Maanasa Mendu: Indian-American teen making clean affordable technology accessible
Written by: Team GI Youth
(December 20, 2022) “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,” is how Indian-American girl Maanasa Mendu begins her TedX talk. Born and raised in Ohio, her first brush with the global energy crisis began when she visited her grandmother in rural India for her summer break, and witnessed persistent blackouts. Seeing children huddled over a single kerosene lamp, something shifted in the then teenager who was keen 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. It not only won her the grand prize in the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge and $25,000, but also made her the youngest person to make it to the 2017 Forbes 30 Under 30 list at just 14 years of age.
Maanasa Mendu designed Harvest 2.0 to make clean energy accessible
That visit to India left her searching for answers. Upon her return, she began 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 but not many opted for it owing to its high cost. That’s when Maanasa took it upon herself to design an “inexpensive and potentially globally application energy solution.”
At age 11, she discovered piezoelectric effect (the ability of certain materials to produce an electrical charge when applied with mechanical stress) while reading about JRE’s railway station in Japan that has piezo electric floors that produce electricity from people’s footsteps. She knew she had found the perfect renewable energy solution. After a year of research and reading, the inspiration for piezoelectric “leaf” device struck here while watching tree branches sway in the wind during a storm. To her, the branches looked like piezoelectric materials – tiny devices that generate power through vibration. She soon began to imagine a renewable energy technology that could harness the energy in the wind and rain. This motivated her to work on her first design. While the initial idea was to focus only on wind power, she ultimately built a prototype that can harness solar and wind energy and the vibrations of rain drops. The device consists of three solar “leaves” that act as solar panels but also move and bend with the wind and rain. The design won her the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, which the Global Indian built using recycled materials for only $5.
Maanasa Mendu with the design of Harvest 2.0
“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 began working on the design, her focus was only on wind energy as she wanted to solve the problem of how to capture wind in urban areas where wind turbines don’t make sense. But while working on it, she realised “there are a lot more untapped energy sources in our environment, like solar power and precipitation.” “If my device just relies on one specific environmental condition, the power output can vary throughout the day. Whereas if it relies on multiple environmental conditions–like sunlight intensity, wind speed, precipitation–all of these factors could create a more stable power source with a higher power output,” she told Fast Company.
Maanasa, who is studying at Harvard University, 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. She believes that “student inventors try to seek inspiration from everyday things. I feel like they connect the dots better.”
(November 11, 2022) It was a usual day for the then 13-year-old Ishika Binu and her younger sister, when both of them stepped out with their caretaker to attend their daily Bharatnatyam class. While they were on their way a vehicle rammed into their car, throwing it completely off-balance. "It was a horrible accident," recounts now 17-year-old student, as she connects with Global Indian, from Washington. "When the car collided, I was shouting my sister's name. She was very still and I feared that she was dead. She was shifted to the Harborview Hospital in Seattle, while I remained at Evergreen due to my concussion. She stayed in the Intensive Care Unit for several days with multiple spinal fractures, a sternum fracture, and internal spleen bleeding." [caption id="attachment_24083" align="aligncenter" width="522"] Ishika Binu[/caption] While the accident left a lifelong scar on Ishika's memory, it did force her to realise the importance of road safety measures. Her recovery period gave Ishika the time to do a lot of research about road accidents across the world. The high school student found that millions of people lose their lives - either on spot or waiting for medical assistance - after meeting with an accident.
importance of road safety measures. Her recovery period gave Ishika the time to do a lot of research about road accidents across the world. The high school student found that millions of people lose their lives - either on spot or waiting for medical assistance - after meeting with an accident. "We were lucky to be fully under my father's insurance. However, several people cannot afford their medical bills, and that pains me," shares the teenager.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4CSSnbrkw0
Inspired by the tragedy that struck her family, Ishika decided to focus on safe driving for her Girl Scouts project. Earlier this year, the Washington-based student won the National Gold Scholarship Award for her Safe Drive project - which is the highest award in Girl Scouts. She is also the founder of an NGO, Arts4Assistance, which supports families who have any unexpected medical needs.
A passionate youngster
Born in Washington to two young computer engineers from Kerala, Ishika was always attracted to performing arts - especially Indian classical dance forms. "I am heavily invested in performing arts and dancing. I have been taking formal classes since I was just four years old, and have performed on various platforms as well." Proud of her Indian roots, Ishika shares that her family celebrates Onam every year in a grand fashion.
[caption id="attachment_24084" align="aligncenter" width="589"] Binu sisters, during a Bharatanatyam performance[/caption]
For someone who finds silver linings even in the most tragic situations, she reminisces that it was the paramedic, who helped her and her sister, that played a catalyst in changing the way she thinks. "He told me that he had to be calm, to be able to help people. If he panicked, the people who are already scared might lose all hope. I was very inspired by that and today I completely base all my thought processes around that. Even when I was in the hospital, I was aware of the various issues the patients and their families were facing. Those small things motivated me to start the safe driving Girl Scouts project," shares the student.
After years of rehab and therapy, both Ishika and her younger sister, Rithika, are not only fine now, but have also performed Bharatanatyam at various events. To be able to use her art form to help others, Ishika started the NGO, Arts4Assistance. "We loved performing on the stage, and it is a big part of our lives. I plan to become a doctor when I grow up but don't want to stop doing things that make me happy due to work pressure. And I figured, many young people still like to pursue their hobbies despite having a tight work schedule. And what better than to use those performances to help other people. With that thought I started Arts4Assistance, a platform where artists can submit art pieces and performances to help raise funds for families who have any kind of unexpected medical needs," says the student.
Giving back to the society
Around the same time that Ishika was working on her Girl Scouts project, another unfortunate incident shook her. Her grandfather, who lived in Kerala, suffered a heart attack and wasn’t able to make 911 call to get an ambulance like in the US. "Having been in an accident, I knew what important role ambulances play in the patient getting timely treatment. My father made me more aware of the healthcare situation in India."
[caption id="attachment_24085" align="aligncenter" width="596"] MLA D.K. Murali flagging off the ambulance service in the Kallara village[/caption]
The youngster, with help from the Girl Scouts of Western Washington, worked remotely to implement ambulance services in the Kerala village, which was flagged off on April 2, 2022. "I realised that just spreading awareness on the prevention of road accidents is not enough. We must find a way to provide emergency medical services. I identified places that lacked proper medical transportation services in Kerala and contacted the Kallara panchayat to help improve their medical infrastructure. I raised funds for the ambulance service with the help of volunteers, and other art shows and performances in Washington," shares the young student, who is currently working on a similar project in Africa.
What does a brewer’s spent grain have to do with cutlery? Absolutely nothing, yet in this latest innovation, everything. The next time you order food, gobble away, and chomp on the Eco Ware edible cutlery instead. There will be much less plastic in the world. Three Indian students from Ku Leuven University in Belgium created a biodegradable, edible cutlery brand called Eco Ware from a beer by-product, and it won the 2021 KICK Challenge Student Award. Anusuya Samantaray, Apoorva Vardhan and Varun Singh won this university business competition which focuses on social entrepreneurship. Their end goal is now to create a sustainable world, and reduce the human carbon footprint at a time when the latest Climate Change report warns us of the consequences of living on the edge. [caption id="attachment_12770" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Apoorva Vardhan[/caption] What got them started Anusuya was pained at the sight of the trashed beaches in Odisha, and even helped clear plastic waste as a child while Varun and Apoorva also wanted to help Belgium (and the world) answer the single use plastic menace. Apoorva (Faculty of Science), Varun (Faculty of Bioscience Engineering), Anusuya (Master of science in sustainable development) found that spent was perfect to make Eco Ware
Anusuya was pained at the sight of the trashed beaches in Odisha, and even helped clear plastic waste as a child while Varun and Apoorva also wanted to help Belgium (and the world) answer the single use plastic menace.
Apoorva (Faculty of Science), Varun (Faculty of Bioscience Engineering), Anusuya (Master of science in sustainable development) found that spent was perfect to make Eco Ware edible cutlery.
“Apoorva, Varun and I did a lot of research and found that spent grain, a byproduct of the beer manufacturing industry is edible and a rich source of fiber. Restaurants in Belgium also use spent grain in pizzas. The country has over 1,000 beer brands and generates 60,000 MT of spent grain annually. We decided to use this to come up with an edible cutlery range including spoons and dip cups,” Anusuya told Global Indian about Eco Ware edible cutlery.
“We were aware of edible cutlery and its presence in minimum capacities in India. There was also this concern that it’s being made out of agriculturally stressed products (wheat for example). We wanted to find possibilities to make it as eco-friendly as possible. Thanks to Varun, we discovered how brewers spent grain (BSG) could be of use. Apoorva and I, as students of sustainability, further incorporated ideas to reduce the carbon footprint by going local with our project.”
[caption id="attachment_12771" align="aligncenter" width="754"] The edible cutlery developed by the Anusuya, Apoorva and Varun[/caption]
Work in progress
The team came up with Eco Ware edible cutlery cups and trays that were awarded the Gemma Frisius KICK Student Award for a business idea with impact. The trio researched extensively, and conducted a small pilot survey to understand consumer behavior with a focus on edible cutlery — 91% were open to the use edible cutlery, 3% showed partial interest.
Given that KU Leuven is the European capital of innovation, they were confident that the idea will kindle eco-consciousness among all. In agreement about the lack of sustainable policies in India, poverty, policy making and execution hurdles, they hope to ignite the same fervor back home. Even as Leuven sets the pace for such interventions, Anusuya feels there is a lot to learn from the indigenous communities in India, “Their knowledge of organic material such as using sal leaves to stitch plates, natural non-toxic dyes, farming methods, there is much tacit knowledge of the environment that could be used to build on innovating sustainable ways of living.”
For any foodie, taste is tantamount to consumption, so how does spent grain translate on the taste meter? Spent grain is used by farmers as fodder, and there has been a growing interest in alternative uses of spent grain in the food industry. “Brewer’s spent grain is a perfectly edible by-product of the beer industry, and is being significantly incorporated into breads, cookies and even pizza doughs because of its rich fiber content," says Anusuya says of the ingredients of Eco Ware edible cutlery.
“As a matter of justification, according to a paper presented at the 18th European Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production Conference (ERSCP 2017), spent grain is proven to be rich in fiber and protein content. The only reason breweries simply give away the grains as fodder or discard them is because there is no current large-scale industry set up to add value to the processed spent grain/flour. Processing of spent grains into flour is an energy demanding task, so they find it feasible to sell it as fodder. We want to bridge the gap."
Being eco conscious
Anusuya’s upbringing had much to do with her chosen course. Her father’s naturalist leanings helped her gain knowledge about coastal bio-diversity. In fact, Sanjay Samantaray is the chief organizer of the India Surf Festival and founder of Surfing Yogis. A childhood amidst the tranquil seaside forests of Puri, influenced by her father who is action oriented and hosts events like beach clean-up drives, and promotes eco-tourism, she adds, "Sustainable development addresses the intricacies of the complexities; a process that is holistic and takes into account all three dimensions — societies, ecology and the economy to pursue sustainable growth,” says the girl, who did her BSc in sustainable development at Xavier University, Bhubaneswar.
Kanpur boy Varun Singh, 25, is doing his Masters in Food Technology (IUPFOOD), offered by KU Leuven and Ghent University. It is his experience that cemented this innovation. A B.Tech in food technology from Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, Varun also worked as a manufacturing executive in Too Yumm and a research associate at Mordor Intelligence.
“The knowledge and exposure at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering is life-changing. I get to work on critical industrial problems related to food processing, packaging, and preservation. Added is the access to labs equipped with the latest equipment, valuing millions of Euros, used for the sole purpose of increasing food safety, food innovation, and promoting healthy eating,” says Varun as he works on Eco Ware edible cutlery. His research interest is working on chocolates as Belgium is world-famous for its expertise, and loves composing music, playing the guitar, and sketching.
For Apoorva, who is originally from Delhi, but has lived in Pune, her bachelors in Plant Sciences from University of Delhi paved the way for a degree in sustainable development with a specialization in ecology. She too is passionate and is inspired most by, “How you can come up with solutions that have the power to change the world and bring systemic change in society,” says the student, who will be traveling to Rwanda shortly for field work and master thesis, and is interested in agroforestry and food systems, for her PhD or career.
They now want to develop a finished product with the help of Leuven Research and Development department of KU Leuven, collaborating with researchers and research labs at KU Leuven’s beer institute. Working on developing partnerships with breweries in Leuven, they will go local before expansion. Product development, manufacturing and building partnerships is their focus, and they are on the lookout for funds and partnerships for distribution. They believe in ideating and challenging frontiers. In unison they say, “Keep hustling,” adding that research was their foundation.
As they work towards a tangible product in Eco Ware edible cutlery, there is a second year to complete, projects, and master thesis to finish too. Anasuya adds, “While most other companies are exploring the market using rice and wheat, which are agriculturally stressed commodities, the spent grain initiative is most eco-friendly. Upon discovering sustainability, it made me believe that the problems we face today are not isolated affairs. Sustainable development addresses the intricacies of the complexities; a process that is holistic and takes into account all three dimensions — societies, ecology and the economy to pursue sustainable growth.”
(December 24, 2023) Motorsport enthusiast Aditya Kousgi has an inherent spirit of sportsmanship that has held him in good stead behind the wheels. Starting as a photographer, Aditya Kousgi is now making his mark on the track as he makes strides in the arena of motorsports, after his tenure at Chetan Shivram Motorsport. Currently preparing for the Indian National Rally Championship, Aditya's aspirations include conquering the Asia Pacific Rally Championship and ultimately, the World Rally Championship. Early days Born in Bangalore, Kousgi’s educational journey took him on a whirlwind tour of various cities across India. This nomadic upbringing shaped his perspective and instilled in him the ability to adapt to diverse environments. “My formative years were marked by a deep love for sports, with football being my true passion. I was more at home on the sports field than in the classroom, and I proudly represented my school and college teams. But my enthusiasm extended beyond football; I excelled in tennis and hockey during my childhood. These early experiences instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and the competitive spirit.” As he grew older, a new passion began to emerge – photography which he decided to pursue by
– photography which he decided to pursue by enrolling in an undergraduate program at Symbiosis in Pune. This marked the start of a four-year stint as a professional photographer, which ran parallel to his college education.
Rally cues
The transition from photography to the world of rallying was an unexpected and thrilling journey that began during his tenure with Chetan Shivram Motorsport, a respected name in the motorsport industry, led by the visionary Chetan Shivram. “The pivotal moment arrived unexpectedly when Mr. Shivram generously allowed me to take the wheel of one of his rally cars during an event. The sheer exhilaration of being behind the wheel of a rally car was a revelation. It was in that electrifying moment that my love for rallying was firmly rooted, and the seeds of my future in motorsport were sown,” he says He took part in The Indian National Autocross Championship for the first time just for fun which was an unexpected decision but turned out to be a life-changing one. “To my astonishment, I qualified unexpectedly in that competition. Since that remarkable day, I haven't looked back and continued my career in the exhilarating world of rallying, determined to push my limits and chase my dreams on the racetrack,” he adds.
Shifting gears
Naturally the shift from photography to rallying was a thrilling journey that transformed his life in ways that he could have never imagined. “While I was busy capturing the excitement of rallying through my camera lens, my heart yearned to experience it from the driver's seat. This transition underscored the importance of pursuing one's passion relentlessly, even if it meant taking a leap of faith into the unknown. The change was exhilarating yet challenging. It required me to rewire my mindset, adapt to a new set of skills, and embrace the relentless pursuit of excellence. But the thrill of rallying, the camaraderie of the motorsport community, and the adrenaline-fueled competitions made every sacrifice worthwhile,” he explains. His journey in rallying has been made possible by the unwavering support of his parents, who have been his pillars of strength through multiple career transitions as well as Chetan Shivram, whose unwavering belief in his potential has been a constant source of inspiration.
Racing journey
In the early stages of his rallying career, "Snap Racing" was his trusted service team, ensuring that the cars were always prepared for the demanding challenges of rallying. Later he made the strategic move to "R-tech," a decision that further solidified his rallying career. R-tech's support in crafting dependable cars, promptly addressing technical issues, and optimizing performance has been invaluable. “My navigator, Deeksha Balakrishna, has played an essential role in my rallying career. She's been there with me since my first rally, teaching me a great deal about pacenotes and navigation. Her guidance and partnership have been crucial to my success on the racetrack,” he says. His journey on the racetrack has been a whirlwind of emotions and challenges, each rally presenting its unique terrain and set of obstacles, pushing him to adapt and excel. “One of my most memorable moments was my first autocross event, an adrenaline-pumping experience that put my skills to the test. It was a baptism by fire into the world of competitive rallying, where split-second decisions and precise manoeuvres are the keys to success,” he says.
Testing times
However, no journey in motorsport is complete without its share of setbacks. He experienced his first crash during the Rally of Chennai, a tough situation that put both his skills and his car to the test. “Despite the challenges, this experience taught me valuable lessons in resilience, quick thinking, and the importance of safety in rally cars. Another unforgettable moment was when my car toppled during a race. It was a heart-pounding experience that tested my mettle as a driver. While it was a harrowing ordeal, it underscored the resilience of rally cars and the unwavering support of my team. These experiences, both triumphant and challenging, have been crucial in shaping my skills and determination as a rally driver,” he says.
Training hard
His training regimen is rigorous and intense, designed to push his limits and strengthen his bond with the rally car which has been fundamental in his success in rallying. “One particularly memorable experience was a recent four-day endurance training program. It provided invaluable insights into my car's mechanics and dynamics, enhancing my understanding of how to maximize its performance on the track. As I prepare for the Indian National Rally Championship in Hyderabad, my training focuses on refining my skills, honing my reflexes, and pushing my boundaries. This training not only enhances my performance but also strengthens the symbiotic relationship between me and my rally car. It's about taking good care of the car, and it, in turn, takes care of me,” he explains.
Balancing life outside motorsport
While motorsport is a significant part of his life, he also finds relaxation and rejuvenation in the great outdoors. “Trekking and traveling are my preferred ways to unwind, often accompanied by my trusty canine companion. These adventures provide me with profound joy and an opportunity to disconnect from the high-octane world of rallying,” he says. His passion for photography endures, and he often capture the beauty and stories of his journeys and says it is his creative outlet that allows him to share his perspective and experiences with others. “Maintaining a balance between work and life is paramount. While I am deeply committed to my rallying career, these moments of leisure refresh my spirit and provide a counterbalance to the intensity of motorsport,” he adds.
Future Perfect
His journey has been a treasure trove of invaluable lessons. He also encourages aspiring rallyists to embrace change with open arms. “I emphasise that resilience is a cornerstone of success in rallying. Crashes and setbacks may be daunting, but they offer profound opportunities for learning and growth. Each challenge is a chance to become a better driver and a stronger individual. To budding rallyists, I offer the advice to pursue their passions relentlessly. Seek guidance from mentors, appreciate the safety features in your cars, and dedicate yourself to rigorous training. Every experience, whether positive or challenging, is a chance to learn and excel in the world of rallying,” he avers. Looking ahead, he says that the road ahead is filled with excitement and ambition. “My immediate goal is to establish myself as one of the top rally drivers in the country. As I continue this remarkable journey, my aim is to make my family, Chetan Shivram, and Deeksha Balakrishna proud, as they have been the driving force behind my transformation from a photographer to a successful rallyist. This is a journey marked by passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence in the thrilling world of rallying,” he concludes.
(September 27, 2024) Dhruvi Patel, a student from the USA, was named Miss India Worldwide 2024. This was the 31st edition of Miss India Worldwide, the longest-running Indian pageant held outside of India. It is considered one of the top ethnic pageants, and is dedicated to providing a platform for young women to showcase their talent, culture, and values on an international stage. "Winning Miss India Worldwide is such an incredible honour. It's more than a crown – it represents my heritage, my values, and the opportunity to inspire others on a global scale," Dhruvi said expressing her excitement after receiving the prestigious crown at the pageant held at Edison, New Jersey. Lisa Abdoelhak from Suriname was named the first runner-up, while Malvika Sharma from the Netherlands was declared the second runner-up at the competition. Dhruvi is pursuing a degree in Computer Information Systems at Quinnipiac University. In 2023, the youngster earned the title of Miss India New England. She combines her love for pageantry with a passion for philanthropy, co-running the nonprofit 3DCharities along with her siblings. Talent, culture and values “To all my sister queens, sharing this pageant journey with you all has been a true blessing. Your
love for pageantry with a passion for philanthropy, co-running the nonprofit 3DCharities along with her siblings.
Talent, culture and values
“To all my sister queens, sharing this pageant journey with you all has been a true blessing. Your friendship, support, and shared experiences have made this adventure unforgettable. Each one of you have brought a unique sparkle to this journey, and I am grateful for the memories we’ve created together. Here’s to the bond we’ve formed and the special moments we’ve shared as sister queens,” Dhruvi remarked highlighting the pageant's journey that culminated into her winning the title.
With a passion for both pageantry and philanthropy, the Indian-American youngster aspires to become a Bollywood actor and serve as a UNICEF ambassador, following in the footsteps of some of the Indian actors she admires.
Giving back through 3DCharities
While managing her nonprofit, Dhruvi Patel dedicates her time to volunteering at senior centers, participating in food drives, and supporting various fundraising efforts. Her nonprofit regularly donates to organizations like UNICEF, Feeding America, and the American Red Cross. “Doing a good deed, whether large or small, will always come back to you in a positive way,” she believes.
3DCharities is a home-based nonprofit funded by Dhruvi and her siblings, Dhriti and Darsh. Eleven years ago, they founded it with the monetary gifts they received during birthdays, Diwali, Christmas, and other occasions as children. The charity's name was created by combining the first letters of their names.
“God has blessed us with privileges, and as we strive to be transformational leaders, we want to use our blessings to do good and bring smiles to others. Charity starts at home but shouldn’t end there. We promise to elevate this mission to new heights,” is the driving force behind the siblings' initiative.
[caption id="attachment_39493" align="aligncenter" width="653"] Dhruvi with her siblings Darsh and Dhriti, the cofounders of 3DCharities[/caption]
They launched 3DCharities with the goal of serving and touching as many lives as possible, donating essentials like food, water, clothing, and school supplies to temples, churches, medical research institutions, and other causes. Their efforts extend beyond the U.S., reaching India as well. Recently, they partnered with a local organization to feed over 300 children in Vadodara.
The charity also provides menstrual hygiene products and blankets to the homeless and underprivileged, and they regularly distribute food and clothing to orphanages. In 2023 3DCharities impacted the lives of 4,800 people. "We have donated $15,000 of our monetary gifts from many holidays and other occasions to charities in the past decade. We have also fundraised over $7000 for Jump rope for heart, American Red Cross, St. Jude’s, disaster relief charities during the pandemic and many other causes and charities," the siblings shared.
A proud member of the diaspora
The young Indian American pageant winner hailing from Gujarat was invited to be a part of the India Independence Day parade held at NYC few weeks back. She was also present at the address of PM Modi in New York during his U.S visit this month. Calling it an incredible experience, she shared with a news channel, “As you can see, there is so much energy in this stadium. It is absolutely incredible. It’s so contagious. Everyone has so much passion for Bharat. It is absolutely insane. It just feels so surreal being surrounded by so many Indian people who are so passionate about their own country. Even though they’re living in America, they’re still so passionate. It truly is amazing.”
Dhruvi Patel's enthusiasm and pride in her heritage comes from the strong connection she maintains with her Indian roots, despite living abroad.
(Aug 26, 2023) Sagar and Suraj Nagaraj, second-generation Australian immigrants, are the founders of the Australian Indian Orchestra (AIO), a pioneering initiative that marked its debut with the concert ‘Sydney to Mumbai: A Symphonic Journey to Incredible India’ - featuring a splendid 60-member symphony orchestra in Australia. Their endeavour is rooted in their vision to cultivate a musical connection between the people of Australia and India and to present Indian music in western format. AIO harmoniously amalgamates Indian melodies with Australian orchestral arrangements, forging a unifying platform that brings together artists and audiences from both nations. [caption id="attachment_32738" align="aligncenter" width="921"] Concert of Australian Indian Orchestra at Sydney Conservatorium of Music[/caption] 26-year-old Sagar and 20-year-old Suraj are musically inclined since their childhood. They have been giving performances at different platforms while growing up and enjoy a good fan following for their musical skills. Fuelled by love for Bollywood Despite being born and raised in Australia, Sagar and Suraj Nagaraj simply love Bollywood music, strongly influenced by their music loving parents. Sagar, shared, "Our childhood is filled with memories of returning home from school to the whistles of our father's favourite Hindi songs." He added, "We found Bollywood films constantly being watched
ances at different platforms while growing up and enjoy a good fan following for their musical skills.
Fuelled by love for Bollywood
Despite being born and raised in Australia, Sagar and Suraj Nagaraj simply love Bollywood music, strongly influenced by their music loving parents. Sagar, shared, "Our childhood is filled with memories of returning home from school to the whistles of our father's favourite Hindi songs." He added, "We found Bollywood films constantly being watched on TV at our home." The environment at home, ignited their passion for music since as far as they can recall.
As they grew up, they realised that Bollywood music wasn't too popular beyond their home. The brothers, whose parents immigrated to Australia in 1993, started nurturing a shared dream - to introduce Bollywood music to Australia. With the launch of the Australian Indian Orchestra, they are now coming closer to make that dream come true.
Starting young
Sagar discovered his affinity for strings in school and subsequently took up the violin. Regularly participating in his school's musical programmes, he captivated his music-loving parents by playing ‘O Saathi Re,’ a Bollywood tune he had heard his father whistle countless times. His father was pleasantly surprised by how beautifully Sagar played the melody.
Since then, listening to Indian melodies on Sagar’s violin became a regular pastime in the Nagaraj household. The younger brother Suraj, recalled, "I fell in love with the violin at the age of four when I heard Sagar play and begged my parents to get me one as well."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYyA9wNqkI0&t=9s
Idea of orchestra
The idea of Australian Indian Orchestra’s formation germinated in their mind during a performance when the Nagaraj brothers intertwined select Hindi melodies with customary string orchestra classics to bring some variety. All the songs that they played received lots of appreciation from the audience that comprised of both Indian and Australian attendees.
Their enthusiastic response propelled the brothers to establish a new musical endeavour - the Australian Indian Orchestra, to showcase the fusion of musical styles.
Forging ahead with vision
Guiding the ensemble, Sagar assumes the role of concertmaster, meticulously crafting the concert's line up by infusing his deep understanding of Indian music into every element. He describes the process as a combination of attentive listening, profound reading, meticulous note transcription, and dedicated practice. His visits to India and exposure to Carnatic music during trips to his native place Mysore has greatly impacted his approach. “It helped me a lot while writing the musical notes for the songs of AIO,” he shared. The youngster has also performed in Kochi as part of the Sydney Youth Orchestra in 2017.
While Suraj who has experience performing with the Australian World Orchestra holds the role of conductor. “String music has always featured in a big way in Bollywood music,” he said. “In most Hindi songs, you can hear a violin or a cello,” he added.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K-XS-3lyKU
Diversity and magnificence
Their inaugural concert's repertoire spanned a diverse range of songs by vocalists such as Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Hariharan, Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, and Arijit Singh. In addition to this vocal diversity, the performance showcased a varied instrumental ensemble, including tabla, sitar, santoor, guitar, piano, and keyboard, all contributing to the tapestry of orchestral magnificence.
For the Nagaraj brothers, Bollywood music resonates as their ‘home away from home.’ After their debut concert at Sydney Conservatorium of Music, they are busy preparing for their next concert to be held on the occasion of Diwali at Concourse in Chatswood, Sydney. They are aspiring to take their orchestra from Sydney to Mumbai in the coming days.