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

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

Written by: Team GI Youth

(July 22, 2023) In a remarkable display of scientific brilliance, six young innovators of Indian American heritage have emerged as shining stars among the USA’s brightest in the prestigious 3M Young Scientist Challenge. These ingenious middle school students have secured their spots in the competition’s top ten finalists, captivating judges and spectators alike with their groundbreaking research and innovative ideas. Hailing from diverse backgrounds and regions, these budding scientists have proven that age knows no boundaries when it comes to transforming the world through science.

3M Young Scientist Challenge | The Global Indian Youth

The 3M Young Scientist Challenge, renowned for its rigorous selection process, attracts talent from all corners of the US. Global Indian delve into the stories behind these six extraordinary kids, whose names are etched in the hall of fame for young scientists. The future indeed looks brighter with these young trailblazers at the forefront of scientific innovation.

Ishaan Iyer

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

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

Anisha Dhoot

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

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

Shripriya Kalbhavi

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

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

Adhip Maitra

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

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

Shruti Sivaraman

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

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

Anish Kosaraju

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

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

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Published on 22, Jul 2023

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Footballer Shubho Paul: The next big thing in Indian sports evolution

(March 28, 2024) Growing up, Subho Paul's father toiled in a textile mill while his mother managed the household, leaving the family with few of the basic amenities often taken for granted. At just 13 years old, Subho would finish school only to embark on a journey to the training ground, pedalling on a borrowed bicycle without the luxury of football boots, as his family couldn't afford them. Introduced to the sport at the tender age of six by his elder brother Raju Paul, who harboured aspirations of a professional football career himself, Subho displayed remarkable talent. Witnessing his younger sibling's aptitude for the game, Raju, a decade his senior, selflessly relinquished his ambitions, securing a job at the Howrah municipal corporation to facilitate Subho's budding football career. [caption id="attachment_15140" align="aligncenter" width="558"] Shubho Paul[/caption] While India may have missed out on the opportunity to participate in the FIFA qualifiers this time, the future of Indian football looks to be in safe hands. Over time, the country has nurtured exceptional talents, with some even making their mark in prominent international leagues. Among these talents is this 18-year-old footballer, who recently achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian to join

ark in prominent international leagues. Among these talents is this 18-year-old footballer, who recently achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian to join Bayern Munich’s Under-19 World Squad. Hailing from a humble background in a small town in Bengal, the Sudeva Delhi FC player was overjoyed upon learning of his selection for the German squad.

“I never thought such a day would come. I came to Sudeva to play in the I-League but never thought the experience at Sudeva would bring me to this stage. Especially after seeing the Bayern jersey with my name on the back, I am feeling happier,” the footballer said in a press conference soon after his selection. The Global Indian was selected via a programme overseen by the German and European football powerhouses Bayern, constituting a two-step initiative guided by Bayern legend and World Cup winner Klaus Augenthaler and Christopher Loch – the Bavarian club’s coach for international programmes.

Rising from the ashes

Fortunes took a turn for the better when Kolkata football icon Chima Okorie graced a nearby ground to oversee trials. The aspiring footballer watched eagerly from the sidelines, yearning for an opportunity to showcase his skills before the legend, renowned for his prolific goal-scoring record while representing Kolkata giants East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Mohammedan Sporting. Remarkably, his wish came true. Okorie noticed the young lad, approached him, and inquired about his aspirations. What unfolded next was akin to a fairy tale.

Competing barefoot against older boys, Subho consistently found the back of the net, earning the admiration of Okorie, a formidable striker in his own right. Impressed by Subho's prowess, Chima Okorie not only provided him with his inaugural pair of football boots and kit but also assumed a mentorship role. Under Okorie's tutelage, avenues began to unfold for the budding footballer, leading to his selection as one of the inaugural recruits for Bengaluru FC's academy following trials.

The serendipitous encounter with Okorie unlocked numerous opportunities for Subho, some of which were previously beyond his awareness. Following his initial training stint at Bengaluru FC, Subho ventured back to Kolkata and swiftly caught the attention of Sudeva Delhi FC, where he showcased his scoring abilities across different age categories. Since becoming an AIFF-registered player, the young prodigy has netted an impressive 87 goals in 41 matches, underscoring his remarkable goal-scoring prowess, which ultimately led to his selection for Bayern's World Squad.

Climbing the ladder

Before joining the German team, Subho also represented India at the Under-16 level, playing a pivotal role in India's qualification for the 2020 AFC Under-16 Championships in Bahrain, which have since been postponed. He demonstrated his skill by scoring three goals in three qualifying matches.

Speaking about his selection at Bayern Munich’s Under-19 World Squad, the footballer said in a press conference, “I was unaware that such a programme was underway, and my details had been shared with Bayern. I went back to my home for a week and the coach called me back to Sudeva for training. I was not told about any involvement from Bayern Munich to not affect my mentality. The coach called up a meeting one day with all the players and that is when I got to know about my selection in the Bayern Munich World Squad.”

The news of his call up to the World Squad has been emotional for his elder brother. During an interaction with the media, Shubho shared that since his family couldn’t afford to support both sons playing football, his elder brother took up a job. Crediting his brother for his success on the field, he said that he only played cricket growing up, but his brother motivated him to think about football seriously and took him to the coaches.

The announcement of his selection for the World Squad has stirred strong emotions in his older brother. In a media interview, Shubho revealed that due to financial constraints within the family, his elder brother made sacrifices by securing employment to support their shared football aspirations. Expressing gratitude towards his brother for his achievements on the field, Shubho disclosed that while he initially focused solely on cricket during his upbringing, his brother inspired him to take football seriously and even facilitated his introduction to coaches.

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Digital entrepreneur Ashwath Narayanan connects influencers with purpose-driven organisations

(April 4, 2023) Like millions of others, when he first moved to the United States of America to pursue a bachelor's degree in political science and government from George Washington University, his main aim was to finish the course and find a good job. But fate had other plans for Ashwath Narayanan, who at 21, founded his own company - Social Currant a unique platform that matches impact brands, nonprofits, and purpose-driven organisations with the right creators and influencers. "If you are looking to reach young people and engage them - you will have to go places you can find them. And social media is where this audience is, and they follow influencers. So, I started a marketing agency focused on getting the young people involved in social causes being promoted by these organisation, using various social media platforms," the young entrepreneur said. The Social Current, which started with a small team based in DC, is now a global agency and is focused on empowering creators, young people, and individuals focused on impact. "I originally founded Social Currant as a marketing agency focused on giving young people representation and voices in rooms where people were making decisions about how to

a small team based in DC, is now a global agency and is focused on empowering creators, young people, and individuals focused on impact. "I originally founded Social Currant as a marketing agency focused on giving young people representation and voices in rooms where people were making decisions about how to reach us, without us," the entrepreneur shared, adding, "I thought we would start an agency, help social impact organisations figure out emerging media platforms like TikTok and Reels and pay our rent as a result."

An entrepreneurial journey

Born in the US, Ashwanth moved back to India when he was just a toddler, only to return to the US for his education. The entrepreneur recalled, "I had a very interesting childhood. Even when I was back in India, I had a US passport and I would renew my visa every nine months. This always made me feel that I was from two countries - different from each other in every way possible. My mother worked in a non-profit organisation and would take me to several events, which I didn't like attending at all. However, I think that left a huge impact on me and motivated me to do what I do today. I moved back to the US when I was 18 years old, for my under graduation in 2018."

https://soundcloud.com/thegreatbattlefield/connecting-progressive-organizations-with-influencers-with-ashwath-narayanan-of-social-currant?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

It was here that the young entrepreneur took more interest in marketing and started getting involved in various startup projects. "When I was in high school, I would often write stories. I wanted to pursue a career in journalism, but once I got to the US, I realised that marketing is also a form of telling a story to the audience. I got deeply embedded into the startup and nonprofit space just being in Washington, DC. I went through a startup incubator, worked at a social impact game company called Game Genius, and was generally very involved with people building their businesses. That was the first experience I had with the startup space as well as the social entrepreneurship space and I haven’t looked back since." he shares.

[caption id="attachment_29076" align="aligncenter" width="651"] Team Social Currant[/caption]

As a consultant helping budding organisations, Ashwath realised the potential social media - and especially the young influencers on various platforms like Instagram and TikTok - had while connecting a company to its audience. "I was working with various organisations as their consultant, helping organisations how to reach young people. It was going well, and I knew what I was doing. So I decided that I would launch my agency. I hired people my age, and I can say that Social Currant is a youth-run organisation. In fact, when I started the company I was still in college, and so were several other people I had hired," shared the Global Indian.

Long way to go

With a CV full of internships and short-term jobs, many young people might not have been confident to start a company. Not Ashwath, though. While he was a little nervous at the beginning, he was also sure about his marketing abilities and also had faith in the cause. "Since we started, we’ve pivoted into an influencer marketing agency and now a tech platform helping social impact brands, nonprofits, and CSR initiatives match with and manage mission-aligned creators. Having facilitated several strong collaborations between organisations and creators, we are focused on helping creators get paid and monetise around mission-aligned causes," the entrepreneur said.

Giving an insight about one of his projects, he said, "One of our favourite projects was for Community Change, one of our first clients in the space. We matched them with Tega, a content creator on TikTok. Over the months, Tega not only did many videos for Community Change but also came to one of their events in Michigan to create this TikTok with Congressman Jamaal Bowman. It was a great experience bringing a partnership to life in real life but also seeing its awesome reception on the platform."

https://vimeo.com/646198961?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=146896044

While the non-profit space is still inaccessible to young people and struggles to keep up with modern trends and innovations, Ashwath feels that Social Currant can change this narrative. "We’ve seen nonprofits of all sizes need different things and have different levels of technological advancement, similar to any business. We’ve been blessed to have clients that are investing in new tactics, innovating, and using the latest technology. However, one thing that I have noticed is that often technology isn’t built to cater to nonprofit needs, which can be different than business needs. So we are working to fix that in the influencer space so that more nonprofits can invest in creator programmes are reaching out to the younger generation," the entrepreneur said.

Follow Ashwath Narayanan on LinkedIn and Instagram
Follow Social Currant on LinkedIn

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Pen and Purpose: Keerthana Seetharaman is helping people in their writing and publishing pursuits

(February 24, 2024) Keerthana Seetharaman has harboured a deep passion for writing and getting her work published, for as long as she can recall. However, navigating limited resources and lack of knowledge of how to go about it, posed challenges. "I felt exhausted while searching for the right platform to publish my works," she shares with Global Indian. Recognising that many others might be facing similar obstacles, the Chennai-based youngster had established The Writing Arena Publishers in 2020, when she was just a 16-year-old. Building this venture during the pandemic brought her a sense of fulfilment and productivity. "Within the confines of this venture, I constructed my sanctuary of happiness, even in the face of negativity," she shares. [caption id="attachment_36094" align="aligncenter" width="583"] Keerthana Seetharaman[/caption] So far, The Writing Arena Publishers has overseen publication of 15 print-on-demand anthologies, each featuring contributions from teenagers or adults, depending upon the theme. Keerthana’s entrepreneurial initiative has garnered attention, leading to speaking opportunities at events hosted in schools and colleges. Moreover, she was recognised with a startup award from a Chennai-based organisation and also had the privilege of meeting the Governor of Tamil Nadu. These early accolades have fuelled the budding entrepreneur’s determination to continue

print-on-demand anthologies, each featuring contributions from teenagers or adults, depending upon the theme. Keerthana’s entrepreneurial initiative has garnered attention, leading to speaking opportunities at events hosted in schools and colleges. Moreover, she was recognised with a startup award from a Chennai-based organisation and also had the privilege of meeting the Governor of Tamil Nadu. These early accolades have fuelled the budding entrepreneur’s determination to continue excelling in the realms of creative writing and entrepreneurship.

In the world of writing

The engineering student found affirmation in her writing abilities last year when she was awarded a 'Gold Finalist' certificate for her entry in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, an international event organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society.

The 20-year-old is set to release her debut book of poems, titled 'Engraving Emotions'.

[caption id="attachment_36095" align="aligncenter" width="608"] Keerthana Seetharaman with Ravindra Narayana Ravi, the Governor of Tamil Nadu[/caption]

Learning from obstacles

Four years back when Keerthana had launched her publishing venture, she had formed a remote team. However, during the initial phases, the volume of submissions remained minimal, causing team members to gradually lose interest. Additionally, as time passed, their priorities shifted, and the venture experienced a temporary halt in its operations.

“There were times when I questioned my own knowledge. There were days when I felt like quitting and focusing solely on studies,” she says. “But my purpose pushed me to juggle these hassles and keep working,” she adds.

Finally, embracing a solopreneur mindset, Keerthana began working with numerous roles - editor, proofreader, compiler, marketer, and beyond. "Initially, it was exhausting, but I eventually got used to the workload," she says.

[caption id="attachment_36096" align="aligncenter" width="418"] Keerthana Seetharaman[/caption]

Recognising the challenges and time commitment involved in writing an entire book, which can often lead to loss of interest midway, Keerthana promotes creative expression through anthologies – as the writers in anthologies need to just contribute a chapter or two. “Nurturing students to become authors is a dream I aspire to share with the world," she remarks.

Publishing anthologies however, proves to be very time-consuming, as she has to deal with multiple writers and spend considerable time coordinating their contributions.

Giving back

Keerthana also helps less privileged students to follow their dreams of writing, through an initiative called Kanavugal Meipada (Dreams Come True). The organisation conducts writing competitions in government schools, and the best entries are chosen to be part of an anthology published by her venture, The Writing Arena Publishers. She also conducts sessions on mental health and wellness for these children.

“Entrepreneurship is not all about making money, rather about adding values to people’s life,” she remarks.

[caption id="attachment_36129" align="aligncenter" width="573"] Keerthana Seetharaman during an interaction at a government school[/caption]

At Chennai’s Sri Sairam Engineering College, where she is pursuing computer science and business systems, Keerthana is actively involved in a social work project called Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, spearheaded by the government. Along with her fellow students she conducts awareness programs in Poonthandalam village, one of the ten villages her college is assisting in achieving economic stability and independence.

An eye on future

The pre-final year student is also a member of the Professional Communication Society (PROCOMM), an initiative of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to improve engineers’ technical communication skills. Recently Keerthana has been selected to serve as a student chairperson of the society’s chapter in her college.

Looking ahead, Keerthana aims to carve a career path that integrates her degree in engineering and passion for writing.

Follow Keerthana Seetharaman on LinkedIn

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How a small-town boy became the GATE 2022 topper without any formal coaching

(March 31, 2022) The last few days have seen GATE 2022 topper T Mani Sandeep Reddy receive a flurry of phone calls and congratulatory messages. Among them, he was pleasantly surprised to discover, was Telangana minister E Dayakara Rao. Meanwhile, the soft-spoken engineering student from NIT-Warangal is perplexed by the adulation. His achievement - topping the chemical engineering section, is tremendous. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is one of the country's most competitive exams, deciding admissions to various IITs and to the prestigious Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru. "I am satisfied with my performance. Is it a great achievement? I don’t know. But I did not expect this kind of response. I feel people are blowing it out of proportion," smiles the 22-year-old, whose gentle demeanour and simplicity are hard to miss. [caption id="attachment_22309" align="aligncenter" width="536"] The GATE 2022 topper outside his alma mater, NIT-Warangal[/caption] Mission: Stay focussed In an exclusive chat with Global Indian from his hostel at NIT, Sandeep says that it was general preparation that helped him secure the first rank. Unlike scores of students across the country, he didn't head to the array of coaching centres. Instead, the GATE 2022 topper decided to

th Global Indian from his hostel at NIT, Sandeep says that it was general preparation that helped him secure the first rank. Unlike scores of students across the country, he didn't head to the array of coaching centres. Instead, the GATE 2022 topper decided to keep it simple, preparing on his own at home. “I started preparing for GATE about six months ago. The plan was simple – dedicate three to four hours every day to all the subjects with complete concentration," says the chemical engineering student. Staying focussed in his classes helped him cope with the syllabus.

Incidentally, most students opt for formal coaching ahead of the exams, but Sandeep chose to arm himself with his professors’ lessons, a few guides, and determination. This year’s GATE results were declared by the Indian Institute of Technology - Kharagpur on March 17. The exams decide admissions into the Masters programmes at various IITs and the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, as well as for recruitment by some public sector companies.

"I was expecting a rank below 50 and the paper was tough this year," he says when asked whether he’d had any inkling that he would secure the first rank. This year, over nine lakh students had applied for GATE 2022, of which a little over seven lakh appeared for the exams in early February. Sandeep emerged as the GATE topper 2022, securing the AIR Rank 1 in the chemical engineering stream.

Mr. T Mani Sandeep Reddy, final year BTech Chemical student secured AIR 1 in GATE 2022. pic.twitter.com/uGZBMab3VJ

— NIT WARANGAL (@warangal_nit) March 17, 2022

Ladder to success

This is Sandeep’s second attempt at GATE. He’d taken the exam in 2021 too when he ranked 229. "That (rank) was good enough and I wrote the exams just to gain some experience," he says. In hope of pushing his limits even more, he decided to retake the exam.

"I had a solid conceptual understanding of my subjects," says Sandeep, adding, "Paying attention in class helped me a great deal." His professors, who guided him throughout, were very happy with his performance. When the GATE 2022 results were declared, he was congratulated by NIT director NV Ramana Rao, chemical engineering HOD Dr Srinath and professor Shireesh Sonewane.

Humble beginnings

Born in a tiny hamlet in Vedurupaka village in Andhra Pradhesh’s East Godavari district, Sandeep attended a local school for four years before his family moved to Hyderabad. There, he studied at Johnson Grammar School, Nacharam. "I was always interested in physics and chemistry applications. Luckily, I got a good score in JEE (mains) and got into NIT Warangal," says Sandeep, whose father, T Rama Gopala Reddy is an electrical engineer. His mother Iswarya Bhagya Laxmi is a homemaker while Sandeep's younger brother Varun Kumar Reddy is in class 12.

[caption id="attachment_22306" align="aligncenter" width="762"] Sandeep with his family[/caption]

The youngster considers his father as his idol. "He comes from a family of farmers and has faced innumerable challenges. My father used to work in the fields and still make the time to study. He completed his degree and then engineering through his efforts and determination. He knows the value of education," smiles Sandeep, who says that coming from a humble background is what has helped him as well. Needless to say, his parents were thrilled with the news.

Sandeep wants to work in a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) to gain experience. Then, he will decide whether he wants to continue with it or switch to a private company. The final-year engineering student has already received an offer from GAIL through campus placements. With his recent achievement, more offers are likely to come his way.

From badminton to numismatics

[caption id="attachment_22305" align="aligncenter" width="726"] Sandeep is passionate about numismatics and has over 700 old coins[/caption]

Believing in striking a balance, Sandeep is not just about academics all the way. "I like to unwind over a game of badminton and also play online games. But my major hobby is numismatics," he informs. Collecting old coins from India and abroad has been a hobby since he was in school. "I like the old Indian coins, especially the commemorative ones. I have about 700 coins in my collection," says the young lad, who is also part of his college’s chemical engineering association.

Follow on T Mani Sandeep Reddy on Linkedin

Reading Time: 6 min

Anoushka Jolly: Winner of 2023 Rashtriya Bal Puraskar makes lives happier with her anti-bullying initiatives

(February 1, 2023) "The experience has been surreal. Meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, being felicitated by President Droupadi Murmu, and the Minister of Women and Child development Smriti Irani," remarks Anoushka Jolly, the winner of The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2023. This year, 11 youngsters from across the country have been awarded for their exceptional abilities and outstanding accomplishments in fields like innovation, sports, arts, culture, scholastics, bravery, and social service. [embed]https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1617894593466626049?s=20&t=tEC1BvJFEk88G7TV4H7DGA[/embed] Fourteen-year-old Anoushka has been awarded for showing remarkable compassion and innovation by working on an app, Kavach, and other online programmes to spread awareness against bullying. She is the founder of Innerarc Blocktech, a mental health startup. In 2022, the first season of Shark Tank India received entries from 62,000 entrepreneurs from across the country, out of which 198 businesses were selected to pitch their ideas to the ‘sharks’ – investors ready to chip in seed funding. Out of these, only 67 entrepreneurs were successful in raising funds. Delhi girl, Anoushka Jolly was one of them. [caption id="attachment_20120" align="aligncenter" width="547"] Anoushka Jolly, winner of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2023[/caption] How a victim of bullying turned into a changemaker “I was bullied for a year when I

rst season of Shark Tank India received entries from 62,000 entrepreneurs from across the country, out of which 198 businesses were selected to pitch their ideas to the ‘sharks’ – investors ready to chip in seed funding. Out of these, only 67 entrepreneurs were successful in raising funds. Delhi girl, Anoushka Jolly was one of them.

[caption id="attachment_20120" align="aligncenter" width="547"] Anoushka Jolly, winner of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2023[/caption]

How a victim of bullying turned into a changemaker

“I was bullied for a year when I was in grade three,” says Anoushka, elaborating on what led her to take on the anti-bullying cause. “Two classmates were emotionally blackmailing me and making me feel that I wasn’t capable enough. It affected my self-esteem. I found myself doing things like apologising when it was not required. I used to be upset all the time and formed a habit of looking down upon myself until I gathered courage to talk about it,” she tells Global Indian. However, what she describes as the lowest phase in her life, was also the “turning point,” one that helped her “identify the purpose of life – to stop bullying and help kids be happier.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ypxq2C4JuY&t=4s

By the time Anoushka reached class six in 2018, she launched her startup, the Anti Bullying Squad (ABS), and started conducting seminars and online sessions across the country to make people realise how severe the impact of bullying can get, starting from her own school. Educational institutions, social organisations and experts have all stood by her in her endeavour, realising there was a huge gap in knowledge and awareness. So far, her mental health startup has been able to reach several thousand students, parents and teachers from 50+ schools.

Kavach – the shield against bullying

The teen social entrepreneur soon realised that seminars and sessions would solve one aspect of the problem but wouldn’t tackle it in its entirety. A real impact, she found, could only be made when incidents are reported. “Bullying continues unabated because there is hardly any intervention in schools. Authorities tend to be largely unaware of the extent of the problem. Students don’t want to report because they don’t want to be known for having done so,” remarks Anoushka.

[caption id="attachment_20127" align="aligncenter" width="691"] Putting on a smile and not disclosing bullying will not help[/caption]

Kavach is Anoushka’s answer to the problem. It provides students and parents a platform to to report instances of bullying anonymously. “Schools can now tactfully intervene and take action,” she believes.

She also runs a one-hour programme which is available on the ABS website and YouTube, comprising 10 videos and MCQs to help children and their parents get sensitized about the issue.

Shark Tank India experience

The Shark Tank experience is not the youngster’s only winning moment. When she was nine, she was part of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA), a US franchise that teaches entrepreneurship skills to under-18s. Anoushka had managed third place in the investor panel for pitching ABS. “Most of the students were in their teens, I was only nine at that time and the youngest of all,” she remarks. “The prize amount was about twenty to thirty thousand but it boosted my confidence immensely.” Happy that she could raise funds on her own, without even having to ask her parents, Anoushka invested the sum in setting up ABS. It brought her recognition among the 'Top 21 for 2021' Innovative Tech-Based Women-Led Startups by ITC & Shecapital.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzsGg23PLI8

Her share of limelight on television has not been limited to Shark Tank. The social entrepreneur was recognised as a Network18 Young Genius in a reality TV show organised by Network 18. She has also received an invitation from the Ministry of Culture to be a part of the song ‘Mauka Hai’, as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. The young entrepreneur was among a lineup of 40 youth icons, including PV Sindhu, Hima Das and Mira Bai Chanu.

Bullies are not villains

A lot of kids have reached out to her and shared their stories. “They just wanted a person to listen, and were waiting for someone to talk about it. By finding a listener, fifty percent of the problem vanishes,” she says. Anoushka is happy to have been that listener to so many kids. When people share their stories, it keeps me motivated to work even harder for millions of students who are suffering from the problem,” she says.

[caption id="attachment_20126" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Anoushka shared one of her supporter, Nysha's art work on her social media handle that emphasised on ABS perspective[/caption]

However, Anoushka does not believe that bullies are always villains. “No one is born a bully, they are usually led into it in one way or another. We need to be open to hear their side of the story, be empathetic and forgiving because sometimes peer pressure also leads them to bully. However, the good thing is that we can always lead them back to being good,” she explains.

Journey ahead…

The daughter of an entrepreneur father and chartered accountant mother, Anoushka is currently working in the metaverse/gamification space with a focus on mental health. “As a society we do not acknowledge mental health issues of teenagers and since youngsters love immersive experiences, I am combining technology with mental health for a cause,” says the teenager, who loves psychology, biology and Spanish.

Anoushka during one of her training sessionsShe feels she has found her purpose in life and would like to continue the work she is doing but scale up in time. “I want to be very well educated and be a life-long learner,” says Anoushka.

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