Greeshma Davu: NRI teen empowering underprivileged girls through education
Compiled by: Team GI Youth
(November 8, 2023) Monika Chandolu, a resident of Movva village in Krishna district in Vijayawada, got an impressive 95.4 percent in her 12th grade and qualified for the JEE Mains exam. She is confident of clearing her JEE advanced test and getting admission into a top institute. This wouldn’t have been possible without the help of 16-year-old Greeshma Davu, an Indian American living in the suburb of Washington DC, who is helping many deserving students like Monika by providing financial assistance for their education.
Greeshma is on a mission to empower underprivileged girls and is doing everything possible to help the girls get the right access to education, and it’s her parents who are helping her in the process. She is assisting Monika in her pursuit of engineering education using Tata’s Palleseva organization, which is located in Kaza village within the same mandal.
Greeshma Davu
“During a visit to my grandparent’s hometown in India, I have learned about the dire consequences of inadequate education. Witnessing the lack of access to basic rights for women, I became motivated to make a difference through charity,” she told a daily.
While her parents have been the wind beneath her wings, she has been working hard to provide financial help to girls like Monika by working at Kumon learning centers, as well as working as an intern at the University of Virginia Neuro Science Lab. The concept of aiding the underprivileged by offering education took shape during her visit to India, where she saw distressing situations in which women encountered hardships because of their limited access to education.
In addition to her commitment to academics and sports, the teenager is also actively involved in charitable work through her non-profit organization, ‘Care 4 Needy,’ which extends its assistance to both Indian and American communities. ‘Care 4 Needy’ was founded in January 2022, with the initiative stemming from the vision of Greeshma’s mother and founder, Srilatha Tata, along with her maternal uncle, Pavan Kumar Tata. Greeshma and her uncle, Anil Kumar Tata, serve as co-founders of the organisation.
This dual-pronged dedication to education and community service exemplifies their family’s commitment to making a positive impact both locally and abroad through ‘Care 4 Needy.’
Apart from charitable work, Greeshma has demonstrated her academic prowess by achieving the sixth position in the State Technology Student Association (TSA) conference, showcasing her excellence in this field. Simultaneously, she is passionate about sports and has earned a spot on the Junior Varsity Volleyball team at Rockridge High School, her former educational institution.
Furthermore, Greeshma is not only excelling in her studies and sports but also showing her commitment to social causes. Her goal is to provide sanitary napkins to women and teenagers in rural areas, and she has already managed to raise an impressive $20,000 in funds to support this vital cause. Her dedication to both academic and humanitarian pursuits is truly inspiring.
“Working at the National Institute of Health to support those suffering from lupus disease, Greeshma achieved recognition in the State Technology Student Association. With the guidance of her mentors Ravi Davu and Dr Prakash Bethapudi, she also published research on brain tumour identification,” Greeshma’s mother added.
(August 22, 2024) Meet Eshna Agrawal, who has an extraordinary academic powerhouse with a deep-rooted passion for STEM and an illustrious track record, is the brain behind the climate change documentary Salary which debuted at the COP28 held in UAE. She has not only earned several international medals in prestigious Olympiads but also possesses a versatile musical talent, holding a Senior Diploma in Hindustani classical vocal music and displaying expertise in Western classical piano. Her martial arts prowess is evident in her red belt in Taekwondo, while her exceptional aptitude in Abacus has crowned her as a Grandmaster in the field. Eshna is a dedicated social activist committed to environmental causes and is a TEDx Countdown speaker. A budding entrepreneur with a fervent enthusiasm for finance, she is all of 17. [caption id="attachment_38908" align="aligncenter" width="494"] Eshna Agrawal[/caption] Early Start Growing up in the embrace of an extended family that encompassed four generations living together under one roof provided Agrawal with a wealth of experiences and a mosaic of perspectives. “From my earliest years, my parents embedded in me the fundamental values of tradition, culture, respect, and hard work, laying the bedrock of my character. Encouraged from a young age to
al with a wealth of experiences and a mosaic of perspectives. “From my earliest years, my parents embedded in me the fundamental values of tradition, culture, respect, and hard work, laying the bedrock of my character. Encouraged from a young age to dream big, their unwavering support has been pivotal. Witnessing my great-grandfather's philanthropy left an enduring impact, shaping my commitment to generosity, social responsibility, humility, and equality. Growing up as an elder sister instilled in me a sense of responsibility,” she tells Global Indian. Her early years in school played a pivotal role in fostering a deep love for learning. Surrounded by an environment that encouraged academic curiosity, she found herself being a naturally inquisitive child. This curiosity led her to explore a diverse range of activities and interests, allowing her to develop into a well-rounded individual.
Wearing Many Hats
Currently studying AS level physics, chemistry, and math at The Sanskaar Valley School, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, she is equally interested in mathematical economics research and robotics. So much so that she has qualified for World Robot Olympiad nationals. Her musical journey began at the tender age of three, culminating in a senior diploma in Hindustani classical vocal music and western classical piano trinity exams. A Taekwondo red belt, she has competed nationally and is an Abacus Grandmaster having cleared all 13 levels, over the last 11 years, and has won various international, national, and regional competitions. She is involved in several projects involving education inequality, gender inequality, carbon credits, and social entrepreneurship.
With several internships in various sectors- banking, finance, management, sustainability, she is also a TEDx Speaker.
She is the Director, Producer, Voiceover artist/ Narrator, Writer, Interviewer, Director of Photography, Researcher, Marketer and distributor of Salary, a documentary about climate change’s effect on the salt industry and an indigenous tribe Agariya that had a World Premiere at UN COP 28 in December 2023. “Salary explores the profound impact of climate change on India's traditional salt industry and the Agariyas, the indigenous salt harvesters. It highlights the crucial role these communities play in maintaining a vital resource for diverse applications, from daily needs to advanced technology,” she says, adding, “The documentary vividly illustrates how escalating climate change, manifesting in altered weather patterns and rising temperatures, threatens this delicate industry. As salt production dwindles, global repercussions loom. The film combines striking visuals and personal narratives to demonstrate the intricate link between climate sustainability and the increasingly vulnerable practice of traditional salt harvesting.”
Balancing Act
She attributes achieving success in both academics and extracurriculars to a robust support system that comes from unwavering faith and guidance from her teachers and the senior management team at school. “They have not only provided invaluable guidance but have also created an environment that fosters growth and exploration. Additionally, my parents play a crucial role in helping me maintain balance and coordination between academics and extracurricular pursuits, ensuring a holistic and well-rounded approach to my education,” says Agrawal.
[caption id="attachment_38910" align="aligncenter" width="682"] A still from Salary[/caption]
Eco Warrior
In her capacity as a 17-year-old environmental activist, she has spearheaded various projects aimed at achieving net-zero goals, promoting environmental consciousness through corporate social responsibility, and advocating for the adoption of renewable energy. “A pivotal aspect of my activism involves creating awareness, and my documentary, centred on climate change's impact on the salt industry and an indigenous tribe, serves as a powerful tool for this purpose. Additionally, I recently delivered a TEDx talk, further amplifying the message,” says Agrawal. Contrary to perceiving her age as a hindrance, she views it as her greatest asset in this advocacy.
“Our generation bears the responsibility of dealing with the consequences of environmental issues, compelling us to take decisive action. I believe our youthfulness not only empowers us to make a substantial impact but also enhances our ability to convey a sense of urgency and sincerity, making our voices resonate more effectively in the realm of environmental activism. Rather than viewing climate change solely as a threat, we, as hopeful young advocates, perceive it as an opportunity. It's a chance for individuals, companies, and nations to unite, fostering innovation, economic growth, and a sense of interconnectedness that transcends discrimination, emphasizing our shared humanity. This optimistic approach shapes our commitment to environmental causes, viewing them not only as responsibilities but as avenues for positive transformation and a more sustainable future,” she adds.
Entrepreneurial Role
In her pursuit as a budding entrepreneur, she has engaged in diverse experiences to cultivate a well-rounded skill set. Her roles have extended to encompass accounting and fund management, and she has assumed responsibilities as a workshop supervisor intern. “Growing up in a business-oriented family, our dinner table conversations have naturally revolved around business dynamics, sparking, and nurturing my innate interest in entrepreneurship. My goal is to establish and lead my own company, leveraging the invaluable insights gained from these experiences,” she says. Recognising the critical challenge of climate change, she views it not only as a problem but also as a substantial opportunity for innovation, business, and employment. “In my entrepreneurial journey, I aspire to integrate sustainability by adopting a PPP approach: prioritising People, Planet, and Prosperity. By aligning business endeavours with these principles, I aim to contribute to positive change while building a successful and socially responsible enterprise,” she says.
Learning Blocks
Overcoming challenges has been a dynamic process, rooted in resilience and a problem-solving mindset. Whether navigating the complexities of academic pursuits or tackling obstacles in extracurricular endeavours, she approaches challenges as opportunities for growth. Leveraging a robust support system, including mentors, teachers, and family, has provided invaluable guidance during challenging times. “Additionally, cultivating adaptability and maintaining a positive outlook have been instrumental. Each challenge becomes a chance to learn, adapt, and emerge stronger, reinforcing my belief that setbacks are stepping stones to success,” she says. Several valuable lessons have shaped her journey thus far. “Firstly, perseverance is key; facing challenges with resilience has consistently led to growth. Secondly, the importance of a support system cannot be overstated; mentors, teachers, and family play pivotal roles. Thirdly, a proactive and adaptable mindset is crucial in navigating the dynamic landscape of both academics and personal pursuits. Furthermore, the significance of continuous learning and curiosity has been underscored, fuelling my diverse interests. Lastly, the understanding that setbacks are integral to the journey, providing opportunities for reflection and improvement, has been a guiding principle,” says Agrawal.
Looking Ahead
In her free time, she likes to be informed about global news across various sectors, fostering a broader perspective. As a passionate foodie, she indulges in trying diverse foods and cuisines, savouring the cultural richness each dish offers. “Like any typical teenager, I relish spending quality time with my family, going out with friends, and creating memorable moments while blasting music on drives,” she smiles. Her next plans include pursuing a degree in engineering, channelling her passion for STEM subjects into academic and professional endeavours.
“I aim to delve into innovative projects, contribute to technological advancements, and ultimately carve a path that allows me to make a meaningful impact to my community. I am driven by a passion for entrepreneurship. I aspire to channel my technical knowledge into creating a business venture that not only embraces innovation but also prioritizes social impact. With a focus on environmental sustainability and addressing societal challenges, I aim to establish a business that contributes positively to both the technological landscape and the community. My vision encompasses leveraging my engineering skills to not only drive technological advancements but also to establish a business with a strong commitment to making a meaningful and lasting social impact,” she says. She is working towards launching a school for Agariya children, in collaboration with NGOs.
(November 15, 2022) The General Assembly of Illinois in the United States was created by the first state constitution adopted in 1818. As of 2022, the current General Assembly is the 102nd one. In a proud moment for India, in such a long period of its existence, Indian descent Nabeela Syed has written history by becoming the first Indian, first Muslim and its youngest member. Overjoyed with her victory in the recent election she tweeted: My name is Nabeela Syed. I am a 23-year-old Muslim, Indian-American woman. We just flipped a Republican-held suburban district. [caption id="attachment_24208" align="aligncenter" width="1001"] Nabeela Syed[/caption] The Indian-American democrat, whose parents immigrated to the USA from Hyderabad, was born and raised in Palatine, Illinois. She won the US midterm elections that concluded on 8th November 2022, defeating Chris Bos of the Republican Party, receiving 52.3 percent of the votes, and will be joining the Illinois General Assembly from January 2023. “It is important as a young Indian woman to inspire other folks (in the USA) so that we can make a mark in the country,” Nabeela said in a television interview after her win. [embed]https://twitter.com/NabeelaforIL/status/1591940528110997505?s=20&t=XYsx9oV1_TMWOc8issZmkQ[/embed] At the beginning of the campaign of the race last
vember 2022, defeating Chris Bos of the Republican Party, receiving 52.3 percent of the votes, and will be joining the Illinois General Assembly from January 2023.
“It is important as a young Indian woman to inspire other folks (in the USA) so that we can make a mark in the country,” Nabeela said in a television interview after her win.
At the beginning of the campaign of the race last year, the budding politician had remarked in one of her social media posts, “When I was first considering running, I was shocked to learn that there had never been an Indian woman or a Muslim representing Illinois in the State Legislature.” The youngster went on to add, “It’s 2021 and it’s time that our leadership starts looking a lot more like us.”
Empowering moves
Nabeela is empowering young Muslim women to take on leadership roles within her religious community at the Islamic Society of Northwest Suburbs.
Armed with a double major in political science and business from the University of California, Berkeley, the budding politician has professionally worked with several organisations like EMILY's List, America’s political action committee to raise money to elect Democrats to Congress.
[caption id="attachment_24210" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Nabeela Syed with volunteers of her campaign[/caption]
Currently, she works for a non-profit that creates various civic engagement initiatives through digital strategy, addressing issues like preventing sexual assault on college campuses, mobilising voters, and advancing gender equity. “One of the best parts is that people are sending messages from India congratulating me.
It’s incredible and humbling that the campaign gained importance beyond America,” she said in an interview after her recent win.
Proving naysayers wrong
“In our district a lot of people said that an Indian woman won’t be able to win in this kind of Republican held district,” Nabeela said, but undeterred, she pushed forward, campaigning door-to-door making people aware that she is there to work for the issues that mattered most to them. In the end, victory prevailed.
[caption id="attachment_24214" align="aligncenter" width="1181"] Nabeela just after filing a petition to include her name on the ballot on 8th March 2022. Over 2,000 community members signed the petition and dozens of volunteers circulated them[/caption]
Extremely happy with the positive outcome, she credited the voters, especially the youngsters, who came out to vote for her, proving that the ‘right wave was not as strong as it was believed to be’. “Many people in the country are in favour of reproductive healthcare freedom,” she said, remarking on one of the main agendas of her campaign that clicked.
I will always – and unequivocally – protect the right to safe and legal abortions in Illinois. And I will fight to fix our broken property tax system while keeping our schools well-resourced.
That was her campaign message, delivered loud and clear to the people she met during the past year.
Nabeela’s voluntary initiatives
Leadership, working for causes and people skills come naturally to the youngster. She served as the Campaign Manager for current Township High School District 211 School Board Member Tim Mc Gowan, helping him publicize his values of accountability, community, and equity in the schools.
[caption id="attachment_24211" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Nabeela with her supporters[/caption]
From organizing Asian American voters to flip Senate seats in Georgia, to engaging in door-to-door campaigns to help elect Democrats in Schaumburg and Palatine Nabeela has worked to advance progressive causes on both a local and national scale which has honed her politician’s skills.
Nabeela's take on Hijab
The young politician who advocates interfaith dialogue believes that it’s an individual’s right to choose when it comes to wearing hijab, just as it should be for choosing reproductive freedom. “It’s my choice to wear a hijab and no one can force me to wear it or not wear it,” she said.
I am so lucky to have that choice and I choose every single day to wear hijab and represent Muslims and be very proud of it. However, I believe that the choice is necessary and every young girl should get the right to choose.
Right from her high school days Nabeela has had some uneasy experiences with some pupils calling names but the strong girl knew how to deal with it.
In fact, it was one of the reasons people even discouraged her to contest for the elections. “People told me not to run (in the election), You are Indian and visibly a Muslim wearing hijab.” Still, the final outcome is ‘exciting’, with appreciation pouring in from ‘from people in the community, across the country, and across the world,’ turning who she is and where she comes from into a cause of record-breaking jubilation.
Firmly believing that people should not be discriminated against because of their faith, the young politician is humbled with her amazing victory, and is all geared up to fulfill the promises that she made to people during her year-long campaign.
(January 4, 2024) At 24, Arya Giri showcased her work at the New York Fashion Week 2022, achieving what countless designers dream their whole lives of doing. What’s more, this was a mere 10 months after she had launched her own, eponymous brand. The child who once sat admiring her mother’s Kanchivarams is now taking giant strides in the fashion world, buoyed by her own global upbringing and her royal lineage. Arya Giri sits down with Global Indian to recount her journey into global couture. [caption id="attachment_35006" align="aligncenter" width="367"] Arya Giri[/caption] A childhood passion Seven-year-old Arya sat close beside her mother as she showed her latest handloom Kanchivarams to her dear friend, Meena. Arya sat eagerly, eyes darting to take in every detail, enamoured by the sun’s beaming reflection off the glistening, pure gold zari. She scuttled across the warm Singapore house, hopped over steps of a polished wooden staircase, leaving a sudden silence in her wake. Her mother and the friend sipped on their chai and waited, sure of what she had planned this time. A moment later, Arya rushed back inside with a heap of 7 x 7 in glossy Origami papers, much to her mother’s amusement. Arya
hopped over steps of a polished wooden staircase, leaving a sudden silence in her wake. Her mother and the friend sipped on their chai and waited, sure of what she had planned this time. A moment later, Arya rushed back inside with a heap of 7 x 7 in glossy Origami papers, much to her mother’s amusement. Arya sat next to Meena Aunty and began. “See this, Aunty. It’s a parrot green body with purple designs and I know this sari will look so pretty on you!” and Meena Aunty played along. “Hmm yes baby, this is beautiful, but do you have anything in pink?”
This game was a common occurrence for Arya’s mom and her clients. “I suppose you could say that’s where Arya Giri was born,” Arya Giri says. Arya’s story is one constructed across numerous longitudes and latitudes, Missouri, California, Singapore, Chennai, and more. Having moved around so much through her formative years, Arya's understanding of her cultural roots and identity came to her through fashion. She went on to major in Fashion Media and Industries at Lasalle College of the Arts, and started her label, Arya Giri.
Fashion First
She runs Arya Giri (AG), a luxe prêt label that combines playful self-expression and evocative poetry with powerful emotional links. By incorporating narrative into the fabric of AG, they creatively bring disruptive hand-embroidery to the forefront. AG debuted at New York Fashion Week SS23 and Paris Fashion Week SS24, and is represented by Evoluzione Chennai and Delhi, Pernia's Pop-Up Shop, Flying Solo New York City and Paris, and AG e-commerce. Bindu Giri, a handloom sari brand is her mother's brand. “The brand's collection of magnificent Kanchipuram sarees online is as one-of-a-kind as it is pure, with authentic handlooms taken from Bindu Giri's royal heritage. Bindu and Arya collaborate closely with weaving communities to handcraft Kanchipuram silk saris that are meticulously handcrafted from start to finish with excellence using original ingredients and processes,” she explains.
[caption id="attachment_35007" align="aligncenter" width="518"] From the Sher-Rani collection by Arya Giri[/caption]
AG's USP is interwoven into a dual-purpose statement, is at the core of the label’s philosophy. First, is to lead the charge in presenting craft in a humorous yet poignant way. The rate at which artisanship is accepted and supported around the world is growing, but it is not keeping up with the rate at which craft communities are contracting, Arya says. “By the end of the next ten years, AG hopes to dispel the myth that good quality always comes at a premium cost and become affordable for the public. The second goal is to support a multicultural community of people who are interested in reflecting on their cultural tangibility.” The AG individual, in Arya’s eyes, is “majestic, inquisitive, and effervescent, who values quality, history, and defying convention,” and the brand intends to enhance everyday items with a touch of high culture.
Fashion Week
Ten months after she launched her label, she was invited to show her collection at the New York Fashion Week. This was her chance to establish India’s fashion footprint internationally, and to “provide a crucial platform for the story of her collection, Sher-Rani, the Tigress Queen.” The collection tells the tale of the phool wali, or flower garland maker, and how she becomes the local Tigress Queen or Sher-Rani by weaving flower garlands together. In a more contemporary interpretation, the Sher Rani shattered the glass ceiling to provide her children with a brighter future. “The combination of strength, grace, dignity and ferocity is what makes Indian women so remarkable,” Arya smiles. And flowers play an important role in every step of an Indian’s life, too, from birth to cremation.
Since then, Arya Giri has started selling merchandise in Paris and given fashion week showcases. They have interesting surprises in store for next year as well as additional ways for the public to engage with their work as part of their expansion plans for the USA.
Admitting that challenges are baked into the journey of a startup and the title of entrepreneurship, she consciously strives to continually remind herself that these are moments for learning and change. “I think maintaining a growth mindset is imperative since the beauty of the job is its dynamism,” she admits. Being an entrepreneur involves a wide range of skills, and Arya has learned on the job, teaching herself everything, from production management and marketing, to expansion strategies.
“It has been a truly humbling and rewarding journey. If I were to share one lesson that comes to mind, I would say it’s the fact that no matter how difficult it can be, feed your creative mind first and then your commercial mind. When you are in the startup headspace, often it can be challenging to straddle the tightrope of saleability vs. experimental creativity. Finding that sweet spot is imperative,” she says. Outside work her stress buster and emotional outlet is dance. “There is so much in the pipeline for AG, BG, and otherwise and I look forward to sharing more with you. You can expect more dynamic collections, more places to find our work, and exciting immersive experiences,” she concludes.
(November 4, 2023) In 2019, as a part of a college project, Sanya Sharma came across several articles and studies about issues like forced marriages, honour killing, and female genital cutting. After several sleepless nights and researching extensively about these issues, the young activist decided to do something about it. "I wanted to raise awareness– I spoke to my father about starting a global youth-led organisation to do this. He said, 'Be the change you wish to see', she said in an interview, adding, "With his words, I founded 'Scarlet Udaan' and got on board eight other students from across the globe to work towards ending FGC." Established in July 2020, Sanya's international youth organisation strives to promote awareness about female genital mutilation (FGC). With team members from various parts of world - including India, the UK, Indonesia, the US, and Canada - the activist wishes to bring awareness on female genital mutilation and the impact it has on the lives of females belonging to different communities all around the world. "It is estimated by the World Health Organisation that 200 million females around the world have undergone FGM. In the organisation's name, 'Scarlet' stands for the strength of womanhood,
ent communities all around the world. "It is estimated by the World Health Organisation that 200 million females around the world have undergone FGM. In the organisation's name, 'Scarlet' stands for the strength of womanhood, and 'Udaan' is a Hindi word that means 'to soar' or 'to fly'. It symbolises freedom and the limitless possibilities that exist for an individual," said the 21-year-old activist, who recently won the prestigious Diana Award for her humanitarian efforts.
Digital activism
A student of Delhi Public School, Hyderabad, Sanya wasn't just a meticulous student, but she also volunteered for various causes and organisation growing up - including the National Service Scheme and Reap Benefit. After finishing her school education, the young activist got enrolled at Durham University in the United Kingdom to pursue a bachelor's of law. It was here that she first was introduced to the issue of female genital mutilation.
"In my first year at university, I was part of a project that worked on women’s issues," the activist said, "This was the first time I heard about FGC and it was baffling. I had no idea what it was. I started having conversations with friends and family members about this and they had no idea either. Everyone was like ‘What is FGC?’ This just proved to me how inaccessible that information was. FGC is a major global concern. It affects 200 million people. Academia, governments, and international organisations that address the issue do not provide enough nuance, they’re disconnected. They’re also gatekept. They use language that people do not understand, so crucial information gets lost in jargon."
And that’s where Scarlet Udaan stemmed from. While she knew she had to do something about the issue, the activist was still figuring out a way to spread the message. Speeches, meetings, and posters would have only gotten her so far, so she turned to the digital space to talk about the issue. "The digital space is accessible and really expands the possibilities of what creating change could look like. It lets us create a safe space for people having such conversations, ones that may be considered taboo, or that people do not know much about. Our team members are from eight different countries around the world. We were able to come together and work together for a common cause, which might not have been possible offline. We also have regional expertise. This creates very nuanced views of culture and tradition and the complexity of the issues we focus on. The online space has opened up a whole new realm of having access to other organizations and youth activists with similar goals," the activist said.
Miles to go before she sleeps...
Using various social media to promote our cause, including videos and podcasts, the Global Indian has been able to reach out to a broad audience. "We have different tools at our disposal to create change, which allows us to make the information accessible to more people. We have social media posts for a quick introduction to the office, a podcast for a deep dive, detailed Zoom sessions, and live streams for more targeted information. It lets us organise creative ways to make change and have an impact," she said.
The activist plans to take a few of the organisation's activities offline very soon. "As a young person, getting to work with so many other young people and survivors across the world is great. But we’re all also people on the frontlines, both online and offline. Having both brings a community together and we can push for change across the world. Especially during the pandemic, when other channels are closed off," she explained.
Currently pursuing a master's at the Duke University School of Law in the USA, Sanya is on her way to building an organisation that can be a platform for young advocates like her to voice and spread awareness about various issues across the globe. "This will not only allow for different regional and local perspectives to be expressed but create a safe space for people to have conversations about topics that are underreported," the activist expressed.
(December 4, 2024) Some 6707 km away in London, UK and 4894 km in Phuket, Thailand, students are turning ideas into reality with the help of LaunchPad, an initiative by Delhi-based Aryan Nangia. Designed to empower students with future-ready skills, LaunchPad has expanded to 15 chapters in five countries within a span of a year. "Most students lack the skills needed to turn ideas into tangible products. I am bridging that gap through LaunchPad," Aryan tells Global Indian. What began as a school club in Gurugram in the summer of 2023 has grown into a global initiative, which has already impacted 400 students through physical chapters in 15 schools and a digital platform. "Seeing my idea go global is motivating, but what’s fulfilling is knowing that students are benefitting from it," adds the 17-year-old. [caption id="attachment_40762" align="aligncenter" width="511"] Aryan Nangia[/caption] Turning Student Ideas into Reality His journey began when his switch from the CBSE to IB (International Baccalaureate) board introduced him to practical subjects like design. Each semester, he worked on projects where he identified problems and created solutions, plans, and prototypes. However, there was a problem. "I never saw myself implementing the solutions I came up with." The turning
the CBSE to IB (International Baccalaureate) board introduced him to practical subjects like design. Each semester, he worked on projects where he identified problems and created solutions, plans, and prototypes. However, there was a problem. "I never saw myself implementing the solutions I came up with." The turning point came when his app on empowering senior citizens with hobbies after retirement remained just a prototype. "I realised that I wasn't able to scale most of my solutions." The issue echoed among his peers and friends, who too lacked the skills to scale their solutions. This epiphany led him to start LaunchPad to bridge the gap with essential skills.
Taking out a leaf from his own experiences and learnings at the school, he wanted to impart the same knowledge to other teenagers through what he calls "future-proof skills," like AI, design thinking, storytelling and communication, financial literacy and business fundamentals that are important in today's time and world. "They can be applied to every sphere, no matter what career path the students decide to take on," adds Aryan.
The initiative started small as a club in Pathways School, with 12 students with a curriculum that included quizzes, assignments and content sessions. It became an instant hit as students built robots and created website that connected volunteers to NGOs. "I realised there is some merit in this idea and we could scale and reach more kids. That's how LaunchPad was started."
[caption id="attachment_40763" align="aligncenter" width="563"] Aryan Nangia at an NGO[/caption]
Building Experience
Growing up, Aryan always found himself gravitating towards technology and innovation. From doing online courses on data analytics to joining innovation clubs at school, he found every opportunity to align himself with technology, innovation and its intersection. "My family always encouraged me to be curious and ask questions. It naturally led me to develop an entrepreneurial tech-focussed mindset."
This inquisitiveness led him to attend programs like Young Entrepreneurs Bootcamp at BITS Pilani and Harvard Conference. These experiences helped him build a network of like-minded people who enthusiastically helped set up LaunchPad chapters in schools across India and abroad.
From School Club to Global Platform
Launched in July 2023 at Pathways School, Gurgaon, LaunchPad quickly expanded to schools in Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mysore, and Mumbai in India, as well as London (UK), Houston, Alpharetta, Raleigh (USA), Phuket (Thailand), and Dhaka (Bangladesh).
Soon Aryan realised the need to reach more students wand took LaunchPad digital by creating an online platform where students can access course content, quizzes, guided assignments, and interviews with experts. "They can sign up for free and fill up a form highlighting their interests. Each module has one guided assignment which walks students through creating a project, business plan, or pitch deck as an MVP (Minimum Viable Product). Our biggest success metric is not how many students are watching the course but how many students take the first step toward building something tangible," explains Aryan. Launched in June 2024, the platform already has 200 users, and continues to grow with each passing day.
[caption id="attachment_40766" align="aligncenter" width="725"] Aryan Nangia at BITS Pilani[/caption]
Vision Forward
LaunchPad's collaboration with NGOs has further extended its reach, impacting over 75 students through customised modules. Apart from skill building, Aryan and his team is currently working on mentorship and volunteer program to match students with mentors who can help them guide on their journey. "We want to spread the axis of the high-quality education, which is free, and mentorship to everyone irrespective of the resources available to them," says Aryan, who has plans of expanding LaunchPad to government schools and NGOs. "That's a part of the larger vision for LaunchPad."
However, LaunchPad came with its set of challenges including pitching the idea and sparking interest among the students. But Aryan calls launching the website his biggest challenge. A self-proclaimed perfectionist, Aryan kept procrastinating the process of making it live as he struggled to perfect it. "I kept delaying, but I finally realized it’s better to launch and refine after feedback," he admits, echoing Reid Hoffman’s philosophy: "If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late."
Aryan is a teenager on a mission. He plans to reach 5000 kids by the next two to three years, a 10x of where LaunchPad is right now. Moreover, he plans to streamline the process of opening new channels through the website, allowing students worldwide to start initiatives in their schools.
Aryan, who loves listening to podcasts and watching cricket, advices youngsters to figure out their interests and do some research. "You can use resources like LaunchPad to build something within your interest area, completely for free. It's important to have the confidence to take the leap of faith," he signs off.
A still from Salary[/caption]
Nabeela Syed with volunteers of her campaign[/caption]
Nabeela just after filing a petition to include her name on the ballot on 8th March 2022. Over 2,000 community members signed the petition and dozens of volunteers circulated them[/caption]
Nabeela with her supporters[/caption]
From the 
Aryan Nangia at an NGO[/caption]
Aryan Nangia at BITS Pilani[/caption]