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.
(January 14, 2022) A teen with responsibility and accountability, her endeavours find solutions to global issues. Niharika Shukla was just 12 when she noticed how difficult it was for autistic children to pick up new skills. This was especially true for children diagnosed late with disability. Having volunteered for autism and learning disability support groups, the Indian teen mulled over it. Soon, she had her answer – a tool to diagnose autism spectrum disorder early, helping thousands. The 14-year-old student at Cumberland Valley High School, Pennsylvania, USA developed the Autism Diagnostic Tool, an artificial intelligence algorithm and device which uses auditory biomarkers and AI to diagnose autism spectrum disorder. A STEM believer, Indian teen inventor Niharika already has quite a few feathers in her cap at a very young age. Her work with AI was recognised by the Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair, a Wisconsin-based organisation that showcases youngsters’ research talents. Shukla is a part of Girls with Impact, an entrepreneurship and innovation academy, a programme that equips girls with entrepreneurship skills. The student, innovator, researcher and inventor is also the 2021 Science Fair Grand Champion and Broadcom MASTERS Top 300. How to help those on the autism spectrum
What led Shukla to the invention was the close observation of children with ASD, and what late diagnosis acerbated. Children with ASD are bullied, self-injure themselves, have learning difficulties and a regression in abilities. “It felt wrong that children could be diagnosed with ASD as late as age 12, and not get the treatment they need,” Niharika Shukla tells Global Indian.
After close observation and research, she identified that characteristic vocal features, auditory biomarkers indicate the presence of ASD. “Using auditory biomarkers, I wanted to create a new test to diagnose ASD in children in a more accurate, affordable and quick way,” Shukla explains.
The device first uses microcontroller-based hardware to collect audio through an inbuilt microphone. The data collected from the hardware device is sent to the computer for backend processing, for voice-feature analysis, and after a few rounds of analysing the data, the device diagnoses autism spectrum disorder, with the final results sent by bluetooth, to a mobile app. The Indian teen inventor is currently working on improving her algorithm, gaining a deeper understanding of AI, and collaborating with mentors to bring her innovation to a wider audience. The young inventor is optimistic.
Most recently, Niharika received a scholarship to Karlie Kloss’s Technology and Innovation Camp, Kode with Klossy, to learn programming. Initiated by supermodel and coder Karlie Kloss, it offers free coding camps for girls aged 13 to 18 across the United States.
More inventions on the anvil
During the pandemic too, Shukla was busy. Observing that many faced problems with not being able to accurately measure health data at home, Niharika donned her thinking cap again. “You can’t visit the doctor during a pandemic, and I wanted to create a solution,” she adds. Her invention - HealthVitals, a low-cost, at-home health monitoring device checks pulse data, blood oximetry, and temperature, was introduced in 2021. “One can monitor their health and proactively prevent serious issues,” smiles the Indian teen inventor.
Love for microcontroller projects
Using microcontroller devices to solve problems, she explains, “Small devices that include microchips, memory and the ability to connect to external sensors and devices, one can programme microcontrollers to perform specific actions.” Niharika started puttering with microcontrollers during lockdown, working on many projects. “They could be anything, as big as my prototypes for HealthVitals, or something as small as an LED display screen for my room! Microcontrollers and sensor technology fascinate me - I see so many possibilities for this technology in the future!” the young scientist happily explains.
Fun learning science since childhood
Shukla fell in love with science at a very young age - grade one - when she would sketch designs of devices. The affair only embellished as she grew. “I loved science and technology. I see the ability to address issues in my community and help people! If there’s a fire in my town, technology is the first thing that alerts firefighters to save families. In many ways, science and technology are one of the most powerful and helpful tools of our generation,” the Indian teen says.
The apple, and the tree
Parents Bharti and Rajiv Shukla are IIT and Harvard alumni. Her elder sister, Neha invented a cap -- SixFeetApart in 2020 to ensure social distancing during Covid-19. All this has ensured that this brilliant "apple" did not fall far from the tree! While her sister Neha made her family proud being featured on the Nasdaq screen at Times Square for her innovation, Niharika is herself taking after this STEM family’s aspirations. “Neha motivates me because I see how her work directly impacted so many people. She inspires me! My sister and I are close, and we both lift each other up, and help each other stay motivated!” shares the little innovator.
Daily regimen of the young inventor
Her day during Covid 19 begins with online Zoom classes and reviewing coursework. “After a quick snack, I get into my work for innovation and STEM,” chirps the Indian teen inventor. Not just a science geek, Niharika is artistic too - she unwinds playing the piano. “I’ve been playing the piano for the past six years. I also enjoy painting, drawing, and reading new books,” adds the Indian teen.
Bharti and Rajiv Shukla are her biggest motivators. While Bharti works in management consulting for tech and government sector projects, Rajiv works in the space of finance and healthcare, thus their home conversations can be as complex as AI and ML or just simple as ‘what’s for dinner?’ The Shukla sisters have their parents to mentor them through their innovations. “We all worked together to create a little solar-powered car. My sister and I assembled the car, and my parents were so surprised to see it rev on a hot summer's day!" she laughs.
India is close to her heart
The Shukla family visited India just before the pandemic - warm summers with family, catching up with cousins and grandparents, and imbibing the culture.
Shukla now plans to follow her sister Neha and dabble into wearable technology, looking at personal safety and preventing child trafficking. “I’m also excited to learn more about emerging technology like artificial intelligence, gene-editing, nanomaterials through online resources, courses, and reaching out to mentors! I hope to partner with companies like UNICEF to bring my innovations to a wider audience,” says the pony-tailed science whiz.
(June 21, 2024) Known as the ‘Cyclone’ for a reason, Puja Tomar has stormed her way to the top of the Indian martial arts circuit. This month, she made history as the first Indian to claim victory at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the United States. Hailing from Budhana village in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar, Puja broke barriers last year by becoming the first Indian woman to secure a contract with the UFC, the prestigious mixed martial arts promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. A former national Wushu (Chinese martial arts) champion, she has showcased her skills in international Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) action-packed competitions like Matrix Fight Night and ONE Championship. On June 8 this month, Puja secured a monumental victory by defeating Brazil's Rayanne Amanda dos Santos, marking India's first-ever win in the UFC. This achievement comes more than a decade after the UFC officially opened its doors to women fighters in 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juh-9k4DjAc Overwhelmed with happiness, Puja burst into tears when her name was announced as the winner. "I want to thank my Lord Jesus Christ. It’s because of Him that I am here," she said, her voice trembling with emotion and tears welling in
happiness, Puja burst into tears when her name was announced as the winner. "I want to thank my Lord Jesus Christ. It’s because of Him that I am here," she said, her voice trembling with emotion and tears welling in her eyes. "I am very excited and want to declare that Indian fighters are not losers. We are going all the way up. We will not stop," she said amidst cheers from the crowd in Louisville, Kentucky.
Persistence in the face of failures
Puja’s journey has not been without its setbacks. After enduring four consecutive losses in the ONE Championship, she competed at the Matrix Fight Night (MFN) in 2021, where she triumphed in four bouts. From there, her position in the Indian martial art circuit started to soar. For her recent championships, she trained at the Soma Fight Club in Bali, Indonesia.
“I have faced judgments about my body, with people saying it resembles a male physique. However, mindsets are gradually shifting as mixed martial arts gains recognition,” she remarked in an interview.
Starting young
Puja began her martial arts journey at the age of 12 after the loss of her father. Growing up with two sisters, she took inspiration from Jackie Chan movies and learned Karate initially to protect them.
However, the rules of Karate were restrictive, and she sought a more physically demanding sport. "I needed something rough and tough, so I chose martial arts," she explained.
During her teenage years, Puja represented India in the World Wushu Championship before turning to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in 2013, following her victory at the MFN Strawweight Championship.
As far as the techniques of the fights are concerned, she prefers the Heel Hook for grappling and the SideKick for striking her opponents. She immersed herself so deeply in the game that her aggression had started becoming strongly evident, prompting her coaches to work on toning it down over time.
Going the extra mile
From a young age, Puja had always aspired to achieve something extraordinary. "My mother has been my strongest supporter, pushing me to strive for greatness, despite her initial tears seeing me injured when I took up Wushu as a child," Puja shared.
She dedicated her recent UFC victory to her mother, acknowledging, "My mother fought against all odds to help me reach where I am today."
Recognised as one of the top female fighters in the Indian circuit, Puja Tomar received a hero’s welcome upon returning to India and during her visit to her village, Budhana in Uttar Pradesh.
Reflecting on her recent triumph minutes after the win she remarked, "Walking into the championship arena with the Indian flag just before the tournament, filled me with immense pride and gave me goosebumps. Walking with the Indian flag felt like a bigger moment than the win itself."
(January 16, 2024) A regular crisp afternoon in San Jose, California in 2022 turned into horror when a restaurant burned down to ashes after a fire incident. The then 12-year-old Shanya Gill saw the tragedy unfold in the restaurant behind her home, which left her unsettled. Despite the smoke detector, the restaurant officials were able to raise an alarm only after considerable damage was done, and despite incessant efforts to control the situation, the fire ended up engulfing the entire restaurant. The incident shocked the entire neighbourhood but on Shanya it left a lasting impact. A STEM student who's always looking for possible solutions to world problems, she decided to come up with a rapid-fire detection device - an invention that won her the Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND Award. "The tragedy prompted me to create a device that could detect fires at an earlier stage, preventing similar incidents in the future," she tells Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_35262" align="aligncenter" width="631"] Shanya Gill[/caption] The seventh grader at Miller Middle School understood the need for a "more efficient fire detection system", and came up with a solution that's more effective than a smoke alarm. "What distinguishes my fire detection device from traditional smoke
The seventh grader at Miller Middle School understood the need for a "more efficient fire detection system", and came up with a solution that's more effective than a smoke alarm. "What distinguishes my fire detection device from traditional smoke alarms is that smoke detectors react only when smoke is present, often indicating a fire at a more advanced and dangerous stage. In contrast, my system, relying on code and a thermal camera, detects unattended fires much earlier in their development," she explains.
It all began a few weeks after the fire. One day while studying she discovered something interesting about thermal cameras - they can show where homes are losing heat in the winter. Curious, she started looking into whether these cameras could find house fires faster than regular smoke detectors and realised that "an early warning" can help save many lives.
A STEM lover
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, her parents - a doctor and a computer scientist- moved to the US in their early 20s for job opportunities. Carving a dream life for themselves in the US, they have been keen to support their daughter in her endeavours. "Their unwavering emotional support has played a crucial role in my journey," says the teen innovator. Growing up in California, "where STEM opportunities abound", she was always interested in science and technology. "My passion for these fields solidified through participation in regional science fairs, where I could combine my love for science and building things," adds Shanya.
The making of fire detection device
But it was the fire at the restaurant in her neighbourhood that nudged her to find a solution. During her research, she stumbled upon statistics that proved that smoke detectors weren't as reliable as she thought them to be. "This further motivated me to find a solution." She spent countless hours working on the initial design which turned out to be a failure owing to loopholes in the code. "This setback prompted me to reevaluate my approach and led to my second attempt where I refined the code." Highlighting a crucial lesson she learnt from the experience, she says, "is the importance of maintaining motivation throughout the process. Celebrating the small victories in my code, no matter how incremental, proved to be a key strategy in overcoming challenges and keeping the project on track."
It all began when she stumbled upon an online video where a man used thermal cameras to find the loopholes in the heating system in his home. Snubbing it initially as an expensive affair, upon more research, she found that the thermal camera being used was quite cheap. "My idea for an early fire detection system was already known, and seeing this cheap thermal camera allowed me to tie temperature and fires together," reveals Shanya.
Finally, she came up with a device that has a thermal camera and a Raspberry Pi, "with the latter being coded to evaluate images sent by the camera and determine the fire's status - whether it is attended or unattended." Explaining the process, she says, "The device uses temperature and motion(seeing how a part of an image changes temperature) to detect fires and humans, therefore allowing the device to know whether there is a human and a fire in a scene(attended fire) or just a fire in a scene(unattended fire)."
With an impressive accuracy rate in the range of ninety percent, she plans to incorporate AI in her device to eliminate false positives as well as other factors such as pets. "If put in the marketplace, I believe that this device, with improvements, can alert the user of a fire before it becomes a threat, and I believe it can save a lot of lives," she adds.
International recognition
Shanya, who describes herself as "independent, persevering, and happy", received top honours in the foremost middle school STEM competition sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific and the Society for Science, and won a cash prize of $25,000 for her innovation. Calling it a moment of gratitude, she says, "It instilled confidence in my abilities."
Imparting a nugget of advice, she asks youngsters "to stick to your passions and to undertake a long-term project because that teaches you a lot." The Indian-American teen is a champion swimmer, water polo, and table tennis player, and aspires to be self-employed and invent new things. "I feel this gives me the ability to be creative and not be trapped in a box," she signs off.
(May 24, 2023) The Godavari River, winding through the scenic Konaseema district, is a vital lifeline for its residents. Over time, however, pollution has been steadily chipping away at its vitality. Umasri Pujyam, a 15-year-old Memphis-based NRI, has been combating this very issue and has become the voice of the river, making waves in her passionate fight against pollution. In a short span of two years, the young crusader has already conducted over 100 river clean-up days in the Godavari, by bringing together volunteers from the local community to address the grim issue of water and plastic pollution and promoting access to clean drinking water for those affected by this existential threat. Even though she left for the US when she was just four, her ties to her native place (Ponnamanda village) have always been strong. It was the sight of the once-pristine Godavari river stretch near Razole in the Konaseema district that compelled her into action. "I found that river Godavari, which is central to the livelihoods of millions of people, is facing a range of threats, including water and plastic pollution," says the teenager, who is also worried about the impact of agricultural practices on the local environment
he local environment as her village Ponnamanda is largely agriculture-based. Moreover, explaining her mission, she said, "The heavy use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides in farming has led to runoff that contaminates streams and rivers, further exacerbating the problem of water pollution. This made me take up the river cleanup and environmental protection mission."
Journeying to the Godavari River
Leaving the comfort of her home in the US, Umasri, who is currently studying in Class X, embarked on a journey to protect the Godavari's ecosystem, setting an exemplary model for youth across the world. From organising cleanup drives to rallying local communities, Umasri’s contributions towards reviving the river have been nothing short of extraordinary. She has transformed her journey into a movement, inspiring locals and authorities alike.
When she collected plastic waste from Godavari for 100 days, the act not just inspired the panchayat staff but also created a sense of responsibility among the youth. This led to the formation of ‘Youth Against Water Pollution’, an organisation that's raising voices against the water issues faced by the people of Konaseema.
[caption id="attachment_30314" align="aligncenter" width="662"] Umasri Pujyam cleaning the banks of Godavari river[/caption]
It was in 2021 that she began working on the mission while attending virtual classes. Since then, the movement has expanded and so has her outreach. Apart from her fieldwork in India, she is also creating awareness through social media.
Raising awareness
Umasri has also been instrumental in raising awareness about the hazards of pollution, not just to the river, but the overall ecosystem. Educational workshops, public awareness campaigns, and open dialogues have become commonplace in the Konaseema district, thanks to Umasri's initiative. She stresses the importance of sustainable practices and responsible waste disposal, emphasizing that change must start at the grassroots level.
For the last few years, she has been raising alarm against the untreated sewage and plastic - which is the key cause behind the river’s pollution. Moreover, Umasri has been guiding the locals on proper waste disposal and ways to reduce their impact on the environment and water sources. She cleans the river mostly on her own but often finds help from the locals in the form of volunteers. "I have collaborated with local officials and politicians including Amalapuram MP Chinta Anuradha and Razole MLA Rapaka to help work towards better environmental policies and conditions as well," the Global Indian added. This collective effort has removed tonnes of waste from the river, reducing pollution levels significantly and making a visible impact on the water quality.
In the pipeline
For someone passionate about environmental engineering and technology, she envisions the implementation of waste management systems and the introduction of eco-friendly alternatives to curb pollution. Besides, Umasri also aspires to engineer innovative and effective sewage treatment solutions that will help priortise access to clean water for all.
Her ultimate goal is to have a bright future for the villagers, wherein the health and prosperity of local communities are sustained. Umasri’s campaign is not just about restoring the Godavari River; it's about empowering the people who depend on it, building a better, sustainable future for them, and the generations to come. This dynamic young leader has shown that every small step matters.
(September 18, 2024) A few years ago, when Mannat Kaur witnessed her home tap run dry, she began exploring solutions for the widespread use of greywater (domestic wastewater) to address the water crisis. Little did she imagine that her curiosity and efforts to develop a water-conservation project would eventually lead her to being felicitated by the Princess of Sweden, and attend the Royal Banquet hosted by Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf. The 16-year-old, class 12 student spent an unforgettable week in Stockholm this August when she travelled to represent India at the 2024 International Stockholm Junior Water Prize, held as part of World Water Week. Winning the national championship at IIT Madras, which led to these remarkable experiences, had already been a golden opportunity in itself. [caption id="attachment_39296" align="aligncenter" width="482"] Mannat Kaur at the royal banquet[/caption] Accompanied by her father and the national organizer, Prof. Indumathi M. Nambi from the Department of Environmental Engineering and School of Sustainability at IIT Madras, Mannat joined participants from 30 countries for the prestigious event. Although the United Kingdom took home the international prize, the experience has filled Mannat, the Head Girl of DPS RK Puram, with immense confidence and unforgettable memories. 'Every moment
and School of Sustainability at IIT Madras, Mannat joined participants from 30 countries for the prestigious event.
Although the United Kingdom took home the international prize, the experience has filled Mannat, the Head Girl of DPS RK Puram, with immense confidence and unforgettable memories. 'Every moment was unforgettable,' she tells Global Indian.
The joy of being a national champion
IIT Madras served as the national organizer for World Water Prize. Mannat competed against 350 applicants from 23 states at the national level and emerged as the winner, earning the opportunity to represent her country. “The top 12 shortlisted teams were invited to present their projects in person at the IIT Madras campus, where my project was selected,” Mannat shares.
[caption id="attachment_39298" align="aligncenter" width="395"] Mannat Kaur with IIT-M Prof. Indumathi M. Nambi in Stockholm[/caption]
Calling her victory at the national championship a significant personal achievement, Mannat who had dedicated the past four years to this project said, “Receiving recognition at the national level in a competition focused on the water domain is truly rewarding. This recognition has also strengthened my determination to continue contributing to solutions that can have a positive impact on both my country and the world.”
Earlier this year, the youngster had participated in the Genius Olympiad, organised by the US based Rochester Institute of Technology and held at the RIT campus in India where the same project earned her an honourable mention.
The award-winning water project
Mannat’s project is an applied research project which focuses on the development of an indigenous, sustainable, cost effective, decentralized greywater treatment unit which collects, treats, and reuses greywater generated in a household at the source.
“This product driven intervention has two units: Scupper Valve and Bilge Vessel which help households save and fight the water crisis without any major modifications in the current home plumbing system and takes up very little space in the bathroom,” explains Mannat adding, “The preliminary prototype testing demonstrates its effectiveness in collecting and treating greywater to an improved level. The solution also has an image processing component which is able to distinguish effectively between the pre-rinse and post-rinse water from the heavily soapy flows, enabling selective collection of greywaters.
[caption id="attachment_39300" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Mannat Kaur with IIT-M Prof. Indumathi M. Nambi in Stockholm[/caption]
Mannat estimates that a single-family can save around 5,000-6,000 litres of precious potable water per month and can reduce 50% of their water demand if her solution gets implemented. This decentralized approach reduces carbon emissions by 80-85 percent compared to the traditional centralized sewage treatment setups (water pumping and operational energy), offsetting 18,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
“Additionally, due to lower sewage output, it contributes towards embodied carbon savings linked to the plumbing network infrastructure and construction of sewage treatment plants. This solution, therefore, addresses two main challenges - water scarcity and operational carbon emissions associated with freshwater supply, wastewater treatment and conveyance of treated water,” says the youngster, who has applied for a patent at the Indian Patent Office.
It all started when…
In 2016, during an agitation, Mannat witnessed her home tap run dry as the Munak Canal, which supplies water to Delhi, was breached. Her entire neighbourhood struggled to secure even a single bucket of water. “This incident was a wake-up call, prompting me to explore ways to conserve water,” she says.
[caption id="attachment_39301" align="aligncenter" width="618"] Mannat while showcasing her project during Water Prize national championship at IIT-Madras[/caption]
She began monitoring her family’s water usage and identifying areas of waste, conducting water audits at home. Mannat noticed a significant amount of water going to waste and observed her family collecting greywater in a tub for reuse in flushing. When she inquired why this practice wasn't more widespread, she learned that collecting, treating, and reusing greywater requires major retrofit of the toilet and plumbing piping.
“This is how I started looking and developing practical solutions which can be easily implemented and bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application,” she says.
Experiences at Stockholm
Apart from soaking in the mesmerizing beauty of the European city of Sweden, Mannat got the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with experts. She was selected to participate in a talk show titled 'Bridging Borders and Generations with the Stockholm Junior Water Prize,' sponsored by Xylem, the U.S.-headquartered global water technology provider. Later engaging with experts from the Xylem team at their office and touring their facilities was great experience for the teenager.
Visiting the Indian Embassy and meeting Chargé d'Affaires, Mr Rakesh Tiwari, was a cherished moment too. Additionally, interacting with Taikan Oki, professor at the University of Tokyo and former Assistant Secretary General at the United Nations who won the 2024 Stockholm Water Prize in the senior category, made her overall experience even more enriching.
[caption id="attachment_39315" align="aligncenter" width="546"] Mannat Kaur at Stockholm[/caption]
A visit to the Royal Palace, not as a tourist but as an invitee to the Stockholm Water Prize royal dinner and banquet with the King and Queen of Sweden was a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
Future plan and good influences
Mannat has a deep passion for computer science, machine learning, and emerging technologies. “The myriad challenges that the world has to confront today, such as climate change and water scarcity have ignited in me the desire to work for environmental conservation,” she says adding, “I would like to make use of my technological knowledge to address the impending challenges our generation will inevitably face.”
As a Steve Jobs fan, the youngster believes in proactive resolution rather than passive observation. “I want to impact the world as Steve Jobs had, using technology to change the way we live life. Just as he made personal computing accessible through Macintosh, the first widely sold personal computer (PC), my dream is to make environmental sustainability the easier choice,” she remarks.
[caption id="attachment_39303" align="aligncenter" width="725"] Princess Victoria of Sweden with participants of the Junior Water Prize including Mannat Kaur at Stockholm[/caption]
Mannat lives in a close-knit family of five which consists of her grandfather, her parents and a younger brother who is in grade 10. Considering herself fortunate enough to have spent some time with her late great-grandmother during the formative years of her life, the youngster mentions “I have inherited my creativity from my architect father and analytical thinking from my mathematician mother, a blend of both has shaped my approach to both life and problem-solving.”
Puja Tomar[/caption]
Puja Tomar[/caption]
Umasri Pujyam cleaning the banks of Godavari river[/caption]
Mannat Kaur with IIT-M Prof. Indumathi M. Nambi in Stockholm[/caption]
Mannat Kaur with IIT-M 
Mannat while showcasing her project during Water Prize national championship at IIT-Madras[/caption]
Mannat Kaur at Stockholm[/caption]
Princess Victoria of Sweden with participants of the Junior Water Prize including Mannat Kaur at Stockholm[/caption]