here, she was exposed to cutting-edge innovations designed to empower individuals with disabilities, particularly those who are visually impaired. "The most memorable and impactful moment was witnessing the various innovations being developed to assist differently-abled individuals. What struck me wasn’t just the advanced technology, but the social impact of these innovations," Nidhi explained with palpable enthusiasm.
"It was incredibly inspiring to see how knowledge and technology are being used to uplift those in need. This is where diplomacy meets real-world change. It’s not just about policies and negotiations, but about creating tangible benefits for society," she added.
The experience deepened her understanding of how science, technology, and diplomacy intersect to create a better future. She recognized that technological innovation, when combined with effective diplomatic partnerships, has the power to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
[caption id="attachment_39863" align="aligncenter" width="660"]A visit to the National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies at IIT-Delhi[/caption]
Shaping global health - a visit to the National Institute of Immunology
Following her time at IIT Delhi, Nidhi visited the National Institute of Immunology, where she observed ongoing advancements in vaccine development. Given the global importance of vaccines in a post-pandemic world, the visit provided good insights on the collaborative work being done by the UK and India in biotechnology. Nidhi saw firsthand how scientists from both nations were working together to tackle global health challenges—a poignant reminder of the importance of international cooperation.
Reading about these topics in textbooks is one thing, but seeing it unfold in real time was extraordinary. "I now have a much deeper understanding of how global health challenges are addressed and the pivotal role diplomacy plays in facilitating these collaborations,' Nidhi remarked.
[caption id="attachment_39864" align="aligncenter" width="707"] A visit to National Institute of Immunology[/caption]
Inspiring leadership and the role of women
One of the most rewarding aspects of Nidhi’s experience was her interaction with Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India, who served as Deputy High Commissioner for the day. Their discussions spanned a variety of topics, from the UK-India Technology Security Initiative to the broader role of young women in leadership.
“Lindy’s warm encouragement and insightful thoughts throughout the day inspired me profoundly, reminding me of the importance of dedication and passion in serving one’s country,” Nidhi remarked.
For the DU student, seeing women at the helm of diplomacy and leadership roles was a powerful inspiration. "One of the key lessons I took away from the day was the importance of collaboration, not only between countries but also within leadership. Women play such a significant role in these discussions, and seeing them in action was both inspiring and empowering," she noted. "It filled me with pride to see women driving change at such a high level. It reinforced my belief that women are remarkable at what they do and that more of them deserve to be in leadership positions."
For Nidhi, the experience was more than just a day in the life of a diplomat—it was the affirmation of a dream. "I’ve always wanted to become a diplomat, and this experience reaffirmed my desire. It’s not an easy path, especially in India where competition is intense, but I’m committed to working hard and broadening my knowledge to one day achieve that goal," she shared.
Nidhi’s biggest source of inspiration is India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar. "He continues to inspire me every day with his depth of knowledge and contributions to diplomacy. I aspire to one day follow in his footsteps and serve my country with the same passion and dedication," she added.
Aspiring for a future in leadership
As Nidhi Gautam continues her education at Miranda House, this unique experience has given her a fresh perspective on international relations, technology, and leadership. She sees herself not only as a future diplomat but as a champion for gender equality and innovation. Her passion for diplomacy, technology, and cultural exchange is set to shape her path forward.
"The future of diplomacy is bright, especially as more young leaders, particularly women, are given platforms to shine. Initiatives like ‘High Commissioner for a Day’ are essential in promoting gender equality and inspiring the next generation of change-makers," she said. "More women deserve to be in leadership positions. The world is better when everyone has equal opportunities."
Extraordinary opportunities in 2024
The year 2024 has been full of extraordinary opportunities for the youngster. Earlier this year, she was part of a nearly 100-student cohort invited to the Raisina Dialogue 2024, a multilateral conference held annually in New Delhi, after being selected through an application process. Describing the Raisina Dialogue experience she remarks, "It was truly beyond words. It was a unique opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds, including civil servants, diplomats, and top leaders from around the world. I’m extremely grateful for that experience, just as I am for the chance to serve as the British High Commissioner for a day."
[caption id="attachment_39861" align="aligncenter" width="643"] Nidhi Gautam with Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India[/caption]
Both the opportunities have been exhilarating and learning platforms for the young scholar. As Nidhi puts it, "The experiences taught me that collaboration and leadership go hand in hand. Whether it’s between countries or individuals, shared knowledge and expertise always lead to better outcomes."
What stood out the most for Nidhi was the warmth and encouragement she received from the entire team at the British High Commission. "Their supportive smiles and kind words reassured me, making the experience even more memorable," she signed off.
Geraldine with Daniel Radcliffe[/caption]
Geraldine with her co-star[/caption]
Geraldine with her Miracle Workers team[/caption]
Geraldine on the set of Miracle Workers[/caption]
Geraldine with her sister and parents[/caption]
Team Spaceonova[/caption]
Manu Chopra, the founder of Karya[/caption]
Manu Chopra with the rural Indians working for Karya[/caption]
Nidhi Gautam with 
The day started with a breakfast briefing[/caption]
A visit to National Institute of Immunology[/caption]
Nidhi got highly inspired by 
Nidhi Gautam[/caption]
Nidhi Gautam with Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India[/caption]