Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveJoy Agrawal: Diana awardee making STEM education and entrepreneurship accessible to the underprivileged

Joy Agrawal: Diana awardee making STEM education and entrepreneurship accessible to the underprivileged

Written by: Charu Thakur

(July 14, 2023) “I was over the moon,” says Joy Agrawal, the teenager who found himself on the Diana Award 2023 winners list. The 17-year-old from Nagpur is making a difference with Project Gyan, an initiative that was birthed in 2020 to help impart practical STEM education to underprivileged kids. Three years in, the changemaker is keen to revolutionise the world through space technology, global education, and global studies. “More than validation, Diana Award is a motivation for me. What we do is different and amazing, and I strive to find solutions through space technology, engineering, and policy,” Joy tells Global Indian.

Joy Agrawal is the founder of Project Gyan

Project Gyan – that changed it all

Project Gyan seeks to mentor students in STEM and help them develop curiosity and long-lasting interest in asking the big questions. Joy was all of 13 when he had an epiphany while sitting for the Homi Bhaba exam in 2019 – the underprivileged students have no access to practical labs. A thought that kept him awake for weeks. He understood his privilege of having access to all the resources, while the disadvantaged had no money to even order science kits. This problem found a solution in Project Gyan. “It’s an effort to help quality STEM education reach the young minds through practical and application-based education, focusing on the underprivileged children,” adds the changemaker.

But in the last year, Project Gyan underwent restructuring, making it the world’s first decentralised STEM and entrepreneurship exploratory. “It’s like a lab where you can go explore anything and everything,” reveals Joy, for whom explorative education is the focus. He partnered with Padma Shri Dr Prakash Amte’s Lok Biradri Prakalp and Bridge The Gap Foundation to help educate rural and tribal kids through workshops and unconventional experiments. “We have a different perspective on experimentation. We mostly use things that are available in the kitchen, making it easier for kids to understand things. We don’t just focus on Chemistry but the Physics behind the experiment.”

Along with STEM education, Project Gyan has expanded its mission to entrepreneurship by exposing the elderly in rural and tribal areas of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh to practical entrepreneurial education and converting them into nano-entrepreneurs. Project Gyan is currently working with the Bharia tribe from Madhya Pradesh which still uses a barter system to make ends meet. “Since they are poor and don’t use any currency, they log wood from the valley of Patalkot, thus negatively impacting the environment. So we intervened and now teach them sellable skills like painting, pottery, clay art, and candle making, thus helping them make products and sell them,” adds the changemaker.

In partnership with Patalkot Tribal Community Welfare Organisation and Serendipity Lakes and Resorts in Tamia, Madhya Pradesh, Project Gyan is helping the women of Dhundi Shekhar, a village in Tamia, to make Kulhad Battis (candles in small pots), aiming to equip them with skills necessary to create and sell these candles. “The final products are sent to the Serendipity Lakes and Resorts where they are put on display for the visitors, who eventually end up buying the products, thus helping these women earn a livelihood,” reveals Joy, adding that according to the 2011 National Innovation Report over one lakh, unique inventions were made by tribals across India, something that’s still not known to the public. “I understood that rural and tribal people are jugaadu (make shifter) in India, and I wanted to empower such people through Project Gyan so that they learn to market and sell their innovations.” He credits his core team – Gurleen Batra, Mehak Chokhani, Tanmay Agrawal, Prisha Prasad, Pranjal Prasad and Sonit Sisolekar – for their hardwork and determination in making Project Gyan a success.

Love for space tech

The Bareilly-born is a space tech enthusiast who has always been fascinated by the outer world. However, it was a telescope gifted by his parents that piques his interest. “For a year, I’d sit every day gazing at the stars or looking at the asteroids. But with time, it became less frequent. However, lockdown changed it as the sky was clear again,” says the Centre Point School student who discovered two asteroids in 2021 as a part of Spaceport India Asteroid Search Campaign in association with Hardin-Simmons University Texas.

Making an impact through STEM

While the telescope turned out to be a game-changer for him in the world of space, it was a robotics course that made him fall in love with technology. Over the years, this led him to be selected by Peace First, the world’s largest incubator for youth-led social change initiatives, for a project grant. “It’s a mini-grant for projects along the lines of social change. I won $250 with which I started Project Gyan in 2020.” Started during the pandemic, he initially needed no funds as live workshops for the underprivileged kids were happening virtually.

Being the vice president of the Interact Club at his school, Joy came in touch with the Rotary Club and zeroed in on an institution that has many underprivileged kids. “I began with a 1–2-hour class every Saturday wherein I performed experiments and explained concepts. Later, I expanded Project Gyan to four more schools in Nagpur and two tribal schools in Maharashtra,” adds the changemaker who provides kits to schools for students to get hands-on experience in science practical. “I love science, and I understand its potential. I want these kids to explore their potential through Project Gyan,” says Joy, who is now working with a team that looks into distribution and planning, maintaining the website, social media, and creating videos.

What was earlier a two-month program has now turned into a year-long curriculum, thanks to the overhaul of Project Gyan – which now includes STEM education and entrepreneurship. “We wanted a holistic approach.” Having seen his mom always helping people, this feeling of giving back was inculcated in Joy at a very young age. For him, Project Gyan is very personal since it’s named after his grandmother. “Another reason I ventured into it was guilt. Seeing others who don’t have enough resources eats me up, while we have so many opportunities. I want to bridge that gap.”

Future plans

Joy, who is currently in Class 12, has plans of pursuing a double major in computer science and international relations or public policy from the Ivy Leagues. “Working with the UN is my dream. But at some stage, I would want to launch my start-up in space tech,” says the teenager, who calls himself a “changemaker who wants to create an impact through STEM”.

At 17, Joy is busy creating social impact, and the teenager advises youngsters to “not follow the herd. Instead, explore your niche. Don’t replicate another person’s journey. Do your thing and only then you will be able to make a difference.”

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Published on 14, Jul 2023

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Umasri Pujyam: An NRI teenage crusader’s fight against pollution in Godavari

(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.

Reading Time: 4 min

With three books and five honours, nine-year-old Abhijita Gupta is one of the youngest authors of India

(July 30, 2022) Little Abhijita was thrilled to receive an invitation last year from the Ministry of Culture on behalf of the Government of India to be one of the 40 youth icons in the theme song honouring Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav - 75 years of India's Independence. The junior high school student and author of three books became a part of the 'Mauka Hai' song released by T Series right before Independence Day 2021, along with other notable young Indians including Neeraj Chopra, Sonam Wangchu, and P V Sindhu. [caption id="attachment_20063" align="aligncenter" width="616"] Abhijita during her book launch at Oxford bookstore[/caption] The Ghaziabad-based novelist, who got huge recognition as soon as she published her first book at seven, tells Global Indian, "I started writing when I was just five. An Elephant's Advice, the first story I ever wrote, was about raising awareness to eat healthy food. My family appreciated it a lot." Encouraged by appreciation, she went on to write more such stories which later got compiled into her first book. From “no” to “yes” "Several publishers turned my manuscript down after learning about my age, questioning how a seven-year-old could write a book. Invincible Publishers finally agreed. They were

riting when I was just five. An Elephant's Advice, the first story I ever wrote, was about raising awareness to eat healthy food. My family appreciated it a lot." Encouraged by appreciation, she went on to write more such stories which later got compiled into her first book.

From “no” to “yes”

"Several publishers turned my manuscript down after learning about my age, questioning how a seven-year-old could write a book. Invincible Publishers finally agreed. They were reluctant too in the beginning but when my mother persuaded them to read the manuscript once, they said, 'Wow!" reminisces the youngster with a smile.

Impressed with the little wordsmith’s calibre, they agreed to a four-book agreement. Her non-fiction works, Happiness All Around, We Will Surely Sustain, and To Begin with the Little Things, combine stories and poems to encourage readers to live better lives.

The publishing house claims on the book's cover that "the writings have been left untouched so that the innocence does not get diluted" and adds that the title, cover design, and illustration ideas were all contributed by the young author.

Right after her first book released, the pandemic started. Abhijita made it a setting for her second book. She based the novella on her experiences during the lockdown, with characters that included herself, her parents, every member of her extended family, and the housemaid.

Three books and five honours

Abhijita is the great grand-daughter of acclaimed poets, Rashtrakavi Shri Maithili Sharan Gupt and Santkavi Shri Siyaramsharan Gupt. The youngster who showed interest in the craft on her own instead of being pushed into writing, seems to beautifully carry the legacy forward.

After her debut novel was published in 2019, Abhijita was recognised by the International Book of Records as the youngest author as well as the youngest author to write both prose and poetry at the age of seven. She also received the honour of Grandmaster in writing by Asia Book of Records.

[caption id="attachment_20064" align="aligncenter" width="772"] Abhijita with recognitions she received for her first book as a seven year old[/caption]

For her second book, she was recognised as the youngest author to create a non-fiction book on the Covid 19 pandemic, by both India Book of Records and the World Book of Records UK.

More books in future

“I am going to write many books in the future. When something is your hobby, you cannot stop doing it. So, I would carry on even when I become a doctor and have less time,” says the Ruskin Bond fan who aspires to be a good human being first and then a doctor.

Her determination to become a doctor is unwavering. “My dreams do not change rapidly because I am stuck to them,” says the youngster firmly. “When I was small, I used to think whether I should be a firefighter, scientist, doctor, or writer. But now I am stuck to one goal”. The standard four student at Presidium School has already begun reading fundamental biology books and watching videos about it, even though biology wouldn't be covered in her course curriculum for another two years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0lQHseMJB4

The little author is so drawn to her craft that if she has the urge to write, she can find the focus anywhere. She maintains two diaries, one in which she writes poems whenever an idea comes to her mind and one in which she writes stories. “Poetry has some restrictions like choosing a rhyming word. I am not able to express my feelings wholeheartedly. There is something still left, I feel and that is why I love writing stories more,” says Abhijita, who received the Global Prodigy Award 2021 along with 99 kids from across the world in Dubai.

Coping with homework, school, playtime, and writing is not difficult for this young novelist. “I find time easily as it is my passion. I’ve gotten used to it,” says the prodigy, who never shows her work to adults till it is perfect. Her books have been giving beautiful messages to children her age ending with some or the other lesson or moral.

Follow Abhijita Gupta on Instagram and Facebook

Reading Time: 5 mins

From quantum biology to being a voice for child rights, social entrepreneur Mannat Choudhary does it all

(May 17, 2022) "It all started when I was 14," announces Mannat Choudhary, all smiles as she logs in for her interview with Global Indian. The vivacious teenager, now at home preparing for her Class 12 board exam, is fairly relaxed about the upcoming exam - she's already an incoming freshman at the University of Cincinnati, she says. A social entrepreneur at 17, she is the founder of Change In Us, which works towards protecting child rights in her home state, Chandigarh. Mannat has been recognised for her work in the same field by the government of Punjab, having served as the Ambassador for the Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR). She was also awarded by the government of India as a student mentor. On National Girl Child Day, Mannat was among a group of twenty girls handpicked from across the country for the National Girl Child Award. Now, she's all set to begin her studies in quantum biology, paving the way for what she hopes will be a career in research. In September 2022, she will also be part of the Civics Unplugged Fellowship, for future Gen Z social entrepreneurs, run by Duke University. "I'm also a

er 2022, she will also be part of the Civics Unplugged Fellowship, for future Gen Z social entrepreneurs, run by Duke University. "I'm also a summer trainee at Girls Who Code," says Mannat, who can code in C, C++ and is also learning Python.

"Entrepreneurs aren't made in a day," says the young social entrepreneur, who is a member of the Harvard Crimson Youth Entrepreneurship Society and a fellow under the Global Citizen Year Academy, run by alumni from the Stanford and Harvard business schools. "I got a full scholarship for the latter," Mannat says, proudly. Her early forays into social entrepreneurship were, no doubt, the reason for Mannat's entry into some of the top entrepreneurship societies. To her, however, it means a great deal more, a question she answered in her application for Global Citizen Year Academy.

Student topper and ambassador for child rights

Returning, however, to where her story began - Mannat, who was a tri-city topper in the Class 10 board exam in 2019-20, found herself briefly in the spotlight. "I was published in the newspaper then, for the first time ever," she says. Soon after, she received a call from the CCPCR, telling her she had been nominated to be an ambassador for child rights for the state government. "There were three of us and the other two were, coincidentally, both fencers," says Mannat. "I was the only one from the academic side of things."

Taking over as ambassador for child rights, Mannat quickly became involved with the government's Girls India project. The project, aimed at bringing opportunities to those who don't have them, opened Mannat's eyes too, in ways she never expected. "I never knew I had this quality," she remarks. "I didn't know I had it in me to actually reach other people."

Bridging disparities through the Girls India Project

The Girls India Project, which was aimed at bridging the gap between private and public schools, found great success under Mannat's participation.

"When we talk about things like MUNs, public debates and leadership programmes - these opportunities are only available to private school students. Their government school counterparts know nothing about them." Mannat began building collaborations between private and government schools in Chandigarh.

"The private school students would train government school kids in debate skills, how to speak in public and learn about international relations as well," says Mannat. When they found that disparities aren't limited to opportunities, Mannat also began organising trips for private school students to visit government schools and understand first-hand what was lacking. "I wasn't sure if it would work on not," Mannat admits. "But it worked so well that the schools continued collaborating even outside the MUNs."

Despite the success of the project, there was no denying that it had taken nearly two years to implement. "Girls India was launched in 2019 but came into effect in 2021," says Mannat. "It took so long that I began to think, 'there must be a more efficient way than this'." Mannat quit her role as Ambassador in March 2022 but continues to work with the CCPCR.

On the frontlines of the pandemic

Not long after Mannat had assumed her role as Ambassador in 2020, the pandemic closed the country down. Mannat, who had just finished her Class 10 exams at the time, was determined to use every moment - she collaborated with Studio Matrix, an organisation working on ground to link people with Covid-related needs to those who could fulfill them.

"I was on ground collecting data all the time," Mannat says. She recalls working all the time, often besieged with panic calls late into the night. Calls which never, as a matter of principle, went ignored or unresolved if she could help it. "Even if we got a call at 1 am with someone saying 'ki Mannat, 20 oxygen concentrators ki zaroorat hai', I would help them get it done. I wouldn't sleep until I resolved it," she explains.

Change in Us

Watching their young ambassador in action, CCPCR Chairperson soon decided to felicitate Mannat. "I was awarded by the governor of Punjab as the 'best ambassador'", says Mannat. "The first award was for CCPCR and the second for the Girls India project." All this was in 2021, as Mannat entered her sixteenth year. By this time, she had already founded Change in Us, in tandem with her responsibilities as CCPCR ambassador.

Working under the guidance of CCPCR, Mannat went on to launch Change In Us, her own organisation designed to make a positive impact in the lives of children. The project did so well, Mannat expanded to Meerut and other parts of UP. Work mainly involved educating kids on child rights, in collaboration with schools, through webinars and other sessions. "As a child, what are my rights," says Mannat. "That's what I want my peers to know. We hold quizzes and other activities in schools to acquaint students with the rights they have in society."

Mannat would also accompany her mother, an employee with the social welfare department in Chandigarh, as she visited slum areas in the city. "These kids were stuck at home but unlike us, they didn't have phones to attend online classes," says Mannat, who roped in a friend to visit the slums every Sunday with her to take lessons for the kids there.

Access to mental healthcare for students

Mannat is currently working with a friend, Ananya Jain, from Georgia Tech. The goal? To create an app-based platform for young people to discuss their mental health. It will also offer guidance to budding young entrepreneurs, customised advice on goal preparation and career goals as well as the importance of civic engagement. "We're planning to launch this soon after our board exams," Mannat says, adding, "We want it to be free, because we're catering to students who might not be able to afford to pay."

Finding her own path

The journey hasn't always been smooth sailing. Apart from the guidance she received from a handful of mentors, Mannat discovered that the Indian education system isn't geared for those who want to break out of the mould. She was told often to give up on attending science fairs and concentrate on her studies instead. At home, however, her exacting parents, both government employees, have fuelled her motivation to excel. "My mum has done a lot for me and worked so hard to make sure I do well," Mannat smiles. "They will never be fully satisfied with me though and it gives me the zeal I need to do better because I want to please them."

Follow Mannat Choudhary on LinkedIn

Reading Time: 6 min

Yash Aradhya: Formula 4 racer speeding towards victory

(March 18, 2023) He stood tall and proud as former President Ram Nath Kovind gave him the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in 2020. Awarded for his exceptional contribution to motorsports, Formula 4 racer Yash Aradhya has what it takes to surge past the chequered flag. Yash was just nine when he first began training, and now a decade later, he is at the threshold of a spectacular career. The 20-year-old, who is currently studying in the Netherlands, is among the new stars rising up in the world of racing. "It's such a great time to be in motorsports. A lot of new talent is venturing into it, and many new opportunities are opening up for us in India," Yash tells Global Indian. The boy, who had a podium finish at the X1 Racing League, has participated in the 2020 French Formula F4. Till now, he has won seven National Championship and six Club Championship titles, with around 65 race podiums. [caption id="attachment_8740" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Yash Aradhya at French Formula 4 2020.[/caption] Born in 2002 in Bengaluru to an adman father and a homemaker mother, Aradhya's love for speed began when he was just six. "It was during a road

ntent/uploads/2021/12/50935773492_826411802c_c.jpg" alt="Yash Aradhya" width="600" height="800" /> Yash Aradhya at French Formula 4 2020.[/caption]

Born in 2002 in Bengaluru to an adman father and a homemaker mother, Aradhya's love for speed began when he was just six. "It was during a road trip from Bengaluru to Mumbai that I got excited about cars and speed. I remember my dad explaining to me about horsepower and engines and it fascinated me. I was thrilled by the passion for speed, so at six, I started karting for fun," reminisces Yash.

Racing is in his DNA

Yash officially dipped his toes into racing at age nine. Seeing his passion, his father approached JK Tyres' head Sanjay Sharma for the national racing championship. "Hardy uncle (as we fondly call him) put us in touch with Akbar Ebrahim (the first Indian to race in the international circuits) and it was under him that my training began," recalls the 19-year-old whose ultimate goal is to become a Formula 1 racer.

At nine, he scored his first win at the JK Tyre MMS Rotax Rookie Cup 2012 by clinching second at the podium, which turned out to be a foundation for the forthcoming winning championships. "Graduating to the junior level was a different ball game as there is a speed difference and fighting for the top position was getting exciting and challenging at the same time. However, my passion to win helped me exceed everyone's expectations including my mentor after I won Formula Junior Series FLGB," says the Utrecht University student.

[caption id="attachment_8738" align="aligncenter" width="799"] Yash Aradhya with his mentor Akbar Ebrahim[/caption]

The win set the ball rolling for Yash who was soon nominated by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India to represent the country at Academy Trophy. It opened new opportunities for the teenager, and took him to Europe and Asia to race. With each passing year, Aradhya won more podiums and in 2019, he graduated from karting to car with the MRF 1300 National Championship 1600.

The run up to the podium

However, it hasn't been an easy run, especially since he came from a non-motorsport background though he found the perfect support system in his dad. "I knew that I wanted to be a Formula racer, and my dad helped me achieve my dream. He put me in touch with my mentor, helped me get sponsors who have put their faith in me. Despite being an expensive sport, my dad has gone above and beyond to make my dream come true," beams the Formula 4 racer.

With the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, Yash is the only teenager under 18 years to be awarded in the category of motorsports. "I didn't realise how big of a deal it was until I was standing in front of the President of India. The award means a lot to me and holds immense value," says Yash who still remembers PM Narendra Modi's advice to him. "He added, 'This award is not the end. Take it as a beginning step, and continue to excel in the field'."

[caption id="attachment_8737" align="aligncenter" width="532"] Yash Aradhya with former President Ram Nath Kovind[/caption]

The mettle to train

The boy from Bishop Cotton Boys School is completely focused on excelling now. Under the tutelage of coach Akbar Ebrahim, fitness coach Ramji Srinivasan and nutritionist Ryan Fernando, Yash is spreading his wings far and wide. He reveals that unlike other sports, racers don't get to train on the tracks every single day. "I do physical and mental training every day under the guidance of my coaches. However, we get only two days to test drive before the championships," says Yash, who is currently studying economics and business economics in the Netherlands and enjoying his stay in a new city.

Despite being one of the most expensive sports, Yash has found his footing, thanks to his sponsors. After racing in Formula 4 South East Asia Championship 2019, the 2020 French Formula F4 and MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2022, he is now gearing up for his upcoming championships. "Currently, I am dividing my time between studies and training. These last few years were wasted, thanks to the pandemic. However, I am excited to get back into action," says the racer who loves playing tennis and swimming in his free time.

[caption id="attachment_8739" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Yash Aradhya training for championship[/caption]

Calling the recent times one of the most exciting times to be in motosporting, Yash feels lucky to be a part of it. "There are so many career opportunities right now in motorsports. The talent is getting recognised. I would say stay tuned for more," signs off Yash.

Follow Yash Aradhya on Twitter and Instagram

Reading Time: 4 min

Arshdeep Singh: Teen wildlife photographer seeing the world through the lens

(January 31, 2023) His Instagram page is a gateway into the wilderness. If the beautiful dusky leaf monkey of Malaysia stares right back with those distinctive eyes in one capture, the other has a stunning diademed sifaka revelling in his natural habitat in Madagascar. That’s Arshdeep Singh for you - the teenager behind the phenomenal snapshots that have earned him a credible place among the wildlife photographer fraternity. And he is just 15 years of age. It was a splendid snapshot of a treetop douc that earned this boy from Jalandhar the tag of Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2020. “When I started, I never expected to gain so much recognition at such an early age. I am happy that my photos are loved by millions,” says Arshdeep in an interview with Global Indian. He continued the winning streak by bagging the Asian Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021, and very recently, a picture of a 'winking' owl earned the teenager the Junior Award at the 2022 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. The photo clicked in Bikaner during a family trips, helped him bag the prize, making him the only Indian to make the cut. [caption id="attachment_26994" align="aligncenter" width="725"] The picture

he only Indian to make the cut.

[caption id="attachment_26994" align="aligncenter" width="725"] The picture of a 'winking owl' that won Arshdeep Singh an award[/caption]

It runs in the family

Born in Jalandhar to a businessman father and a homemaker mother, Arshdeep’s fascination for nature and the wildlife translated early on into a passion for capturing them on his lens. He was all of five when his dad Randeep Singh gifted him a DSLR on his birthday, after seeing his young son’s raw talent. “My dad loves photography and pursues it as a hobby. When I was three, I would often see him holding large cameras, and that sight enthralled me. I wanted to do the same,” recalls the boy, who got tips from his father and learnt from YouTube videos.

His first camera forays were capturing snapshots in his grandmother’s backyard, which impressed his father immensely. Soon he started accompanying his father to the outskirts of Kapurthala to birdwatch. “Dad has been my teacher. His love for wildlife rubbed off on me and I started learning photography from him,” reveals the Apeejay School student.

[caption id="attachment_8988" align="aligncenter" width="847"] Arshdeep Singh[/caption]

Following the trail

An avid wildlife enthusiast, Singh loves to explore the fauna across the world. From the tropical forests of Malaysia to Madagascar’s enchanting woodland, the class nine student has explored wildlife across continents. On a trip to Vietnam in 2020, he came close to the red-shanked douc langur, taking a photo which won him the Wildlife Photographer of the Year. On his father’s business trip to the Son Tra nature reserve, Vietnam’s last coastal rainforest, and a habitat for the langur, he captured the mercurial creature. After reading about the endangered species, Arshdeep, waited for more than an hour to capture the douc. “I took more than 1,000 pictures but was unable to get that perfect shot of the treetop douc. After more than an hour, I found the perfect one. If you look at the langur, he looks like he is wearing a grey coat and black-brown pants – that’s what makes this photo so incredible,” says the teenager, who won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2020 in the 11-to-14-year category.

[caption id="attachment_8986" align="aligncenter" width="817"] Arshdeep Singh's award-winning picture of Tree Douc[/caption]

The accolades, they keep coming

His passion and love for photography have earned him accolades internationally, though the teenager still has to battle fiercely against his family and school to earn respect. “Only my father was supportive of my decision to pursue photography. My mom and grandparents were quite unhappy with my choice. Like every family, they wanted me to focus on studies. Even my school was against it as I was missing classes,” divulges Arshdeep.

However, his accolades and a great body of work have helped change perspectives. “My mom is super proud and so is my school. I now strike a balance between my passion and studies. I mostly indulge in photography during vacations or weekends,” says the boy, who is greatly inspired by Vijayan Thomas, a renowned wildlife photographer.

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Wanderlust through his lens

Singh loves nature and often travels to the hills of Himachal with his Nikon D500 in search of impeccable shots. “Between landscape and wildlife photography, I prefer the latter. While the landscape hardly changes, there is always a thrill in clicking wildlife as nothing is certain. However, it does need a great deal of patience,” he reveals.

Patience helped him earn the award-winning shot of owlets peeping through a pipe. Then a 10-year-old, Arshdeep spotted a pair of owlets in a pipe one balmy Sunday morning (2018) on his way to Kapurthala for birdwatching. “I remember it was 6.30 am when I saw the owlets, and asked my dad to stop the car. Although dad was sceptical as owls are nocturnal birds and not easily spotted in the day, I was sure. We patiently waited for an hour after which both the owlets peeked up at the pipe, and I got a picture-perfect shot,” smiles Arshdeep about the photo that won him the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2018. “It was such an amazing moment that I couldn’t sleep the entire night,” reveals the wildlife buff.

[caption id="attachment_8987" align="aligncenter" width="873"] Owl in pipe[/caption]

A nature lover, he has travelled to over 15 countries, and is keen on creating a greener world. “I have planted trees in my backyard, and would like more people to take the initiative. It’s high time we maintain the ecosystem and help wildlife enjoy their habitats,” affirms Singh.

Accolades aside, Arshdeep wants to help people learn photography. “I am keen to launch a course for amateur photographers. It’s important to give back, and I wish to do so with my course,” Singh signs off. Photography changed his life, and he now wants to help others do so too.

Follow Arshdeep Singh on Instagram and his website

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