Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusivePM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardee Shreenabh Agrawal is a man on a mission

PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardee Shreenabh Agrawal is a man on a mission

Written by: Vikram Sharma

(January 31, 2024) Shreenabh Agrawal is a powerhouse of talent. His work, spread across diverse areas, stands testimony to that. Now 20-years-old, Agrawal has authored two books, wrote over 200 scientific articles in various publications, is an innovator who presented his work through seven research papers and a coder who has contributed to multiple projects. And all this is only one part of what he does.

His scholarly achievements aside, the youngster has positively impacted many lives with his extraordinary ideas. To top it all, he is the recipient of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2021, the highest civilian honour for children in India. “Physics, Quantum Technology and the latest developments in the world of Robotics and AI interest me the most,” smiles Shreenabh, in an exclusive chat with Global Indian.

Shreenabh Agrawal

Currently pursuing a degree at IISC Bangalore, a course which involves a comprehensive study of the subjects mentioned above, Shreenabh’s diverse interests is what makes him stand out among the rest. “Being presented an award by PM Narendra Modi was a moment of immense honor and pride. It reflected recognition for my contributions, particularly in the field of innovation,” says the 20-year-old. The experience further motivated him to pursue excellence in his endeavours and contribute meaningfully to the society.

He was presented the award for his achievements in the field of agriculture, which benefitted thousands of farmers across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Shreenabh’s innovation “Neer Setu farming” helped reduce the consumption of water manifolds leading to an increase in the productivity of crops. Both farmers and scientists lauded the innovation.

Books

His first book, “Thank you Modiji,” was published in 2015, followed by “A Young Explorer’s Journey of Science” in 2017.

“Currently, I am considering ideas for a third book,” informs Shreenabh, who has written over 200 scientific articles in Twinkle Star Magazine of the Hitavada, Science India Magazine, and Science Reporter. These articles covered a wide range of scientific topics and have been recognized in the India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records.

His essays on Global issues have won awards at competitions organized by GOI Peace Foundation, Japan; NASA, Pendle War Poetry Competition, London, UN Information Centre for India and Bhutan, Korean Cultural Centre India, Embassy of the Republic of Korea; PRL-ISRO, Spaceport India Foundation, etc.

As a coder, Shreenabh Agrawal contributed to multiple projects. “I can code in Python, Java, C, Arduino, and Web Dev Languages. I am also proficient in Cloud Computing and Machine Learning. I have developed two open source projects as well,” says the multi-talented youngster, who along with a team of like-minded Math enthusiasts, also organized IGMO 2020, which is the world’s second-largest virtual math open.

Lock Bore Hole Protection

One of his inventions is the triple lock bore hole protection lid. He came up with this invention after coming across multiple reports of children losing their lives after falling into open borewells. Since 2009, at least 40 children have lost their lives after rescue operations failed.

“The Triple Lock Bore Hole Protection Lid was designed to prevent accidents and save lives by securing bore holes. The innovation aims to provide a robust solution to an often-overlooked problem, emphasizing safety and protection,” points out Shreenabh, who was moved by the gruesome and slow deaths of children.

As an innovator, he has published and presented his innovative research work (7 research papers) on reputed National and International platforms. He even represented India at the International Science and Engineering Fair, 2020.

Oldy-Goldy club

Among his humanitarian missions is the Oldy-Goldy club, which he came up with when he noticed the plight of elderly citizens who felt ignored and shunned by the society. “I visited 16 libraries and convinced them to allow their facilities to be used for a weekly life skills session. I requested the elderly citizens to make use of their experience and knowledge and conduct weekly sessions for children.”

Awards

He was invited to Tokyo, Japan, by the Goi Peace Foundation for an award in the international essay contest for his project “Oldy Goldy Clubs.” Adjudged first among participants from more than 162 countries, it was a significant achievement for him. He traveled to Sweden on being selected for the Elite Scholarship camp organized by IVL Sweden, which he describes as a truly life-changing experience. “These international exposures have enriched my perspectives and contributed to my personal and academic growth,” says Shreenabh, who also won the prestigious Princess Diana Award for humanitarian work.

His other awards and accolades include world rank one in International Youth Maths Challenge, nomination as Youth ambassador for Radio Chico Switzerland among others.

Nagpur boy

Born and brought up in Nagpur in December 2003, Shreenabh astonished his parents, Dr. Moujesh Agrawal and Dr. Tinu Agrawal, with his razor-sharp memory, creativity and unique abilities ever since he was a three year old. He could memorise and recount lengthy and complex scriptural passages and churn out stunning pieces of art.

“My parents serve as constant inspirations with their distinguished careers in shaping the younger generation by way of research, developing new products to simplify learning and mentoring,” says the youngster, who studied from Class 1 to Class 12 in an ICSE board school, Chanda Devi Saraf School and junior college, Nagpur.

While Dr. Moujesh Agrawal is a consultant for ICAD group of Institutes in Nagpur and a profound Mathematician who trains students worldwide for prestigious Maths Olympiads, Dr. Tinu Agrawal is a researcher and director of Prarambh Advanced Training and Research Centre.

Academics

As a student, he displayed his academic proficiency by securing the All India Rank 3 (99.2%) in his ICSE Grade 10 Board Examinations and All India Rank 136 in KVPY SA. In Grade 11 (ISC), he again scored 99% marks and went on to secure World Rank 1 in IYMC 2020.

“My interest in science sparked early on and was nurtured through various experiences,” says Shreenabh, who cleared the KVPY exam in class 11, which led to admission in the UG BS program at IISC Bangalore. He completed two online courses in Physics from IIT Kanpur. “These courses ignited my passion for physics and contributed significantly to my academic journey.”

He also won the title of Himalayan-2016 by acing the Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM), a scientific talent search examination held at IIT Delhi.

“My interests extend beyond academics,” informs the prodigy, who has won a gold medal in the IGEM competition, worked on robotics and AI projects with companies like Open AI and served as the Corporate Relationship Committee head for Pravega, India’s largest fest. “I’m inspired by the achievements and values of legendary Indian Scientists, which makes me strive for excellence in my endeavours.”

Daily routine at IISC Bangalore

His daily routine is a balance of rigorous academic commitments, involvement in extracurricular activities like leading the Corporate Relationship Committee for Pravega, and personal pursuits. “The experience at IISC has been transformative, providing a holistic learning environment and shaping my academic and personal growth.”

Future plans

Shreenabh Agrawal says his future plans revolve around research in Physics. “I aim to continue my pursuits in Robotics, Quantum Technology at world’s best labs as my summer internship projects in near future. Then, I would go for PhD while exploring opportunities for further academic and professional growth,” he informs.

Diverse interests

Beyond science, Shreenabh has diverse interests. “I enjoy exploring books related to finance, complementing my core subjects,” he says. Music too holds a special place. “I love playing the keyboard and exploring various genres.” Travel is another passion. “ I’ve had the opportunity to visit Tokyo, Japan, and Sweden for international awards and scholarship programs, both of which were life-changing experiences,” shares the youngster.

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Moujesh

March 2, 2024 8:25 am

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Published on 31, Jan 2024

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With three books and five honours, nine-year-old Abhijita Gupta is one of the youngest authors of India

(July 30, 2022) Little Abhijita was thrilled to receive an invitation last year from the Ministry of Culture on behalf of the Government of India to be one of the 40 youth icons in the theme song honouring Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav - 75 years of India's Independence. The junior high school student and author of three books became a part of the 'Mauka Hai' song released by T Series right before Independence Day 2021, along with other notable young Indians including Neeraj Chopra, Sonam Wangchu, and P V Sindhu. [caption id="attachment_20063" align="aligncenter" width="616"] Abhijita during her book launch at Oxford bookstore[/caption] The Ghaziabad-based novelist, who got huge recognition as soon as she published her first book at seven, tells Global Indian, "I started writing when I was just five. An Elephant's Advice, the first story I ever wrote, was about raising awareness to eat healthy food. My family appreciated it a lot." Encouraged by appreciation, she went on to write more such stories which later got compiled into her first book. From “no” to “yes” "Several publishers turned my manuscript down after learning about my age, questioning how a seven-year-old could write a book. Invincible Publishers finally agreed. They were

riting when I was just five. An Elephant's Advice, the first story I ever wrote, was about raising awareness to eat healthy food. My family appreciated it a lot." Encouraged by appreciation, she went on to write more such stories which later got compiled into her first book.

From “no” to “yes”

"Several publishers turned my manuscript down after learning about my age, questioning how a seven-year-old could write a book. Invincible Publishers finally agreed. They were reluctant too in the beginning but when my mother persuaded them to read the manuscript once, they said, 'Wow!" reminisces the youngster with a smile.

Impressed with the little wordsmith’s calibre, they agreed to a four-book agreement. Her non-fiction works, Happiness All Around, We Will Surely Sustain, and To Begin with the Little Things, combine stories and poems to encourage readers to live better lives.

The publishing house claims on the book's cover that "the writings have been left untouched so that the innocence does not get diluted" and adds that the title, cover design, and illustration ideas were all contributed by the young author.

Right after her first book released, the pandemic started. Abhijita made it a setting for her second book. She based the novella on her experiences during the lockdown, with characters that included herself, her parents, every member of her extended family, and the housemaid.

Three books and five honours

Abhijita is the great grand-daughter of acclaimed poets, Rashtrakavi Shri Maithili Sharan Gupt and Santkavi Shri Siyaramsharan Gupt. The youngster who showed interest in the craft on her own instead of being pushed into writing, seems to beautifully carry the legacy forward.

After her debut novel was published in 2019, Abhijita was recognised by the International Book of Records as the youngest author as well as the youngest author to write both prose and poetry at the age of seven. She also received the honour of Grandmaster in writing by Asia Book of Records.

[caption id="attachment_20064" align="aligncenter" width="772"] Abhijita with recognitions she received for her first book as a seven year old[/caption]

For her second book, she was recognised as the youngest author to create a non-fiction book on the Covid 19 pandemic, by both India Book of Records and the World Book of Records UK.

More books in future

“I am going to write many books in the future. When something is your hobby, you cannot stop doing it. So, I would carry on even when I become a doctor and have less time,” says the Ruskin Bond fan who aspires to be a good human being first and then a doctor.

Her determination to become a doctor is unwavering. “My dreams do not change rapidly because I am stuck to them,” says the youngster firmly. “When I was small, I used to think whether I should be a firefighter, scientist, doctor, or writer. But now I am stuck to one goal”. The standard four student at Presidium School has already begun reading fundamental biology books and watching videos about it, even though biology wouldn't be covered in her course curriculum for another two years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0lQHseMJB4

The little author is so drawn to her craft that if she has the urge to write, she can find the focus anywhere. She maintains two diaries, one in which she writes poems whenever an idea comes to her mind and one in which she writes stories. “Poetry has some restrictions like choosing a rhyming word. I am not able to express my feelings wholeheartedly. There is something still left, I feel and that is why I love writing stories more,” says Abhijita, who received the Global Prodigy Award 2021 along with 99 kids from across the world in Dubai.

Coping with homework, school, playtime, and writing is not difficult for this young novelist. “I find time easily as it is my passion. I’ve gotten used to it,” says the prodigy, who never shows her work to adults till it is perfect. Her books have been giving beautiful messages to children her age ending with some or the other lesson or moral.

Follow Abhijita Gupta on Instagram and Facebook

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Nasa junior citizen scientist Jahnavi Dangeti has her sights set on Mars

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When zero gravity was attainable

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[caption id="attachment_10904" align="alignnone" width="1440"] Flying a Cessna172 with a co-pilot was a 'dream come true,' says Jahnavi[/caption]

Aspiring to be an astronaut

While going through various phases of astronaut training, Jahnavi met retired American naval aviator and former Nasa astronaut Kenneth D Cameron, who mentored her batch. IASP, a five-day educational programme drives the leaders of tomorrow in STEM. It involves teamwork, problem-solving and communication among students, with expert Nasa engineers to help solve unexpected problems. The Nasa junior citizen scientist was in the fall edition from November 14 to 20, 2021.

Participating in several workshops by ISRO, she has been a campus ambassador for several organisations including Space Technology and Aeronautical Rocketry, which is an Indian private aerospace company. She is the vice-president of Space Magica, a startup astronaut training centre for students and general public, and has also participated in hackathons. “I come from a very small town, with hardly any awareness about space programmes and research. Therefore, I don’t miss any opportunity that takes me closer to my dreams,” informs the Nasa junior citizen scientist, who is a member of the International Organization of Aspiring Astronauts, and has analysed the images caught by the Pan-STARRS satellite in pursuit of unexposed asteroids.

[caption id="attachment_10905" align="aligncenter" width="868"] From the depths of the ocean into outer space. the sky is no limit for Jahnavi[/caption]

Scuba, doobie do

The Andhra girl, a record holder in the Indian Book of Records for being multitalented, undertook an open water scuba training, and is today an internationally certified open water scuba diver. First learning swimming in a pool, she travelled to Visakhapatnam to learn open water swimming. She obtained mandatory approval from the state government for advanced adventure scuba diving too. When it did not come through, the Nasa junior citizen scientist went to Goa, and finally got her open water scuba diving certification. Needless to say, it was not easy.

“While scuba diving in Goa, I was stung by a jellyfish, and had a close encounter with a lionfish,” recounts the girl who travelled to the Andamans for further training. “I learnt night, single and other special dives, getting a license in adventure scuba diving. I love life under water,” smiles Jahnavi, whose parents, Sreenivas Dangeti and Padmasree work in private companies in Kuwait. Jahnavi was raised by her grandmother Leela Ramanadham.

[caption id="attachment_10906" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Jahnavi is an internationally certified scuba driver and was trained here in Goa[/caption]

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Follow Jahnavi on Instagram

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Sports, Science and Empathy: Rakshith Srinivasan unleashes ‘Unlimited Potential’

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" width="560" height="560" /> Rakshith Srinivasan[/caption]

The change maker envisions an inclusive world where children facing physical challenges have the necessary tools to overcome them and can actively participate in school sports. His focus is also on adults who can lead a more fulfilling life with sports despite their disabilities. “We believe that accelerating research and improving affordability will ultimately lead to fulfilling our vision of a world without wheelchairs by 2050," remarks Rakshith.

The multifaceted teen has also published a book titled ‘Overcoming Obstacles’ and has secured first place in Washington State Science and Engineering Fair 2023.

Passionate about making a difference

UP operates as a network of passionate high school students who are actively involved in sports and have a strong interest in science and research. These student volunteers collaborate with doctors and medical researchers from institutions like Seattle Children’s Orthopaedic Research Lab, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Special Olympics of Washington, and the University of Washington’s Institute of Sports Medicine.

Through these partnerships, the volunteers gain insights into the research, understand its impact, and spread awareness about the gained information, raising funds in the process.

With a team of ten dedicated full-time volunteers and over 600 part-time volunteers spanning United States, Rakshith’s non-profit has achieved a remarkable feat. Since its inception in 2021, UP's campaigns have been instrumental in raising $100,000 for research through generous contributions from community donors whom the volunteers approached within their respective school districts.

[caption id="attachment_32256" align="aligncenter" width="539"] Rakshit Srinivasan at Seattle Children's Hospital[/caption]

The raised amount is enabling the funding of eight research programs in crucial areas such as prosthetics, bionics, muscular dystrophy, skeletal dysplasia, limb deformities, bone cancer, athlete mental health, and human-centred design.

Bringing community together

Team Unlimited Potential has not only garnered support from more than 500 donors but has also formed a dedicated advisory board comprising like-minded leaders with experience in the field of sports medicine.

The experts provide valuable mentorship to the volunteers. The advisory team assists in research selection, engages in donor discussions, plans fundraising campaigns, and facilitates connections with researchers and doctors.

It started when…

Rakhshith has always been interested in medicine, biology and sports. Three years ago, he suffered a grade 2 ankle sprain. “It was the varsity basketball season, and the sprain took me out of the playoffs. I really missed the time I was away from the team. I was frustrated for being away from sports – which is something what I love to do,” he said adding, “It was an eye-opening experience for me. It led me to think about how a lot of children might be missing sports due to their permanent disabilities.

Recognising that sports is one of the biggest unifiers and hobbies of everyone around the world, the youngster devoted his recuperation time in learning about sports medicine. He did extensive research on what's being done in the field to help the people who cannot play sports due to their disabilities or deformities and made up his mind to do his own bit.

Empathy for social change

Rakshith’s dedication not just comes from personal experience of being confined but also from empathy that he developed during a volunteering activity. As a ninth-grade student, he had volunteered to tutor the displaced children of refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine - an initiative of the non-profit, World Relief . Getting involved in the initiative changed his whole perspective of how he looked at life.

[caption id="attachment_32243" align="aligncenter" width="539"] Rakshith with Kids[/caption]

“The kids in the refugee base here were in an awkward situation, where they were attending school in a very different education system without even knowing the language properly,” he said.

“Apart from tutoring, just being with them, showing support and talking to them during their hard times gave me a sort of empathy towards others and helped me introspect how I’m fortunate enough but there are lots of people who are not, and I should use what I have been given to help others,” he remarked.

Overcoming obstacles

“While fund raising, we hear more ‘No’s’ than ‘Yeses’ says the youngster, but we keep going.’ Wearing many hats, the teen is not just passionate about sports medicine research and creating STEM awareness but is also an author and basketball enthusiast. His debut book ‘Overcoming Obstacles,’ delves into the cutting-edge research taking place in the field of sports science and research. “All proceeds from book sales would be directed towards the fundraising campaigns conducted by Unlimited Potential,” he says.

Aspiring to be an orthopaedic doctor, the teen has published scientific research papers about muscle soreness and lateral ligament ankle injuries in basketball. He has worked for several medical internships and plays varsity basketball at district level.

In March this year, he was thrilled to win the first prize in the 66th Washington State Science and Engineering Fair. “I was judged 1st amongst highly amazingly talented Washingtonians who participated in the state science fair. My research was about leveraging BC Amino acids compounds to increase energy in muscles lower micro-raptures thus preventing injuries in elite athletes,” he shared.

[caption id="attachment_32241" align="aligncenter" width="639"] Rakshith Srinivasan[/caption]

As part of LEAP (Leadership through Education, Activities, and Personal Development), a student leadership group of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), he is involved with WIAA events, meetings and community projects, and gets opportunity to be the voice of Washington’s more than 225,000 student-participants.

Born in India Rakshith is thankful for his parents' support in all his endeavours and is very close to his grandparents who live in India. “I feel that everyone has potential inside them, and I want to unlock that potential through my initiatives,” he says.

Follow Rakshith Srinivasan on LinkedIn
Visit Unlimited Potential's website for more details

Reading Time: 5 mins

Youngest Writer of Assam awardee Riyad Maroof Hassan connects through storytelling, podcasts & poems

(February 2, 2022) At just eight, he dreamt about a ship braving a sea storm, and startled by its intensity, he woke up. Curiosity kept him anchored to this lucid dream. Unable to find an answer, he started visualising. “It was a turning point in my life when I realised that I have the ability to weave stories,” this youngest writer Riyad Maroof Hassan tells Global Indian. Two years after this watershed moment, the boy from Dibrugarh became the Youngest Writer of Assam when he published his debut book at age 10. "In 2019, I won the award for my debut book. It has been such a source of inspiration." - Riyad Maroof Hassan An author, essayist, talk show host, podcaster, and poet, Riyad is a jack of all trades. “There is much to learn and do - I use every opportunity to evolve and make the world a better place,” says the 13-year-old who has dabbled in various mediums, and is keen to expand his

o - I use every opportunity to evolve and make the world a better place,” says the 13-year-old who has dabbled in various mediums, and is keen to expand his horizons.

Creative spurts as a toddler

Born to a government teacher-mother and an AIR announcer father in Dibrugarh in 2008, this youngest writer became interested in writing at five but it wasn’t till he was eight that he began weaving stories. “While I was always attracted to books, my grammar wasn’t on point. After some scolding from my parents and teachers, I decided to pull up my socks,” giggles the 13-year-old. It was that vivid dream which helped him sail towards story-writing. “I saw a sailor on a ship in a storm. It was real, dangerous and then I awakened. The urge to finish the dream kept nagging at me. So, I decided to complete the story by visualising it. It’s a gift for any author to connect the thoughts between a writer and a reader,” adds the Shiksha Valley School student.

Within two years, his first book How We Become Magnificent, a fantasy adventure was published. He won the Youngest Writer of Assam Award at age 10 for it. “In 2019, I won the award for my debut book. It has been such a source of inspiration,” says Riyad.

His debut piqued his interest in Indian English literature. Soon, he began researching. Enchanted by the work of Indian writers, the boy from Dibrugarh founded Literature on Screen, a virtual literature organisation to spread awareness. He realised that not much is known about desi literature, and took it upon himself to spread the word on the internet (2019). “It dawned upon me that in this age of evolution, technology is the key, and we need to connect more readers with Indian English literature through tech,” explains the young writer who created a Facebook page which has over 1,000 readers. “We share stories, articles, and poems and conduct discussions,” adds Riyad.

When story writing became a passion

Words - a story or poem fascinated him. “I was pulled into the world of poetry at six when I started reading Rudyard Kipling’s poems. The poetic way of describing emotions and situations made me fall in love,” pipes Riyad, who started writing poems at age nine. A year after winning the award, he published his first poem The Silhouette of Reality in 2020 in the Indian Periodical. “It was republished on Kavishala, a platform for young poets,” adds Riyad, an admirer of Robert Frost and William Wordsworth.

While the world was coming to terms with the pandemic, Riyad found it the perfect opportunity to engage with creative folk through storytelling sessions with Karadi Tales, an independent publishing house that primarily focuses on audiobooks. “Those sessions helped me understand the visual and audio power of storytelling. It gave me the idea to start the world’s first-ever written interview on YouTube,” says the Class 8 student who started media company the Clippers in 2020. “I wasn’t too confident about doing a video interview, so I decided to learn how to convert a written interview into a video on YouTube. It took me two days to convert the text into slides. I was able to create history,” beams Riyad with pride who believes that “necessity is the mother of invention.”

A journey to words

Soon he started connecting with the creative field for interviews, and in 2021, he began A Sketch of The Sky, a podcast streaming on Spotify, Apple iTunes, and Amazon Gaana. “I needed to connect to people and what better way than a podcast,” adds Hassan, who calls it an enriching experience – with 15 episodes in season one.

In an episode, Riyad met environmentalist Prasiddhi Singh who became one of the first members of the Clippers Child Council of India that he founded with the aim to work for child development. “It’s the first-ever council whose founders and board members are children. We want to give children a platform for their voices,” informs Riyad. The council has 22 board members, three global representatives from Sri Lanka, UAE and the US. “We have conducted virtual events wherein children meet and discuss issues with our knowledge partner Skill Sharp EdTech,” adds the youngest writer who was also the runner-up in the NASA International Quiz Competition 2020.

This youngest writer is 13, and going strong

An accomplished 13-year-old, Riyad credits his parents for his perfect support system. “Since both my parents are writers, they have always encouraged me. My grandfather Hassan Sharif Ahmed was a noted literary figure in Assamese literature. I am happy that I am making my family proud,” adds Riyad, who loves listening to songs of different languages. “My love for music comes from my father, a music composer,” says the youngest writer who plays badminton when free.

Despite juggling so many professions, Riyad manages his time between studies and passion admirably. “I don’t like the concept of following a timetable. I follow my heart, go with the flow,” says Riyad who plans to research on AI and information technology when he grows up.

Advice to other children? “I truly believe in the adage ‘where there is a will, there’s a way,’ for the betterment of the motherland, be the change you wish to see,” he signs off.

Follow Riyad Maroof Hassan on Linkedin

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Abhishek Kushwaha and Mohd Kaif: Driving innovation and keeping labs cutting-edge

(August 6, 2024) Uttar Pradesh-based 24-year-old Abhishek Kushwaha and 23-year-old Mohammad Kaif met as classmates when they enrolled in the same college for their undergraduate degree in electronics, and developed friendship. The youngsters soon realised that the laboratory in their college, as well as other institutions in their area, had a critical shortcoming - a lack of maintenance facilities. When lab equipment broke down, it was never fixed, as there was nobody to provide this essential service. This significantly hit the lessons of the students, as they were unable to fully utilise the labs and struggled to grasp the practical aspects. They also noticed that nothing new was being added to the laboratories to benefit the students. The youngsters decided to address these vital gaps, and founded Abonics India in 2021, while still in college. Through their entrepreneurial spirit, innovations and innovative approach, the youngsters are driving positive change with their solution-focused edtech startup. [caption id="attachment_38708" align="aligncenter" width="655"] One of the labs created by Abhishek and Mohd Kaif's edtech startup[/caption] “So far, in and around Kushinagar, Maharajganj, Deoria and Gorakhpur, we have helped develop over 40 labs in schools and colleges and provided renovation or maintenance services to more than 150

| Indian Entrepreneurs | Global Indian" width="655" height="873" /> One of the labs created by Abhishek and Mohd Kaif's edtech startup[/caption]

“So far, in and around Kushinagar, Maharajganj, Deoria and Gorakhpur, we have helped develop over 40 labs in schools and colleges and provided renovation or maintenance services to more than 150 labs. Additionally, we are in discussions with approximately 50 institutions to improve their lab facilities by opting for our services,” Abhishek tells Global Indian.

Making a difference

“I have often heard that "experimentation is the mother of innovation," but the question is, how can you experiment effectively if your tools are outdated? Even today, students in our schools conduct experiments in the traditional way. While everything else is evolving, the laboratories and equipment in our educational institutions remain the same. That's why we are here - to transform our theoretical India into a practical India,” highlights Abhishek who is also an innovator of several solution-oriented products for elderly, people with disabilities and young learners.

The entrepreneurs’ edtech startup assists in lab setup, design, development, and maintenance, tailored to the needs of each institution they collaborate with. “We make our clients’ laboratories functional, innovative, engaging, and inspiring so that the kids are inspired to learn and get motivated to innovate,” says Mohd Kaif. “Our mission is to enhance STEM education through the latest practical learning facilities.”

[caption id="attachment_38704" align="aligncenter" width="868"] Students at a lab created by Abhishek and Mohd Kaif's edtech startup[/caption]

Driving change in mindset

This is not just an entrepreneurial venture for the youngsters but also a vehicle to drive change in mindsets. “Schools and colleges in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities are well aware of the significance of labs, but since we have been working in Tier 3 cities and villages, it’s a challenge to convey why labs are essential,” Abhishek remarks. “There are many instances when we have to explain and convince the school and college authorities about the importance of laboratories for the educational growth of their students.”

Apart from working with older institutions that lack lab facilities, they are also collaborating with new institutions to meet the requirements set by affiliation authorities.

Creating solutions

To set up a lab many scientific equipment, glassware and chemicals are required. Although the entrepreneurs source several products from different suppliers, they have even started manufacturing about a dozen small instruments for the labs on a small scale. “We aim to start a factory to manufacture hardware items on a larger scale in near future,” remarks Abhishek who has a knack for scientific innovations since he was small.

He had participated in the National Children’s Science Congress in 2018, where he presented his innovation - a multipurpose walking stick. Recently, he was granted a patent for this invention by the Government of India.

[caption id="attachment_38718" align="aligncenter" width="522"] Abhishek Kushwaha | Indian Entrepreneur[/caption]

Inspired by his grandfather's struggle with walking, Abhishek had created the multipurpose digital walking stick for the elderly. The stick is equipped with a torch, radio, and other features. One of his other innovations is a device to assist the disabled, which has been recognised by organisations like CGES and Leadwin for being an outstanding contribution in the sphere of disability assistive technology and eco-friendly manufacturing, as it replaces wood.

Last year Abhishek was also honoured with the Bharat Gaurav Samman in Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahakumbh 2022 organised by the founder of Super 30 Anand Kumar in the presence of the Deputy CM of Uttar Pradesh.

Under his leadership, their startup has applied for patents for 20 more innovations, many of which are related to lab enhancement and practical learning solutions. “We aim to promote robotics, AI, and machine learning through our initiatives and innovations so that children can grasp these technologies and have a bright future,” Mohd Kaif remarks.

Their edtech startup comprises a team of 40 individuals, including advisors, an operations team, a research team, a marketing team, and a few bright children with an innovative bent of mind. These children get a platform to enhance their learning while being associated with the organisation as interns, working on solutions. For instance, there is a child innovator, Parth Bansal, who has even received the PM Bal Puraskar for his innovation, and is an integral part of the Abonics India team.

[caption id="attachment_38722" align="aligncenter" width="524"] Mohd Kaif[/caption]

Mentorship and support

“When we had come up with the startup idea as undergraduate students, we had shared it with our teachers who supported us in pitching our idea at the annual U.P. start-up conclave and we ended up being the finalists,” tells Mohd Kaif.

With this milestone, the young entrepreneurs got the opportunity to enhance their business skills at the innovation hub of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow, which provided them with an incubation facility. “They supported us a lot and even helped us with a Start-in-UP fund of ₹750,000,” he informs.

Support from JEC-P

Since last year, the edtech startup has been associated with the Jagriti Enterprise Centre-Purvanchal (JEC-P), an incubator centre that supports small and medium enterprises in Tier 2 and 3 cities of India.

“They have helped us with workshops and mentorship that have enhanced our business skills,” Mohd Kaif shares. “They introduced us to Mr Rajesh Kachroo, who has had a distinguished career, holding high positions such as Senior Vice President at Times of India, Senior Vice President and Principal Officer (Global BFSI) at HCL Talent Care, and is currently Vice President of Learner Success at the Wadhwani Foundation. He is a great personality and has helped us accelerate our startup’s growth through better marketing strategies and improved market presence,” he mentions.

[caption id="attachment_38707" align="aligncenter" width="592"] Abhishek and Mohd Kaif with the copy of patent received for the digital walking stick[/caption]

Juggling studies and entrepreneurship

The edtech entrepreneurs, driven by a mission to transform the education sector and STEM learning facilities, have balanced their studies and business venture from the start. While Abhishek completed his master’s in electronics last year, Mohd Kaif is pursuing his MCA at Harcourt Butler Technical University in Kanpur.

“It’s difficult to focus on both fronts, and sometimes studies take a backseat,” he says. “However, our teachers have been supportive. My university has even provided me with office space, allowing me to work on my startup while on campus.” The youngsters look at themselves as not just business-oriented entrepreneurs but also as innovative minds. Apart from their venture, which helps solve a societal problem, they plan to keep on working on innovations and developing new products for the benefit of young learners and other strata of society.

[caption id="attachment_38702" align="aligncenter" width="704"] Some of the labs created by Abhishek and Mohd Kaif's edtech startup, Abonics India[/caption]

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