Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusivePayal Jangid: Empowering girls and eradicating child marriage

Payal Jangid: Empowering girls and eradicating child marriage

Compiled by: Charu Thakur

(May 28, 2023) In the sleepy village of Hinsla, some 150-km from Jaipur, in Alwar district of Rajasthan, child marriage has been a long-standing tradition. Girls as young as eleven or twelve are married off by elders as they reach the “appropriate age” since most are considered a social and financial burden. However, in a world where deeply rooted traditions often overshadow progress and human rights, there are individuals who rise above the norms, challenge the status quo, and become catalysts for change. Payal Jangid is one such inspirational figure. Her relentless fight against the practice of child marriage in her village has made a significant impact, not only in her own life but also in the lives of countless others. This made her the first Indian to receive the Goalkeepers Global Goals Changemaker Award from Gates Foundation in 2019.

Payal Jangid receiving Changemaker Award for eradicating child marriage from her village

She was just twelve when she overheard her parents discussing suitors for her and her sister, who is two years older than her. That very moment her heart sank as she reminisced the times, she watched innumerable little girls in her village being married off to strangers at such a tender age, and the idea made her uneasy and claustrophobic. “Watching them, I knew that this was wrong—children shouldn’t be put through this,” she told Reader’s Digest. Despite the cards dealt to her, she was determined to change her destiny, even if it meant standing up against the old-age traditions and elders. She blatantly refused marrying at a young age, and even protested against her sister’s marriage proposal. However, she was met with strong dissent. “Marrying off children young was considered auspicious (in my village),” she added.

But not the one to bow, she kept standing firm until she found courage from an unexpected source in 2012. That’s the year that destiny intervened when the Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA), an organisation dedicated to the welfare of children, selected Hinsla as a pilot village for their child-friendly village initiative. This initiative aimed to transform the village into a safe and nurturing environment for children, emphasising their right to education, healthcare, and protection against exploitation. It was BBA founder, Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi and his wife, Sumedha Kailash’s interaction with the community on child’s right to education and healthcare that turned out to be an inspiration for Priya. This turning point in Payal’s life not only provided her with an opportunity for personal growth but also fuelled her passion to fight for the rights of children.

Inspired by the work of the Bachpan Bachao Andolan, Payal became an active advocate for children’s rights, particularly the eradication of child marriage, especially after the Satyarthis helped put a stop to her marriage and convinced her parents if the dangers of child marriage. It was the change in the attitude of her parents that encouraged her to tirelessly worked to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of early marriage on young girls, their health, education, and overall well-being. Through various campaigns, she engaged with community members, parents, and local authorities, educating them about the importance of allowing girls to pursue their dreams, rather than burdening them with the responsibilities of marriage at a tender age.

It was in 2013 that she was elected as the sarpanch of Bal Panchayat – a platform where children to freely talk about their issues to a leader who could in turn help come up with solutions after coordinating with village panchayats. “With 11 members of the Children’s Parliament, we started raising our voice against the ban on child labour and child marriage around the village. As most of the girls were pushed into child labour, farming and household work, nobody was sending their daughters to school to complete their studies,” she told New Indian Express.

The Global Indian organised protests and educated the community on the oppressive practices of domestic abuse, child labour, ghoonghat pratha. However, she was met with fierce opposition as many people turned her away for “spoiling their kids with radical ideas”. But she didn’t give up.

Payal’s efforts did not go unnoticed. Not only in 2019, when she was just 17 years old, she was honoured with the prestigious ‘Goalkeepers Global Goals Changemaker Award’ by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation but no instances of child marriage have been reported in her village since then. This recognition served as a testament to her relentless dedication and inspired others to join her cause. Through her courage and determination, Payal Jangid had become a beacon of hope for girls not only in her village but across the globe.

Her efforts have contributed tremendously to making the children of Alwar commit to attending school and completing school. The 20-year-old, who aspires to be a teacher, is also the brand ambassador of Alwar’s ‘Beti Bachao and Beti Padhao’ programme.

Payal Jangid met Barack Obama in 2015 during his visit to India

Her remarkable journey is a testament to the power of one individual’s determination to create a better world. Payal’s fight against child marriage has not only transformed her own life but has also sparked a wave of change in her community. The impact of her work goes beyond merely preventing early marriages; it has instilled hope and empowered countless young girls to dream big and pursue their aspirations.

Her story serves as a reminder that no matter how deeply rooted traditions may be, change is possible. It takes courageous individuals like her to challenge societal norms, inspire others, and pave the way for a brighter future. Through her activism, Payal Jangid has proven that age is not a barrier to making a difference and that even the smallest of actions can have far-reaching consequences. “Many resign themselves, to the way things are, far too easily. Everyone must challenge injustice and not run away or hide from problems. With strength and cooperation, even the toughest minds can be changed,” she added.

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jackie

November 22, 2023 10:58 pm

Good Job! Payal

Jackie Chan

November 25, 2023 12:44 am

Hallo, Goud Job haiyaa Payal Jangid la.

Published on 28, May 2023

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An Indian ballet star in the Miami City Ballet, Amiruddin Shah pirouettes to glory

(May 22, 2024) An excited Asif dances his heart out to the beats of the dhol at a Dahi handi celebration in Mumbai, reprimanded by his uncle for participating in a Hindu festival. The opening scene of Yeh Ballet, a Netflix biographical film of an Indian ballet dancer, Amiruddin Shah, speaks volumes about a boy from the slums of Mumbai who made it to London’s Royal Ballet Theatre. “It’s true. My uncle was against a Muslim dancing at a Hindu festival. But I kept doing what I liked,” smiles Amiruddin, who is today a corps de ballet member at Miami City Ballet, in an exclusive with Global Indian. Rags to riches – A ‘balle’ to ballet The 20-something’s rags to riches story is inspiring. From doing odd jobs in Mumbai’s slums to becoming the first Indian ever to be selected at the Royal Ballet Theatre, Amiruddin's story is about patience, perseverance, and resilience. Amiruddin’s story unfolded in the Sanpada slums. His father left his village in UP over three decades ago to eke a better life in the City of Dreams. Struggling to make ends meet, the children chipped in. “From selling eggs to slippers, shoes, mango pickles on the

slums to becoming the first Indian ever to be selected at the Royal Ballet Theatre, Amiruddin's story is about patience, perseverance, and resilience.

Amiruddin’s story unfolded in the Sanpada slums. His father left his village in UP over three decades ago to eke a better life in the City of Dreams. Struggling to make ends meet, the children chipped in. “From selling eggs to slippers, shoes, mango pickles on the roadside, I did everything,” recalls the Indian ballet star, the youngest of five brothers and two sisters.

Despite studying at a government school, he hardly attended classes. “We went to school because free meals were provided. Not too great, they sufficed, and many families sent their children for that full meal, and to keep them away from trouble,” says the boy, who grew up amidst violence. “When you see people dropping dead in street fights, you begin to look at things differently,” reminisces the Indian ballet star.

With no clear interest in studies, it was dance that called out to the young lad. “I was sort of dyslexic and never understood how to write or count. It seemed too difficult - I felt comfortable and at ease with the arts. Dancing made me feel alive,” chirps the street dancer.

Then came a Danceworx jazz and contemporary dance programme for underprivileged students. His older brother Nizamuddin introduced him to it, and he even impressed the instructor. This led to him trading places with his brother who was already enrolled. “Both couldn’t be a part of it due to financial constraints, so my brother stepped down,” says an emotional lad, who felt trapped seeing his brother give up his place.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRq_32JmczQ[/embed]

The right place, at the right time

That was when Israeli-American ballet master Yehuda Maor spotted his natural talent and persuaded him to ditch hip-hop for ballet. “He kept looking at my arched feet while (I was) stretching, and knew I was made for ballet,” reveals Shah. New to ballet, he hated every moment, especially, comprehending English commands as he didn’t know the language. “It was nerve-wracking to be doing a dance form I had no clue about,” adds Shah.

The initial years of training were exhausting as Yehuda was a taskmaster. For someone who began ballet at age 12, Amiruddin was working hard to make up for lost years. “Yehuda was packing all those years of (lost) training. It was so intense that I hated him,” he laughs. Today, he calls Yehuda his mentor, someone who changed his life for good.

In less than three years, Shah had aced the language of ballet. Spreading his wings, he won a scholarship to study at the Joffery Ballet School in New York but couldn't make it as his visa was rejected. Demotivated, his fortunes changed when he won a one-year scholarship at the Oregon Ballet Theatre.

“My study expenses were covered, I needed money for lodging and food. We needed $20,000 - Yehuda paid half, and the rest we raised through crowdfunding in six months,” recalls Shah. In the US, his excitement soon faded as he had to learn the Balanchine method, a technique quite different from what he knew. Adjusting to American ballet was tough, “They were so quick on the toes, and it felt like the dancers were flying. The speed was killing me. It wasn’t the right institution so Yehuda and I decided to quit the school,” he adds, very disheartened at quitting.

Back to basics

Back in Mumbai, he continued practicing with Yehuda but with a new perspective and zeal. He was then selected by the American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in New York on a half scholarship, but with his funds depleted due to the Oregon Ballet School stint, he had to bow out.

News of an Indian boy making it to the American Ballet School spread like wildfire. “BBC called me the Billy Elliot of India, and it went viral in the UK. The director of Royal Ballet Theatre saw the news, and offered me a full scholarship in 2017,” smiles the first Indian to ever receive the Nadia Nerina Scholarship (for talented students from beyond EU for three years), and first Indian to study at London’s Royal Ballet Theatre.

Studying in the same ballet school that trained the likes of Sergei Polunin gave Amiruddin goose bumps. “He is one of the best ballet dancers in the world, and at just 19, he became Royal Ballet’s youngest principal dancer. This was enough validation and motivation,” enthuses the 20-something Indian ballet star, who finished a higher level of education in arts & ballet from the University of Roehampton.

Royal Ballet was intense. He repeated a year due to constant injuries, and lack of nutrition. “The body has to look a certain way for ballet. Since childhood, with no nutritious food, it showed in my stamina, led to injuries. I had to give myself a year to heal,” says the Indian ballet star, who performed in Giselle, Sea Interludes, and Elite Syncopations during this period.

Shah also started The Art Door, an app platform to help global artistes collaborate virtually or physically. “Art has the power to change the world and it’s important that we have a platform to join forces.” It helps artistes create high-quality professional digital artworks.

From the slums of Mumbai to London’s Royal Ballet Theatre, his perseverance is inspirational. Director Sooni Taraporevala was totally awestruck, and turned his captivating story into a Netflix original film in 2020. “I am grateful to her for bringing alive my story but I wouldn’t have given her my story if it wasn’t for my brother Nizamuddin acting in the film,” says the boy, who admits he still hasn’t watched the film as he doesn’t connect with his past anymore.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpeOrmjRK90[/embed]

It was also Shah’s way of giving back to his brother who had exchanged places with him a long time ago.

A member of the Miami City Ballet, he was a soloist lead in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the Kennedy Centre in Washington DC in November 2021. “It was a profound moment,” gushes the Indian ballet star.

From Mumbai to Miami, the Indian ballet dancer has come a long way because he believed in himself. Sharing some wisdom, he says, “Have more faith in yourself than anyone else has in you. Talent can be missed twice, but not thrice.”

Follow Amiruddin Shah on LinkedIn

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Soumya Ranjan Biswal: Protecting the Olive Ridley turtle, one egg at a time

(November 23, 2022) Every year since the time he was 10 years old, Soumya Ranjan Biswal has walked along the beach in Astaranga, weighted down by the big gunny bag slung across his shoulder, stopping to pick up empty bottles, plastic and all manner of trash that people have left behind. This is the young wildlife conservationist's way of doing his bit for each when thousands of Olive Ridley turtles wash up on shore. Earlier in 2022, Soumya, known fondly in climate crusade circles as "Olly Boy", was appointed among the first batch of the UN's YuWaah Advocates, who will serve as an inspiration for the Sustainable Development Goals. Global Indian takes a look at his journey. Improving Climate Resilence - For Marine 🐢 Breeding Ground! We at @OdishaSeaTurtle believe in Action than symbolic performance. Reviving a 2km radius polluted water body at Devi River Mouth. Join the mission! Together we can end the plastic pollution crisis👊🌊#OdishaCoast pic.twitter.com/VU6Y17WQGU — Soumya Ranjan Biswal 🇺🇳🇮🇳 (@SoumyaMarineWL) October 26, 2022 Breaking records In 2019, Soumya, along with Dilip Kumar Biswal, a junior from college, took a month to travel through coastal areas like Rushikulya, Puri, Chillika, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Kendrapara and Balasore. Earlier that

👊🌊#OdishaCoast pic.twitter.com/VU6Y17WQGU

— Soumya Ranjan Biswal 🇺🇳🇮🇳 (@SoumyaMarineWL) October 26, 2022

Breaking records

In 2019, Soumya, along with Dilip Kumar Biswal, a junior from college, took a month to travel through coastal areas like Rushikulya, Puri, Chillika, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Kendrapara and Balasore. Earlier that year, he even went on a 1200-km cycle trip to spread awareness about the Olive Ridley sea turtle. It was an extended follow-up to the 800-km ride he took in 2018, which landed both Soumya and Dilip a spot in the Limca Book of Records for the 'Longest Cycle Ride for Turtles'.

Along the way, Soumya and Dilip stopped at government-run schools to spread awareness among the children and their families, as well as among the local fishing community. Their trip was partly sponsored by the Forest Department and the two conservationists also sold toy turtles, made from coconut fibre by the women in Astaranga, to fund their way.

The arrival of the Olive Ridley turtles in Odisha is a matter of worldwide recognition and interest, as about half the world's population comes to the coast to lay their eggs. This is part of the mass nesting process, known by the Spanish term 'arribada'. Soumya and his friends even return at night, keeping an eye out for predators like dogs and jackals, which come for the eggs. Working in tandem with officials, Soumya collects at-risk eggs and shifts them to hatcheries to incubate and hatch in safety.

[caption id="attachment_24560" align="aligncenter" width="395"] Soumya Ranjan Biswas with an Olive Ridley sea turtle[/caption]

"The sea turtles return to the same spot after navigating thousands of miles of ocean, to lay eggs in this part of Eastern India," Soumya told EdEx Live. The turtles arrive in batches and pick their spots on the beach, digging holes with their flippers. Each turtle lays around 70 to 190 eggs before returning to the water. "If the turtles keep coming back to the same spot every year to nest, then they are doing well. But if they don't, something is wrong."

Mangrove restoration

In Astaranga village, where he's from, Soumya is working to restore the Bhitarkanika Mangroves, a 650km stretch in the Brahmani and Baitarani river deltas. Some 62 mangrove species are found in Bhitarknanika, which is home to a number of species including the saltwater crocodile, king cobra, over 200 bird species and of course, the Olive Ridley turtles, which arrive at the Gahirmatha Beach.

[caption id="attachment_24559" align="aligncenter" width="575"] Soumya at the Mangrove Nursery. Photo: Twitter[/caption]

Although the mangroves were designated as a 'Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and are a vital part of the coastal ecosystem as well as to the livelihoods of local fishermen, they have dwindled over the years. The mangroves, he hopes, will grow to provide a habitat for various animal and bird species.

India has a mangrove cover of nearly 5,000 square kilometres, according to the India State of Forest Report 2019. Although the mangrove cover in Gujarat has increased, the number of mangroves in Odisha has seen a steady decline over the years, caused by more land diverted for agriculture and prawn farming, encroachment and a growing population. Soumya works with a team of 10 villagers as dozens of saplings are planted, in black grow bags, in Astaranga beach. He has also helped set up a first-of-its-kind mangrove nursery.

Cleaning up the coasts

The intrepid duo has widened their scope of work, from the Olive Ridley sea turtles and the mangroves to helping save sparrows, reviving water bodies and keeping the beaches clean, whether or not the Olive Ridley is coming home to next.

Follow Soumya on Twitter and Instagram

How 19-year-old Josh Roy’s AI-implemented solution for tackling Cassava Mosaic Disease is winning international praise

(September 13, 2024) When 19-year-old Josh Roy presented his AI-implemented solution for the genetic modification of whiteflies, at the 2024 TKS Focus Hackathon, it emerged as the global winner, beating over 400 competitors from 300 cities and 80 teams. His solution aims to combat the devastating impact of Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) on cassava plants, an essential food staple in the tropics, and address food insecurity. This groundbreaking project, validated by leaders such as the Global Head of Data Science at GSK, was showcased at London Tech Week 2024, which attracted over 45,000 attendees. It also earned Josh a scholarship to the prestigious Villars Institute's inaugural ecopreneurship program. Josh is in active discussions with researchers, NGOs, and technology companies to bring his solution to market and positively impact millions of lives. This November, the US-based youngster would be flying to West Africa to receive the prestigious Global Entrepreneurs Award. “I am due to collect the award in-person in the world's first entrepreneurship village in Akure, Nigeria, where the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu and billionaire Mrs. Folorunso Alakija would be present as guests of honour,” he tells Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_39224" align="aligncenter" width="508"] Josh

would be present as guests of honour,” he tells Global Indian.

[caption id="attachment_39224" align="aligncenter" width="508"] Josh Roy at the London Tech Week[/caption]

There’s more to Josh’s personality. A passionate musician and host of The CapitalTycoon Podcast, where he engages with successful innovators, he was also the first student in the UK to complete a music GCSE in tabla. 'Tabla is one of the main focuses in my life alongside entrepreneurship. If you think about it, the two go hand in hand, as both require the ability to think creatively,' he remarks.

Dabbling in AI-powered innovation, music and podcasting

The British-born innovator describes himself as ‘a design engineer at the intersection of business, tech, and product design’ and is passionate about creating solutions to make the world a better place. As the developer of AI-powered innovations, he also identifies as an AI ethicist and is working on an AI-powered tabla tutor prototype designed to train students at all levels, aiming to revolutionize tabla education.

When asked how he balances his academics, music and other interests he smiles, “I don't know if I balance it well, and I'm not sure I'm at the stage to offer advice on how to find balance in my work. As my mentor John Spence told me, "If you genuinely enjoy and are obsessed with what you're working on, that's what you should be doing." I believe it's this sense of enjoyment I get from these projects that keeps them from feeling tedious or time-consuming."

Josh looks at each aspect of his life as complementary rather than separate. For instance, he looks at his podcast as an avenue to explore new ideas while engaging with successful innovators who provide insights that often benefit in his own entrepreneurial ventures.

The Indian-origin innovator who was born and brought up in the UK, received training in Tabla by Kuljit Bhamra MBE. “My passion for the tabla offers a creative outlet that recharges me mentally, which is essential when juggling high-pressure projects,” he remarks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xxT7frsjtE

He has chosen an alternative education path through The Knowledge Society (TKS), where learning is deeply integrated with hands-on, real-world problem solving. “This flexible approach has allowed me to dedicate time to all my passions,” he mentions.

Josh got the opportunity to enroll in the two-year TKS programme after bagging the Unicorn Scholarship, which is only awarded to 20 students annually. He ranked in the top 0.06% of the 31,298 students who applied in the most recent batch. Its acceptance rate is far lower than that of the most prestigious universities in the world.

Combatting Cassava Mosaic Disease to address food insecurity

It all started with an upbringing that focused on seva. Even before he turned 10, Josh started volunteering with food banks and distributing meals to underprivileged elderly people. This sparked his commitment to tackling food insecurity. While he was still in school, the opportunities to attend tech conferences opened his eyes to technology’s potential. Later, a few Hackathon victories fuelled his desire to work on the problem of food insecurity all the more, and he came up with the AI-optimized tool for the genetic modification of whiteflies - engineered to combat the devastating impact of Cassava Mosaic Disease that has potential to benefit 35 million Nigerians.

Cassava is a calorie-rich vegetable and the third-largest source of carbohydrates in food in the tropics, after rice and maize, making it an important staple. In African Cassava Mosaic Virus is a plant virus that infects cassava plants, causing mosaic symptoms on leaves and leading to significant yield losses in regions where cassava is a major food source. It is primarily transmitted through infected cassava stem cuttings and by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. When Josh came to know how millions of people in Nigeria suffer from food insecurity due to the Cassava Mosaic Disease, the AI enthusiast got drawn to solve a solution to the problem, and came up with an AI-driven gene editing solution for the genetic modification of whiteflies that cause the Cassava Mosaic Disease.

[caption id="attachment_39225" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Josh during the Villars Institute's mentorship programme[/caption]

Later, the week-long mentorship he received from ecopreneurs and scientists — pioneers in their respective fields — as part of his scholarship to the prestigious Villars Institute broadened his horizons. “With guidance from experts like Sofia de Meyer and Sofia Khwaja-Horekens, I've refined my food insecurity project, focusing on key stakeholders. Meeting people like the chief economist of Mars Inc. Bruno Roche and my mentor Jini Sebakunzi was an honour, and the experience deepened my connection with nature, and problems in its realm,” he says.

Work in progress

“The next steps involve collaborating with agricultural institutions in Nigeria and across Africa to conduct field trials of the modified whiteflies. This will help demonstrate the tool's effectiveness in real-world conditions. We are also working on partnerships with government bodies and NGOs to create awareness and ensure smooth adoption of this innovation. Once proven in field tests, scaling the technology will involve aligning with policymakers, farmers, and supply chain partners to ensure it reaches the 35 million Nigerians who stand to benefit,” tells Josh.

For the youngster, the goal is to not only combat CMD but to create a sustainable model that can be replicated across different regions suffering from crop diseases, ensuring long-term food security.

“My Father was my support for me from the beginning of my unconventional path and encouraged me going against cultural expectations by working to solve humanity's biggest problems through entrepreneurship or should I say, ecopreneurship,” he remarks.

Other projects

Josh has worked on other AI projects like Project Dynamo while pursuing a consulting challenge with The Knowledge Society (TKS). “It's an initiative I launched to train NGO students in climate change problem-solving and systems thinking, partnering with SOS Children's Villages, India. This project also leveraged AI to translate educational content into regional languages, making it more accessible across diverse communities,” he informs.

Additionally, he has worked alongside Google for another TKS Challenge in AI-driven initiatives, for addressing problems like information overload that its employees face.

[caption id="attachment_39227" align="aligncenter" width="532"] Josh Roy[/caption]

Persistent in seeking mentorship

Josh Roy understands the importance of quality mentorship and has actively pursued it from business leaders.

Determined to reach out to John Spence, the Chairman of Karma Group Global, the youngster tried over 100 email variations until he successfully connected with Spence. “I was inspired by the experience he created at Karma so I was determined to get his mentorship for entrepreneurship. I tried 100 different variations of emails with trial and error as it was hard to find, until his personal hotmail email worked when I found it through a chrome extension,” he says.

This persistence led to a year and a half of valuable email exchanges, culminating in a phone call. “Since then, Spence has been reading my monthly newsletter where I update him and my other mentors on my personal growth. I consider him and his philosophies an influence in my projects and business endeavours. Persistence won at the end,” remarks Josh who loves speaking opportunities.

In addition to Spence, Josh has built strong relationships with other mentors like Kabir Mathur CEO and co-founder, Leen and Manoj Thacker, entrepreneur, and ambassador of Innovaud Swiss. He connected with Kabir during a family trip to Egypt and with Manoj through a friend's introduction. “Both mentors have been instrumental in guiding my journey, with Kabir even nominating me for The Diana Award and supporting my case for an O-1 visa in the US,” he says. Josh’s persistence to seek guidance have earned him mentorships that continue to shape his entrepreneurial path.

In the shoes of a mentor

One of the youngster’s moments of pride has been getting into the shoes of a mentor of 300 youngsters at Toronto in AI and gene editing for 1517 Fund's annual summit.

“I got the opportunity to mentor alongside a panel of 15 other mentors consisting of Zach Laberge (18-year-old founder of Frenter, who raised over three million CAD), Danielle Stratchman (co-founder, Thiel Fellowship) and Michael Patrick-Gibson (author of Paper Belt on Fire),” tells Josh adding, “I recall a Neuralink intern, Kyrylo Kalashnikov, attending the office hours I was hosting. Gaining exposure to some of the brightest minds in North America was both humbling and inspiring. It felt like they were the true mentors, even though I had the label of mentor for a day!”

[caption id="attachment_39228" align="aligncenter" width="497"] Josh during 1517 Fund's office hour[/caption]

The migration story and future

Born in Tooting, London Josh hails from a family with roots in Kolkata. He was raised in Ascot for most of his life, as well as in Lambeth. His mother is a singer-songwriter who was born in London, and did schooling both in India and the UK. His father is a corporate professional who was born and raised in Kolkata. This March, the youngster moved to the US along with his father who got a new job posting. “I decided to relocate with him and pursue my entrepreneurial dreams in the US,” he says.

In the short-term, Josh’s priorities are clear and twofold: "Radical collaboration with agricultural engineers, scientists and farmers to refine and implement my solutions, ensuring credibility and scalability. Secondly, to earn my O-1 Visa that will allow me to better pursue my entrepreneurial endeavours in the US." He is happy that he received his OCI last month.

With prestigious awards, recognitions, scholarships and mentorship the youngster is confident of making his entrepreneurial dream in America come true.

Follow Josh Roy on LinkedIn

Reading Time: 5 mins

Honoured by White House and Biden, Celebrated by Bush Family: How Shrusti Amula is leading change

With a warm smile, Joe Biden turned to Shrusti and said, “Well, Madam President, thank you.” The crowd chuckled as he continued, “Shrusti, thank you for that wonderful introduction. Just promise me this—when you are president one day, and someone says, ‘Joe Biden is in the waiting room,’ you won’t ask, ‘Joe who?’” His light-hearted comment drew laughter from the audience, and Shrusti, sharing in the humour, responded with a grin, “I won’t.” Owing to her remarkable work with the Rise N Shine Foundation, the 18-year-old was invited to the 2024 White House Diwali celebration as a special guest. Her tireless efforts to combat food waste among the affluent and fight hunger in underserved communities have gained national attention in the U.S., earning her the honour of introducing the President of United States at this year's Diwali event. Biden’s playful yet encouraging words hinted at the immense potential he saw in the young Indian American to achieve even greater heights. The day was a significant milestone in Shrusti’s inspiring journey of service and leadership. Awestruck by the honour The Diwali event at the White House, attended by about 600 guests, left Shrusti awestruck. “This Diwali brought a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Shrusti

ttps://www.globalindian.com/youth/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Joe-Biden.webp" alt="Indians in USA | Shrusti Amula | Global Indian " width="1600" height="900" />

Awestruck by the honour

The Diwali event at the White House, attended by about 600 guests, left Shrusti awestruck. “This Diwali brought a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Shrusti shared with Global Indian. “Being invited to the White House was incredible, but standing next to the President and introducing him was beyond anything I ever imagined.”

She shared the stage with prominent Indian American figures like U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who sent a recorded message from space. “It was just me, Dr. Vivek Murthy, and Sunita Williams representing the Indian community, and I had the honour of inviting President Biden to the stage before he addressed the crowd,” Shrusti said, recounting the unforgettable moment.

But that wasn’t her only brush with national recognition this year. Just a week later in the first week of November, Shrusti found herself attending the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Gala, where she was honoured for her extraordinary philanthropic work. Meeting members of the former U.S. president George H. W. Bush’s family, including his son Neil Bush and grand-daughter Lauren Bush, was another surreal experience.

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Fighting hunger, combating food waste through Rise N Shine Foundation

“When I founded Rise N Shine foundation in 2019, I had a simple vision – to create a positive change to my community by reducing food waste and empowering young individuals to take action. Over the past six years Rise N Shine Foundation has provided over 350,000 meals, and diverted over 200,000 pounds of food waste from landfills,” she shared amidst applause during the George W. Bush Points of Light Awards Gala.

It was a humbling experience for the young Georgetown University student, majoring in Science, Technology, and International Affairs, to be in a room filled with people who have dedicated their lives to service. These honours didn’t come by chance—Shrusti has spent the last six years leading transformational efforts to make a difference. “It reinforced my belief that no action is too small to make a difference,” she remarked.

[caption id="attachment_40501" align="aligncenter" width="578"] Shrusti at 2024 George W. Bush Points of Light Award function with members of the Bush family and other delegates[/caption]

From vision to action

Shrusti’s journey began in 2018 when she stumbled upon the staggering environmental impact of food waste during a STEM competition, where she presented a project on food waste and its potential solutions. After learning that nearly a third of the U.S. food supply is wasted annually, she realised how this problem exacerbated issues like climate change and food insecurity.

One of her ideas—diverting food waste to composting facilities, became the foundation for her first pilot program. “It all started with a simple idea,” she recalled. “But the more I worked on it, the more I realised how much of a difference one person can make.” The success of that program gave her the confidence to scale her efforts and eventually start the Rise N Shine Foundation in 2019, when she was just 14.

“When I founded Rise N Shine, my vision was simple, to create positive change by reducing food waste and empowering others to take action,” Shrusti said during her Points of Light Award acceptance speech. Over the years, her foundation has delivered on that promise, making a measurable difference in her community and beyond.

[caption id="attachment_40485" align="aligncenter" width="797"] Shrusti with her brother, Vayun Amula, during one of the food donation campaigns[/caption]

Composting and food recovery

Shrusti launched her first composting program at Clarksburg Elementary School. Her team collected leftover food from lunchrooms and converted it into compost, reducing the school’s waste footprint and creating a valuable resource for local farmers. The success of this pilot project led to partnerships with more schools. By June 2024, all 209 schools in Montgomery County adopted her composting initiatives.

"Unused food in our country contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions," the Indian American explained. "Through composting, we’re not just addressing waste but also giving back to the environment."

In addition to composting, Shrusti expanded her efforts to tackle food recovery. Her foundation works with schools, businesses, and local organisations to redistribute surplus food to homeless shelters and food banks.

The COVID-19 pandemic made her efforts even more significant. "With rising food insecurity, it became clear that food recovery wasn’t just about waste reduction—it was about feeding those in need," she says.

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Recognitions that fuel the mission

Shrusti Amula’s dedication to creating meaningful change has earned her an impressive array of national and international accolades. In 2024, her Rise N Shine Foundation was also recognized as an Honour Rows recipient, an initiative by the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism, M&T Bank, and the Baltimore Ravens, celebrating her foundation's impact on community service. In 2023, she was selected as part of Hormel Foods’ 10 Under 20 Food Heroes, a program spotlighting young leaders across the U.S. working toward a more sustainable and secure food system.

Reflecting on her experience at Hormel’s global headquarters in Austin, Minnesota, Shrusti shared, “It was incredible to connect with Hormel Foods leaders and learn from their expertise while exploring opportunities to scale the impact of our projects.”

These recognitions join an already impressive list of honours. Shrusti was the youngest recipient of the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Award in 2023, a platform she leveraged to expand the reach of her foundation. She also received the EPA President’s Environmental Youth Award and the Governor’s Youth Service Award the same year, highlighting her leadership in community-driven sustainability.

For Shrusti, these accolades go beyond the spotlight. “Each award is a reminder that small actions can lead to big changes,” she says. “They inspire me to keep pushing for a more sustainable and equitable future.”

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Challenges along the way

Like any grassroots initiative, Shrusti’s journey was not without its challenges. From securing funding to navigating logistical hurdles, she faced significant roadblocks. “One of our biggest struggles was finding sponsors to cover the costs of hauling food waste for an entire school year,” she said.

Despite these obstacles, Shrusti persisted. Her programs now run smoothly and have even influenced policy changes at the county level. Schools participating in her initiatives have earned Green School certifications, further validating her work.

Beyond environmental activism

While her environmental work takes centre stage, Shrusti’s accomplishments extend far beyond the Rise N Shine Foundation. A trained Indian classical dancer and member of the USA National Women’s Cricket Team, she is a well-rounded achiever who balances her passion projects with personal growth. She is also a mentor, debater, and a Girl Scout with bronze and silver awards to her name.

Her diverse interests and achievements make her a role model for young people, proving that it’s possible to excel in multiple areas while making a meaningful impact.

[caption id="attachment_40486" align="aligncenter" width="692"] Shrusti at the mayor and council meeting in 2022[/caption]

A light that shines bright

Shrusti Amula’s journey youth-led change and a matter of pride for the Indian diaspora. From standing on a stage at the White House to meeting the Bush family at an awards gala, her story exemplifies how dedication and innovation can transform lives.

Her vision for the future is ambitious. She aims to expand the Rise N Shine Foundation globally, partnering with international organisations to tackle food waste and hunger on a larger scale.

As she continues to advocate for sustainability and social equity, Shrusti’s message is clear: "No matter your age or background, you have the power to make a difference. All it takes is the courage to start."

Follow Shrusti Amula on LinkedIn and her website
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Sharjah girl Prakrithi Suresh connects Carnatic vocal and Bharatanatyam with spirituality

(February 22, 2023) When Prakrithi Suresh was barely two years old, her parents were overjoyed to hear her humming the Carnatic song she had heard her father practice. Carnatic music had been in her family for generations, starting with her paternal grandfather. They were trained vocalists although none had pursued it as a career. Prakrithi’s hereditary inclinations were celebrated and encouraged by her parents and when she was three-and-a-half years old, she began her training. [caption id="attachment_27731" align="aligncenter" width="722"] Prakrithi Suresh[/caption] Now fifteen, this Sharjah-based vocalist is a known face in UAE’s musical circuit, with many stage performances to her credit. Not only is she a gifted singer, she is also a talented Bharatanatyam dancer who has been training under the best gurus in UAE since she was four. While there are invitations for conferences and participation in music fests round the year, Prakrithi connects her gift of singing and dancing with spirituality. “I sing and dance just for the spiritual connection. My sole goal is to spread divinity, and to make everybody realise that it’s the ultimate supreme that all of us has to surrender to,” the young artist says in an interview with Global Indian. “My parents

e there are invitations for conferences and participation in music fests round the year, Prakrithi connects her gift of singing and dancing with spirituality. “I sing and dance just for the spiritual connection. My sole goal is to spread divinity, and to make everybody realise that it’s the ultimate supreme that all of us has to surrender to,” the young artist says in an interview with Global Indian.

“My parents have been very supportive and have never pressurised me about academics,” remarks Prakrithi, crediting them for her achievements so far.

Making a name

At the UAE’s national Margazhi fest 2019, Prakrithi bagged the overall champion award for excelling in all six categories of Carnatic vocal competitions. In 2020 she came second in an International Carnatic dance and music competition, which saw participation from around the world.

[caption id="attachment_27735" align="aligncenter" width="724"] Prakrithi Suresh with childrens’ book author Elisabetta Dami[/caption]

She has also received the Geronimo Stilton Foundation's medallion from its founder, the childrens’ book author Elisabetta Dami, at the Sharjah International Book Fair, for upholding the legacy of Indian traditional art forms even while living abroad.

The musical journey

Having begun her Carnatic vocal training as a toddler, the teenager is grateful to have trained under some of the best gurus in India and the UAE. She started learning formally from her guru, Palakkad Rajesh Kesav, and went on to learn from Dr Amruta Sankaranarayanan, who is the daughter and disciple of Padma Bhusan, Sangeetha Kalanithi T V Sankaranarayanan.

The fifteen-year-old is now receiving advanced training from Dr Maithli Krishnan, professor of music, SRC College Trichy. As they are in different countries, the guru and shishya connect with each other online.

The talented disciple is also a teacher to two four-year-old pupils who have started learning Carnatic vocals from her.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgXvAuGr0uw

The teen vocalist’s portfolio comprises an impressive collection of music videos on her YouTube channel. The aesthetically-shot videos have been shot by her musically-inclined engineer father.

“I do not have any motive of earning money from my performances, nor do I want to spend money on creating music videos and that’s why my father films them,” she says. Her innocent smile hides great maturity.

Prakrithi’s mother, who worked as a scientist before her daughter was born, has played a great role in evoking the sense of divinity in Carnatic vocal and Bharatanatyam for the teenager. “I am spiritually inclined and do not perform for fame,” she says, adding, “It’s my mother who tells me how I can do better if I am spiritually connected to my art.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUzCqqc6LDw

The path of Bharatanatyam

Whether it is Carnatic music or Bharatanatyam, Prakrithi finds tranquillity and peace in both. While Carnatic music is a way of seeking enlightenment, Bharatanatyam is sadhana for her.

“Bharatanatyam is like uniting the soul with the absolute soul,” she says, adding, “Coming from a spiritual country like India, where the realization of consciousness or spirit has been the supreme goal of life, it is no wonder that the oldest dance form of the country, Bharatanatyam is nothing but a form of Sadhana.”

Prakrithi had started basic training of the dance form in 2013 under her guru Sahadevan of Kalakshetra, Sharjah who is the discipline of Rukmini Devi Arundale. Currently she is honing her skills under guru Girish Kumar, the disciple of Kalamandalam Chandrika who is the disciple of the veteran actress Vaijayantimala.

Apart from performing in various events in UAE and in functions organised by the Indian consulate of Dubai and Indian Association Sharjah; the youngster has performed in two Natyanjali’s in India as well.

On a different note…

A student of Sharjah’s Amity Private School, when Prakrithi is not busy studying or practicing, she can be found playing musical notes on her guitar or keyboard. “I have taught myself to sing English songs and play western instruments,” she shares.

Looking forward to soon start her high school, the artistic teenager has already decided her professional path. “I want to become a veterinary doctor, quite opposite to what people would think,” she smiles.

Follow Prakrithi Suresh on YouTube and Facebook

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