Powering up: Gamer Akarsh Chaudhary is taking over the world of e-gaming
Written by: Team GI Youth
(March 21, 2024) Over the past few years, India’s online gaming scene has boomed like never before, propelling it among the world’s top three gaming markets. Although not yet a traditional career choice, numerous young people now spend their afternoons competing in professional tournaments. Among them is gamer Akarsh Chaudhary, also known as Vivone, a nine-year-old from Mumbai. Despite his tender age, he has not only taken part in but also emerged victorious in numerous tournaments.
The young child embarked on his gaming adventure at the age of four, inspired by watching his father play popular games like PUBG on his mobile device. “I asked my father if I could try the game, and he handed me his mobile. Instantly, I became hooked and began playing by myself. After practicing regularly for a couple of days, I even managed to defeat my father,” shared the young gamer.
Gamer Akarsh Chaudhary aka Vivone
With a substantial following of 108K followers on Instagram and over four lakh subscribers on his YouTube channel, Vivone has created more than 6000 live streams and videos. “Recently, I participated in the SkyEsports Streamers Showdown, competing against numerous top gamers from around the country. I clinched the first prize of ₹15 lakh, impressing even my opponents with my performance throughout the tournament,” said the gamer, whose average earning through live streaming games is around $6000-7000 per month.
Game on
Amid the challenges of the lockdown, numerous individuals sought refuge in online gaming, including Akarsh’s father, Vivek Singh. Unbeknownst to the IT professional, this pastime would eventually serve as the inspiration for his son’s career. “Initially, when I started playing, it was purely for enjoyment. However, my father soon noticed my potential and began coaching me accordingly. He taught me a variety of moves and tricks that significantly improved my game,” said the Global Indian.
Akarsh with his parents, Shikha and Vivek
Recognising his potential, his father commenced live streaming his games under his gamer alias Vivone, which phonetically sounds like “we won”. Shortly after, Rooter, Vivone’s streaming platform partner, received a surge of offers from gadget companies, fantasy apps, and even some FMCG brands, willing to pay up to ₹1 lakh for video collaborations. Vivone is proficient in playing games across multiple platforms, be it mobile, PC, or console. Talking about his favourite games, he said, “I really enjoy playing BGMI the most, but right now, Valorant is my top favourite. I like messing around with its characters and maps. I also like playing CODM, Fall Guys, Tekken 7, Rocket League, New State Mobile, Pokemon, and other little mobile games.”
Although it’s fascinating, Akarsh’s parents take caution to ensure their son doesn’t spend all his time glued to his laptop. “If you really love something and want to do it well, you should start learning and practising early with someone to guide you,” the gamer’s father, Vivek, shared in an interview, adding, “We noticed our child’s talent and helped them get better at what they love. But we also make sure they do well in their studies and play physical games. Luckily, Akarsh enjoys playing football outside just as much as he enjoys playing it on the computer.”
Giving an insight into the young gamer’s day, Vivek shared, “Because Vivone streams games nearly every day, we decided not to give him too much schoolwork, so we chose to homeschool him. After he finishes his studies in the afternoon, Vivone streams for about two hours. Then, like any other kid, he plays with his friends, especially cricket or basketball. Sometimes in the evenings, I take him swimming too.”
The road ahead
After winning against some of the best gamers in the country in various tournaments, Vivone is now preparing to represent India in international competitions. “When I first began playing, I never imagined having such a large following and subscriber base. Now, my main aim is to excel in international tournaments. I’m currently searching for tournaments for players under 13 years old, primarily organized in the US, Europe, Korea, and China,” the young gamer shared.
(November 10, 2023) Maryland-based Vayun Amula wears many hats at the tender age of 15. The freshman at Poolesville High School is an integral part of Rise N Shine, the youth-led initiative aimed to tackle the effects of food waste through composting and food recovery programmes. Outside of school and community activities, he is a state level cricket player in Maryland and has a knack for innovation to solve problems. The youngster excels in all his many interests and has earned many awards and accolades for his accomplishments. He received the Governor's Youth Service Award 2023, and the President's Volunteer Service Award (Gold) in 2022. In Maryland’s official qualifying tournaments of the First Lego League, Vayun and his team managed to earn the first position becoming the recipients of the Innovation Project Award in 2022. Another big achievement came one year prior, when Vayun led a team to bag the first position in the Robert Design Awards and also the Core Values Awards in that year’s first Lego League tournament in Maryland state. [caption id="attachment_34019" align="aligncenter" width="694"] Vayun Amula[/caption] “I manage my cricket, studies, volunteerism, and other activities by sticking to a schedule,” the youngster says, as he connects with Global
“I manage my cricket, studies, volunteerism, and other activities by sticking to a schedule,” the youngster says, as he connects with Global Indian. Once he returns from school his afternoons and evenings, from three to 10 pm, are a choc-a-block with activities as he works to meet the demands of his multiple interests.
Managing food waste to avert climate change
The United States discards more food than any other country in the world. Every year in United States, approximately 31% (133 billion pounds) of the overall food supply is wasted by consumers and retailers, as per the estimates of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (USDA-ERS). The wasted food is either dumped in landfills or burned in trash incinerators. This leads to 18% of the US’ total methane emissions that come from landfills, resulting in global warming and impacting food security and resource conservation.
Vayun found inspiration in his elder sister, Shrusti Amula, the founder of the non-profit, Rise N Shine Foundation, who earned the prestigious title of L’Oreal’s 'Woman of Worth' honouree this year. Witnessing her dedication and the significant impact his sister’s work was making, Vayun decided to become a part of the organisation himself.
[caption id="attachment_34020" align="aligncenter" width="683"] One of Rise N Shine’s food collection drives[/caption]
“I became a part of the Rise N Shine Foundation in 2020, when my sister explained the pressing problems in the world, such as food wastage, climate change and homelessness. Her passion for addressing these issues compelled me to join non-profit as the COO (Chief Operating Officer). I am committed to working with the foundation's dedicated team to make a positive impact on these critical challenges,” he says.
Innovation and awards
Vayun’s dedication to the cause did not go unnoticed and this year he received the Governor's Youth Service Award, a state-level recognition program that honours young individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through volunteer work and service initiatives. This award aims to acknowledge and celebrate young people who have demonstrated leadership, dedication, and a commitment to positive social change. In 2022 he had received the President’s Volunteer Service Award (Gold) for his work at the non-profit.
He also received the Gold Star award for Student Engagement from Montgomery County’s Public School system (MCPS). “This award is given to students who demonstrate intensive involvement in leadership, service, and extracurriculars and have more than four years of proven track record in athletic and/or extracurricular activities. I got this award for all my service, leadership and extracurricular involvements, in addition to my work with Rise N Shine,” he says.
[caption id="attachment_34023" align="aligncenter" width="737"] Vayun Amula with a friend[/caption]
In pursuit of STEM learning and problem-solving
In the 2022 First Lego League innovation project, Vayun undertook research on a pressing issue involving cargo containers falling off cargo ships. Their investigation revealed a significant 40 percent slowdown at a California port in 2021 due to such incidents. To address this problem, Vayun and his team introduced a ground-breaking solution known as the ‘smart container’, which resolved multiple challenges. One of these challenges involved preserving products at a consistent temperature, achieved by incorporating smart heaters and coolers. The smart container was designed to also equip electromagnets and wind sensors. Vayun and his team’s exceptional prototype secured the first position at prestigious Innovation Project award.
In 2021, serving as the team leader, the youngster achieved a remarkable feat by securing the First Lego League Robert Design Award for his team. He had played a pivotal role in programming a robot to excel in the Robo Game. Additionally, his team was honoured with The Core Value Award, which recognises exceptional learning and teamwork. “Receiving the Core Values Award is a significant achievement in FLL, as it highlights not only a team's technical prowess but also its character and commitment to collaboration and ethical behaviour in the pursuit of STEM learning and problem-solving,” Vayun says.
Cricket, India and future goals
A state level cricket player of Maryland, Vayun has been representing his state in the Mid-Atlantic region in U15 cricket matches. “My dad is a big fan of cricket and I was introduced to the cricket by him. He is my coach as well as my practice buddy,” he smiles.
The native of Maryland, maintains a close connection with his place of origin, Mumbai. His software professional parents have reinforced the family’s ties with India through regular visits.
Despite excelling in sports, the youngster aspires to be a successful entrepreneur. "I want to establish a company that can consistently make a positive impact by assisting those in need," he signs off.
(December 22, 2023) Indian-origin Malaysian model Manvin Khera made Malaysia proud by winning the Miss Globe 2023 title. With its inception in 1925, the contest holds the distinction of being one of the world's longest-running major international beauty pageants. The annual event, with headquarters in Albania, is ranked seventh in prominence in the international beauty contest for women. Manvin’s win marks a historic first for Malaysia, as she brought home the first ever Miss Globe crown, leaving behind 49 contestants from across the world. “It’s truly an honour to represent my country on the international stage and I am really happy to be the first ever Malaysian to bring home the Miss Globe crown. I am happy to have raised the bar high for my country,” the 22-year-old said in an interview with after the historic win. [caption id="attachment_34806" align="aligncenter" width="511"] Manvin Khera[/caption] Beyond the glitz and glamour of the ramp, Manvin is a dedicated law student pursuing her education at the University of Malaya. She is a passionate advocate for animal rights and veganism, and aspires to become a human rights lawyer while continuing her modelling career. A pageant pro Before her participation in the Miss Globe competition, Manvin
e University of Malaya. She is a passionate advocate for animal rights and veganism, and aspires to become a human rights lawyer while continuing her modelling career.
A pageant pro
Before her participation in the Miss Globe competition, Manvin has competed in multiple pageants, gaining recognition and winning titles.
Her journey in the world of modelling began in 2017 when she earned the Miss Teen Malaysia title at the age of 16. This win led her to participate in the Miss Teen International competition held in her country of origin, India that same year. She was one of the top 10 contestants in the competition and earned recognition for the best national costume.
Continuing to pursue her modelling career alongside her academic endeavours, Manvin kept on working for modelling assignments and subsequently participated in the inaugural Ratu Wanita Malaya pageant, the Malaysian franchise of the Miss Globe competition. Apart from clinching the main title in the international pageant, Manvin also won the titles of 'Best in Evening Gown' and 'Best in Talent'.
Her advice to people chasing their dreams is, “stop doubting yourself. Whatever aspirations that you have, just go for it.”
The multifaceted youngster
Born in 2001 in Kuala Lumpur, Manvin hails from a family where both her parents are business owners. “Initially they were apprehensive of me entering the field of modelling but as I won the pageants, they said, ‘we believe in you’,” Manvin revealed.
Despite her Malaysian upbringing, the Indian-origin youngster boasts of fluency in Punjabi (her mother tongue), Hindi, English, and Malay.
The Malaysia-born Indian has passion for diverse cultures and has travelled to countries like India, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, Indonesia, and the United States learning about their cuisines and exploring the cultural diversity in the process.
Before appearing in the Miss Globe nationals, she suffered from acne for a year and felt quite insecure about the situation. “It was a challenging phase for me and I was constantly worried about it and of facing the camera but I worked towards improving the condition and was finally able to come out of it,” she shared highlighting. “Health problems can be reversed with corrective measures and you should not let them come in between you and your goals.”
When it comes to the inspiration of life, Manvin finds a role model in Priyanka Chopra, and respects her achievements, confidence, and humanitarian endeavours.
Not merely limited to pageants, Manvin’s talents extends to classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi. She also finds joy in, archery, hiking, and reading.
(May 11, 2024) Rarely does a budding actor strike gold with their inaugural venture, yet Ashley Ganger defied the odds. Making her debut on Netflix's acclaimed drama Grand Army, the 23-year-old Indian-Canadian actress captivated audiences since its October premiere. Portraying Meera Pakam, a feminist artist/playwright addressing topics such as sexuality and consent, Ganger shines amidst the backdrop of a Brooklyn high school. "I am quite grateful that I got this part, and it was a great experience," shared the actress, in a recent interview, "Actually, Grand Army was my second big audition with an actual character. Before this, I was going to commercial auditions. As soon as I read the character description for Meera I wanted it badly. I worked on the scene with my acting coach and went to the audition. In my head, I thought, “How often is it that someone books the first huge thing that comes their way, haha yeah right no way!” Fast forward to two callbacks later here we are. Funny enough Sydney Meyer, who plays Anna Delaney, was the reader in my second callback and then I reconnected with her on set, so that was fun." Donning many hats Her parents were born
r way, haha yeah right no way!” Fast forward to two callbacks later here we are. Funny enough Sydney Meyer, who plays Anna Delaney, was the reader in my second callback and then I reconnected with her on set, so that was fun."
Donning many hats
Her parents were born in Punjab, India, and moved to Canada in the early 80s in search of better career opportunities. Sharing about her family, the actress said, "Ganger is my dad’s last name, and my family is from India. Both of my parents were born in India and the majority of my extended family is split between England and India. Ganger is a very uncommon Indian last name so sometimes it throws people off; I remember Googling it one time and seeing that it comes from Ireland, no idea about the connection but my family is from India. As far as my first name, my mom wanted to name me just Ash after Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai… so they took the shorter, more Canadian version of that, I guess."
Growing up, Ashley loved dancing to Bollywood songs and dressing up whenever she could. But her one true love was swimming. While she thought that she would pursue a career in swimming, after six years of winning numerous medals the youngster shifted her focus to acting. "I think being an athlete, you must push yourself to always work harder because you have this need to constantly evolve and improve. Once I fell in love with acting, I felt that way again. I am constantly pushing myself and trying to find ways to work on my craft. I think it also taught me resilience; in this industry, you must realise quickly that there are going to be a lot of challenges to overcome. When you’re an athlete and train eight times a week in addition to a full course load in school you have to learn to keep pushing and keep your head up all the time," said the actress.
Interestingly, when she was younger, Ashley's mother decided to send her to summer theater camp to help her overcome her shyness. "I was super shy and speaking to new people was extremely nerve-racking," shared the actress, "Going to the camp pushed me out of my comfort zone. Imagine facing one of your biggest fears head-on. One of two things can happen, either you don’t respond well to it and find yourself not participating and sitting in the corner or you can try your best and see what happens. I’m glad I chose the second option. Once I broke the barrier and found my footing loved performing."
Behind the scenes
After finishing school, the actress acted in several stage shows and eventually enrolled with an acting coach. "Her name is Christina Collins and she is the absolute best! She has been a part of my journey since the beginning and was the one who encouraged me to get an agent," shared the actress, adding, "I also absolutely love acting classes, it’s honestly such a stress reliever and it’s also a fun way to meet other actors and creatives. I think it’s important to always keep working on your craft, there should never come a time where you feel you’ve learned everything. There is always something new to learn."
Currently working on the second season of Grand Army, the actress shared that she fell in love with the role as soon as she read the script. "Meera is a badass. She is a young girl who is very firm in her beliefs and loves to challenge her parent's old school mentality. She isn’t perfect, she makes mistakes, which is completely normal for a teenage girl but she handles situations so well. She’s bold and unashamed. She’s super close with her brother Sid but doesn’t like it when he interferes with her independence. I like her," the Global Indian said.
"I’m currently figuring out my next project. My agent works hard and finds me great auditions and I am extremely grateful for her. In the meantime, I continue to work on my acting and I’m excited to see what lies next for me," shared the actress talking about her future projects. Ask her what would be her advice to upcoming actors, and she quipped, "I would say to just be so passionate about life, and storytelling and don’t let anything stop you. It’s a tough industry and career path but if you believe in yourself enough you can accomplish whatever you set out to do. Keep your head up and don’t give up!"
(June 1, 2023) In a world plagued by the urgent threat of climate change, the need for sustainable and clean energy solutions has reached a critical juncture. However, as the world grapples with the challenges of dwindling resources and escalating environmental concerns, a young Indian American researcher, Shomik Verma is leading the charge towards a greener future. Recently bestowed with the prestigious Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship, Shomik has emerged as a beacon of hope, dedicating his expertise and unwavering commitment to developing groundbreaking advancements in clean energy. A Ph.D. student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the researcher is fascinated by the future of energy and has worked in a variety of fields including electric vehicles, solar cells, fuel cells, hydrogen production, thermal energy storage, and thermophotovoltaics. "At MIT, my current endeavours revolve around several compelling projects. Firstly, I am engaged in modelling the optimal implementation of a thermal energy grid storage system, aiming to bolster the reliability of renewable energy sources, shares the researcher, as he connects with Global Indian, adding, "I am dedicated to the design of a cutting-edge power plant that harnesses the potential of hydrogen combustion and thermophotovoltaic power generation. Also, I am focused on
cher, as he connects with Global Indian, adding, "I am dedicated to the design of a cutting-edge power plant that harnesses the potential of hydrogen combustion and thermophotovoltaic power generation. Also, I am focused on fine-tuning the performance of thermophotovoltaic cells through meticulous first-principles calculations."
A child prodigy
Born to immigrant parents from Bihar, who had come to America in search for better opportunities, the young researcher experienced the rich essence of Indian culture during his childhood. "I grew up in Sugar Land, Texas, and was surrounded by the sights, smells, and sounds of Indian culture. Whether it was spending my weekends watching Bollywood movies or indulging in delicious meals at my favourite restaurants in Hillcroft, I always felt a deep connection to my Indian roots. What also helped was that there were several Indian Americans in Texas, and many of my friends were from the community. So, I never felt out of place. Education was highly valued at my place, and on many weekends, you would find me competing in math competitions alongside fellow Asian Americans," shares Shomik, who is also a very skilled tabla player.
While he was a meticulous student right from the beginning, it was during his high school years that the young researcher began to catch interesting patterns that paved his career path. During the math competitions he attended, Shomik noticed a recurring trend: these events were frequently sponsored by oil and gas companies. This discovery pushed Shomik to undertake an important project seeking sustainable storage for storing carbon dioxide.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcP7k-MBhbw
"I found myself caught between two worlds — one driven by the fossil fuel industry that supported my way of life, and the other marked by the looming danger of global warming that I studied about in school. To bridge these contrasting realities, I undertook a project during high school, collaborating with the multinational corporation Schlumberger on carbon capture and storage. My goal was to identify suitable locations for storing carbon dioxide. However, instead of finding the clarity I sought, I discovered that the stored carbon was often utilised for enhanced oil recovery, which only added further complexity to the situation," shares the researcher, who did not stop working on the issue despite several hurdles.
Driven by challenges
As the researcher finished his high school, a tragedy struck the family. Shomik lost his uncle to black lung disease, which occurs dues to continued exposure to coal dust. As he recovered from the blow, Shomik decided it was time to devote his life to clean energy. The researcher joined Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering to pursue his graduation in mechanical engineering. During his time at Duke, Shomik won the prestigious Marshall Scholarship for his research on solar thermal hydrogen production and hydrogen fuel cell optimisation for vehicle applications. In fact, Shomik helped lead the Duke Electric Vehicles team to two Guinness World Records for fuel efficiency, for both battery electric and fuel cell vehicles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJKcyCK_ZAs
Recalling his time there, the young researcher shares, "During my time at Duke University, I have been fortunate to fully immerse myself in the world of science through numerous hands-on experiences. From residing at the Smart Home and actively participating in the installation of solar panels to constructing high-efficiency vehicles, I have personally witnessed the positive impact that novel energy technologies can have on both the environment and human well-being. These tangible, real-world applications serve as a constant source of inspiration, propelling me towards a research career dedicated to creating innovative solutions for the challenges we face in the realm of energy." Shomik, who was the president of the Duke Energy Club, was also elected to Tau Beta Pi and serves as co-president of Pi Tau Sigma.
The road ahead...
From Duke, the researcher moved to the UK, where he attended the University of Cambridge and Imperial College of London to pursue an MPhil in material science. "As a Marshall Scholar in the UK, I focused on enhancing the efficiency of solar cells. My research revolved around utilising computational chemistry and machine learning to design innovative photon conversion materials," he shares.
Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology under the guidance of Professor Asegun Henry, the young researcher wishes to work on and develop renewable and clean energy sources for the world. "At present, I am actively engaged in researching energy storage techniques aimed at enhancing the dependability of variable renewable energy sources, particularly solar power. My ultimate aspiration after completing my Ph.D. is to utilise the knowledge and skills I have acquired to drive the decarbonisation of industries. I wish to facilitate the widespread availability of affordable, clean, and dependable energy for all," says the researcher, as he signs off.
(December 12, 2024) Hurried lunches eaten alone in a corner of the cafeteria, endless hours at school spent mostly in silence, her heart racing at the thought of speaking to her peers, and worst of all, having to answer the dreaded question, 'Where are you from', made every day a struggle for nine-year-old Taanvi Arekapudi, who is now a passionate advocate for teen mental health. Born in Ireland to Indian parents, then moving to the US at the age of nine meant identity was a complex, confusing concept for the young girl. "A nine-year-old is expected to be happy and excited about life. I would see my peers in the US being that way, and then there was me, faking a smile to fit in, pretending to be happy because that's what society told me," Taanvi tells Global Indian. Now 16 years old, Taanvi greets me with a ready smile that no longer needs forcing. She speaks with courage and insight too, boldly talking about the worst moments of her life and how she learned to find happiness even when everything seemed gloomy. Learning to face herself not only helped her heal, it also gave her purpose. "My mission is
emed gloomy. Learning to face herself not only helped her heal, it also gave her purpose. "My mission is to help my peers with coping strategies to use in their daily lives," Taanvi says.
Taanvi Arekapudi is a youth mental health advocate and founder of Uplift Teens Today, a nonprofit providing mental health resources and support to teenagers. Through initiatives like her bestselling book, Uplift Teens Today: Coping Strategies for Mental Health, the Emotion Cards Deck, and the Nexus platform, she empowers peers with practical strategies and creates safe spaces for dialogue. Her work spans schools, communities, and national platforms, breaking stigma and championing youth-led mental health advocacy.
Transformed by challenges
For months, Taanvi hid behind a smile, because she didn't think anyone would understand. Finally, the dam broke, and when Taavi was at home with her family. "I was scared. What would my parents and my sister think of me. But the first thing my parents told me was, "You're not alone." That day, a great weight was lifted off Taanvi's shoulders. She realised it was okay to feel that way, and to have those emotions—but then what? Get stuck in a loop? That evening, Taanvi's mom taught her a five-minute mindfulness technique, a guided meditation in which she imagined clouds and rainbows. "It made me feel calm," she recalls. "I could feel present without worrying about who I would sit with for lunch the next day."
That was the start of her journey of self-healing. Taanvi had a strategy to help herself and wanted to share this with the world.
The mindfulness journey
Taanvi's mindfulness meditation brought her peace, and while it could work wonders, she needed more. She began looking for more strategies to help herself, and began her journey of self healing. She learned breathing techniques and regulation techniques, so when she felt a strong emotion, she could acknowledge it and also have a strategy to help herself.
Around that time, the pandmic hit and the world went into lockdown. It was a tough time for everyone, Taanvi Arekapudi included, but this time, she had the strategies she needed to cope with her emotions. She wondered what her friends were going through, and if they were hiding sadness behind their smiles too, as she once had. She asked them how they were feeling, and many admitted they weren't doing to well. And Taanvi thought, 'Why don't I start a club'? The idea was to have students come and share their experiences. It took off immediately, and students were sharing their own troubles, as well as their coping strategies. Her school supported her as well, and many of her peers told her how much it had helped them.
Writing a bestseller
[caption id="attachment_40920" align="aligncenter" width="605"] Taanvi's book, Uplift Teens Today, became a bestseller[/caption]
At the age of 13, when her peers were worrying about makeup, school dances, and homework, Taanvi Arekapudi published her first book on teen mental health, written by a teen for teens. She began writing at the age of 12, as a teen reaching out to other teens, hoping to remove the stigma around mental health conversations by sharing her own story. Writing the book wasn't easy, she admits. She had to be vulnerable all over again, and to relive the emotions and experiences that had troubled her so much. Still, the experience was catharctic.
"At the start, I was sharing strategies along with anecdotes. I had a writing advisor, though, and she told me that it was hard to achieve a flow that way. She suggested that the flow be built around my own stories, with the strategies and challenges interspersed." So after a year and a half of work, she started afresh. All the while, picturing her book in a reader's hand kept her motivated. It took another year to complete the work. "There was a lot to learn—I had started off saying something had made me sad or lonely. But then I learned to redo it, and to show what those emotions meant as well. So instead of saying I felt lonely on my first day at school, I wrote that I was sitting by myself in a corner, and how that felt."
Her efforts paid off and the book was very well received. It was also a genre-maker - most books for teenagers are written by doctors and psychologists. Hers was the first one to be written for teenagers, by a teenager. "I sold thousands of copies, and it was so lovely to see people picking up my book. And I have had countless young people come up to me and say it helped them. Adults did too."
This was followed by the emotion card set. Children are not taught about emotions—it's either happy or sad, Taanvi says, adding, "And if you're sad, you're told to shoo it away." It motivated her to create the emotion card set to be used by teens and counsellors to spark conversations about mental health and emotions. It also comes with easy-to-follow coping techniques that are rooted in mindfulness and breathing exercises.
Three years ago, she created her own curriculum. By this time, Taanvi was visiting schools and spreading the word among her peers. The Mental Health Minutes are a set of monthly strategies where she shares different techniques and how and why to do them.
For this, Taanvi connects with school districts—there are 50 schools in her district in Seattle alone, and teachers share the resources with the students. "Lots of adults create strategies for youth, but they didn't resonate with me. So I thought, why not share my own? She began making short videos to share with other teens. "Some students love it, others take it in subconsciously, and later, when they are stressed or low, they remember these strategies," she says. "I have a lot of people coming up and saying they didn't listen that day but went back to it later," she says.
With a solid body of work to her credit, Taanvi now works with the University of Washington, where she does research with psychologists there. The aim is to make it part of school curriculums, for which she organizes fairs and recruits student volunteers to spread the word. "And every time I launch in a new district or community, I also launch Nexus," Taanvi explains.
Creating a curriculum and a global mental health resource library
Nexus is Taanvi’s ambitious project, a free, 24/7 mental health hub for schools that connects students with peer stories, resources, and coping strategies. “It’s already reached 800,000 students nationwide, and I’m working to make it global,” she says. Nexus brings together everything she has created—her book, her emotion cards, and her curriculum—into one accessible platform. “It’s a way for teens to feel less alone and have real tools to help them navigate their emotions.” Nexus’s impact has been widely recognized, earning awards like the Washington Health Care Authority Youth Prevention Project of the Year and the Digital4Good Most Innovative Award. Now available as a website, Taanvi's plan is to turn it into an app as well.
Her passion for helping others also led her to collaborate on the Inside Out curriculum with the Crown Institute at the University of Colorado. Drawing on the beloved animated movies of the same name, the curriculum teaches emotional intelligence in a relatable, visual way. “I grew up with Riley’s story, so being part of a project like this is so meaningful to me. I want to make sure it connects with teens on a personal level, just as the movies did for me.”
[caption id="attachment_40921" align="aligncenter" width="447"] Taanvi's Emotion Card set is availabe on her website.[/caption]
Advocacy at the community and national levels
Taanvi’s work isn’t limited to schools and communities—she has also taken her advocacy to the legislative level. “I had the chance to testify for House Bill 2256 with the Washington Health Care Authority,” she says, her voice filled with pride. “The senators usually give you just 90 seconds, but I was so passionate about the need for more mental health funding that they turned off the timer and let me keep speaking. The bill passed, and it means more resources for youth mental health programs.”
Her advocacy extends into the Indian community, where Taanvi Arekapudi leads mental health-themed talks during festivals at temples. “In India, we’ve always had a focus on mental health, but somewhere along the way, the stigma grew,” she says. “Now we’re bringing that back, connecting the themes of festivals like Diwali with positivity and self-care. It’s incredible to see parents and youth open up after hearing my story and knowing it’s okay to feel this way.” Her temple visits, like all her work, aim to break down barriers and spark conversations.
Taanvi’s impact on teen mental health has also earned her several honors, including the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, the Civic Champions Award, and recognition as a National Young Leader by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She recently started a raw Instagram series to make her work even more relatable. “It’s unscripted and real—because not everything is perfect. People need to know they’re not alone in what they’re feeling.”
When asked what motivates her, Taanvi smiles. “When I started, I didn’t know if my voice mattered. But now I know that it does—and that’s a message I want every young person to hear. If you have a passion, start advocating. Your voice can make a difference.”
Follow Taanvi Arekapudi on her website, Instagram and LinkedIn. Her book is available for purchase on Amazon. Access Nexus' resources here.
One of Rise N Shine’s food collection drives[/caption]
Vayun Amula with a friend[/caption]
Vayun Amula[/caption]
Manvin Khera[/caption]
Manvin Khera[/caption]
Taanvi Arekapudi[/caption]
Taanvi's book, 
Taanvi's Emotion Card set is availabe on her