Global Indianstory Global IndianWomenPalakh Khanna: This Delhi teen’s Break.The.Ice creates a safe space for youth to discuss taboo topics

Palakh Khanna: This Delhi teen’s Break.The.Ice creates a safe space for youth to discuss taboo topics

Written by: Ranjani Rajendra

(January 3, 2021) How many of us are comfortable discussing mental health and menstruation? Essentials like sanitary napkins are still wrapped in newspapers and seeking therapy is still frowned upon. How then, is one to step up and seek help when one needs it? These questions bothered 18-year-old Palakh Khanna, who went on to found Break.The.Ice to create a safe platform for youth to open up on taboo topics.

More recently, the organisation became a part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN Youth). Palakh herself has been featured in the entrepreneurs of India list, the emerging icons, and entrepreneurs today lists. The graduate of Mother’s International School (Delhi), Palakh, was also nominated for a Social Volunteer Award.

The Delhi-based teen believes that awareness at a community level is of utmost importance for a nation to develop and progress. And that cannot be achieved till the stigma surrounding various issues is overcome. “The initiative is aimed at enlightening entire communities to enable them to take calculated and informed actions and decisions through open communication,” says Palakh in an exclusive with Global Indian.

Launched three months ago, Break.The.Ice has over 40 members from across the globe working to raise awareness about various issues, and has so far reached over 16,000 people globally.

Global Indian Youth Palakh Khanna

How talking helps

Born and brought up in Delhi to a businessman (family-owned) father and a corporate employee mother, Palakh was encouraged to speak her mind, and have an open channel of communication at home. “There is no topic that we can’t freely discuss in the family,” says Palakh, who wears many hats – environmentalist, poet and international MUN ambassador. In fact, the teenager has been environmentally-conscious since she was seven and would meticulously work towards eliminating litter.

“As I grew older, I realised that the environment was not the only issue that needed to be addressed. A chance conversation with our house help made me realise that topics like menstruation were a huge no-no for several people in India. The help was uncomfortable discussing something as basic and common as menstruation and her awareness was also sadly dismal,” she adds. Khanna realised that topics such as these were still taboo.

As she set about doing research, speaking to people and researching content on the topic, Khanna figured that the root cause of most issues was a lack of communication. “I’d always wanted to do something to change the world. Encouraging open dialogue and busting the stigma surrounding so-called taboo topics seemed like a great place to start,” reveals Khanna, who then discussed her idea with her parents. “I was waiting for my college admissions and wasn’t sure if I should be starting up at that point. My mother encouraged me to take the plunge and my father gave me a pep talk about the risks involved, and how to face any challenges that might come my way on this journey,” says the budding entrepreneur.

Let’s talk openly

Break.The.Ice launched three months ago as an online platform to provide the youth with a safe space to discuss various topics. “Our members are between 13 and 25 (ages), and we encourage them to join by filling out a form that determines their passions. There is also a stringent interview process in place to select members. Once on board, we connect every two weeks to discuss the way forward, updates and the topic to focus on each month. Currently, we have members from over five countries,” says the teenager CEO of Break.The.Ice.

Members are divided into teams that handle various verticals – content creation, writing, research, and ambassadors. The teams work on generating content based on topics and release videos and blog posts on Break.The.Ice’s social media channels. They now plan to rope in experts and delve into topics like bullying, women’s empowerment, racism, casteism etc.

Completely bootstrapped at the moment, Palakh is working on expanding the team’s reach and says that the fact that it recently became a member of the UN SDSN Youth is a big win. “We will soon begin hosting events in collaboration with UN SDSN,” says Palakh, who in five years wants to collaborate with UN bodies to create a safe global space to talk.

The girl with an entrepreneurial spirit

The teen is also a published poet with a poem appearing in an anthology called Head Full of Dreams. “Poetry is my way of expressing myself,” she says.

Free expression also finds its way into her life through dancing as Palakh is a classically trained dancer. As Global Lead Ambassador for climate change at an international organisation, she works on sustainability. An avid foodie, she finds ultimate solace in diverse cuisines too!

Looking to the future, Palakh hopes to host UN-related events through her startup, and might even go down the entrepreneurial route.

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Published on 03, Jan 2022

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Power of Linguistics: Prasiddha Sudhakar’s path to the Critical Language Scholarship

(May 19, 2024) United States-born Prasiddha Sudhakar has grown up in six different countries. “I have an international background, and this really shaped my worldview. I think that learning languages was always a big part of it,” said the 23-year-old. Prasiddha, a master's student at the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy at the Carnegie Mellon University, has been chosen for the 2024 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS). Through this immersive program, she will have the opportunity to delve into intensive Hindi language studies in India. The CLS is a highly competitive scholarship programme, with an acceptance rate of approximately 10 percent. It offers U.S. students a chance to deeply engage with languages and cultures vital to U.S. security and economic well-being. [caption id="attachment_37865" align="aligncenter" width="718"] Prasiddha Sudhakar | Photo Credit: CMU[/caption] Prasiddha realised that learning Hindi would be crucial for understanding the cultural dynamics shaping the online Indian communities she studies as part of her research. She applied for the CLS and was thrilled to be selected. At home, the Indian-origin youngster speaks Tamil and sees the scholarship as a great opportunity. “Being able to reconnect with my heritage in some way, like learning Hindi, is something I've

S and was thrilled to be selected.

At home, the Indian-origin youngster speaks Tamil and sees the scholarship as a great opportunity. “Being able to reconnect with my heritage in some way, like learning Hindi, is something I've wanted to do since I was a child. I’m really excited and thankful for the opportunity,” she said. She can also converse in French, Dutch, Spanish, German, and Persian.

Combining passion and work

In addition to being a master's student, Prasiddha works as a civic technologist at the Network Contagion Research Institute in the US. Her passion for languages extends into her work, where she focuses on countering hate speech and misinformation. She monitors emerging social issues on the internet, performs cyber forensics, and uses datasets to uncover inauthentic or harmful online activities.

The Pittsburgh based youngster has published papers examining anti-Hindu and anti-Muslim movements, and her contributions have been featured on platforms like the Washington Post. Prasiddha embraced multilingual education from a young age. “It was always an integral part of my life. You would be in a country where you don't know the language, so you'd have to pick it up rapidly,” the Global Indian remarked.

[caption id="attachment_37849" align="aligncenter" width="617"] Prasiddha Sudhakar[/caption]

In 2022, Prasiddha graduated from Rutgers University with a double major in computer science and economics, alongside a minor in critical intelligence studies. During her undergraduate years, she earned a prestigious public policy and international affairs fellowship at Heinz College of the Carnegie Mellon University. Throughout her academic and professional journey, she has consistently advocated for adopting a global outlook when addressing pivotal societal matters. She served as the president of the Rutgers Hindu Students Council.

Love for India and its culture

Although Prasiddha was born and brought up in the West, she is deeply connected to her native country. “In my childhood, there was not a single summer that I didn’t go to India,” she recalled. “As a youngster brought up in the West, I turned to religion instead of moving away from it,” she added. In her native place, Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, Prasiddha loved walking barefoot, absorbing the spiritual energies of the place.

In the U.S., she would go to temples and observe rituals there as well as at home, questioning their significance. “However, I realised the deeper meanings only later. I think that’s a natural progression for young Hindus,” she explains.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFeIOhD2sO0

“I wear a bindi and other symbols that openly show me as a Hindu, but this often leads to not just light questioning but hostility. I have been asked, ‘Why is your head bleeding?’ and have been called ‘dot head’ in classrooms and other academic settings. This is not just ignorance but hostility towards who I am,” she said in a BBC podcast. Prasiddha speaks vociferously on Hinduism and its impact and is frequently invited to discussions at prestigious forums.

“I’ve been asked so many times, ‘Don’t you have 33 million gods? What’s the point?’ There isn’t a model Hindu education system in the West, leading to such ignorance. This is something the Hindu community should address by creating more educational opportunities in the West,” Prasiddha Sudhakar stated in an interview with the BBC last year.

Follow Prasiddha Sudhakar on LinkedIn and Twitter

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Anvitha Kollipara: Using solar power to light up the lives of underprivileged kids in rural India

(January 17, 2023) India is the third largest producer of electricity in the world, yet energy crisis and power outages are common, especially in rural areas. Kalipeswarapuram in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh is no different. When Connecticut-born Anvitha Kollipara visited her paternal grandparents every vacation from the US, the youngster would often notice the disparity in access to basic amenities. But it was the energy crisis that she found to be a burning issue as she would often see people sweating it out in the heat or perishable food getting wasted in the absence of electricity. "But mostly, it was affecting the underprivileged children who were finding it hard to study at night due to frequent power outages. That's when I decided to make a change and started Project Soledu," Hyderabad-based Anvitha tells Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_26583" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Anvitha Kollipara is the founder of CareGood Foundation[/caption] The 16-year-old dug deep to understand the issue and found a possible solution in renewable sources of energy, and that's when the idea of using solar lamps struck her. "The startling facts stating that 670 million people will remain without electricity by 2023 made me think on my toes. I realised

The 16-year-old dug deep to understand the issue and found a possible solution in renewable sources of energy, and that's when the idea of using solar lamps struck her. "The startling facts stating that 670 million people will remain without electricity by 2023 made me think on my toes. I realised that I won't be able to solve the problem for everyone, but I can begin by helping the villages in my vicinity," adds the girl who recently presented Project Soledu at the United Nations. So far, Project Soledu has impacted more than 700 students through 10 workshops in two schools in Telangana and 1 school in Andhra Pradesh.

On a mission to help others

Born and raised in the US, Anvitha was an active part of the Indian-American community, and was always closer to the Indian culture, thanks to her grandparents, whom she visited every year during vacations. At age 12, she decided to move back to India with her family to spend more time with her grandparents, and "to better understand the Indian culture."

[caption id="attachment_26584" align="aligncenter" width="636"] Anvitha Kollipara at the UN headquarters[/caption]

The annual visits to her grandparents nudged her towards volunteering as she would often spend time with senior citizens at old age homes in the countryside. So, when she read a newspaper article in early 2020 about how Covid had impacted the senior citizens in Italy, leaving them vulnerable, she realised that old age homes were equally at risk in India. This led to the start of the CareGood Foundation in March 2020 where she helped more than 230 senior citizens by providing them with PPE kits and medicines. The non-profit simultaneously gives them a voice as she believes "every person has a story to tell, especially our seniors who have such valuable lessons to teach the next generation."

Lighting up the lives of unprivileged children

The same year in October, she began Project Soledu to help underprivileged children live active and dignified life. Understanding the first-hand effects of power outages during her stay at her grandparents, she found the solution in a cost-effective and safe alternative - solar power lamps. She interned with the Energy Swaraj Foundation and learnt about solar power and how to make solar power lamps. Through the project, she addresses the issue of a lack of affordable clean energy and raises awareness on using solar power lamps in rural areas with the help of workshops. "It's a four-step process that we follow. The first is to provide solar-powered lamps to children through national and small-scale workshops. Second, provide a complete solar-powered system to places like schools. Third, help with the maintenance of the lamps and systems, and fourth, conduct workshops for students and show them how to build solar lamps and create awareness on the importance of solar lamps," reveals the International School of Hyderabad student.

[caption id="attachment_26585" align="aligncenter" width="649"] A student in rural India using solar lamp[/caption]

When she began, she was just 14 and had to face many challenges along the way, with funding being the major hurdle. She began a crowdfunding campaign with Milaap, and would find donations from family members, but knew it wasn't sustainable in the long run. "That's when I switched to raising money through exhibitions, stalls, competitions, and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)," says the teenager, who works with 50 volunteers who help with the identification of villages and also conduct workshops for children.

[caption id="attachment_26586" align="aligncenter" width="607"] Solar Power Kits provided to kids under Project Soledu[/caption]

Expansion plans

The last two years have been a learning curve for this Class 11 student who is determined to make an impact with her work. After reaching out to schools in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, she is now planning a geographical expansion by taking the project to the states of the northeast. "Energy crisis is worse in those states as people go 2-3 days without energy." She is working with the Sunbird Trust to install solar panels in the northeastern states and plans to launch it in the next couple of months. "Though I started with places that were accessible to me, my ultimate goal is to make an impact all across India."

[caption id="attachment_26587" align="aligncenter" width="762"] Anvitha Kollipara at 1M1B Activate Impact Summit at the UN headquarters[/caption]

For the teenager, enrolling in 1M1B's Future Leaders programme was one of her best decisions as it helped her expand Project Soledu and make impactful collaborations. It allowed her to participate in a 3-day immersion in New York, where she spoke at length about the impact of Project Soledu at the 1M1B Activate Impact Summit at the UN headquarters. Calling it a "surreal experience," Anvitha says it was a truly special opportunity. "It's not every day that you meet the people who are best in their field and get a chance to learn from them."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5EDe0IiFBw&t=4s

Anvitha, who is also passionate about Kuchipudi and writing, is keen to make a mark in business and law after she graduates from school. "During past years, I have realised that service work is impactful but it's only through a change in legislation that long-lasting impact can be made." The teenager believes that taking a leap of faith is important, even if one is uncertain about the process or the result. "Do what you are passionate about. Go as far as you can. Even if you don't know the answer, you will figure it out on the way," she signs off.

Follow Anvitha Kollipara on Linkedin and Twitter

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Aman Sharma: From balcony birdwatcher to global eco-warrior

(July 11, 2024) It was a pair of red vented bulbuls that changed Aman Sharma's life, when they built their nest on his balcony. He happened to have a camera, and would take photos of the beautiful little birds. And the rest, as they say, is history. By this time, frequent family trips to national parks had already sparked a deep love for nature and the teenager was enchanted - he hadn't really imagined that his bustling city was home to birds beyond crows and sparrows. Aman would wake up at 6 am to spend time observing birds before school. His terrace was his private observatory, and he even set up his own garden, with over 500 plants, to attract birds to his 'urban jungle'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aman Sharma 🐳🇮🇳 (@birds_of_india_) Turning a Hobby into a Movement "When I asked my school teacher and my family, they had no idea there were so many species in the city itself," he says. So, he founded the 'Cuckoo Club', a series of nature walks and visits to nearby national parks, conducted by children for children. "Soon, we became India's largest birding community for

Turning a Hobby into a Movement

"When I asked my school teacher and my family, they had no idea there were so many species in the city itself," he says. So, he founded the 'Cuckoo Club', a series of nature walks and visits to nearby national parks, conducted by children for children. "Soon, we became India's largest birding community for youth by youth." He went on to become India's youngest wildlife photographer, as well as a vocal advocate against climate change on international platforms. "In our curriculum we are not taught beyond education. We are not taught about the wildlife that exists beyond our backyards. How many people know that Delhi is the second-most bird-populous city in the world, with more than 500 species of birds. Almost 18 years of being in school and I was never taught this," he says.

Achieving Global Recognition

Now twenty years old and a student at the University of Pennsylvania, the Global Indian is a three-time TEDx speaker and Nikon's youngest ambassador. In 2019, his petition calling for a climate emergency gathered 1.2 million signatures across 70 different countries. That's not all. The EU, Austria, UK and the state of New York actually declared climate emergencies, and Aman gained appreciation from Leonado Di Caprio and Greta Thunberg. That year, he also received an invitation to speak at the Climate and Peace Summit, Oslo Pax. Aman also the first Indian photographer to be featured in Times Square, New York.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aman Sharma 🐳🇮🇳 (@birds_of_india_)

Connecting Generations Through Nature

Aman's Instagram page Birds of India, has over half a million followers and he looks every bit the teen that he is as he goes on shoots with his mum by his side. His parents helped him find his love for nature at a young age. "They used to take us to national parks and forests as kid for our family holidays," he said, in an interview. And he realised, that although we share our land with thousands of other species, there is still a big gap between human lives and nature. "I started taking school kids out to urban wildlife spaces, and national parks, by co-founding the Cuckoo Club," Aman says. "I wanted to spread the idea that bird watching can be done by young children as well."

As he entered his teens, Aman began sacrificing the "parties and weekend outings with friends" to travel instead. He would head to the hills of Uttarakahand and the deserts of Rajasthan, to document India's immense variety of avian life. "I wanted to bring attention to India's wildlife and national heritage. That is when this turned into a passion more than a hobby."

A Journey Supported by Family and Education

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aman Sharma 🐳🇮🇳 (@birds_of_india_)

In those early days, the young wildlife photographer wouldn't always carry a high-end DSLR with all its trappings. He chose his Samsung phone instead, which was portable and allowed for more spontaneous shots. In fact, in 2020, during a Hampta Pass trek in Manali, he took a photo. He took it down later, thinking it wasn't good enough. A couple of months later, during another road trip, he received an email from Samsung India, asking to feature his photograph. Although this was in the middle of the pandemic, offers began pouring in and Aman soon established himself as a wildlife photographer.

When he went to summer school at Ashoka Universities, a professor there told him about Environmental Studies. Aman immediately caught on to the idea, and was accepted into the University of Pennsylvania, after which he hopes to work in the climate and conservation space.

Follow Aman Sharma on Instagram

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Anjali Sharma: Leading the fight for climate justice in Australia

(October 8, 2024) "At the age of 16, I sued the government of Australia. I was the lead litigant in the Sharma and Minister for the Environment Class Action, which took the then Environment Minister Susan Lee to court, arguing that she owed, and was breaching, a duty of care to young people to protect us from the impacts of climate change," were Anjali Sharma's opening words at TEDxYouth Sydney. Now at the age of 19, as she is balancing her second year of law studies at the Australian National University in Canberra, her fight for climate justice is far from over. Far from the typical university experience, Anjali is at the forefront of a fight that could reshape how Australia tackles climate change. Her current mission? Rallying support for the Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity Bill 2023. This proposed amendment aims to make the government responsible for the long-term effects of its climate decisions, especially those involving fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. For Anjali, it's not just about changing a law—it's a personal mission to make sure future generations have a healthy planet to live on. [caption id="attachment_39795" align="aligncenter" width="584"] Anjali Sharma[/caption] From childhood in

ll wp-image-39795" src="https://www.globalindian.com/youth/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/anjali1.webp" alt="Anjali Sharma | Global Indian" width="584" height="389" /> Anjali Sharma[/caption]

From childhood in India to climate crusader in Australia

But before Anjali Sharma became the poised and passionate advocate addressing large crowds and challenging ministers, she was a baby cradled in her mother's arms, moving from India to Australia at just ten months old. Born in India — a country she recognises as being on the frontline of climate change — her family emigrated to Melbourne, where she grew up as part of the thriving Indian diaspora - which is Australia's second largest and fastest growing overseas group. From a young age, Anjali saw the clear differences between the landscapes of India and Australia. However, it was only later that she realised how climate change made the inequalities between these two places even worse.

Anjali's path to activism wasn't sparked by a single dramatic event, instead it was a slow realisation. It all began when Anjali was 12 and visited India and felt guilty seeing how vulnerable her family and neighbors in Lucknow were to the harsh realities of climate change, like severe storms, extreme heat, and crumbling buildings. She felt it was unfair that she was safe when other's weren't. The trip ignited a sense of responsibility in her. However, she soon realised that she wasn't safe in Australia too after the 2019-20 bushfire left millions feeling anxious and unsettled. "There's not a single person, especially in the east of the country, who wasn’t touched by that. We still talk about seeing the sky orange for days, the thick blanket of smoke which made it so hard to go outside and just breathe," the Global Indian said in an interview. This led her to take more tangible action, setting the stage for her later lawsuit against the Australian government.

A personal journey: The awakening of a young activist

At 16, she took an extraordinary step when Anjali, along with seven other teens, sued the Federal Environment Minister in a landmark case that argued the government had a duty of care to protect young people from the risks of climate change. The Federal Court initially sided with Anjali and her group, stating that the Environment Minister had a duty to protect younger generations. However, this victory was short-lived because the government appealed the decision and overturned it in 2022. It was a hard blow for Sharma, but she didn’t let it stop her. "On one hand, we're urged to be the change we want to see in the world, but when it comes to advocacy, we're put in a box," she said in TedTalk.

Instead of letting her frustration hold her back, Anjali Sharma focused on more advocacy work, this time aiming at changing laws. She has been working hard to promote the Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity Bill 2023, which seeks to fix gaps in climate policy. This bill ensures that future decisions about coal, oil, and gas exploration consider the health and well-being of young Australians and future generations. Despite facing many challenges in Parliament, Anjali remains determined to see the bill succeed.

Legislative change: Fighting for future generations

Anjali's story is a strong example of climate activism, which means raising awareness and urging governments, companies, and communities to take quick and meaningful actions against climate change. At its core, climate activism aims to address the urgent need for changes in how societies interact with the environment, especially in how they take and use natural resources. It calls for big changes to ensure a sustainable future for everyone. "Young people need to know that you don't need to be the perfect activist…firstly, be aware of the injustice of the issue, and then be willing to use the skills that you already have to make a difference," she added.

For Anjali, climate activism is a way to deal with the overwhelming worry that many young people have about the future. This feeling, known as climate anxiety, is common among today’s youth. A 2020 study found that 78 percent of Australians aged 10 to 24 are very concerned about climate change, and this feeling is shared by teens worldwide. However, her activism offers hope for both herself and others. Her courage to take action against the odds proves that young people can truly make a difference.

For Sharma, climate activism has been a way to confront the overwhelming anxiety that many young people feel about the future. Known as climate anxiety, this chronic fear of environmental disaster is widespread among today's youth. In fact, a 2020 study found that 78% of Australians aged 10-24 are deeply concerned about climate change, a sentiment echoed by teens around the world. Yet, Sharma’s activism is a source of hope, both for herself and for others. Her ability to stand up and take action against the odds shows that even young people can make a difference.

Anjali Sharma is part of a growing group of young Indian diaspora activists in Australia. The Indian community, connected to one of the most climate-affected areas in the world, offers a unique viewpoint in the global climate movement. Many of these young activists, including Sharma, feel a responsibility not only to their new home but also to their homeland, which is still suffering from the severe effects of climate change. This dual sense of belonging and duty is fueling a new wave of activism that crosses borders and cultures.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pjcv_7LNKqQ

As Anjali Sharma continues her fight for climate justice, she carries the hopes of her peers and the legacy of her ancestors. She is a shining example of the power of youth activism, showing that age doesn’t stop anyone from making real, lasting change. Her journey, from her childhood in Lucknow to her groundbreaking legal battles in Australia, serves as an inspiring reminder that the future is not something to fear—it’s something worth fighting for.

As Anjali Sharma continues her fight for climate justice, she carries the hopes of her peers and the weight of her ancestors’ legacy. She embodies the power of youth activism, proving that age doesn’t limit one’s ability to create real, lasting change. Her journey, from her early years in Lucknow to her groundbreaking legal battles in Australia, serves as an inspiring reminder that the future is not something to fear—it is something to fight for.

Follow Anjali Sharma on LinkedIn

De‘coding’ tech: Berkeley sophomore Krish Samtani’s 0Gravity turns geeks into pro coders

(March 4, 2022) Did you know that IT’s top brass like Larry Page, Bill Gates, and Steve Dorsey were all coding prodigies before they launched ground-breaking tech conglomerates? Not too long ago, coding was considered the forte of computer geeks, an intimidating concept to many. Yet, that seems to be changing with coding clubs mushrooming across the country. And one such Indian coder looking to change how coding is perceived is Krish Samtani. The 19-year-old student of UC Berkeley launched 0Gravity coding, a non-profit startup, back when he was a school student in Bengaluru. The free coding club encourages students as young as 10 to learn the nuances of coding to explore a world of innovation and problem solving. Today, the teen, who received the Leadership Award Scholarship by the alumni association of his college, has educated over 1,500 children, including the children of sex workers. Incidentally, Krish is also an Ashoka Changemaker for creating social impact through his venture. When tech called, Krish answered Born in New Jersey, Krish, the elder of two siblings, moved to Bengaluru when he was eight-years-old. Both his parents – Gunjan and Dimple – work with leading financial service companies, and Krish was always

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When tech called, Krish answered

Born in New Jersey, Krish, the elder of two siblings, moved to Bengaluru when he was eight-years-old. Both his parents – Gunjan and Dimple – work with leading financial service companies, and Krish was always encouraged to push his boundaries and go beyond the ordinary. As he schooled at the International School Bengaluru, Krish found himself drawn to the world of technology when he attended a summer camp as an eighth grader at Johns Hopkins University.

“That summer camp was one of the first times I got the opportunity to learn an applied style of education, where I did some basic mathematical modelling using coding for climate change,” Krish tells Global Indian, adding, “As opposed to the heavily theoretical curriculum I was studying back in India, this style of learning gave me a chance to build my knowledge on a practical level, rather than being confined to a textbook. As such, my passion for applied coding grew stronger over the years.”

[caption id="attachment_11806" align="aligncenter" width="505"] Krish with his family[/caption]

Inspired by this applied education, Krish was looking to attend such a class back home in Bengaluru. Unable to find any, he founded a movement to teach other children applied computer science. “That’s how 0Gravity came about in 2017. The purpose was to spark an interest and a vision amongst children that education goes far beyond the classroom, by making the sessions fun and interactive,” this Indian coder says.

Unscrambling the code

Since its inception, 0Gravity has had executives and professionals from leading technical industries deliver lessons, and talks to students. The idea, says Krish, has been to impart knowledge that can give students a glimpse of the opportunities the workforce offers. “We organise workshops that last three months, with around 20 students per batch. We have managed to educate 1,500+ students, including 700 girls in the five years since 0Gravity launched,” says the young coder, who is now a sophomore at University of California, Berkeley, where he is studying applied mathematics with a concentration on data science.

[caption id="attachment_11807" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Krish with his 0Gravity batch of students[/caption]

On how he’s connected with students at 0Gravity as a mentor, he says, “The premise of 0Gravity has always been to create an enjoyable, inclusive, and immersive learning environment. Although I was responsible for mentoring students and in growing the movement across companies, I was certainly learning a lot about myself, the students, and the growing importance of technology in the process. In addition to coding fundamentals, some of the things I picked up in my 0Gravity journey were communication (speaking with different audiences), time management, working with a team, and the various stages involved in starting an organisation.”

A ‘firm’ knowledge

Krish has partnered with several firms to establish 0Gravity programmes in three countries – India, US and England. “The firm that has been the most crucial to our expansion globally is Saggezza Inc, with whom we have set up programmes in Bengaluru, Chennai, Sunderland, and Chicago,” reveals the coder, who says that the world is becoming increasingly digitised in every facet of life and the industry. “Coding is as important a skill as reading and writing in our contemporary lives. In order to build strong foundational bases, it is important for children to hone their coding skills,” says Krish, whose father Gunjan has been the backbone of his journey with 0Gravity.

[caption id="attachment_11808" align="aligncenter" width="695"] Krish with his professors at University of California, Berkeley[/caption]

As a student in the US, Krish has been involved in various clubs and college activities including the data science and entrepreneurship clubs. “Learning here has been a pleasure too. A lot of my professors are Noble laureates and I’ve had the opportunity to meet many new people,” says the coder, who doesn’t mind bridging the time difference to continue conducting 0Gravity workshops. “I enjoy attending sessions on weekends, and value those couple of hours highly.”

Follow Krish Samtani on LinkedIn

Reading Time: 8 mins