Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveNavami Jain: Indian American teen becomes Regeneron finalist for bioethanol breakthrough

Navami Jain: Indian American teen becomes Regeneron finalist for bioethanol breakthrough

Compiled by: Team GI Youth

(May 10, 2023) One balmy afternoon in 2019, when Charlotte-based Navami Jain was desperately searching for the venue for a college admissions interview scheduled to start in the next ten minutes, her phone kept ringing incessantly. In a panicked state, she picked up the call only to find that she was one of the 40 finalists selected for the Regeneron Science Talent Search that year. “I was so shocked that I stopped walking,” she said. Then a 17-year-old senior at North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, Navami was recognised for her relentless effort to produce bioethanol from agricultural waste products.

“The major controversy around ethanol production is that it is being produced from food-based crops like corn. I’m looking at ways to produce it from agricultural-based matter and different waste products such as wheat straw,” Navami said in an interview.

Navami Jain

The Stanford University School of Medicine student was always passionate about science. But it was during middle school that she began her research while her trip to India during her summer break to meet her grandparents. With a little help from her grandfather, who is a retired biochemist, she began dipping her toes into converting agricultural waste products into fuel-grade ethanol. The idea came to her during her freshman year at Myers Park High School when she was interning in a biochemistry lab. Here she saw researchers trying to repurpose India’s plentiful sugarcane waste into biofuel. This hooked her on the process of scientific discovery.

Two years later, this passion led her to the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. “One of the major factors that drew me to NCSSM was the different research opportunities and the prospect of continuing what I had started that summer in India. You’re given the funding and the space to pursue any research project you’re interested in,” she said in an interview.

During the next few years, she performed a series of assays looking at different ways to produce bioethanol, a type of biofuel that is considered greener than conventional fossil energy sources as it is biodegradable and non-toxic. In the last few years, bioethanol has gained considerable attention due to its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuels. Agricultural waste products, such as crop residues and lignocellulosic biomass, are abundant in India, and their conversion into bioethanol could provide an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution to the country’s growing energy demands.

Her research focused on developing a novel method for converting agricultural waste products into bioethanol using a combination of enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation processes. This innovative approach not only optimized bioethanol production but also addressed the issue of waste management in India’s agricultural sector. By converting waste products into valuable resources, Jain’s work demonstrated the potential of a circular economy that benefits both the environment and the country’s energy infrastructure.

Navami’s award-winning research has significantly contributed to the bioethanol movement in India. Her innovative approach to producing bioethanol from agricultural waste products has opened up new possibilities for utilizing India’s vast biomass resources sustainably. Moreover, her work has generated interest and investment in the field, thereby promoting the development of a bio-based economy in the country.

Navami’s groundbreaking research on bioethanol production from agricultural waste products has had a far-reaching impact on India’s energy landscape. Her work has not only showcased the potential of bioethanol as a sustainable energy source but has also paved the way for the development of a circular economy in the country. As India strives to achieve its renewable energy targets and reduce its carbon footprint, bioethanol – fueled by the innovative efforts of pioneers like Jain – is set to play a significant role in the country’s transition to a greener, more sustainable future.

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Published on 10, May 2023

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Dev Sharma: British-Indian teen leading the fight on food justice and climate action

(November 1, 2024) In the House of Commons, 18-year-old Dev Sharma delivered a message that's become a rallying cry for climate and health action: "Let’s clarify, we did not cause the current climate disaster, but we are facing the health effects — even if we may not have started this catastrophe, we must be the ones to resolve it. We’ll demand answers from the producers of fossil fuels." Dev, one of the 250 Youth Parliament members gathered to debate health and policy issues in the chamber, raised his voice against more than just climate change. In 2023, he called for better action on food poverty, making it clear that for his generation, these issues are inseparably linked. Raised in Leicester's Rushey Mead area, Dev's journey into activism started early. His community’s struggles with health inequities and food poverty hit close to home, especially when Dev began noticing the of junk food advertising aimed at young people. "I feel like I’m being bombarded with junk food ads on my phone and computer, and it’s overwhelming," he wrote for The Food Foundation. "They are everywhere, popping up when we’re watching videos, when I’m gaming with friends, and we don’t have an escape,

ads on my phone and computer, and it’s overwhelming," he wrote for The Food Foundation. "They are everywhere, popping up when we’re watching videos, when I’m gaming with friends, and we don’t have an escape, especially not at the moment when we are living on our screens." The flood of junk food ads pushed him to do something bigger, something that would take his voice from his community to the halls of Parliament.

By 15, Dev had won the Diana Award for his efforts in food activism, and he soon saw an opening to make a more concrete change. Recognising the influence of junk food ads, especially online, he launched a campaign targeting then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock, calling for an end to junk food advertising that targets children. The campaign took off, fuelled by support from the public and celebrities like Jamie Oliver. Ultimately, Dev’s online letter-gathering turned into a landmark achievement: the UK government announced a ban on online junk food advertising in June 2021. The world’s first ban of its kind, it was even included in the Queen’s Speech, marking a major win for Dev and youth advocates around the country.

[caption id="attachment_40127" align="aligncenter" width="498"] Dev Sharma[/caption]

As the pandemic hit and the UK went into lockdown, Dev’s advocacy didn’t slow down. With schools closed, many children who relied on free school meals faced a tougher time getting nutritious food. Partnering with footballer Marcus Rashford, Dev called on the government to extend meal support during holiday periods. His voice became one of many in a rising wave of young activists demanding that policymakers step up. More than a million people signed the petition, and in response, the government extended free school meals through the holidays — a step that helped ease the burden on countless families.

Dev’s work has helped prompt other important policy changes. For the first time in over a decade, the UK government increased the value of the ‘Healthy Start’ benefit — a scheme that provides nutritional support to young families — from £3.10 to £4.25, allowing more families to afford healthier options. Today, Dev is the chair of Bite Back 2030, a youth-led organisation advocating for systemic changes in the food industry. "After research found that 15 billion ads were being seen by children and young people, there was a consultation launched by the Government to ban junk food," Dev shared in an interview. "The Government asked for the public's opinion on the matter. But I felt like the voices of young people weren’t really being heard. So, I wanted to do something about it.”

Dev’s impact now reaches beyond his local community and resonates with the larger British-Indian diaspora. For Dev, being a British Indian is about carrying forward a legacy of resilience and community support, values he channels into his advocacy work. The British Indian community has long been a part of the social justice fabric of the UK, and Dev’s activism highlights how new generations are building on that legacy, particularly in issues that affect minorities and underrepresented groups. By tackling food poverty and demanding clean air for his generation, he’s brought these urgent issues to the forefront of government policy discussions.

International platforms, too, have noticed his work. Dev has spoken at high-profile events like the UN Food Systems Summit and the Global Obesity Summit in New York. Closer to home, he recently led the UK Government’s first youth inquiry into the cost of living, an examination of how rising costs are impacting young people across the country. "The health of one in three children is already at risk from the food they eat," Dev noted, as he argued for lasting changes that prioritize child health.

The personal moments also drive his mission. Studying for his GCSE exams in 2021, Dev found himself bombarded by fast food ads on YouTube. That was when he realised he wasn't alone — millions of young people were seeing the same ads, feeling the same pressure to choose unhealthy options. That moment led him to work with Bite Back 2030 to launch a campaign that didn’t just raise awareness but fought for tangible change. "Each time a member of the public signed the letter, an automatic email would be sent directly to the Health Secretary," he explained, adding that the campaign’s success brought the issue to the attention of MPs, who eventually agreed to ban the ads.

[caption id="attachment_29293" align="aligncenter" width="699"] Dev Sharma won the UK Parliament Award[/caption]

Even in his achievements, Dev remains focused on what’s next. He was recently asked to switch on Leicester’s Diwali Lights, the largest Diwali celebration outside of India, symbolizing his role as a leader not just for British Indian youth, but for all young people who want to make an impact. He’s spoken at international gatherings, worked with government officials, and continues to drive campaigns that change lives.

Dev Sharma is a young leader pushing the limits of what youth activism can achieve. His work is proof that young voices are key to tackling today’s toughest challenges. With the determination to take on everything from junk food advertising to climate action, Dev represents a new wave of British Indian activism that’s reshaping policy and inspiring a generation ready to make a difference.

Follow Dev Sharma on his website, Twitter and LinkedIn
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Grammy whammies: Notes from 12 Indian musicians that shone at the awards

(April 8, 2022) When Ricky Kej’s soulful notes coupled with Steward Copeland’s eclectic music gave Divine Tides an ethereal essence, one was transported into a reverie of beautiful music. Winning the Grammy in the best new album category at the 64th annual Grammy Awards ceremony at Las Vegas in April, brought back the spotlight on Indian talent and how it has shone on the world stage. Falguni Shah took home the statue in the children’s music album category. It is shocking though that melody queen Lata Mangeshkar never won a Grammy. Global Indian turns the spotlight on the 12 outstanding musicians from India who have been honoured with the Grammy since 1959. Some are multi-Grammy winners too. Here’s the GI list of maestros… Pandit Ravi Shankar, sitarist and composer Shankar (7 April 1920 – 11 December 2012) got nominated for the Grammy awards six times, and won it five times, out of which two were posthumous honours. The sitar maestro was recognised as the world's best exponent of north Indian classical music in the second half of the 20th century. He developed a distinct style establishing confluence of north Indian classical music with rhythm practices of Carnatic music. Shankar was fond

classical music in the second half of the 20th century. He developed a distinct style establishing confluence of north Indian classical music with rhythm practices of Carnatic music. Shankar was fond of closing his performances with a piece inspired by the light-classical thumri genre.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS8rwRwmwRE

The stalwart introduced at least 31 new ragas, including Ahir Lalit, Bhawani Bhairav, Bairagi Rasiya, Yaman Manjh, Tilak Shyam, etc. He also introduced a new percussive sitar technique called Goonga Sitar, in which the strings are muffled with a cloth.

Zubin Mehta, conductor of eastern and western classical music

Mehta (born 29 April 1936) has been nominated an impressive 23 times between 1969 and 2007, winning five times. He is currently the conductor emeritus of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and music director emeritus of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO). Several orchestras throughout the world have bestowed on him the title of honorary conductor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSp0sApmS6Q

Recently, Mehta made extensive number of tours with the Bavarian State Opera. Mehta and philanthropist Josef Buchmann have founded the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music as a partnership between the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and Tel Aviv University. Mehta is the school's honorary president and has remained actively involved since its inception.

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Thetakudi Harihara Vinayakram, percussionist

Vinayakram (born 11 August 1942) has been revered as the god of ghatam (earthern pot) as his renditions with Carnatic music explore the versatility of the ghatam, making it immensely popular. He won in the category of Best World Music Album in 1991 with Ustad Zakir Hussain for their work, Planet Drum.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22c100WxNrY

Vinayakram is the principal of Sri Jaya Ganesh Tala Vadya Vidyalaya in Chennai. The academy was established by his late father and teacher in 1958 and Vinayakram has been taking the legacy forward guiding and producing new stars of Carnatic percussion.

Ustad **Zakir Hussain, tabla maestro**

Hussain (born 9 March 1951) wears many hats. He is a tabla maestro, percussionist, music producer, composer and film actor. He has been nominated thrice for Grammy bagging the award twice.

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A post shared by Zakir HQ (@zakirhq9)

The founding member of Bill Laswell’s World Music Supergroup Tabla Beat Science was amongst many musicians invited by President Barack Obama to the International Jazz Day 2016 All-Star Global Concert at the White House. He has been performing at concerts across the globe.

Follow Ustad Zakir Hussain on Instagram

Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Hindustani classical music instrumentalist

Bhatt (born 27 July 1950), plays the Mohan veena (slide guitar). He was nominated twice and won the Grammy once. Many western musical instruments like violin, harmonium, mandolin, archtop guitar, and electric guitar have been accepted in the Indian classical music. Bhatt developed and named his hybrid slide guitar as Mohan Veena. It has been accepted in the list of Indian classical instrument as well.

[embed]https://twitter.com/VishwaMBhatt1/status/1470379217024008197?s=20&t=3p5Bju1onfZ5ETQrEL1C3Q[/embed]

He is also known for fusion and pan-cultural collaborations with western artists such as Béla Fleck and Jerry Douglas. He returned to stage after a crucial head surgery last year.

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AR Rahman, music composer

Rahman (born 6 January 1967) has been primarily working in Hindi and Tamil films since his film debut Roja in 1992. He has been nominated to the Grammy twice in the same year (2008) for best compilation soundtrack album and best song written for visual media for Slumdog Millionnaire, and he won in both the categories. The film fetched him an Oscar as well.

[embed]https://twitter.com/arrahman/status/1510768641142272003?s=20&t=PYe1CmTPEk2Jp59utZWYAA[/embed]

In 2009, he was featured on the Time list of the world's 100 most influential people and in 2017, he made his debut as a director and writer for Le Musk. He has recently released a modern-day anthem, Moopilla Thamizhe which is composed, arranged, and produced by him celebrating Tamil culture and the achievements of the people of the state in various fields.

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Sridhar, sound engineer

Sridhar (born 1958 – 1 Dec 2008) was known for his work with AR Rahman. He won the Grammy in 2008 under the best compilation soundtrack album category for the movie Slumdog Millionnaire with AR Rahman and PA Deepak.

[embed]https://twitter.com/arr4u/status/1002082445775261696?s=20&t=5eP86tZwz0OgE9HPvBlO9w[/embed]

In his career, he engineered over 200 films and worked closely with Indian directors of repute. Incidentally, he engineered all songs and background scores for the renowned music director AR Rahman. He had pioneered the use of digital sound for Indian films in the DTS format. He had also engineered and mixed albums for international artists.

PA Deepak, mix engineer and record producer

Deepak (born 10 January 1982) won the Grammy for the movie Slumdog Millionaire with AR Rahman and H Sridhar. He started his career as a guitarist and later became a recording engineer.

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A post shared by P.A.Deepak (@padeepak)

Apart from being a full-time mix engineer, he does music programming and plays various string instruments out of pure interest and passion. He has been collaborating with various renowned artists and performing as a music producer and mix engineer.

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Tanvi Shah, recording artist

Tanvi (born on 1 December 1985) is the first Indian woman to win a Grammy. She sings in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, and Afro-Cuban. She experiments with a wide range of music with her band. Her adaptability has been proven in her collaborative work with international music producers such as Jeremy Hawkins (USA), Gio Ortega (USA), David Batteau (USA), Che Pope (USA), and DJ Salah of Germany.

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A post shared by Tanvi Shah (@thetanvishah)

She has donated her song, Zindagi, produced by JHawk, to the End Polio campaign album that features international artistes such as, Ziggy Marley, Itzhak Perlman, David Sanborn Donovan and members of the Congolese band.

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Gulzar, lyricist

Gulzar (born 18 August 1934) wears the hats of a poet, lyricist, screenwriter, author, and film director. He picked his first Grammy in the category best song written for visual media for Slumdog Millionaire with AR Rahman and Tanvi Shah. He also won an Oscar for it too. Gulzar made his debut as a lyricist with the 1963 film Bandini and has since worked with many music directors – from RD Burman to AR Rahman. Gulzar has prolifically written lyrics and dialogues for several popular Doordarshan TV series including Jungle Book, Alice in Wonderland, and Hello Zindagi. His latest work as lyricist is for Darlings, a comedy drama releasing this year.

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A post shared by GULZAR (@gulzar.official)

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Ricky Kej, music composer

Kej (born 5 August 1981) is not only a music composer but also an environmentalist. He was nominated for the Grammy twice and won both the times, one in 2015 for Winds of Samsara and another in 2022 for his album Divine Tides in the best new age album category. The talented artist has performed at venues in over 30 countries including at the United Nations headquarters in New York and Geneva. Kej was named a UNCCD Land Ambassador at the COP14 to raise public awareness about the challenges of desertification, land degradation, and drought.

[embed]https://twitter.com/rickykej/status/1510809703403597826?s=20&t=3p5Bju1onfZ5ETQrEL1C3Q[/embed]

He also serves as a UNESCO - MGIEP Global Ambassador for Kindness, ambassador for the Earth Day Network and UNICEF Celebrity Supporter. Kej has performed in three large-scale virtual concerts between April and July 2020 due to the pandemic restrictions with audience of over 75 countries with an estimated viewership of over 200 million people.

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Neela Vaswani, artist

Neela Vaswani (born 11th September 1974) is an American writer of Indian origin, and professor of creative writing, literature and cultural studies. She narrated the audio version of I am Malala winning Grammy for it in 2015.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4utcZ3IoPgo

She lives in New York City, and is the founder of Storylines Project that she started in partnership with New York Public Library. Before the win Neela did not even know that it is possible for a children's audio book to be nominated for such a prestigious award.

Falguni Shah, vocalist and composer

Falguni blends ancient classical Indian melodies with contemporary western sounds. She has won the Grammy 2022 under the best children music album category for her album A Colourful World. Since 2020, Falu also teams up with bassist Yasushi Nakamura, drummer Clarence Penn and guitarist, and vocalist Clay Ross to form the American Patchwork Quartet.

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A post shared by Falumusic (@falumusic)

The Quartet interprets timeless songs in a modern 21st century perspective, leveraging immigrant histories and backgrounds. The group has been tour performing arts centres around the world, till date.

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Leaving no one behind: Entrepreneur Tarini Malhotra is a ray of hope for neurodivergent people

(September 26, 2023) When COVID hit the world, several schools were impacted around the globe. One such school was Parivartan Special School, which initiated Project Nishant, which provided the school and its students with crucial support during a financial crisis. It was for this project that a Grade 12 student of The Shri Ram School, Moulsari Campus, Gurugram, was first introduced to the world of neurodivergent individuals. Working as a volunteer for the project, Tarini Malhotra was moved by their everyday struggles, and the young entrepreneur decided to do something for these kids. “The person who contacted me is a family friend and was aware of how eager I was to do something in the field. I jumped at the opportunity and helped the school raise funds through crowdfunding," the 18-year-old entrepreneur said, adding, "The school was in urgent need of funds because of the pandemic. During the fundraising process, I got a chance to interact with the school students. I realised the problems they face, even when it comes to doing simple things in society — such as making friends or finding good schools. I learned that there are no avenues for them, especially if they come from the

a chance to interact with the school students. I realised the problems they face, even when it comes to doing simple things in society — such as making friends or finding good schools. I learned that there are no avenues for them, especially if they come from the weaker sections of society.”

And thus was Nai Subah Foundation born - a social start-up fighting the good fight for the neurodiverse and the marginalised. The entrepreneur recently won the prestigious Diana Award 2023 for her social action and humanitarian work. "As a next-gen changemaker, who wants to create a better and more inclusive community for the neurodiverse, the world is often a hostile, unwelcoming place. Recognition from The Diana Award provides me the inspiration to carry on building the transformative journey. Further, it enhances the credibility of our start-up, helps to open doors, and develop more meaningful networks that can enable and enrich Nai Subah Foundation’s projects in a multitude of ways," she said after winning the award.

Always helping others

Growing up, Tarini was inclined towards helping others and was encouraged by her parents for the same. "In my school, we have some students who are neurodivergent and have disabilities. Spending time with them over many years made me sensitive to their needs and helped me understand the issues they face in society. This encouraged me to do something that would make a difference," the entrepreneur shared, adding, "When I was in Class 8, I volunteered as a teacher for a free school that taught children at the banks of Yamuna. That gave me a new perspective about these kids."

Talking about the time she joined hands with Project Nishant, she said, "I began spending a lot of time with children who had autism and ADHD. I found out that they were so talented. Our society focuses so much on what is wrong that they forget to glance at the positive aspects. Most people consider the neurodivergent to be a burden or a liability. This restricts their opportunities, making their life harder than it should be."

In 2020, the entrepreneur established Nai Subah Foundation, with an aim to focus on the well-being of neurodivergent people through various programmes. "The first thing that I wanted to do through the organisation was to provide the neurodivergent with avenues of work. We help them get jobs in the corporate sector. We also conduct sensitisation workshops so that they get assimilated into the space easily,” the entrepreneur said, adding, that the organisation has collaborations with over 50 companies till now.

Extending a helping hand

The organisation has implemented alternative employment models to support individuals who are unable to work in a traditional office setting. “For many people with neurodiversity, it is very difficult to go out of the house and work in an office environment. We outsource work from factories for them so they can work from home with ease. For example, we supply the materials needed to make boxes or packaging work, so they don’t have to face the stress of working in a factory,” the Global Indian explained.

[caption id="attachment_33269" align="aligncenter" width="648"] Members of the Nai Subah Foundation[/caption]

What's more, the entrepreneur is using their creative side to work as well. "We help artists find a platform by conducting exhibitions, both online and offline. This way, they get a chance to promote their work and get recognition. We also help them get orders; for instance, during Diwali, we try to secure orders for specially commissioned artworks of Lakhsmi and Ganesha," the entrepreneur said, "We are also mentoring four young neurodivergent photographers and helping them secure professional assignments."

The entrepreneur has huge plans for the foundation's future. "As for the future, we want to help neurodivergent entrepreneurs get funding and help them boost their ventures. This will not only uplift them but also uplift the people of their community,” she said.

Follow Tarini Malhotra on LinkedIn and her blog
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Meet Ridi Oswal, the singer-songwriter and anti-bullying activist

(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

ine her unique sound.

"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.

[caption id="attachment_38435" align="aligncenter" width="359"] Ridi Oswal[/caption]

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.
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Meet the first student club at Purdue University building a humanoid robot for space

(August 13, 2024) It was in June this year that Sunita Williams and her co-astronaut Butch Wilmore boarded Boeing's Starliner capsule for its first crewed mission. Originally slated to spend just eight days in space, they have now been stranded for over 50 days due to technical issues. Fresh reports suggest that their rescue may be delayed, potentially leaving them in space until February 2025, causing concern about their safe return, health risks and fuelled debates on the role of humanoid robots in space exploration. Amidst these discussions, students at Purdue University have taken the initiative to form the Humanoid Robot Club, becoming the first student group to build a humanoid robot designed for space missions. "When you are in space or exploring an active volcano or conducting deep-sea research, using robotics limits the loss of life in such scenarios," says Aarav Garg, the club's president. "Our biggest motivation is the idea that if something goes wrong in space, it's a robot at risk — not a human. This significantly reduces the potential for loss of life, which is one of the reason why a robot should exist in the first place." [caption id="attachment_38800" align="aligncenter" width="811"] Humanoid Robot Club[/caption] The

ze-full wp-image-38800" src="https://www.globalindian.com/youth/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/aarav3.jpg" alt="Aarav Garg | Global Indian" width="811" height="608" /> Humanoid Robot Club[/caption]

The 18-year-old and his friend Riddhi Gupta founded the Humanoid Robot Club in the spring session of 2024 after watching a video of Boston Dynamics, a company that builds humanoid robots. It sparked an epiphany that despite Purdue's diverse range of student clubs, none focused on humanoid robots. "Upon research, we found that there is no student club in the entire US that delves into humanoid robots. That's when we decided to launch our own since most existing efforts focus on research, but we wanted to actually build one," Aarav tells Global Indian.

Aiming for space

Their vision is ambitious — to be the first group of students to build a walking humanoid robot for space exploration. "No one else in the world is currently doing this," Aarav emphasises. Launched in March 2024, the club has already attracted over 400 members from various majors and degrees. "Ninety percent of our members are undergraduates, mostly from mechanical and electrical engineering," Aarav explains. "More than just a club, it's like a startup where students from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared enthusiasm for innovation, collaborate on building a humanoid robot."

The teenage innovator and entrepreneur, who founded a startup called TechNuttiez while still in school, has long been passionate about coding and innovation. His move to Purdue University in the US last fall felt like a natural extension of his interest in robotics. "As a freshman, I was excited to explore new opportunities. With my background in entrepreneurship and robotics from India, I quickly secured leadership positions in two different technology clubs at Purdue within just a month of starting university. During my first semester, I got exposure on how clubs operate at Purdue, which gave me a great head start," says Aarav, who ended up starting a new club at Purdue in his second semester.

Taking the legacy forward

Launching a club that gravitated towards the field of space came naturally to Aarav and his team, given Purdue's reputation as one of the best universities in aerospace in the world. "Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the Moon, and Eugene Cernan, the last man to walk on the Moon, are both alumni of Purdue University. Right now, we're the leading producer of top astronauts in the US," reveals Aarav, adding, "Each month, we have the opportunity to meet an astronaut who has been to the International Space Station, so it was only fitting that we ventured into this field."

Armed with the knowledge that humanoid robots can redefine the landscape of space exploration by offering versatility and adaptability in extraterrestrial environments, Aarav was keen to build a robot with human-like capabilities that can navigate complex terrain, manipulate tools, and interact with surroundings with agility. "They can work alongside humans too."

After spending the spring and summer semesters organising and planning, the team is eager to start building the robot in the upcoming fall semester. Having raised $95,000 in sponsorship from departments at Purdue, brands like Autodesk, Altium, and Unitree Robotics, and ten official partners, the Humanoid Robotics Club is using the fund to buy equipment for their lab. They recently signed an MOU to secure a workspace on campus at the newly opened John Martinson Lab of Entertainment and Engineering. "We'll have a dedicated space to set up our equipment, including three 3D printers, and where all the members will work. It's a small lab that we are excited to build."

[caption id="attachment_38801" align="aligncenter" width="811"] Aarav Garg and Riddhi Gupta with the head of AAE at Purdue [/caption]

Securing key support

Starting a new club at Purdue meant having the right allies, and they found the best one in Professor Yan Gu, who signed up as their primary advisor. Being the professor of mechanical engineering and head of the TRACE lab, the only lab at Purdue that works with humanoid robots, made her the perfect contender for the position. "I waited outside her office for three hours just to pitch the idea," Aarav recalls. His dedication paid off when, after their meeting, she agreed to become the faculty advisor. "We had so many sleepless nights preparing our pitches," he adds. But the club members continued to reach out to the deans of other engineering departments at Purdue, and in no time, they had seven faculty advisors onboard, a rare feat for a student club which is usually run with one-two advisors. "We have a faculty advisor from every department of engineering," beams Aarav with pride.

Building the future

This month the students will return to the university from their summer break, energised to take up the mammoth task of building the humanoid robot. "We've divided the robot's various body parts into separate projects," explains Aarav. "In our first year, we'll focus on the legs, aiming to build legs that can walk by the end of the year. Next year, we'll introduce the arms project, where some team members will work on constructing the arms while others continue refining the legs. In the third year, our focus will shift to vision systems and space-related challenges like zero gravity, making the robot autonomous so it can navigate an entire room on its own. Each year, we’ll add new projects and continue fine-tuning the existing ones."

A great deal of planning went into the project, leaving little room for error. However, the biggest challenge for Aarav has been balancing his managerial responsibilities with his passion for actually building the robot. "Juggling two different roles at once can be quite overwhelming," he admits. "But with leadership appointed in key roles, I now want to focus primarily on building the robot. We'll be working on it every day, that's my agenda for the next three years," says Aarav, who is majoring in robotics at Purdue University. "This allows me to constantly learn and apply my knowledge, which is incredibly rewarding."

[caption id="attachment_38803" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Team Humanoid Robot Club working on the humanoid robot HUBO[/caption]

Future goals - Looking to revolutionise space exploration

With his startup experience back home, Aarav brought the expertise needed to lead the club. "I'm replicating the model, but on a much larger scale," he explains. The knowledge and dedication of his team have impressed the leadership at Purdue University. "They see us as students on a mission. We don’t just operate as a club; we approach it like a startup and a research lab," Aarav says.

With only three years left at Purdue, Aarav and his team are determined to build a functional humanoid robot before they graduate. "Our goal is to have a basic walking humanoid robot completed by the spring of 2027," Aarav shares, expressing his hope that the robot will one day make its way to space. "We aim to build the robot, present it to NASA or SpaceX, and ensure that strong leadership continues the project even after we graduate. We understand this isn’t just a three-year endeavour and may require several more years. But once it's ready, we believe it will revolutionise space exploration," he signs off.

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