Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveSports, Science and Empathy: Rakshith Srinivasan unleashes ‘Unlimited Potential’

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

Written by: Amrita Priya

(July 30, 2023) Over one-third of children and adolescents with disabilities have little or no accessibility to sports and physical education, according to a UNICEF study, although the majority have them access to medical, transportation and cultural services. In 2021, a report by the American College of Sports Medicine showed that physical activity among children with disabilities is four-times lower than their non-disabled counterparts.

It is a gap that Indian-origin teen Rakshith Srinivasan hopes to fill by creating an enabling ecosystem through research and innovation, to increase access and make people aware of the role sports medicine can play in bettering the lives of children with disabilities. His non-profit, Unlimited Potential (UP), has achieved many milestones in a short span of time, and has raised $100,000 from community donors.

Rakshith Srinivasan

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.

Rakshit Srinivasan at Seattle Children’s Hospital

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.

Rakshith with Kids

“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.

Rakshith Srinivasan

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

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Published on 30, Jul 2023

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Ashay Bhave: How this 23-year-old is getting “kicks” out of plastic waste, and is sold out

(November 27, 2021) "Don't just do it, do it right," puns the Thaely slogan, taking a dig at an international shoe brand. Rightly so, as Thaely sneakers are 100 percent recycled, and made from plastic trash. In fact, truth be told, CEO and founder of Thaely, an ethically produced ecologically fashioned sneaker brand, Ashay Bhave, is as honest, sceptical and idealistic in life as he is in deed. This, and a talent for art saw him create a niche with his vegan sneakers which he shrugs off – "This is just the beginning of greater things to come." Modest words. Interestingly, his first art installation at the Jameel Art Centre in Dubai, a show he curated too, got government attention, and he was given a UAE Golden Visa. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thaely (@thaely.inc) Thaely has an ethos of sustainability as the 23-year-old Ashay upcycles plastic bags and bottles to create shoes. Named after the common place plastic bag's Hindi word for it, thaely, the shoes use plastic waste with cutting edge design. "We are the only company that uses plastic bags to make shoes. When you look at their aesthetics and design,

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A post shared by Thaely (@thaely.inc)

Thaely has an ethos of sustainability as the 23-year-old Ashay upcycles plastic bags and bottles to create shoes. Named after the common place plastic bag's Hindi word for it, thaely, the shoes use plastic waste with cutting edge design. "We are the only company that uses plastic bags to make shoes. When you look at their aesthetics and design, you would never know that they are made from plastic," says the creator. Each sneaker uses ten plastic bags and 12 plastic bottles – an overall whopping 50,000 plastic bags and 35,000 bottles have been used so far.

The sneakers won the PETA's Best Vegan Sneaker Award 2021. Head honcho Anand Mahindra tweeted his interest in funding and buying these ecologically attuned sneakers.

This is awesome!
A startup in India 🇮🇳 is making these sneakers (a $70 billion market) are made of garbage (12 plastic bottles and handful of trash bags). And for $110, they will be shipped anywhere in the world.@Thaely_inc

pic.twitter.com/ogNwVCFhXY

— Erik Solheim (@ErikSolheim) November 17, 2021

Today, Thaely sneakers are sold out. Behind the minimalistic and soft leather shoe is a boy with a curly shock of hair forming a whimsical halo around his artistic head, with an endearing schoolboy drawl. He rattles off the science behind the shoes, fabric, and his depth is clear to see. The boy who studied at DY Patil in Navi Mumbai, comes from a Maharashtrian family - his mother Sheetal Bhave is a counsellor, and father Sameer Bhave works in Dubai at an oil company, and he has a younger sister.

The birth of an eco-friendly sneaker

Thaely was initially developed as a design exercise by Ashay using recycled material from waste at the Eureka competition during his final BBA entrepreneurship semester at Amity University (Dubai) in 2019. "I wanted to find a solution to the 100 billion plastic bags used each year that use 12 million barrels of oil which kill 100,000 marine animals annually," quips Ashay, who finished 12th and went to the Big Apple to study accessory design. A year into the course, unhappy with his progress, what work the alumni were doing, job prospects and the cost of the course, he signed up for a BBA in Dubai.

"I was doing a few design projects for fun - one was Thaely. Plastic bags are a huge problem, most marine animals confuse them for jelly fish. I experimented at home with different household appliances - irons and hair straighteners. I got familiarised with some industrial equipment during design school, and tried to replicate the tech used in t-shirt printing to form a texture called ThaelyTex with PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) used for coating, shoe bands, etc while the soles are from discarded tyres," he explains. With a rough idea of the fabric that he developed over two years; a prototype was made at a neighbourhood shoe repair shop. That prototype and design, he pitched along with a business plan at Eureka as proof of concept. Ashay won the competition, was spotted by a judge, Matteo Boffa, a Dubai-based Swiss social entrepreneur, who funded and mentored Ashay who was only 20 at the time. "I definitely needed guidance when it came to business and enterprise," says the designer who has since sold out his inventory.

Quote Unquote

"As soon as I heard Ashay’s pitch about Thaely I fell in love with the concept. Being a serial entrepreneur in the field of sustainability and social impact, I saw a great fit. The idea was great but the person behind was even better! The brand can compete with the giants of the industry. We have a real and concrete positive impact on hundreds of people in India," says Matteo Boffa, Social entrepreneur, Forbes 30under30, and co-founder of Thaely.

[caption id="attachment_16837" align="aligncenter" width="851"] Ashay Bhave[/caption]

Ashay identified Trio Tap Technologies, a waste management plant in Gurgaon for plastic bags. Then, the pandemic hit. All work came to a standstill. Beginning 2021, Bhave again started work and finally launched the recycled sneaker.

"It is difficult to create a sneaker with those specs, so we designed a process that is scalable and efficient. Thaely is a casual sneaker. I took inspiration from the many basketball and skateboarding shoes of the 80s – the design is timeless, minimalistic and easy to style. It looks like a leather sneaker," explains the designer, who started off as a freelance designer creating album art, packaging, animation, toys, etc. A name in Dubai already, he now wants to impress the rest of the world with not just products but also his art.

"The installation show was a pretty important point - it helped me become more established. I got government attention, and was offered a UAE Golden Visa. I had designed a fake toy with a packing and gaming console - it was basically critiquing world leaders acting like children and sort of playing with our lives," says the avant-garde thinker.

With funding, the second prototype was made, and the recycled "kicks" were on their way to make feet accountable and responsible. Thaely sneakers are currently sold at Level One, among the biggest shoe stores in the world at Dubai Mall, and online.

[caption id="attachment_16838" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Thaely's vegan sneakers[/caption]

Tapping the market

"We were sold out on all the shoes produced – 1,600 pairs with 500 pre-orders – mostly from Europe, some from America and Australia. India is not a very big market right now," says Bhave, who is grateful for the acclaim, and success, "It was my dream to be in design or a CEO of a fashion brand - now that it has come true, I am thrilled," says the eco entrepreneur who wants to diversify, and add more colours too (Thaely sneakers are in white, white-brown and white-blue, and pre orders of all-black).

Like other 20-somethings, sneakers are an appendage and lifeline – his, he says, are comfortable and function like regular shoes. They are different though, "We are 100 percent recycled, completely transparent on production processes, our shoes have a QR code, and we are cheaper than other sustainable sneakers at $99 (others are $150, etc)," adds the Global Indian.

[caption id="attachment_16839" align="aligncenter" width="771"] Thaely sneakers[/caption]

Proud parents, a sister who is a tad intimidated by attention, and impressed friends, Bhave knew they all had "pretty high hopes" (for him), and admits they expect much more now.

Mentor Matteo has been instrumental in giving Ashay a deeper perspective, "He is pretty young – 30, and (is) always inspiring me to stretch my boundaries," says Bhave who loves sci-fi movies, art and fashion.

Not many know that Ashay was a national level rifle shooter from sixth to eleventh grade in Mumbai, and even today loves going to the range in Dubai when he visits his parents. His larger aspiration is to make Thaely a lifestyle brand – clothing, furniture, other accessories – recycled and sustainable. Sneakers done, now it’s back to the drawing board to create more from trash.

Follow Thaely on Twitter, Instagram

Reading Time: 6 mins

UK’s Youngest Chess Grandmaster: How Shreyas Royal is changing the game

(November 16, 2024) In the hushed halls of the Bavarian Open in 2022, fourteen-year-old Shreyas Royal was about to make history. Across nine games, he played with the skill of a seasoned grandmaster, carefully outsmarting his opponents and securing seven points. This wasn’t just any win—he became the youngest player in the United Kingdom to reach a grandmaster-level performance. For Britain, a country with a deep chess tradition and competitive scene, seeing such young talent was rare. By the end of the tournament, Shreyas Royal’s name wasn’t just another entry; it was the headline, marking the arrival of a fresh new talent. [caption id="attachment_40404" align="aligncenter" width="657"] Shreyas Royal[/caption] Bengaluru to London: A Journey Begins Yet Shreyas' journey to the chessboard was far from ordinary. Born in Bengaluru in 2009, he moved to the United Kingdom with his family at the age of three when his father, Jitendra Singh, accepted a job as an IT project manager. They settled in South-East London, in the lively, multicultural neighbourhood of Woolwich. Shreyas was still a toddler, curious about the world around him, and showed an impressive memory. It was here, thousands of miles from India - the birthplace of chess- that his father

y, multicultural neighbourhood of Woolwich. Shreyas was still a toddler, curious about the world around him, and showed an impressive memory.

It was here, thousands of miles from India - the birthplace of chess- that his father introduced him to the game as a way to channel his young son's sharp mind. "It took me some time, but I was curious," Shreyas recalls, describing those first tentative steps. It wasn't until he started winning matches against other children at school that something inside him clicked. "And that got me hooked."

[caption id="attachment_40405" align="aligncenter" width="428"] A young Shreyas[/caption]

Discovering Chess

By six, his parents had signed him up at a local chess club in East Ham, where he trained under the guidance of a private coach. From then, chess became more than a hobby — it was the beginning of his journey into competitive arenas across Europe. His first taste of international success came in Greece, where he clinched silver at the European Schools Chess Championship. His skill and tenacity set him apart early on, winning him multiple awards, and soon, the young player from Woolwich was recognised as one of the country’s brightest prospects. Chris Ward, a British chess grandmaster, went as far as to say Shreyas was "the best prospect the country has ever seen."

The Biggest Challenge

But for all his success, life in the UK presented its own set of challenges. In 2018, the family faced the prospect of returning to India as his father's work visa neared expiration. The requirement? An income of £120,000 a year — far beyond his father’s reach. For a brief period, it seemed that Shreyas's chess journey might be cut short. However, the English Chess Federation, along with supporters in the political community, appealed to then-Home Secretary Sajid Javid, citing Shreyas's potential as an exceptional talent. Javid himself acknowledged, "The UK is a country that fosters world-class talent, and Shreyas is one of the most gifted chess players in his generation."

This was a turning point. The visa extension not only allowed Shreyas Royal to continue his journey but freed his family from an uncertain future, giving him the stability he needed to continue on his chess journey.

The Mind of a Chess Prodigy: Strategy and Preparation

From that point, Shreyas intensified his focus, opting for homeschooling to accommodate his training and tournament schedules. His strategy preparation became more methodical, studying opponents' strengths, weaknesses, and past games. "I check to see what openings he has struggled against in the past and also look at some of his statistics, how well he has fared against weaker opponents,” Shreyas explained. "Aiming for any type of an advantage with white and equality with black out of the opening are also very vital goals." The discipline, patience, and hours of practice were part of the foundation that helped him succeed at the Bavarian Open and beyond.

Shreyas's story is closely tied to the Indian community in the UK—a group that has maintained its cultural roots while contributing to many areas of British society. This community has played an important role in enriching the UK’s cultural and professional landscape. Shreyas represents this blend of Indian heritage and British identity, bringing pride to both. As the child of Indian immigrants, he comes from a tradition that values hard work, education, and resilience—qualities that clearly influence his approach to chess and life.

A Love for the Game Beyond Titles

Shreyas is now focused on achieving new goals. He dreams of becoming one of the world’s top 10 players and hopes to win the world championship by the time he's 21. However, his passion for chess isn’t just about the titles. "For me, it's not so much about the money," he said. "It's about having fun playing chess. I just enjoy it," said the Global Indian. This genuine love for the game keeps him coming back to the chessboard every single day.

Looking ahead, Shreyas understands there’s still a lot to learn. “It is a very fascinating game in which I feel I have a lot more to learn,” he says, reflecting his humility despite his achievements. For now, the young grandmaster-in-the-making stays focused on training and competing, fueled by the same curiosity that first drew him to the game.

Follow Shreyas Royal on Instagram

Inspired by tragedy: Ishika Binu is working on making roads safer for everyone

(November 11, 2022) It was a usual day for the then 13-year-old Ishika Binu and her younger sister, when both of them stepped out with their caretaker to attend their daily Bharatnatyam class. While they were on their way a vehicle rammed into their car, throwing it completely off-balance. "It was a horrible accident," recounts now 17-year-old student, as she connects with Global Indian, from Washington. "When the car collided, I was shouting my sister's name. She was very still and I feared that she was dead. She was shifted to the Harborview Hospital in Seattle, while I remained at Evergreen due to my concussion. She stayed in the Intensive Care Unit for several days with multiple spinal fractures, a sternum fracture, and internal spleen bleeding." [caption id="attachment_24083" align="aligncenter" width="522"] Ishika Binu[/caption] While the accident left a lifelong scar on Ishika's memory, it did force her to realise the importance of road safety measures. Her recovery period gave Ishika the time to do a lot of research about road accidents across the world. The high school student found that millions of people lose their lives - either on spot or waiting for medical assistance - after meeting with an accident.

importance of road safety measures. Her recovery period gave Ishika the time to do a lot of research about road accidents across the world. The high school student found that millions of people lose their lives - either on spot or waiting for medical assistance - after meeting with an accident. "We were lucky to be fully under my father's insurance. However, several people cannot afford their medical bills, and that pains me," shares the teenager.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4CSSnbrkw0

Inspired by the tragedy that struck her family, Ishika decided to focus on safe driving for her Girl Scouts project. Earlier this year, the Washington-based student won the National Gold Scholarship Award for her Safe Drive project - which is the highest award in Girl Scouts. She is also the founder of an NGO, Arts4Assistance, which supports families who have any unexpected medical needs.

A passionate youngster

Born in Washington to two young computer engineers from Kerala, Ishika was always attracted to performing arts - especially Indian classical dance forms. "I am heavily invested in performing arts and dancing. I have been taking formal classes since I was just four years old, and have performed on various platforms as well." Proud of her Indian roots, Ishika shares that her family celebrates Onam every year in a grand fashion.

[caption id="attachment_24084" align="aligncenter" width="589"] Binu sisters, during a Bharatanatyam performance[/caption]

For someone who finds silver linings even in the most tragic situations, she reminisces that it was the paramedic, who helped her and her sister, that played a catalyst in changing the way she thinks. "He told me that he had to be calm, to be able to help people. If he panicked, the people who are already scared might lose all hope. I was very inspired by that and today I completely base all my thought processes around that. Even when I was in the hospital, I was aware of the various issues the patients and their families were facing. Those small things motivated me to start the safe driving Girl Scouts project," shares the student.

After years of rehab and therapy, both Ishika and her younger sister, Rithika, are not only fine now, but have also performed Bharatanatyam at various events. To be able to use her art form to help others, Ishika started the NGO, Arts4Assistance. "We loved performing on the stage, and it is a big part of our lives. I plan to become a doctor when I grow up but don't want to stop doing things that make me happy due to work pressure. And I figured, many young people still like to pursue their hobbies despite having a tight work schedule. And what better than to use those performances to help other people. With that thought I started Arts4Assistance, a platform where artists can submit art pieces and performances to help raise funds for families who have any kind of unexpected medical needs," says the student.

Giving back to the society

Around the same time that Ishika was working on her Girl Scouts project, another unfortunate incident shook her. Her grandfather, who lived in Kerala, suffered a heart attack and wasn’t able to make 911 call to get an ambulance like in the US. "Having been in an accident, I knew what important role ambulances play in the patient getting timely treatment. My father made me more aware of the healthcare situation in India."

[caption id="attachment_24085" align="aligncenter" width="596"] MLA D.K. Murali flagging off the ambulance service in the Kallara village[/caption]

The youngster, with help from the Girl Scouts of Western Washington, worked remotely to implement ambulance services in the Kerala village, which was flagged off on April 2, 2022. "I realised that just spreading awareness on the prevention of road accidents is not enough. We must find a way to provide emergency medical services. I identified places that lacked proper medical transportation services in Kerala and contacted the Kallara panchayat to help improve their medical infrastructure. I raised funds for the ambulance service with the help of volunteers, and other art shows and performances in Washington," shares the young student, who is currently working on a similar project in Africa.

Follow Ishika Binu on LinkedIn
Follow Arts4Assistance on Facebook

Reading Time: 6 mins

Law Rewired: Aswini Ramesh is making legal matters simple for all

(February 14, 2024) Ever pondered the legal procedures for transferring ownership of your property to another family person? Does an email agreement hold legal weight? What, after all, is a valid contract? Realising that there is a huge knowledge gap between the various civil and crime constitutional sections and the citizens, a 22-year-old law student decided to launch a website where one could look up any information about the law. Founded on the principle of "simplifying complex Indian laws one concept at a time," the Law Rewired initiative is the brainchild of Chennai-based Aswini Ramesh. "There was an increase in demand for details on family and property law, will or testament, and on court proceedings. And while researching about it, I realised that there were very few reliable resources available about the various sections of the Indian constitution online. Many people have to pay heavy amounts to get even a small work done, and I wanted to remedy the situation," shared the Global Indian, who is also the recipient of the prestigious Diana Award, adding, "Law Rewired is an online student-run portal, that simplifies laws into easy to understand language for everyone. It is a unique portal offering qualitative information

he recipient of the prestigious Diana Award, adding, "Law Rewired is an online student-run portal, that simplifies laws into easy to understand language for everyone. It is a unique portal offering qualitative information on law and related topics. The two important sustainable development goals - Quality Education and Gender Equality are among the indispensable objectives of this portal. The idea is to make people aware of their duties and remedies so that they do not suffer at a later point in time."

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Law Rewired uses real-world analogies, concise bullet-pointed explanations, and a comprehensive glossary of legal terms to clarify the intricacies of laws. Additionally, they provide a range of legal translation categories encompassing property law to constitutional law. The group's materials are freely accessible to everyone through their website and social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. "For example, one of the laws that my company translated was India’s Information Technology Act. We explained terms used in the Act like “intermediary,” amendments added to it, why the law was enacted, and when the Act can be applied. After fleshing out those details, we summarised all the information in a section titled 'In a Nutshell'," shared the law student, who is also the global ambassador of the World Literacy Foundation.

Playing by the rules

Soon after she started pursuing a degree in law from the Dr. Ambedkar Law University School Of Excellence In Law, the youngster would often volunteer for various NGOs and had to travel to semi-urban and rural areas. It was here that she encountered people struggling to understand even the most basic laws. "Through my work as an activist, I’d often travel to workshops and other social initiatives at different institutions and be flooded with queries about day-to-day legal issues," shared Aswini, adding, "This one time someone stopped me while I was at a gas station to ask what legal options their daughter had as a victim of domestic abuse. In another instance, a well-educated person who held a position of authority asked me about divorce alimony; another wanted information on a joint will since their grandfather was unwell; a friend’s brother, who was the family’s sole breadwinner, passed away in an accident and they had no idea about third party insurance claim."

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A post shared by Law Rewired (@lawrewired.in)

Motivated to narrow the disparities between Indian law and the general public, she established Law Rewired in August 2020. Currently, the organisation is managed by 22 students hailing from 10 diverse law schools, along with an advisory board comprising esteemed legal scholars who willingly contribute their time to enhance the accessibility of Indian laws. To assemble this coalition, Aswini utilized social media to seek individuals interested in being 'part of something meaningful'. "When I posted about the organisation for the first time, it immediately caught my attention. We got responses from all over the globe from places like Italy, Mauritius, California, and Madagascar to fill roles like content creator, website developer, and roles in public relations and marketing," shared the law student.

Talking about the organisation's current projects, she said, "Currently, they’re collaborating with the Child Awareness Project, which is helping us curate social media posts that involve law related to health, children, education, and women. Law Rewired is also in talks with three other organisations about potential collaborations. We are looking to do a special series on patients' rights."

Follow Aswini Ramesh on LinkedIn and Instagram

Reading Time: 5 mins

Aditya Kousgi: From passionate photographer to rising star in the Indian motorsport scene

(December 24, 2023) Motorsport enthusiast Aditya Kousgi has an inherent spirit of sportsmanship that has held him in good stead behind the wheels. Starting as a photographer, Aditya Kousgi is now making his mark on the track as he makes strides in the arena of motorsports, after his tenure at Chetan Shivram Motorsport. Currently preparing for the Indian National Rally Championship, Aditya's aspirations include conquering the Asia Pacific Rally Championship and ultimately, the World Rally Championship. Early days Born in Bangalore, Kousgi’s educational journey took him on a whirlwind tour of various cities across India. This nomadic upbringing shaped his perspective and instilled in him the ability to adapt to diverse environments. “My formative years were marked by a deep love for sports, with football being my true passion. I was more at home on the sports field than in the classroom, and I proudly represented my school and college teams. But my enthusiasm extended beyond football; I excelled in tennis and hockey during my childhood. These early experiences instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and the competitive spirit.” As he grew older, a new passion began to emerge – photography which he decided to pursue by

– photography which he decided to pursue by enrolling in an undergraduate program at Symbiosis in Pune. This marked the start of a four-year stint as a professional photographer, which ran parallel to his college education.

Rally cues

The transition from photography to the world of rallying was an unexpected and thrilling journey that began during his tenure with Chetan Shivram Motorsport, a respected name in the motorsport industry, led by the visionary Chetan Shivram. “The pivotal moment arrived unexpectedly when Mr. Shivram generously allowed me to take the wheel of one of his rally cars during an event. The sheer exhilaration of being behind the wheel of a rally car was a revelation. It was in that electrifying moment that my love for rallying was firmly rooted, and the seeds of my future in motorsport were sown,” he says He took part in The Indian National Autocross Championship for the first time just for fun which was an unexpected decision but turned out to be a life-changing one. “To my astonishment, I qualified unexpectedly in that competition. Since that remarkable day, I haven't looked back and continued my career in the exhilarating world of rallying, determined to push my limits and chase my dreams on the racetrack,” he adds.

Shifting gears

Naturally the shift from photography to rallying was a thrilling journey that transformed his life in ways that he could have never imagined. “While I was busy capturing the excitement of rallying through my camera lens, my heart yearned to experience it from the driver's seat. This transition underscored the importance of pursuing one's passion relentlessly, even if it meant taking a leap of faith into the unknown. The change was exhilarating yet challenging. It required me to rewire my mindset, adapt to a new set of skills, and embrace the relentless pursuit of excellence. But the thrill of rallying, the camaraderie of the motorsport community, and the adrenaline-fueled competitions made every sacrifice worthwhile,” he explains. His journey in rallying has been made possible by the unwavering support of his parents, who have been his pillars of strength through multiple career transitions as well as Chetan Shivram, whose unwavering belief in his potential has been a constant source of inspiration.

Racing journey

In the early stages of his rallying career, "Snap Racing" was his trusted service team, ensuring that the cars were always prepared for the demanding challenges of rallying. Later he made the strategic move to "R-tech," a decision that further solidified his rallying career. R-tech's support in crafting dependable cars, promptly addressing technical issues, and optimizing performance has been invaluable. “My navigator, Deeksha Balakrishna, has played an essential role in my rallying career. She's been there with me since my first rally, teaching me a great deal about pacenotes and navigation. Her guidance and partnership have been crucial to my success on the racetrack,” he says. His journey on the racetrack has been a whirlwind of emotions and challenges, each rally presenting its unique terrain and set of obstacles, pushing him to adapt and excel. “One of my most memorable moments was my first autocross event, an adrenaline-pumping experience that put my skills to the test. It was a baptism by fire into the world of competitive rallying, where split-second decisions and precise manoeuvres are the keys to success,” he says.

Testing times

However, no journey in motorsport is complete without its share of setbacks. Aditya Kousgi experienced his first crash during the Rally of Chennai, a tough situation that put both his skills and his car to the test. “Despite the challenges, this experience taught me valuable lessons in resilience, quick thinking, and the importance of safety in rally cars. Another unforgettable moment was when my car toppled during a race. It was a heart-pounding experience that tested my mettle as a driver. While it was a harrowing ordeal, it underscored the resilience of rally cars and the unwavering support of my team. These experiences, both triumphant and challenging, have been crucial in shaping my skills and determination as a rally driver,” he says.

Training hard

His training regimen is rigorous and intense, designed to push his limits and strengthen his bond with the rally car which has been fundamental in his success in rallying. “One particularly memorable experience was a recent four-day endurance training program. It provided invaluable insights into my car's mechanics and dynamics, enhancing my understanding of how to maximize its performance on the track. As I prepare for the Indian National Rally Championship in Hyderabad, my training focuses on refining my skills, honing my reflexes, and pushing my boundaries. This training not only enhances my performance but also strengthens the symbiotic relationship between me and my rally car. It's about taking good care of the car, and it, in turn, takes care of me,” he explains.

Balancing life outside motorsport

While motorsport is a significant part of his life, Aditya Kousgi also finds relaxation and rejuvenation in the great outdoors. “Trekking and traveling are my preferred ways to unwind, often accompanied by my trusty canine companion. These adventures provide me with profound joy and an opportunity to disconnect from the high-octane world of rallying,” he says. His passion for photography endures, and he often capture the beauty and stories of his journeys and says it is his creative outlet that allows him to share his perspective and experiences with others. “Maintaining a balance between work and life is paramount. While I am deeply committed to my rallying career, these moments of leisure refresh my spirit and provide a counterbalance to the intensity of motorsport,” he adds.

Future Perfect

The journey of Aditya Kousgi has been a treasure trove of invaluable lessons. He also encourages aspiring rallyists to embrace change with open arms. “I emphasise that resilience is a cornerstone of success in rallying. Crashes and setbacks may be daunting, but they offer profound opportunities for learning and growth. Each challenge is a chance to become a better driver and a stronger individual. To budding rallyists, I offer the advice to pursue their passions relentlessly. Seek guidance from mentors, appreciate the safety features in your cars, and dedicate yourself to rigorous training. Every experience, whether positive or challenging, is a chance to learn and excel in the world of rallying,” he avers. Looking ahead, he says that the road ahead is filled with excitement and ambition. “My immediate goal is to establish myself as one of the top rally drivers in the country. As I continue this remarkable journey, my aim is to make my family, Chetan Shivram, and Deeksha Balakrishna proud, as they have been the driving force behind my transformation from a photographer to a successful rallyist. This is a journey marked by passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence in the thrilling world of rallying,” he concludes.

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