Passion, legacy, and cricket: New Zealand’s allrounder, Rachin Ravindra, is shining on the international stage
Written by: Team GI Youth
(October 10, 2023) As the teams across the globe are battling out for the Cricket World Cup in 2023, the New Zealand cricket team has come to the field with the country’s most promising allrounder – Rachin Ravindra. One of the fast-rising cricketers in the New Zealand set-up, the batsman and left-arm spinner, the cricketer recently turned heads with a courageous century to help New Zealand beat England in the opening match of ODI World Cup 2023, making him the youngest centurion in World Cup history for the country. His pivotal performance with the ball, including the dismissal of Harry Brook, significantly contributed to New Zealand’s effective containment of England.
At 16, Rachin – who was named after two cricketing legends (‘Ra’ from Rahul and ‘chin’ from Sachin) – was the youngest New Zealander to feature in the 2016 World Cup in Bangladesh, where he impressed everyone with his extraordinary talent. “Since I was a kid, I have been a batsman,” the Global Indian said in an interview, “However, with time my bowling has improved and I am now an all-rounder for my team. All my efforts during this World Cup will be to ensure that New Zealand takes the cup home.”
Living his father’s dream
About three decades back, Rachin’s father, Ravi Krishnamurthy played club-level cricket in his hometown Bangalore, with the likes of Javagal Srinath and J Arunkumar. And after shifting to Wellington in New Zealand, Krishnamurthy passed on his passion for cricket to his son. Speaking about Rachin in a recent interview, he said, “I tried to get my daughter into cricket and she didn’t. With Rachin, I didn’t try, and he did.”
Interestingly, Javagal Srinath, whom Rachin affectionately refers to as ‘Sri uncle’, has had a deep impact on the allrounder. “He is a good friend of my father and would visit us every time he was in New Zealand on match referee duty. We also got to meet him whenever we were in Bengaluru. He’s my gym buddy, but I can’t lift the kind of weights he does,” shared the cricketer, adding, “He is always happy to chat cricket with me whenever he’s here. He’s been very kind to spend time with me and talk about experiences that shaped him in his cricket career. How India’s outlook is towards cricket, cricketers, and stuff like that. I’ve been fortunate to have been able to spend time with some former cricketers.”
Krishnamurthy, who is also Rachin’s coach, noticed that the allrounder loved cricket from a very young age. Even when he was just five years old, he would play with his cricket bat and practice hitting plastic balls in their backyard. As he grew up, he continued to play cricket in school and district matches, and he became known for his graceful and difficult-to-dismiss batting skills.
Rachin with his family
But playing well came with its price. The young allrounder had to balance cricket as well as his studies growing up, especially after he started playing for his national team, and would have to accompany them to international tournaments. “While I was pretty serious about cricket, I wanted to always go ahead with a backup plan. My father was a software engineer, and he instilled the value of a good education in me at a very early age. I want to either do law or computer engineering. And to be honest, I have had no problems balancing cricket and studies. My parents have always encouraged me to do what I want. It’s just coincidence that my passion coincides with my dad’s passion,” the allrounder says.
On the strike
After a terrific performance at the 2016 and 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, as part of the Kiwi squad, the allrounder made his first-class debut for the New Zealand A team against Pakistan in 2018. With his roots in India, it was a good match for the allrounder to start his Test cricket career here two years ago. Now, he’s about to make his first appearance in the World Cup in the same country.
Rachin poses with Sir Richard Hadlee after winning New Zealand’s Young Cricketer of the Year award
“Looking back on my Test debut, it was a special and emotional time. Being able to play in India, the fanfare around the game here, to be able to experience that is pretty special,” the allrounder said. Talking about being a part of the 2023 NZ squad, Rachin added, “It has been a great ride. You always think one day you might get a chance. Being a 19-year-old at that time, a few years into professional cricket, you have those dreams to be part of a World Cup. It is pretty cool how it has come to fruition. My only aim now is to be at the top of my game and take the cup home.”
(June 10, 2023) The global epidemic of drug consumption continues to cast a dark shadow, infiltrating societies across continents and leaving devastating consequences in its wake. What’s worse is it impacts the most vulnerable and stigmatised populations. In fact, according to he Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), between January 2021 and June 2021, about 1,150 youngsters aged 14 to 18 died from drug overdose in the US, and about 47 percent of adolescents started consuming illicit drugs upon graduation from high school. Trying to devise a solution for this pervasive crisis, is a young economist, Dhruv Gaur, who is delving deep into the study of drug use, homelessness, housing insecurity, poverty, and inequality through the lens of economic and epidemiological inference. The recent recipient of the prestigious Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans, Dhruv is working with various communities to raise awareness about the growing overdose epidemic and advocate for overdose prevention policy. An ambitious, pre-doctoral research fellow at Harvard University, the young economist is currently chasing the causes of inequalities in health and higher education in the USA. "I actively engage in studying the US overdose crisis, lending my expertise to the critical work of
"I actively engage in studying the US overdose crisis, lending my expertise to the critical work of generating research and shaping policies aimed at safeguarding individuals who use drugs from the perils of overdose and other drug-related harms," shares Dhruv, as he connects with Global Indian for an interview, adding, "I also play a crucial role in the maintenance and management of PreventOverdoseRI.org, a dedicated website specifically designed to combat the overdose crisis. I am determined to contribute to the collective mission of putting an end to the devastating impact of drug overdose in our community."
A curious cat
Even though Dhruv was born in the USA, the youngster shares that his family ensured that he grew up knowing and learning about his roots. "Both my parents are doctors, and they came over to the United States of America after finishing med school in India. I was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where my parents were completing their medical training. We later shifted to a town in Northeast Georgia," says the young economist, adding, "I grew up around a very tight-knit and supportive Indian community. My parents were quite keen on instilling Indian values in me and my brother, so over weekends, they would drive us to Balvihar, which is a Hindi school."
[caption id="attachment_30931" align="aligncenter" width="637"] Dhruv with his family[/caption]
As brilliant as he was, the economist shares that he was also quite a curious child, who not only loved to learn new things but also to pass on the knowledge. "I loved to read, just about anything that I could get my hands on," he shares, adding, "During my high school years, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at Balvihar as a teaching assistant. Little did I know that this experience would ignite within me a deep passion for teaching and mentoring. It was during those moments spent guiding and supporting others that I realised my aspirations to pursue a career as a professor. The impact of that experience has remained with me, shaping my path and fueling my dedication to education and the profound influence it can have on shaping lives."
A true changemaker
After finishing school, the youngster enrolled at Brown University to study economics and public health policy. Driven by the devastating overdose crisis plaguing his hometown, Dhruv became a part of the People, Place, and Health Collective, contributing as an undergraduate researcher. He actively published academic articles that shed light on crucial aspects of the crisis, providing valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders.
The economist also played a pivotal role in maintaining real-time data resources, serving as a foundation for Rhode Island's informed and evidence-based response to the overdose crisis. Through his dedication and contributions, Dhruv has become an instrumental force in the ongoing efforts to combat the overdose epidemic and promote effective policy interventions.
"I held the role of an outreach team leader and finance chair for Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE), an organisation driven by students that focuses on direct service and advocacy for homelessness. With HOPE, I led a dedicated night-time homeless outreach team every week, striving to address the immediate needs of individuals experiencing street homelessness and ensuring they are connected to essential resources. I also engaged in advocating for housing policies at both the city and state level in Rhode Island, aiming to effect positive change and promote equitable access to safe and stable housing for all," the economist shares.
The power of giving
But Dhruv's journey hasn't been all about books. In 2018, the economist made his mark on the television show Jeopardy! College Championship trivia tournament, emerging as the victorious contestant and securing a substantial prize of $100,000.
Wait, that's not all... The following year, he returned to the Jeopardy! stage, capturing the attention of the entire USA for a profoundly heartfelt reason. Answering host Alex Trebek's Final Jeopardy question, Dhruv put his heart on his screen, writing, “We (heart) you Alex!”, showing his support for the host who was battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The gesture moved Alex to tears, and he could only manage to say, "That’s very kind of you."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BNH7UTaL-M
Seizing the opportunity to make a difference, Dhruv utilised the platform and the immense public interest to launch a national fundraising campaign dedicated to pancreatic cancer research and successfully raised over $100,000, leaving an indelible impact on both the fight against pancreatic cancer and the power of compassionate unity. "While I was at the show, Alex took a moment to visit the contestants in the green room. It was quite evident that he wasn't doing so well," shares the youngster, adding, "Later, when I stepped onto the stage, fully aware that winning the game was an unlikely outcome, I thought I could use this opportunity to support someone in need."
Interestingly, the economist grabbed the attention of well-known American television host, Ellen Lee DeGeneres, who called him to be on her show a few days later. Impressed by his efforts, Ellen too donated $25,000 toward pancreatic cancer research.
Miles to go
Currently, Dhruv working as a pre-doctoral research fellow alongside esteemed economists Raj Chetty, John Friedman, and Nathaniel Hendren at Harvard University. The young economist is focused on studying the profound inequalities that exist within the realms of health and higher education. Driven by an unwavering commitment to understanding the root causes and far-reaching consequences of severe marginalization, such as drug overdose, homelessness, and poverty, Dhruv aspires to pursue a doctoral degree in economics.
"Through my research pursuits, I strive to unearth valuable insights that have the potential to shape transformative policies, uplifting individuals from these challenging circumstances and fostering a society that is both equitable and inclusive. I aim to contribute to the collective effort of building a brighter and more just future for all," he expresses.
(March 21, 2024) Over the past few years, India's online gaming scene has boomed like never before, propelling it among the world's top three gaming markets. Although not yet a traditional career choice, numerous young people now spend their afternoons competing in professional tournaments. Among them is gamer Akarsh Chaudhary, also known as Vivone, a nine-year-old from Mumbai. Despite his tender age, he has not only taken part in but also emerged victorious in numerous tournaments. The young child embarked on his gaming adventure at the age of four, inspired by watching his father play popular games like PUBG on his mobile device. "I asked my father if I could try the game, and he handed me his mobile. Instantly, I became hooked and began playing by myself. After practicing regularly for a couple of days, I even managed to defeat my father," shared the young gamer. [caption id="attachment_22260" align="aligncenter" width="555"] Gamer Akarsh Chaudhary aka Vivone[/caption] With a substantial following of 108K followers on Instagram and over four lakh subscribers on his YouTube channel, Vivone has created more than 6000 live streams and videos. "Recently, I participated in the SkyEsports Streamers Showdown, competing against numerous top gamers from around the
scribers on his YouTube channel, Vivone has created more than 6000 live streams and videos. "Recently, I participated in the SkyEsports Streamers Showdown, competing against numerous top gamers from around the country. I clinched the first prize of ₹15 lakh, impressing even my opponents with my performance throughout the tournament," said the gamer, whose average earning through live streaming games is around $6000-7000 per month.
Game on
Amid the challenges of the lockdown, numerous individuals sought refuge in online gaming, including Akarsh's father, Vivek Singh. Unbeknownst to the IT professional, this pastime would eventually serve as the inspiration for his son's career. "Initially, when I started playing, it was purely for enjoyment. However, my father soon noticed my potential and began coaching me accordingly. He taught me a variety of moves and tricks that significantly improved my game," said the Global Indian.
[caption id="attachment_22261" align="aligncenter" width="549"] Akarsh with his parents, Shikha and Vivek[/caption]
Recognising his potential, his father commenced live streaming his games under his gamer alias Vivone, which phonetically sounds like "we won". Shortly after, Rooter, Vivone's streaming platform partner, received a surge of offers from gadget companies, fantasy apps, and even some FMCG brands, willing to pay up to ₹1 lakh for video collaborations. Vivone is proficient in playing games across multiple platforms, be it mobile, PC, or console. Talking about his favourite games, he said, "I really enjoy playing BGMI the most, but right now, Valorant is my top favourite. I like messing around with its characters and maps. I also like playing CODM, Fall Guys, Tekken 7, Rocket League, New State Mobile, Pokemon, and other little mobile games."
Although it's fascinating, Akarsh's parents take caution to ensure their son doesn't spend all his time glued to his laptop. "If you really love something and want to do it well, you should start learning and practising early with someone to guide you," the gamer's father, Vivek, shared in an interview, adding, "We noticed our child's talent and helped them get better at what they love. But we also make sure they do well in their studies and play physical games. Luckily, Akarsh enjoys playing football outside just as much as he enjoys playing it on the computer."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfC_YY6SLyA
Giving an insight into the young gamer's day, Vivek shared, "Because Vivone streams games nearly every day, we decided not to give him too much schoolwork, so we chose to homeschool him. After he finishes his studies in the afternoon, Vivone streams for about two hours. Then, like any other kid, he plays with his friends, especially cricket or basketball. Sometimes in the evenings, I take him swimming too."
The road ahead
After winning against some of the best gamers in the country in various tournaments, Vivone is now preparing to represent India in international competitions. "When I first began playing, I never imagined having such a large following and subscriber base. Now, my main aim is to excel in international tournaments. I'm currently searching for tournaments for players under 13 years old, primarily organized in the US, Europe, Korea, and China," the young gamer shared.
(January 17, 2024) Every year, India witnesses millions of girls dropping out of school due to a lack of transport facilities to educational institutions. The lack of security for these young girls has pushed several parents to keep them locked up in their houses. While several non-profit organisations and politicians have been working to rectify the situation by spreading awareness, a young 16-year-old activist decided to do something more concrete. [caption id="attachment_35282" align="aligncenter" width="558"] Jivya Lamba[/caption] Jivya Lamba, a class XII student from Haryana, was so disturbed after she visited a local village, that she spent several days thereafter searching for a solution to this grievous, yet unaddressed issue. "During the pandemic, I was a volunteer to distribute food, and sanitary products to people in the nearby village. During one such visit, I met with a few girls, who during the interaction told me that many of them had to leave the school after attaining puberty. When I asked for the reason, they said that their school was quite far away, and since the road to the institute wasn't safe their parents thought it better to keep them at home," the activist said. After a few sleepless nights of researching
d that their school was quite far away, and since the road to the institute wasn't safe their parents thought it better to keep them at home," the activist said.
After a few sleepless nights of researching the issue, Jivya stumbled upon the idea of installing GPS trackers on the bicycles of these girls, which can be used by their parents to know where they are at any time - a campaign she named WeCycle. It was quite a simple but effective idea, which helped reduce high school dropout rates among girls and increased their participation in studies - winning Jivya, the prestigious Diana Award, 2023.
Donning many hats
Academically brilliant, Jivya has been vocal about various causes since she was quite young. She has even represented her school internationally in various debate competitions. "Since the age of 11, debating has been a defining journey for me. Winning medals at the World Scholars Cup Global Round and Yale's Tournament of Champions showcased my dedication and passion for debating. Beyond competitions, debating expanded my perspective. During the pandemic, I invested time in enhancing my skills and earned more medals in the 2022 World Scholars Cup. This journey was more than just a competition; it represents my continuous growth and the profound impact of words," the activist expressed.
[caption id="attachment_35283" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Jivya handing out her book to girls at a rural school[/caption]
However, it was when the pandemic hit the nation, that the youngster started actively volunteering at the grassroots level. The Global Indian, along with a few friends, collected steam vaporisers, PPE kits, face masks, home testing kits, and sanitary products for free distribution in the village and other deprived areas. They also volunteered to distribute home-cooked meals to not just the needy, but also to COVID-19-positive patients and their family members. "The pandemic highlighted how desperately we needed to reach out to others and offer help. However, it became evident that even though many people recognised this need, the drive to take the initiative was lacking. So, I thought about taking a step and started working with underprivileged communities," shared the activist, who is also a trained singer.
A true changemaker
It was during one such distribution errand that the activist came across the issue of girl safety. However, that was just the tip of the iceberg. Many girls, who had attained puberty, were unaware of menstrual health and various related syndromes. "Through my interaction with these girls in rural areas, it became quite clear that they had very little understanding of the changes caused by the onset of puberty and lack guidance on how to tackle it." shared the activist, adding, "They are reserved and uncomfortable speaking about menstruation, adding to lack of confidence. Some had symptoms similar to PCOS but lacked awareness or community support."
[caption id="attachment_35285" align="aligncenter" width="552"] The young activist talking to parents at school[/caption]
The activist then invested her time in creating an educational handbook, forming support groups, and actively engaging with families and community leaders to promote awareness about menstrual health. "The idea is to not just spread awareness, but also open a dialogue about these issues. My handbook is developed in the regional language, to make sure that everyone who reads it understands the concepts," shared the activist, adding, "WeCycle is a step forward in the direction of free mobility for our young female students, athletes, and future-generation mothers. I am committed to making lives easy for these girls and my heart goes out to them.”
(August 22, 2024) Meet Eshna Agrawal, who has an extraordinary academic powerhouse with a deep-rooted passion for STEM and an illustrious track record, is the brain behind the climate change documentary Salary which debuted at the COP28 held in UAE. She has not only earned several international medals in prestigious Olympiads but also possesses a versatile musical talent, holding a Senior Diploma in Hindustani classical vocal music and displaying expertise in Western classical piano. Her martial arts prowess is evident in her red belt in Taekwondo, while her exceptional aptitude in Abacus has crowned her as a Grandmaster in the field. Eshna is a dedicated social activist committed to environmental causes and is a TEDx Countdown speaker. A budding entrepreneur with a fervent enthusiasm for finance, she is all of 17. [caption id="attachment_38908" align="aligncenter" width="494"] Eshna Agrawal[/caption] Early Start Growing up in the embrace of an extended family that encompassed four generations living together under one roof provided Agrawal with a wealth of experiences and a mosaic of perspectives. “From my earliest years, my parents embedded in me the fundamental values of tradition, culture, respect, and hard work, laying the bedrock of my character. Encouraged from a young age to
al with a wealth of experiences and a mosaic of perspectives. “From my earliest years, my parents embedded in me the fundamental values of tradition, culture, respect, and hard work, laying the bedrock of my character. Encouraged from a young age to dream big, their unwavering support has been pivotal. Witnessing my great-grandfather's philanthropy left an enduring impact, shaping my commitment to generosity, social responsibility, humility, and equality. Growing up as an elder sister instilled in me a sense of responsibility,” she tells Global Indian. Her early years in school played a pivotal role in fostering a deep love for learning. Surrounded by an environment that encouraged academic curiosity, she found herself being a naturally inquisitive child. This curiosity led her to explore a diverse range of activities and interests, allowing her to develop into a well-rounded individual.
Wearing Many Hats
Currently studying AS level physics, chemistry, and math at The Sanskaar Valley School, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, she is equally interested in mathematical economics research and robotics. So much so that she has qualified for World Robot Olympiad nationals. Her musical journey began at the tender age of three, culminating in a senior diploma in Hindustani classical vocal music and western classical piano trinity exams. A Taekwondo red belt, she has competed nationally and is an Abacus Grandmaster having cleared all 13 levels, over the last 11 years, and has won various international, national, and regional competitions. She is involved in several projects involving education inequality, gender inequality, carbon credits, and social entrepreneurship.
With several internships in various sectors- banking, finance, management, sustainability, she is also a TEDx Speaker.
She is the Director, Producer, Voiceover artist/ Narrator, Writer, Interviewer, Director of Photography, Researcher, Marketer and distributor of Salary, a documentary about climate change’s effect on the salt industry and an indigenous tribe Agariya that had a World Premiere at UN COP 28 in December 2023. “Salary explores the profound impact of climate change on India's traditional salt industry and the Agariyas, the indigenous salt harvesters. It highlights the crucial role these communities play in maintaining a vital resource for diverse applications, from daily needs to advanced technology,” she says, adding, “The documentary vividly illustrates how escalating climate change, manifesting in altered weather patterns and rising temperatures, threatens this delicate industry. As salt production dwindles, global repercussions loom. The film combines striking visuals and personal narratives to demonstrate the intricate link between climate sustainability and the increasingly vulnerable practice of traditional salt harvesting.”
Balancing Act
She attributes achieving success in both academics and extracurriculars to a robust support system that comes from unwavering faith and guidance from her teachers and the senior management team at school. “They have not only provided invaluable guidance but have also created an environment that fosters growth and exploration. Additionally, my parents play a crucial role in helping me maintain balance and coordination between academics and extracurricular pursuits, ensuring a holistic and well-rounded approach to my education,” says Agrawal.
[caption id="attachment_38910" align="aligncenter" width="682"] A still from Salary[/caption]
Eco Warrior
In her capacity as a 17-year-old environmental activist, she has spearheaded various projects aimed at achieving net-zero goals, promoting environmental consciousness through corporate social responsibility, and advocating for the adoption of renewable energy. “A pivotal aspect of my activism involves creating awareness, and my documentary, centred on climate change's impact on the salt industry and an indigenous tribe, serves as a powerful tool for this purpose. Additionally, I recently delivered a TEDx talk, further amplifying the message,” says Agrawal. Contrary to perceiving her age as a hindrance, she views it as her greatest asset in this advocacy.
“Our generation bears the responsibility of dealing with the consequences of environmental issues, compelling us to take decisive action. I believe our youthfulness not only empowers us to make a substantial impact but also enhances our ability to convey a sense of urgency and sincerity, making our voices resonate more effectively in the realm of environmental activism. Rather than viewing climate change solely as a threat, we, as hopeful young advocates, perceive it as an opportunity. It's a chance for individuals, companies, and nations to unite, fostering innovation, economic growth, and a sense of interconnectedness that transcends discrimination, emphasizing our shared humanity. This optimistic approach shapes our commitment to environmental causes, viewing them not only as responsibilities but as avenues for positive transformation and a more sustainable future,” she adds.
Entrepreneurial Role
In her pursuit as a budding entrepreneur, she has engaged in diverse experiences to cultivate a well-rounded skill set. Her roles have extended to encompass accounting and fund management, and she has assumed responsibilities as a workshop supervisor intern. “Growing up in a business-oriented family, our dinner table conversations have naturally revolved around business dynamics, sparking, and nurturing my innate interest in entrepreneurship. My goal is to establish and lead my own company, leveraging the invaluable insights gained from these experiences,” she says. Recognising the critical challenge of climate change, she views it not only as a problem but also as a substantial opportunity for innovation, business, and employment. “In my entrepreneurial journey, I aspire to integrate sustainability by adopting a PPP approach: prioritising People, Planet, and Prosperity. By aligning business endeavours with these principles, I aim to contribute to positive change while building a successful and socially responsible enterprise,” she says.
Learning Blocks
Overcoming challenges has been a dynamic process, rooted in resilience and a problem-solving mindset. Whether navigating the complexities of academic pursuits or tackling obstacles in extracurricular endeavours, she approaches challenges as opportunities for growth. Leveraging a robust support system, including mentors, teachers, and family, has provided invaluable guidance during challenging times. “Additionally, cultivating adaptability and maintaining a positive outlook have been instrumental. Each challenge becomes a chance to learn, adapt, and emerge stronger, reinforcing my belief that setbacks are stepping stones to success,” she says. Several valuable lessons have shaped her journey thus far. “Firstly, perseverance is key; facing challenges with resilience has consistently led to growth. Secondly, the importance of a support system cannot be overstated; mentors, teachers, and family play pivotal roles. Thirdly, a proactive and adaptable mindset is crucial in navigating the dynamic landscape of both academics and personal pursuits. Furthermore, the significance of continuous learning and curiosity has been underscored, fuelling my diverse interests. Lastly, the understanding that setbacks are integral to the journey, providing opportunities for reflection and improvement, has been a guiding principle,” says Agrawal.
Looking Ahead
In her free time, she likes to be informed about global news across various sectors, fostering a broader perspective. As a passionate foodie, she indulges in trying diverse foods and cuisines, savouring the cultural richness each dish offers. “Like any typical teenager, I relish spending quality time with my family, going out with friends, and creating memorable moments while blasting music on drives,” she smiles. Her next plans include pursuing a degree in engineering, channelling her passion for STEM subjects into academic and professional endeavours.
“I aim to delve into innovative projects, contribute to technological advancements, and ultimately carve a path that allows me to make a meaningful impact to my community. I am driven by a passion for entrepreneurship. I aspire to channel my technical knowledge into creating a business venture that not only embraces innovation but also prioritizes social impact. With a focus on environmental sustainability and addressing societal challenges, I aim to establish a business that contributes positively to both the technological landscape and the community. My vision encompasses leveraging my engineering skills to not only drive technological advancements but also to establish a business with a strong commitment to making a meaningful and lasting social impact,” she says. She is working towards launching a school for Agariya children, in collaboration with NGOs.
(May 13, 2022) Sitting for the Homi Bhaba exam in 2019, Nagpur-based Stem lover Joy Agrawal had an epiphany - the underprivileged students have no access to practical labs. This thought gnawed at him for weeks. The then 13-year-old understood his privilege of having access to all the resources, while the disadvantaged had no money to even order science kits. He knew he had to find a solution, and this gave birth to Project Gyan in 2020. "It's an effort to help quality Stem education reach the young minds through practical and application-based education, focusing on the underprivileged children," changemaker Joy tells Global Indian. In two years, what started as a classroom of 10-12 students has now reached over 1600 students across five schools in Nagpur, Maharashtra. "Practical exposure is necessary to get children thrilled about education. When we started, many students wanted to help their daily wager worker parents with their chores but in a few months, some wanted to build airplanes. That shift in perspective is a victory for me and Project Gyan," says the Class 10 student. [caption id="attachment_16513" align="aligncenter" width="661"] Joy Agrawal[/caption] Love for space tech Born in 2006 in Bareilly to financial consultant parents, Joy
[caption id="attachment_16513" align="aligncenter" width="661"] Joy Agrawal[/caption]
Love for space tech
Born in 2006 in Bareilly to financial consultant parents, Joy was raised in Nagpur. A space tech enthusiast, the outer world always fascinated this teenager. But his interest was piqued after his parents gifted him a telescope at the age of 10. "For a year, I'd sit every day gazing at the stars or looking at the asteroids. But with time, it became less frequent. However, lockdown changed it as the sky was clear again," says the Centre Point School student who discovered two asteroids in 2021 as a part of Spaceport India Asteroid Search Campaign in association with Hardin-Simmons University Texas.
His discoveries have been designated as 2020 RD95 and 2020 RJ83, says the 15-year-old who adds that NASA will use the data for a year or two to confirm the provisional discoveries after an in-depth study. "I am obsessed with space and technology," reveals Joy who loves doing everything in the area of space tech. While the telescope turned out to be a gamechanger for this teenager in the world of space, it was a robotics course that made him fall in love with technology. "As a kid, I loved swimming and would spend two hours every day in the pool. But it was put on hold for a while as the pool was under renovation. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. With time on my hands, I enrolled in the robotics class, and I haven't looked back since," adds the teen changemaker, who is the founder of Community Space One. "Our mission is to achieve sustainable development goals with the help of space technology. It was in early 2021 that I identified like-minded people, and soon started Community Space One," says the boy, who is keen to make a difference through remote sensing and earth observation.
[caption id="attachment_16514" align="aligncenter" width="575"] Joy Agrawal at a recent TedX Talk[/caption]
Making an impact through STEM
This love for technology led him to be selected by Peace First, the world's largest incubator for youth-led social change initiatives, for a project grant. "It's a mini-grant for projects on the lines of social change. I won $250 with which I started Project Gyan in 2020. Started during the pandemic, I initially needed no funds as I was conducting live workshops for the underprivileged kids virtually," says Joy who started with the students of St Michael's High School in Nagpur. Being the vice president of the Interact Club at his school, Joy came in touch with the Rotary club and zeroed in on an institution that has many underprivileged kids. "I began with a 1-2 hour class every Saturday wherein I performed experiments and explained concepts. Later, I expanded Project Gyan to four more schools in Nagpur and two tribal schools in Maharashtra," adds the changemaker who provides kits to schools for students to get hands-on experience in science practicals. "I love science, and I understand its potential. I want these kids to explore their potential through Project Gyan," says Joy, who is now working with a team that looks into distribution and planning, maintaining the website, social media, and creating videos.
[caption id="attachment_16515" align="aligncenter" width="706"] Joy Agrawal at IIT Madras with his quadcopter[/caption]
With 1600 students now and a grant of ₹40,000 from Vicco Labs, Project Gyan is spreading its wings and has expansion plans in Central India. Things weren't smooth at the start - he found that many kids had no access to mobile phones. "Three-four students were using one phone to attend my classes initially. This made me understand the extent of the disparity. But with passing months, I realised they too had dreams, and given the practical exposure, they can work towards following their dreams," says Joy, who plans to make the study kit available globally for anyone to access.
Future plans
Joy, who is currently sitting for his board exams, has plans of pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science from MIT or Harvard and a master's in space system engineering. "Working with the UN is my dream. But at some stage, I would want to launch my start-up in space tech," says the teenager, who calls himself a "changemaker who wants to create an impact through Stem".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqoEmh6UUSk&t=80s
At 15, Joy is busy creating social impact, and the teenager advises youngsters to "not follow the herd. Instead, explore your niche. Don't replicate another person's journey. Do your thing and only then you will be able to make a difference." The teen changemaker, who firmly believes that sky is the limit, loves reading books, playing with his dog, and listening to music in his free time. "I don't need to unwind as I love every bit of what I do. When you enjoy your work, you never need a moment to take a break from it," concludes Joy.
Dhruv with his family[/caption]
Akarsh with his parents, Shikha and Vivek[/caption]
Jivya handing out her book to girls at a rural school[/caption]
The young activist talking to parents at school[/caption]
A still from Salary[/caption]
Joy Agrawal[/caption]
Joy Agrawal at a recent TedX Talk[/caption]
Joy Agrawal at IIT Madras with his quadcopter[/caption]