(January 22, 2023) In 2007, the year Rishabh Seen first heard the Foo Fighters and t their frontman, Dave Grohl, he knew his life had changed forever. “It was one of those moments where you just know that you’re experiencing something that will change you,” he said in an interview later. Until that point, Rishabh Seen, who belonged to an illustrious family of Hindustani musicians, had devoted himself to the classical tradition on the sitar.
Steeped in tradition
Rishabh Seen
Rishabh’s childhood in Jalandhar was spent immersed in music. His grandfather, Ustad Lachhman Singh Seen, is an acclaimed tabla maestro and music scholar, with his works preserved in the national archives. Rishabh’s father, Manu Kumar Seen, is an accomplished sitarist. Growing up in this environment, Rishabh began vocal training at the age of six and his sitar practice started four years later. Despite the family’s deep devotion to classical traditions, his father helped him understand the world of possibilities the sitar afforded him.
Still, his knowledge of what lay outside classical music remained limited and Dave Grohl came as an inspiration. “It changed my entire vision about life and music in general,” Rishabh said. “I discovered that progressive metal was based on instrument-driven songs and that is the point where Indian classical and metal meet.” His enthusiasm compounded when he realised there wasn’t anybody out there who seemed to have had the idea of sitar-metal, or even a band led by any instrument other than a guitar, keyboard or drums.
Dave Grohl and a journey of discovery
Rishabh’s own journey of discovery continued, and he went from the Foo Fighters to Slipknot and Nirvana. “It was around 2011, when I just played a metal song on the speakers. My dad, wondering what on earth was happening, came by to check on me. What was surprising was that he really enjoyed what he was listening to,” he said in an interview. Technically speaking, too, the two forms of music are very different. Hindustani classical music involves playing one scale or raaga in a 45-minute concert. With metal, a single song can contain several scales.
At first, the young Global Indian’s efforts were not well received. Metal was seen as dark and hairy, while the sitar receives reverence. His fortunes turned in 2015 when he released his first cover of Animals As Leaders’ ‘Tempting Time’. In no time, the song garnered lakhs of views. That was also the year he founded his band, Mute The Saint. They produced covers of artists like Animals as Leaders, Steven Wilson and Meshuggah and were a success. While the two genres might stand as polar opposites, to the trained and untrained year alike, Rishabh saw only common ground, a similarity “in terms of evoking an inner revolution and spreading peace.”
In 2016, Mute the Saint released a self-titled album and two years later, the second, which contained a bunch of covers of Coldplay and Foo Fighters. Rishabh has performed with singer Arijit Singh and solo headlines sitar metal shows.
(October 8, 2023) Adhya Shastry, a talented Bharatanatyam dancer based in the UK, achieved a remarkable milestone by clinching the coveted title of BBC Young Dancer 2022. The competition, open to dancers from across the UK, provides participants a golden opportunity to showcase their exceptional talents on the renowned BBC televised stage, drawing in audiences from around the world. “I didn’t have any expectations throughout the competition and in some sense that’s what made this whole experience so beautiful because I was experiencing everything as it came,” Adhya remarked as she connected with Global Indian. At the tender age of 13 in 2017, the 19-year-old had first stumbled upon the competition. While barely a teenager, she was captivated by the dazzling finals on her television screen. The extraordinary talent displayed by the finalists that year left an indelible mark on her, igniting a determination to be on the BBC stage herself someday. [caption id="attachment_33453" align="aligncenter" width="759"] Adhya Shastry[/caption] Over the years Adhya diligently honed her skills. When she finally felt prepared, she submitted her application to participate. In April 2022, Adhya's happiness knew no bounds when she was awarded the title of BBC Young Dancer 2022, a testament to her
Over the years Adhya diligently honed her skills. When she finally felt prepared, she submitted her application to participate. In April 2022, Adhya's happiness knew no bounds when she was awarded the title of BBC Young Dancer 2022, a testament to her dedication and talent.
All about the competition
Since 2015, the BBC Young Dancer competition has been featured as a reality show on both BBC Four and BBC Two television channels. Designed for aspiring UK-based dancers in ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, and South Asian dance genres, this competition welcomes participants aged between 16 and 20.
Adhya's journey to the finals involved successfully navigating three challenging rounds. She gained invaluable insights throughout the competition feeling privileged to meet a diverse array of remarkable individuals, each with their own captivating stories. For instance, some participants were balancing their passion for dance with the rigours of psychology or medicine studies at university. While others had recently embarked on intensive dance workshops abroad, collaborating with renowned choreographers just days before the auditions. “It felt like I had been transported into a different world where everything and anything was possible!”
Experience of a lifetime
Following the successful completion of three rounds, a total of 10 dancers emerged as finalists. They were sent to Dartington Manor, a heritage property spread over 1,200 acres in Devon, dating back to mediaeval times for an immersive week of intensive training and collaborative creative sessions with renowned choreographers.
“It felt like the beginning of something new, I felt like there were so many possibilities that were ahead of me and ahead of us as a dance cohort,” Adhya shared.
The residency programme included improvisational performances to an audience. This was where random music tracks were played. “We had never heard those tracks but were required to dance to the tunes displaying our musicality, our unique dance style, and our spur-of-the-moment creative thinking” It was nerve-wracking and fun at the same time,” she remarked.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmlbwT83ooE
Although her solo was a Bharatanatyam piece, Adhya also got to dance in a trio choreographed by one of the judges. “Since I was in a trio with a contemporary dancer and a tap dancer, the choreography included a movement language that connected us whilst also allowing us to flourish within our styles,” she said adding “Through different tasks, I learned to improvise and create pieces with other dancers exploring my own movement style and learning other styles in the process.”
Claiming the title
After the residency ended, it was a few months of waiting for the final show. At the end of it was the surreal experience of performing at the Roundhouse in London. The stage was massive. “I couldn’t believe I was going to perform in that gorgeous venue with those amazing people!” Adhya shared.
She delivered a stunning performance line-up, including a Bharatanatyam solo titled ‘Kali Kavuthwam,’ a meticulously choreographed trio by Seeta Patel, and a dynamic group ensemble piece crafted by Ivan Michael Blackstock.
When she emerged as a winner, it took a while for her to realise that she had finally clinched the top title amidst the ten brilliant finalists.
Dancing since childhood
Adhya had always been an active child. Looking at her keenness towards dancing her parents enrolled her in a Bharatanatyam class, a decision that Adhya embraced with joy.
Talking about her dance school she shares, “I started learning Bharatanatyam in Kalakunj at Reading at the age of 10. Learning there was a way for me to connect to my roots and gain knowledge about my culture. My guru, Ananya Chatterjee was always so supportive of all my endeavours and she helped harbour and grow my passion for dance. I also got to learn so much from all the beautiful dancers I danced with at Kalakunj.”
Adhya has also been a part of Yuva Gati, a dance training programme for dance styles from South Asian heritage. She was associated with it for two years gaining exposure to many dance styles. The programme connected her with numerous talented South Asian dancers and introduced her to the concept of improvisation and an understanding of the techniques underlying various movements.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-xiKwBk-S0
Dance is life
This September Adhya has started her first year of university at London Contemporary Dance School. “I am currently in a dance conservatoire that covers a lot of different dance styles like locking, popping, groove, contemporary, ballet, and more,” tells the teenager who is eager to delve deeper into these dance styles, and broaden her repertoire of movements. She is also keen on discovering how these styles can complement and enrich her exploration of Bharatanatyam.
As a dancer, Adhya’s inspiration is diverse. Whether it's observing fellow dancers' performances, immersing herself in music, engaging in conversations, delving into literature, connecting with her emotions, or simply taking leisurely walks to absorb her surroundings—every facet of life holds potential inspiration for her.
“I aspire to keep dancing and eventually start choreographing dance pieces. I have many ambitions but one of my main goals is to always be authentic in the way I move and have an honest expression of myself through dance,” she signs off.
Born in Tehran Iran, the UK-based teenager lived in India from 2009 - 2012.
(September 22, 2024) Ranked 11th globally and second in Asia, Rupa Bayor boasts an impressive track record, having won multiple medals at prestigious events such as the South Asian Games, Australian Open, Croatia Open, and various other international competitions. This year, Rupa made history by winning a bronze medal at the 8th Asian Taekwondo Poomsae Championship in Danang, Vietnam, marking India’s first-ever medal in the Senior 1 individual Poomsae (a defined pattern of defence-and-attack forms) event. "I want to thank my coach, Abhishek Dubey, who inspired me to dream big and achieve this milestone," she said after her win. Rupa’s list of achievements includes a gold medal at the World Taekwondo President Cup Europe 2023, where she became the first woman to medal in the Senior-1 Taekwondo Poomsae category at a WT grade 2 ranked event. She also won silver medals at the Oceania Open WT G2 in Brisbane, Australia, and at the World Taekwondo President Cup Oceania, as well as a bronze at the Australian Open. [caption id="attachment_39402" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Rupa Bayor and Abhishek Dubey[/caption] Rupa’s coach, Abhishek, a medal-winning athlete himself, has represented India in multiple sports events and is now involved in managing major events and elite
com/youth/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Rupa-Bayor-and-Abhishek-Dubey-1024x1010.webp" alt="Indian athletes | Rupa Bayor and Abhishek Dubey | Global Indian" width="593" height="585" /> Rupa Bayor and Abhishek Dubey[/caption]
Rupa’s coach, Abhishek, a medal-winning athlete himself, has represented India in multiple sports events and is now involved in managing major events and elite athletes from his base in Seoul.
Athlete in India, coach in Korea
Abhishek’s most recent assignment has been as an organising committee member of the South Korea’s 'Gangwon 2024' Winter Youth Olympic Games serving as a communications/NOC services manager. He has been coaching Rupa online, helping her secure medals and become the first Indian athlete to break into the top 15 of the World Taekwondo rankings.
"My coach is helping me in every way possible," Rupa said in an interview. "He lives in South Korea but still manages to find time in his busy schedule to train me remotely. He can't leave his job and come back just to train me, so I train online. Both of us are giving our best. I believe if my coach were with me, I would have performed even better," added the athlete who considers her coach her biggest strength. “I trust him more than I trust myself. If he says I can defeat an opponent, I can do it. Without him, I don’t think I would have achieved much."
From obscurity of Arunachal Pradesh to international stage
Rupa’s journey to becoming a Taekwondo champion has been inspiring. Starting with little knowledge of the sport, she has risen to prominence through her talent, dedication and hard work. Despite the challenges of training remotely with her coach, she has consistently excelled.
She is associated with the Indo Korean Taekwondo Academy in Mumbai which was founded by Abhishek Dubey in 2007. He has trained numerous Taekwondo aspirants since then.
Since Rupa lacked proper training facilities in Arunachal Pradesh, she moved to Mumbai in 2021 to train at his academy. However, the high cost of living in Mumbai made it difficult for her to make ends meet. It was then that Abhishek offered her a scholarship through his academy, which Rupa describes as life-changing.
Later, with the support of Mumbai headquartered Indian conglomerate Welspun World, her journey took off, starting with her participation in the Croatia Open as her first international event. Winning a medal there boosted her confidence immensely, and she has been grateful for Welspun’s support ever since.
[caption id="attachment_39401" align="aligncenter" width="785"] Rupa Bayor[/caption]
Aimed for a constable job, became a world champion
Reflecting on her humble beginnings, Rupa who took up the sport at the age of 15 shared, "I had never heard of Taekwondo. It’s not well-known in the villages.” Like other children in Arunachal’s village Sippi, she spent most of her childhood farming with her mother. Her father had passed away when she was a child. As a single parent, her mother worked hard to raise Rupa and her siblings.
Her uncle, who is a district Karate master, encouraged her to take up Karate initially. Later he encouraged her to switch to Taekwondo as he felt that the sport has more potential. Within a short period of time, Rupa started showing good progress, and her mother sent her to Itanagar for training.
“I started Taekwondo thinking that if I won a medal, I could secure a constable job. That’s the mindset in my area—no one had gone far in the sport, so they didn’t know much about it. I never thought I would become a professional in Taekwondo," the athlete remarked.
Her first tournament was at The National School Games in Pune. Although she lost the tournament, she gained exposure, which helped her in honing her skills.
Her first international competition was the Kim Un Yong Cup in South Korea, where she faced defeat due to her lack of experience on the global stage. Later that year, she participated in the South Asian Games, securing a silver medal. However, the pandemic caused a two-year hiatus in her playing career.
Mumbai proved lucky
In February 2021, Rupa relocated to Mumbai to improve her performance at the medal-winning coach Abhishek Dubey’s Indo Korean Taekwondo Academy. Her initial plan was to move to Mumbai for two months, but realised that it was insufficient time to practise as learning is a continuous and massive process to become a top athlete at the international level.
She is thankful to her coach Abhishek Dubey and Welspun World’s Super Sport Women Program for providing support to extend her training period.
“I made sure to do justice to my coach's efforts by training six days a week for approximately 12 hours a day for more than 15 months at Indo Korean Taekwondo Academy,” she shared. This led to her several medal-winning performances representing India internationally.
[caption id="attachment_39404" align="aligncenter" width="721"] Rupa Bayor[/caption]
Arunachal’s pride
On her short visits home, the athlete receives a lot of love and attention from the people there. “They are happy to see a woman representing their village and Arunachal Pradesh on a national and global scale.
Coming from a humble background, the girl who once aimed to win medals just to secure a constable’s job now dreams of bringing more laurels to India. She hopes to promote and teach Taekwondo to children in her village, aspiring to create champions for India, just as her coach helped her become one.
(March 28, 2022) One balmy afternoon at a medical shop in Thane, the then 16-year-old Arjun Deshpande witnessed an unpleasant scene. An old man, deep in debt, profusely pleaded with a shopkeeper to pay a hefty medicine bill later. The shopkeeper refused. “His wife had cancer and his son, who was an auto driver, was the sole breadwinner. They had spent a lot on treatment, and were finding it hard to manage money for medicines daily. He was helpless, and felt guilty. I saw how a common man was burdened with paying bills for necessities like medicines. This made me determined to bring about a new era in the world of pharma,” says Arjun who started Generic Aadhaar in 2019 to help provide medicines to the aam junta at low cost. In three years, Generic Aadhaar has a presence in all states, and has opened over 1,500 stores across India. Such has been the vision and mission of the startup that even Ratan Tata invested in it. “We share the same mission and want to serve people. When he saw the same vision and determination to work for the people, he spontaneously supported Generic Aadhaar,” Arjun says in an interview
tion to work for the people, he spontaneously supported Generic Aadhaar,” Arjun says in an interview with Global Indian.
[caption id="attachment_13569" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Arjun Deshpande is the founder of Generic Aadhaar[/caption]
How a young boy got an idea
Born in 2002 in Thane to a mother who works in pharma, and a businessman father, Arjun learnt about the pharmaceutical industry at a young age as he often accompanied his mother on official trips. The 19-year-old understood that multinationals selling medicines were burning a hole in the pockets of the common man by adding “marketing and promotional cost.” “About 60 percent Indians cannot afford to buy daily medicines because of high prices. Since there is no alternative for medicines, MNCs have been selling medicines at a very high rate for decades,” says Arjun who is on a mission to eliminate middle-chain costs and provide medicines from manufacturer to end customers directly through a pharmacy-aggregator business model.
That appalling incident at a medical store made Arjun ideate. “At 16, I saw a burning problem. It made me realise that even though our country is a hub of manufacturers and suppliers of medicines, our people have to spend a lot of money on essential medicines. I believe medicines are not a luxury but a basic necessity. I didn’t let age come in the way of my innovative idea,” says the young changemaker-entrepreneur who initially didn’t begin with an ”intention of starting a business” instead wanted to “make an impactful change in society.”
With the sole purpose to free people from the clutches of giant companies selling expensive medicines, Arjun opened the first franchise of Generic Aadhaar in Thane that provides medicines at up to 80 percent off. “The vision is to provide affordable medicines to 130 crore people in India at a price they deserve,” he adds, “by bringing all mom-and-pop medical stores under one roof to give stiff competition to big retail medical malls and online pharmacies.”
However, creating a place amid big pharma companies was a challenge for this teenager, who wanted to curb “illicit trade” in life-saving drugs and provide low-cost drugs. “Another challenge was to make them aware that there is no difference between generic medicines and branded medicines, for which we started ground-level campaigns and free health camps,” reveals Arjun. Soon Generic Aadhaar started to create a lot of buzz on social media and in the pharma sector. So much so that Ratan Tata decided to invest in Generic Aadhaar in 2020.
“Mr Tata was impressed with the venture, and saw how I was bringing change in the pharma sector. When I met him, he said, ‘Arjun, if this venture is successful, it can change the entire healthcare ecosystem for the betterment of India,’” explains Arjun who has found a mentor in Ratan Tata. “I feel fortunate to have such a business legend’s guidance and inspiration for my venture’s journey through which we both are changing the lives of millions,” adds the DAV Public School alumnus whose work is finding recognition in Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and UAE. “They are approaching us to open Generic Aadhaar franchises now,” beams Arjun with pride.
[caption id="attachment_13572" align="aligncenter" width="721"] Arjun Deshpande with Ratan Tata[/caption]
Medicines for the common man
The idea of providing medicines at a low cost, has now grown leaps and bounds. It hasn’t only provided direct and indirect employment to over 10,000 people but has also created 1,500 micro-entrepreneurs. “I believe that real India starts 50 km away from the cities. So, it is important to focus on the remotest villages for the development of India. We are expanding from Jammu to Kanyakumari and from Kutch to Arunachal Pradesh,” says Arjun who has served 20 lakh people through Generic Aadhaar.
The young change-maker and entrepreneur now plans to mark Generic Aadhaar’s presence in over 300 cities by 2022-end. “On Gudi Padwa, Generic Aadhaar is set to break its previous record of opening 25 franchises in a single day,” divulges Arjun who calls his parents his biggest strength. “When you are doing something good that can bring a change in society, parents always supports you,” adds Arjun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVy6zz_m8lg
Making the right moves
When he’s not neck-deep in work, Arjun loves a game of chess as it helps “boost creativity and analytical thinking skills.” He also loves reading books and playing football in his free time.
Arjun is popularly known as the robin hood of the pharma world. His advice to entrepreneurs, “identify a burning problem and then look for its solution and implement it on time.” He adds, “Innovation is complex but you need to have a winning idea. Successful entrepreneurs have unique ideas that make them stand out. What you need is to do things differently from what already exists,” Arjun, the changemaker and entrepreneur signs off.
(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. [caption id="attachment_35559" align="aligncenter" width="618"] Shreenabh Agrawal[/caption] 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
verse 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.
(November 10, 2022 ) At 20, Lukanand Kshetrimayum is not just the first runner up at the 14th Mr International 2022 pageant but also a filmmaker with 12 years of experience. With his winning performance at the global pageantry platform, he is being counted amongst the stars of Manipur - Mary Kom, Meerabhai Chanu and Ashalata Devi. It was after a gap of three years that Mr International returned, owing to pandemic, with the last one held in Manila, Philippines in 2019. [caption id="attachment_24048" align="aligncenter" width="629"] Lukanand Kshetrimayum[/caption] For the young lad, each platform - be it films or pageant - is a podium of advocacy. Minutes after winning the title at Cubao, Quizon City, Philippines, he told the media: Through my films, I indulge in advocacy for sensitive issues relevant to society like mental health of children, and drug abuse. This competition provided me an opportunity to take advocacy to a global platform. Coincidentally, it was in the Philippines that 28 years ago Sushmita Sen was crowned Miss Universe, becoming the first Indian to win the coveted pageant. The youngster from Manipur looks up to her as a role model who has since been an inspiration to a whole
e issues relevant to society like mental health of children, and drug abuse. This competition provided me an opportunity to take advocacy to a global platform.
Coincidentally, it was in the Philippines that 28 years ago Sushmita Sen was crowned Miss Universe, becoming the first Indian to win the coveted pageant. The youngster from Manipur looks up to her as a role model who has since been an inspiration to a whole generation of people trying to make India proud in the world of pageantry.
“I feel very lucky that people of India are supporting me, it’s their love that I am progressing so much,” said Lukanand about the love and encouragement he got from the Indian diaspora in the Philippines. Though his parents couldn't make it, his aunt flew from India to cheer for him on his big day.
[caption id="attachment_24049" align="aligncenter" width="639"] Lukanand during the national costume round at the 14th Mr International pageant[/caption]
Filmmaker at eight
Lukanand entered the world of film direction when he was just eight, becoming the youngest filmmaker in Manipur. He used to even write the script and lyrics, without getting exhausted with the entire process of filmmaking at that tender age.
The student of Maria Montessori Senior Secondary School, Imphal had participated and won in CBSE filmmaking competitions during his school days. It's under the banner of ‘Marvels of North East India’ that CBSE runs these competitions to promote awareness about culture and traditions of the north eastern states, awarding winners of short films with cash prizes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OsU74PBYxQ
This served as an impetus for the young boy to begin a career in filmmaking quite early in life. Since films shot on mobile phones were also acceptable by CBSE, he shot his first few films on his mobile phone. This soon translated into a passion for filmmaking and governed the future course of direction for the Imphal boy. He ended up directing Manipuri teleplays like Ram Lakshman (2010), Thambel Parang (2010) and T.A.K (2011), along with Manipuri documentaries like Sangai (2013).
It was in 2014 that he shifted gears to feature films and made his directorial debut with Asengba Saktam in 2014. His last film Meitan Araba, which was released at the Manipur State Development Society in Imphal in 2019, bagged two Manipuri State Film Awards and seven Sahitya Seva Samiti Manipuri Film awards.
Being a jack of all trades, he even released some Manipuri songs - Emotionless (2014), Hanglanu (2021), and Laibak Pheida (2021). In between, he picked up modelling assignments and print shoots for apparel brands and also won some local pageants.
[caption id="attachment_24050" align="aligncenter" width="865"] Lukanand welcomed at his school[/caption]
For someone who began making films at a young age, he isn't camera shy. And Mr International 2022 was a culmination of sorts for the young lad.
Living every moment
“I have enjoyed every moment backstage and on stage,” he said, talking about the time he spent in the Philippines with 34 other contestants from all over the globe. The rich experiences that the pageant provided embodied the essence of winning for the multifaceted youngster who loved Philippines’ hospitality. He looks forward to strengthening the ties between the two countries through cultural exchange initiatives.
It's good progress for Indians to represent themselves on global platforms and leave a mark. India loves progress.
The youngster who feels that winning is just the tip of the iceberg. More than winning, what one does after that to serve the community is what matters.
Apart from Sushmita Sen, he idolises reigning Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu who is using her success at the global pageant for the benefit of others. “There should not be objectification of beauty. Looks should be skin deep and about giving voices to the issues bothering the community.”
It's not about the individual – but society
“All 35 of us are winners. We are from different communities and religions, it’s just that one of us took the crown home,” said the model who looked at the final outcome as not any personal win rather an opportunity to do impactful work for the society.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIzG-bQwYuQ
The youngster, who started modelling in 2016, not just makes films but also organises workshops and free scholarship programmes in film making to empower the youth to have a career in the industry.
Proud of his country
Lukanand returned to a rousing welcome from the people of Imphal.
The youngster who is not just in love with his state but his entire country, said to the media minutes after his win:
Indians are warm people. Despite differences, we learn from diversity of each other. I am very proud of where I come from.
The Manipur boy believes in fighting negativity and looks at setbacks as a step to bounce higher. He hopes for more youngsters to embrace pageantry with a larger purpose of impacting the society in a positive way.
Connoisseur of regional cinema
“We need to inspire ourselves. We are looking at perfection around, but perfection comes from within you,” says the youngster who finds Bollywood a good industry and commercially viable too but at the same time stresses on the need of promoting the regional industries that are unheard of like the Manipuri film industry. “People are working hard equally whether it is Bollywood or regional cinema, so such industries should also be encouraged.”
Now that he is back, the youngster is looking forward to growing, learning and experimenting more in filmmaking and also eating spicier food after months of being on a strict diet.
Adhya Shastry[/caption]
Rupa Bayor[/caption]
Rupa Bayor[/caption]
Arjun Deshpande is the founder of Generic Aadhaar[/caption]
Arjun Deshpande with Ratan Tata[/caption]
Lukanand during the national costume round at the 14th Mr International pageant[/caption]
Lukanand welcomed at his school[/caption]