Maanasa Mendu empowers the world: A teen’s mission for global electricity access
Compiled by: Team GI Youth
(December 20, 2023) She was all of 14 when Ohio-born Maanasa Mendu made it to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, making her the youngest person ever to achieve the feat. But behind this recognition was an invention that could be a potential answer to the global energy crisis. The same innovation won her the grand prize in the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge and $25,000. It all began when she first visited her grandparents in rural India for her summer break, and witnessed persistent blackouts. Seeing children huddled over a single kerosene lamp made her sit up and take notice of the grave issue at hand, and decided to make a difference. That’s when she designed Harvest – an energy harvesting device that combines piezoelectric effect that harvests energy from sun, wind and precipitation.
Maanasa Mendu
The trip to India played an pivotal role in helping her search for answers. Upon her research, she spent hours at length digging deep into information and found that 88 percent of the energy supply comes from non-renewable sources, which are not only harmful to the environment but also depleting. A renewable source was the answer. However, its high cost played a spoiler. That’s when Maanasa decided to design an “inexpensive and potentially globally application energy solution.”
“Imagine a place where life ends after dark, where there are no electric lights for school work or refrigeration for perishables. This is not part of some dystopian society – it’s a part of our world today. Over 1.2 billion people lack access to electricity,” Maanasa said in TedX talk.
When she was 11 years old, she learned about something called the piezoelectric effect, which is when certain materials create electricity when pressure is applied. She discovered this while reading about a railway station in Japan with floors that produce electricity from people walking on them. This got her excited about finding a renewable energy solution.
After a year of researching and reading, she got the idea for a device shaped like a leaf that could harness energy from the wind and rain. The inspiration came to her while watching tree branches sway during a storm. These branches looked like piezoelectric materials to her—tiny devices that generate power through vibration. This motivated her to start working on her first design.
Initially, she wanted to focus only on using the wind for power, but she ended up creating a prototype that can harness energy from both the sun and the wind, as well as the vibrations from raindrops. Her device has three solar “leaves” that act like solar panels but also move with the wind and rain. She built the prototype using recycled materials for only $5. Her design won her the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge.
“The issue with the energy crisis lies not in the fact that we lack ideas or solutions to solve it, but rather in the fact that we are unable to get these solutions to the people who need it the most,” said Maanasa.
When she started designing the device, she was only thinking about using the wind for energy, especially in cities where traditional wind turbines don’t work well. However, as she worked on it, she realized that there are other sources of untapped energy around us, like the sun and rain. She thought, “If my device only depends on one specific thing, the amount of power it produces might change throughout the day. But if it depends on multiple things, like how sunny it is, how fast the wind is blowing, and whether it’s raining, all these factors together could make a more steady source of power with more energy.”
Maanasa reveals that Harvest can power a 15watt LED bulb after three hours of charging. It took her three years to come up with Harvest, that has the potential to be the answer to the global energy crisis, and she says that it was curiosity that led her to the solution. Currently studying Neuroscience and Global Health and Health Policy at Harvard College, Maanasa is an aspiring physician and public health researcher. Apart from developing a renewable energy device to address energy poverty, she is also identifying video-based biomarkers for delirium, exploring heart-brain neural circuits in zebrafish, and studying cancer incidence among people with HIV in Botswana.
(June 30, 2024) Indo-Canadian actor Pavia Siddhu has been traveling from one festival to another with the cast and crew of the film Dear Jassi, which had its US premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in California this year. Last year, the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it won the Platform Prize. Since then, it has been screened in multiple locations across Canada, India, London, Hong Kong, Sweden, and other places. Garnering international acclaim, the film is based on the real love story of a Canadian girl and a young auto rickshaw driver from Punjab. "I am happy that people are discussing Jassi and the true story from 30 years ago," remarked the debutant actor Pavia who portrays the title character in the movie. [caption id="attachment_38452" align="aligncenter" width="461"] Pavia Sidhu[/caption] Inspired by real life heart-wrenching love story Directed by filmmaker Tarsem Singh Dhandwar, the film's story is set in the 1990s. During a visit to her extended family in Punjab, Indo-Canadian Jassi - played by Pavia Sidhu - meets auto rickshaw driver Sukhwinder - played by Yugam Sood, who lives down the street. The sweethearts fall deeply in love, but when Jassi sees
Directed by filmmaker Tarsem Singh Dhandwar, the film's story is set in the 1990s. During a visit to her extended family in Punjab, Indo-Canadian Jassi - played by Pavia Sidhu - meets auto rickshaw driver Sukhwinder - played by Yugam Sood, who lives down the street. The sweethearts fall deeply in love, but when Jassi sees her family lashing out at one of her cousin’s suitors, she realises there’s no easy way to pursue their relationship, and secretly marries Sukhwinder in a gurdwara.
After returning back to Canada, she kept the marriage hidden from her family while continuing to communicate and support Sukhwinder financially. A year later, her family discovered the marriage and disapproved because of the stark difference in social status, and the fact that Sukhwinder belonged to the same Sidhu clan, making the marriage traditionally forbidden.
Jassi’s family tried to persuade her to divorce Sukhwinder by offering material possessions and then resorting to physical violence. When those attempts failed, they coerced her into signing false criminal accusations against Sukhwinder, under the pretence that it would help him come to Canada. Finding out their true plans, Jassi later contacted Indian officials to retract the false accusations, explaining that she was forced to sign them.
[caption id="attachment_38453" align="aligncenter" width="758"] Pavia Sidhu and Yugam Sood in a still from the movie 'Dear Jassi'[/caption]
With the help of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Jassi escaped and flew to India in May 2000, to reunite with Sukhwinder. In June the same year, they were kidnapped by hitmen hired by her mother and uncle. While Sukhwinder was beaten, Jassi was taken to an abandoned farmhouse and murdered. Her mother and uncle were arrested in 2012.
Although it’s a heavy story, the film has its share of humour that audiences have enjoyed, along with the good storytelling and nuanced performances of the debutant actors. "I loved getting into the character. I think it made me a better person because she (Jassi) was full of love and full of light. I had to really tap into that version of myself, and I really enjoyed that. I loved the character," Pavia said after one of the screenings of the movie.
From law to acting
Pavia began college at the age of 15 through the Robinson's Gifted Program, graduating as the second-highest ranked student in her class. At 18, she enrolled at UCLA School of Law, graduating in 2022 as its youngest student. During this time, she also won the Miss Sunfair Competition, a notable beauty pageant.
“I was focused on pursuing law,” she mentioned in an interview following the Red Sea Film Festival in Canada. Despite having acting experience in some shows, the Indian-origin actress never imagined landing a role in a film that would gain international recognition.
[caption id="attachment_38454" align="aligncenter" width="497"] Pavia Sidhu at UCLA LAW public affairs discussion as Miss Sunfair in 2022[/caption]
However, her mother always believed in Pavia's potential in acting and sent an audition tape of hers to India upon learning that filmmaker Tarsem Singh Dhandwar was seeking talent from Canada for the role of Jassi. Looking at Pavia's tape, Dhandwar engaged in phone conversations with her and ultimately cast her as the lead.
“I wasn't sure what I was landing into when I boarded the flight from Canada to India for the two-month shoot,” she remarked. Upon arrival in India, she met the film's cast and crew for the first time and quickly bonded with them. “Exploring Amritsar, one of India's greatest cities, was an experience that I can’t express in words,” she added, talking about the best part of the shoot.
(June 14, 2024) Litisha Bagadia and Siya Joshi, the co-founders of the Ayika Foundation, were busy brainstorming their next climate action movement. Their challenge, however, was much larger than simply getting people to show up and then go back home. They wanted to inspire them to do their bit for the earth, not just at a single event but everyday, in their own way. At the time, the FIFA World Cup was just around the corner. They wondered if they could host a football tournament, a fundraiser where all proceeds would go to a local animal shelter. This way, young people could attend a fun event, make new friends and donate to helping stray dogs. ‘Football for Fur’ received more registrations than they could handle. In fact, 'How do you keep people motivated,' was my first question to the teen founders, as they sat down for an interview with Global Indian. By making their events fun, relatable and interactive, they say, both on and off social media. It became one of their most successful events, along with the Ganpati festival cleanup where they collected over 200 kilos of flower waste which was subsequently turned into compost and natural dyes, an
collected over 200 kilos of flower waste which was subsequently turned into compost and natural dyes, an effort that fetched Litisha Bagadia the Diana Award in 2023.
"After a point, people start finding social work boring. We want to make it fun and interactive. With Football for Fur, people were doing something they love, for a good cause." The Ayika Foundation's mission is to empower young people to join the climate action movement on their own, and so far, their formula has worked like a dream. They have impacted around one million students across the world, with the foundation now operating chapters in Mumbai, Rajkot, Delhi and in J&K, as well as in New Jersey. Driven by the belief that climate action should be a way of life, the Ayika Foundation is also working to instill climate curriculums in schools in India and the US.
[caption id="attachment_38247" align="aligncenter" width="514"] Litisha Bagadia and Siya Joshi[/caption]
The Ayika Foundation
As classmates in Mumbai, Litish and Siya bonded from a young age over their love for climate activism. "It has been almost three years since we began our work," says Siya. "Even in 10th grade, we were really sure of what we wanted to do." What they wanted was to be part of the climate action movement - they were aware of the problems surrounding them. However, they soon found that even volunteering was a challenge. Organisations weren't open to taking on people who were so young. "We weren't seeing too many young people participating and we wanted to do so actively."
It pushed them to form the Ayika Foundation. The city's problems with pollution and waste management were clear to see and Litisha and Siya felt that youthful energy and innovation could be the answer. They began with looking for the perfect name before settling on 'Ayika', which they explain translates into 'environment'. "Branding was the first step - the name, the mission statement and the theme. However, since this was during the pandemic, the founder duo were very limited in terms of what they could do. "The lockdown was happening and Section 144 had been imposed as well, so we couldn't meet in groups of more than four people," Litisha recalls. "For the first few months we couldn't do anything in person. So we started creating awareness."
That meant social media. Siya, who wants to study design, leaned in on her skills to create reels along with Litisha. "We focussed on simple content that is also actionable, that people can do in their daily lives." They created awareness around Diwali and Holi, urging people to keep their celebrations eco-friendly.
[caption id="attachment_38248" align="aligncenter" width="586"] The Ayika Cup[/caption]
Making climate activism fun
Their first event, a clean up drive on Juhu beach in July 2022, saw about 80 people in attendance. "We used reels to connect with our audience," said Siya. "There are many ways to post but reels really bring people to your page." By this time, the Ayika Foundation had also built a small social media team, with one person handling content, another to make the reels and one more to post. "We wanted to make them fun and relatable. We did a compilation of volunteers picking up waste and a message saying, 'We can still try'," says Litisha.
They also used collaborations, and managed to bring Decathlon in as a sponsor. The company representatives came to an Ayika event and handed out vouchers to volunteers. As for the waste they collected on Juhu, they chose not to leave it in the dumpyard nearby. Instead, they worked with a recycling company and got it recycled.
On August 15, the Ayika Foundation did an e-collection drive. "We worked with two housing societies with about 500-600 residents and got around 50 kilos of e-waste recycled." They did not want this to be a one-time drive, so they installed bins at housing societies for people to leave their e-waste. "Our partner company comes back tot he society and picks it all up, so people living there actually use the bins," says Siya. This led to their 'eco-lift' initiative, where they collected waste from homes, mainly plastic, and got it recycled. The waste was eventually recycled into park or garden benches.
Then came Project Avigna, also one of their biggest events to date. Litisha and Siya and their team tied up with 30 different pandals during the 11-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival and collected around 200 kilos of waste. This was divided into two, with one half handed over to a company that made natural dyes and the other half was turned into compost. This was followed by Football for Fur and even a day-long trek near Mumbai were proceeds were donated to a local animal shelter.
[caption id="attachment_38250" align="aligncenter" width="564"] The first cleanup at Juhu Beach[/caption]
The expansion plan
Led by a student volunteer, Aarav, the Ayika Foundation then spread its wings in New Jersey. "He goes to a public school in New Jersey and they have an environmental club, so we collaborated with them," says Litisha. Their first project in NJ is a climate action curriculum at a middle school there. "It's a critical thinking and activity based curriculum that will push people to think about practical ways in which they can contribute to the environment," Litisha explains. "So there are topics like recycling and waste management, which are made into fun learning modules for young people."
Every city has unique problems and Ayika does not want a one-size-fits-all solution. They now have a research team to study local issues for the various chapters to focus on. In New Jersey, waste management is a central focus and the team is currently doing a case study on recycling initiatives in the city. Public health and water pollution are also areas of interest and they are now coming up with a plan where students can suggest ideas to save local water bodies.
In Mumbai, Ayika Foundation is collaborating with a local NGO to spread awareness about the nalas in Dharavi. "We are in talks to educate slum dwellers to stop pollution their local nalas," says Litisha. "The idea is to create a behavioural change, rather than a one-time event." Week 1 will begin with the nala being cleared, and by week 4, they hope people would have been educated to stop throwing waste into it in the first place. "We are collaborating with an organisation which will help us mobilize the project but we will execute it ourselves," she explains.
Meanwhile, in Rajkot, they worked with a team of eighth and ninth grade students who did a project to make compost on their own. They brought biodegradable waste from their homes and educated others on how to make compost at home, successfully motivating young people to try it on their own. "Litisha and I went there a few months ago and visited various schools to bring our curriculum project there."
Local chapters are key, the co-founders agree. "We send a basic plan and our teams will develop it," they say. "They know their place best and it's very important to have support on ground." Their core team currently has 40 people working full time, and around 500-700 including the partner volunteers.
As they complete 12th grade, Litisha intends to go abroad for her undergrad, while Siya aims to study at the BITS School of Design in Mumbai. “We don’t have a five year plan yet,” they say, adding, “But our two-year plan is to impact 50 million lives.”
Litisha Bagadia and Siya Joshi's Ayika Foundation creatively combines fun events with educational programs, leading to significant and sustained youth engagement in climate action. Their initiatives demonstrate that meaningful environmental change can be driven by innovative, youth-led efforts that focus on both community involvement and practical sustainability solutions.
(December 21, 2022) It was a dream come true for 23-year-old Anushree Srinivasan when she visited her dream destination Switzerland in October to represent India in the WorldSkills competition. It was the avid traveler’s first trip abroad and that too for something as special as representing one’s nation. The youngster brought home a bronze medal in the hotel reception category of the competition which is considered the gold standard of vocational skills. “The hospitality standards in Europe are one of the best in the world. Winning a medal there was amazing,” tells Anushree to Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_25654" align="aligncenter" width="639"] Anushree Srinivasan[/caption] Founded in 1950 WorldSkills Competition provides youngsters from across the globe a chance to compete, experience, and excel in their chosen endeavour. This was the 46th edition of the competition, which is held every alternate year in a new country. Originally scheduled to be held in Shanghai, this year’s competition has been referred to as a ‘special edition’ because it got postponed due to the pandemic and then got conducted in a decentralised manner across 15 countries. Indian champions participated in 50 skill categories bringing home two silvers, three bronzes, and thirteen medallions. The joy of representing the
ar’s competition has been referred to as a ‘special edition’ because it got postponed due to the pandemic and then got conducted in a decentralised manner across 15 countries. Indian champions participated in 50 skill categories bringing home two silvers, three bronzes, and thirteen medallions.
The joy of representing the nation
In the hotel reception category, a total of 16 countries out of 58 competed. Anushree is the first Indian to win a medal in this category. The last edition was the first one in which India forayed into this category, and ranked 11. Anushree made a good jump to bag the third position, this year, claiming the bronze.
[caption id="attachment_25655" align="aligncenter" width="862"] The gold, silver and two bronze medal winners of hotel reception category at WorldSkills Competition 2022[/caption]
“During the competition that lasted for four days, our phones were ceased. We used to perform, come back and spend lots of time together without being in any touch with the outside world,” tells Anushree about the wonderful time spent with fellow competitors. Indira Thakur, Anushree’s team leader travelled with her to Montreux. She was the only competitor from India whose place of competition did not match with anyone else in the Indian contingent.
“In India, it was midnight when results were announced. I video-called my family to share the news of my win. None of us had enough words to express how happy we felt about the win,” recalls Anushree. Her parents and sisters were awake watching the competition live on Instagram.
A people’s person
As part of her on-the-job training, while pursuing her Bachelor of Science in hospitality management and administration, Anushree got a chance to explore all the segments of the hospitality industry – front desk, housekeeping, food and beverage, and the kitchen. “I felt that the front desk is my true calling as I love to interact with people and solve their problems. During my training I was the first trainee who was recognised by a guest,” tells the proud youngster. Apart from the mandatory four-month internship at Oberoi Hotels and Resorts that was required to get the Bachelor’s degree, Anushree worked there for close to a year after passing out.
[caption id="attachment_25658" align="aligncenter" width="764"] Anushree during a task at the WorldSkills Competition 2022[/caption]
She then went on to join the management trainee programme of the ITC Group of Hotels. “In one year, I got the opportunity to work in the top five properties of ITC,” she tells. Being a part of the workforce of ITC Maratha - Mumbai, as the preopening workforce of Welcome Hotels Guntur, Sheraton New Delhi, the preopening workforce of ITC Narmada Ahmedabad, and ITC Royal Bengal Kolkata helped Anushree hone her skills.
WorldSkills by chance
“It was Ms. Annie, my front office faculty at SRM University Chennai who told me about the WorldSkills Competition and insisted that I should participate in it,” she says. “Until then I had not heard about it and did not know that it is considered the Olympics of vocational skills.” Anushree had been the vice president of the front office club of her college and had won several medals and trophies, making her teacher believe that she had the potential to represent the country in the hotel reception category.
Though Anushree was not very keen on participating, she gave in to the insistence of her teacher and is glad to have done so. “I can’t thank her enough for this,” she tells. She is also thankful to her coach Aagman Baury, general manager of the Leela Convention Centre, Shahdara, New Delhi who was assigned as the expert to help her prepare for the competition.
[caption id="attachment_25659" align="aligncenter" width="822"] All the 16 participants of the hotel reception category at WorldSkills Competition 2022[/caption]
Soon after clearing some rounds, there was a lockdown in Shanghai where the competition was supposed to be held followed by other parts of the world. Anushree had given up hope of participating but was overjoyed when it finally took shape.
She had already come a long way to earn a spot in the global challenge by then, leaving behind competitors first at the zonal level, followed by district, state, and finally at the nationals. Even after winning gold in National Skills Competition, Anushree had to go through two more rounds of selection procedures set by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Government of India before she was chosen to represent the nation abroad.
The avid traveller
Switzerland was a dream destination for more reasons than one. “I am very fond of travelling and have travelled to 15 states and five union territories in India so far,” tells the solo backpack traveller who aims to travel to every state of the country. The adventure lover had even done camping in the Himalayas alone when she was just 20.
[caption id="attachment_25661" align="aligncenter" width="622"] Anushree in Himachal Pradesh[/caption]
To be able to explore the beauty of Switzerland was a remarkable milestone for the youngster who has been a solo traveller since she was 18. The ability to adapt to any environment is a trait that she credits to her traveling experiences.
“Before the competition started, we got enough time to explore Montreux and nearby places. An excursion trip was organised for all the competitors. Since Montreux is at the tip of Switzerland, we were even able to see France on the other side,” reminisces Anushree fondly.
Flying high
The winner of the WorldSkills Competition credits her father for adding wings to her dreams and being very supportive of whatever she wants to do in life.
Whether it has been riding bikes, going on solo trips, climbing mountains, or paragliding, her father who works as Chief Accounts Officer at Tamil Nadu House New Delhi has always motivated her to fly high.
(April 28, 2022) Watching his pulmonologist uncle at the forefront during Covid work tirelessly, 18-year-old Ayush Gharat was deeply affected by what he saw – his uncle’s never say die attitude, the plight of frontline workers who put their health and that of their families at risk to treat the Covid inflicted and the stress they experienced. “When the pandemic had kicked in, equipment and facilities were scarce and information was inadequate. The demands on frontline workers were enormous, especially at a time when they needed empathy the most. Many like my uncle moved their families to distant locations out of fear of infecting them due to nature of their jobs. I could feel that all this was affecting frontline workers’ emotional well-being. I was worried, and this was why I started Aashwas to bring a smile to the faces of these unsung heroes,” says the changemaker in a interview with Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_15645" align="aligncenter" width="506"] Ayush Gharat, changemaker and innovator[/caption] The young changemaker and teen innovator, who has developed two apps, positively impacted 5,200 frontline workers, and raised ₹7 lakh Covid relief funds. He has presented his work at the international youth conference, where he represented India as
"759" /> Ayush Gharat, changemaker and innovator[/caption]
The young changemaker and teen innovator, who has developed two apps, positively impacted 5,200 frontline workers, and raised ₹7 lakh Covid relief funds. He has presented his work at the international youth conference, where he represented India as the 1M1B youth ambassador to showcase the work the youth has been involved in, during the pandemic. He also received Young Achievers Award by Indian Achievers Forum 20-21.
Assuring happiness and empathy
Ayush and his team (a mix of his friends and volunteers) virtually conducted fun and entertaining events like antakshari, scavenger hunt, quizzes and comedy events, across Covid hospitals in 80 cities of India, in a bid to relieve stress. The project was aptly named Muskaan as the purpose was to bring in smiles. The funds raised were used to donate 3,500 PPE kits, snacks and soft drinks for 4,000 healthcare workers at St John’s Hospital, Bengaluru.
“Talking to my uncle, I understood what healthcare workers were going through. They were risking their lives to protect others against the virus,” he adds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1bIBUvpO40
Ayush has also been showing gratitude and empathy to frontline heroes through his advocacy on Aashwas’s social media platforms so that people are able to go beyond their problems to the plight of healthcare workers. “I even collaborated with a healthcare magazine (Inflame), and conducted interviews of how professionals have been coping with the pressure during the pandemic, and their advice on staying safe,” says the changemaker.
Strategies to serve
His pulmonologist uncle has been a mentor and guide helping him with feedback from professionals on initiatives laid out. Later, Ayush started reaching out to medical associations through social media, and managed to gain the attention of the Indian Medical Association too. He collaborated with its Maharashtra and Punjab chapters and impacted 20 hospitals staff with project Muskaan - encouraging frontline workers to bring their families to these virtual extravaganzas so they can spend some fun times together.
Even as frontline workers grappled with long hours and busy schedules, he persuaded the management to believe in Aashwas team’s intent and capabilities of putting up a good show, albeit an uphill task.
Leveraging technology for larger benefits
The class 12 graduate of Head Start Educational Academy, Bengaluru is a passionate coder, and has developed two android apps prior to his Aashwas initiative. “I have always been a techie and that’s why I plan to pursue computer science,” says he adding that the process of studying abroad is underway.
“I have been learning coding through YouTube, Coursera etc since I was seven,” says the changemaker who designed his first app mNutrition while studying in grade nine. It can diagnose malnutrition in children, and it earned him international acclaim as a regional finalist from the Asia-Pacific region at the Google Science Fair 2018-19. Ayush has been named by Indiatimes as one of the‘14 Young Innovators whose ideas can save the world, and make it a better place’. His second app Medrive, enables patients with chronic illnesses to store medical records online.
Inspirations and more….
The young changemaker’s parents, Leena Gharat (dentist), and Aniruddha Gharat (businessman) are his inspirations. “I have always looked up to my dad. He is very cordial and amiable. Looking at the relationship and bond he creates with people, I would like to emulate his persona,” says Ayush.
[caption id="attachment_15654" align="aligncenter" width="493"] Ayush with his family[/caption]
In awe of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, he gushes, “The entrepreneur and radical visionary is doing inspirational work to change the world for the better.” Aspiring to be an entrepreneur himself, away from his social initiatives, and coding, strumming the guitar is a stress buster, and he plays tabla as well. “I used to be shy and introverted. Aashwas helped me to come out of my comfort zone, gain confidence and grow as a person,” smiles the effervescent Ayush.
(June 29, 2024) Meet 20-year-old Ridi Oswal, a dynamic young musician, a changemaker, and a student of engineering who defies the trope with her work across different fields and her unwavering commitment to her passions. She released her debut song, Top Guy, on her YouTube channel in 2021. The Indo-European pop fusion song reflects her multicultural upbringing and is an empowering anthem about standing up against injustice. She and her sister Vasundhara are also the co-founders of Stop the B! a movement dedicated to raising awareness and supporting victims of bullying. Stop the B! has been endorsed by celebrities like footballer Ronaldinho Gaucho and Ridi became the youngest panelist ever at the UNESCO World Anti-Bullying Forum. Born and raised in Switzerland, the child of global entrepreneurs Pankaj and Radhika Oswal, Ridi was surrounded by a diverse array of cultural influences from an early age, thanks to her father's ventures in different industries, including petrochemicals, mining, real estate, and fertilizers. Even as a child, it was music that truly captured her heart. Starting her musical education at the tender age of four, Ridi found herself drawn to the rhythms and melodies that would eventually define her unique sound. "I grew up
"I grew up in a world of music from all over the world, and music became my language from a very young age," the young musician recalls, in an interview with Global Indian. Influenced by legends such as AR Rahman and Beyoncé, she began to blend Western pop with Indian melodies, creating a sound that resonated with a broad audience. By the age of eight, she was already experimenting with her music, constantly evolving and refining her style.
Being in the music industry since a tender age meant continuous learning, growth, and taking risks while staying true to herself. Her music draws inspiration from a wide range of artists, from classical Indian masters to modern pop icons, through their lyrics and melody.
Debut and Musical Philosophy
Ridi’s debut song, Top Guy released in 2021 on her YouTube channel RealRidi was a significant milestone. The song, an empowering anthem about standing up against injustice, is an Indo-European pop fusion reflecting her multicultural upbringing. "Top Guy felt like everything I had been working towards. It was the moment I started sharing my music with the world," Ridi shares.
Her music is a reflection of her life's journey and cultural heritage. Describing her genre as "Indo-European pop," Ridi’s compositions are a blend of Indian classical music and the French beats she encountered in Switzerland. This fusion allows her to explore different musical textures and connect with people on a deeper level. "The biggest gift my music has given me is the ability to connect with people," she says. Her songs aim to inspire listeners to stand up for their beliefs, a theme that is central to her musical philosophy.
Championing Anti-Bullying Through "Stop The B!"
Beyond her music, Ridi is also a passionate advocate against bullying. Her own experiences with bullying in her early teens led her and her sister Vasundhara to co-found Stop The B! a movement dedicated to raising awareness and providing support to those affected by bullying. "We wanted to create a space to spread awareness, support, and be the allies we didn’t have during our youth," she explains.
Stop The B! has gained significant recognition, becoming the world's first youth-led anti-bullying campaign. It has been endorsed by prominent figures such as footballer Ronaldinho Gaúcho and organizations like the United Nations. A highlight for Ridi was being the youngest panelist ever at the UNESCO World Anti-Bullying Forum, where she advocated for teenage mental health on social media.
The campaign’s impact has been profound. "We have raised awareness about the prevalence and harm of bullying behaviors. But more importantly, we have empowered thousands of young people to know they are not alone and that there is help available," Ridi says. Stop The B! provides resources and support for victims, encouraging them to stand up for themselves and each other.
Balancing Academics and Music
Currently pursuing a degree in chemical engineering in London, the youngster adeptly balances her academic pursuits with her musical career. The transition from Switzerland to London brought its own set of adjustments, but Ridi embraces the challenge, maintaining a dedicated focus on both her studies and her passion for music.
Despite living in different parts of the world, Ridi remains deeply connected to her Indian roots. "Absolutely, you can call me an Indian at heart," she affirms. Music is a primary way she stays connected to her heritage, blending Indo-European pop to reflect the melodies of her childhood home in India and the beats she discovered in Switzerland.
Ridi is particularly proud of her achievement as the youngest panelist to speak at the UNESCO World Anti-Bullying Forum, a testament to her commitment to making a difference. Looking ahead, she plans to continue pushing the boundaries of her music, exploring new themes, and deepening her connection with her audience.
Looking Ahead
As she continues to evolve as an artist and advocate, her future promises even more ground breaking music and meaningful contributions to the fight against bullying. Her latest song, Make It All Make Sense has been met with an outpouring of love from fans, and she is already working on new tracks that blend various sounds. Exciting collaborations are also on the horizon, promising new dimensions to her musical journey.
"I aim to keep pushing the limits of my music, delving into unfamiliar themes, and developing a deeper bond with the people who listen to it," Ridi says. She also plans to expand Stop The B! to further its mission as a powerful anti-bullying platform. "I will take both paths—engineering and music—because why should women be expected to choose only one?"
Ridi Oswal's story is one of resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of her passions. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with determination and a deep connection to one's roots, it is possible to make a lasting impact. As she continues to chart her path, her music and advocacy will undoubtedly inspire and uplift those who hear her voice.
QUICK TAKES:
Music idols: Don’t have one. I like to listen to all different artists and genres. That’s what inspires me the most.
The top song on your playlist right now is: Mocking Bird by Eminem. He’s such an awesome lyricist.
Indian music you like: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's songs are my favorite Indian music style.