Seher Taneja: The teen innovator on a mission to revolutionise healthcare
Written by: Charu Thakur
(June 7, 2022) For a young seventh grader, losing seven close family members to heart ailments within a year was a traumatising experience. Her grief soon turned into a quest to discover the root cause. The findings led to a startling revelation – the lack of heart donors. The obliviousness towards organ donation as a whole prompted Seher Taneja to start Abhigyata in 2018. “When I started researching, I didn’t know much about organ donation, and I realised I wasn’t the only one. On digging deep, I found that for every 50,000 heart transplants needed, we don’t even get 10. It shook me, and I decided to create awareness,” Seher tells Global Indian. What began as a dialogue with family and friends has now turned into a movement of sorts that has reached over 10,000 people.
Her first presentation was at her school (Springdales, Delhi) to “plant the seed of organ donation in young minds.” The 17-year-old believes that it’s important to change the mindset from a young age. Calling the problem deep-rooted, the teen changemaker says that talking about death is almost considered blasphemy. “There is so much stigma around death that it isn’t easy to make people open up to the idea of organ donation,” adds the Diana Award winner.
Seher Taneja
Personal tragedy led to a mission
Born to a paediatrician father and an anaesthesiologist mother, Seher comes from a family of doctors. However, the tragedy that struck home led her on a mission to create awareness on organ donation. “I knew I needed to be well-read and well-versed on the topic, I couldn’t misstate facts. That’s when I came across a program by Dr Smita Mishra,” reveals Seher who calls Mishra her mentor as she helped her understand the myths and the statistics around organ donation. “I started with high school students between 9th and 12 grade. But by 2019, I wanted to create a ripple effect, that’s when I came up with a proper plan to reach out to different schools in Delhi,” says the changemaker, who began building a team with an army of volunteers.
Covid-19 took Abhigyata online to a larger audience in 2020. “Our first webinar had Vasanthi Ramesh, the director of NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation), and Pallavi Kumar of MOHAN (Multi Organ Harvesting Aid Network) as the speakers. The session was aimed at helping youngsters clear their doubts and also to bust myths around organ donation,” says Class 12 student who also collaborated with various NGOs during that time. “With the pandemic taking a toll on mental health, the webinar was a blessing in disguise as it helped me channelise my energy into something productive,” says the teenager who won the Student Leadership Award 2020 by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics.
Empowering youth during the pandemic
The initiative led her to win the Diana Award in 2021 along with the Tale of Humankind. Started in 2019 to engage and empower the youth, it has worked on 10 campaigns so far ranging from mental health to climate change to menstruation and gender equality. “We are bridging the gap between where we are and where we want to be, with the help and guidance of experts from their respective fields. We want to bring a sense of purpose in youngsters with our initiative,” says Seher, who has learnt to be more empathetic in the process. The innovator adds that the years have made her more accountable for her actions toward the planet.
Innovator at heart
The social changemaker is an innovator at heart. A STEM girl, Seher has a handful of innovations to her credit including the mobile toilet – a sensor-based automated technology to improve sanitation in an eco-friendly manner. But it was SWAR – smart gloves that convert sign language into text and voice – that earned her a spot in the Top 20 at the ATL Tinkering Marathon 2019 and was later selected for Atal Incubation Centre’s Student Innovator Program 3.0. Again, SWAR was conceptualised at home where she witnessed her grandfather struggling with hearing loss. “He was retreating into a shell and was uncomfortable making any conversation. To help him, I started researching more on it and found startling facts in 2018. India is home to 18 million people with hearing impairments with only 250 interpreters. Since the majority doesn’t understand sign language, it creates a divide,” explains Seher who wanted to bridge the gap with her prototype. “The sensors on the gloves help convert sign language into text and speech by using a smartphone,” describes the teenager who has filed for the patent.
The idea didn’t just impress commerce and industries minister Piyush Goyal, it also found her a place in Startup India. “I am reaching out to corporate companies. SWAR will be launched in the market soon,” says an excited Seher who is moving to the University of Pennsylvania to pursue the Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology. With an aim to revolutionise the healthcare sector, she plans to launch her startup in near future. “It’s time we stop blaming the people in power and become a shareholder in bringing about change,” says the innovator, who loves chilling with her parents and friends.
(May 18, 2022) The sooner we get the correct pronunciation of Praggnanandhaa (meaning delight of the intellect), the better it is; as we embark on the long journey of cheering and celebrating the achievements of the aptly-named chess prodigy who is all set to conquer the world in the war of checkmates. On February 21, 2022, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa defeated reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen in the Airthings Masters Rapid Chess Tournament. With this the 16-year-old from South India became a (difficult-to-pronounce) household name. The coveted ‘Grandmaster’ title; that Praggnanandhaa has earned, makes him the fifth youngest person in the world to achieve it, after Abhimanyu Mishra, Sergey Karjakin, Gukesh D, and Javokhir Sindarov. Setting the benchmark Praggnanandhaa earned the title of FIDE Master at the age of 7, winning the World Youth Chess Championship Under-8 title in 2013. The champ went on to win the under-10 title in 2015. The following year, 2016, marked another major milestone for the young prodigy, who became the youngest international master in history, at the age of 10 years, 10 months and 19 days. [embed]https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1495759508177571843?s=20&t=Cq4k2SIwGYWX5UKnNmasJg[/embed] Becoming a grandmaster requires winning three ‘norms’. Praggnanandhaa achieved his first norm at the World Junior Chess Championship in 2017, finishing fourth with
p Under-8 title in 2013. The champ went on to win the under-10 title in 2015. The following year, 2016, marked another major milestone for the young prodigy, who became the youngest international master in history, at the age of 10 years, 10 months and 19 days.
Becoming a grandmaster requires winning three ‘norms’. Praggnanandhaa achieved his first norm at the World Junior Chess Championship in 2017, finishing fourth with eight points. He gained his second norm at the Heraklion Fischer Memorial GM Norm tournament in Greece in April 2018. In June 2018 he achieved his third and final norm at the Gredine Open in Urtijëi, Italy at the age of just 12 years, 10 months, and 13 days.
The discipline of champions
Always a call or text away is the iconic Viswanathan Anand, India’s first chess grandmaster and a five-time world chess champion. The prodigy is also associated with Anand’s Westbridge Anand Chess Academy.
“If I have a doubt, all I have to do is message him. It’s a very big opportunity for me to get guidance from him,” Praggnanandhaa mentions in a conversation with Global Indian.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvXgXqfyV1k
His first coach, he says, was S Thyagarajan, who had already been training Praggnanandhaa’s sister. “GM RB Ramesh became my coach after that,” he says.
Life and the chessboard…
He's not the only genius in the family. By the time he was three-and-a-half, 'Pragg' would hang around watching his sister, female grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu play. Although chess was never a 'plan' per se, it seemed only natural that he would be drawn to the game. "It came to me naturally and became a part of my life," Praggnanandhaa says. The brother-sister grandmaster duo love discussing chess moves but their practice sessions remain separate. It hardly needs to be said that Praggnanandhaa rarely misses practice. “The duration might vary based on tournament schedules and exam timetables but I always manage to give it my time.”
[caption id="attachment_16788" align="aligncenter" width="779"]Praggnanandhaa with his mother, Nagalaksmi and sister, gradmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu[/caption]
Always by his side, especially as he travels for tournaments, is Praggnanandhaa’s mother, Nagalakshmi. His father, Rameshbabu, a banker at Tamil Nadu State Corporation Bank, takes care of all the details involved in managing the household’s two grandmasters. He finds support at school, today – he is a class 11 commerce student at Velammal in Chennai. “My school supports me immensely and allows me to take leave to play tournaments and practice,” he says. “I will spend this month studying as the 11th standard board exams are in progress.”
Impressive journey...
Praggnanandhaa began traveling abroad for tournaments at the tender age of seven. "I have lost count," he says, pausing to think about it. "I have probably visited 30 countries." No matter where he goes, his focus remains unwavering, concentrating on one thing only – the game he is there to play. There is hardly time for trivialities like sightseeing. To emphasise this, Praggnanandhaa says, “My favourite place? Any place where the tournament went well becomes a good destination for me.”
At 16, Praggnanandhaa has seen more of the world than most people will in a lifetime but is an undoubted homebody. He loves being home in India and whenever he has the time, likes to watch Tamil films. The typical boy-next-door in every other way, Praggnanandha loves Indian food more than any other cuisine and plays with one mission: To make his country proud. “I started playing tournaments when I was very young but there is lots more to achieve,” says the courteous and down-to-earth champion.
(October 8, 2024) "At the age of 16, I sued the government of Australia. I was the lead litigant in the Sharma and Minister for the Environment Class Action, which took the then Environment Minister Susan Lee to court, arguing that she owed, and was breaching, a duty of care to young people to protect us from the impacts of climate change," were Anjali Sharma's opening words at TEDxYouth Sydney. Now at the age of 19, as she is balancing her second year of law studies at the Australian National University in Canberra, her fight for climate justice is far from over. Far from the typical university experience, Anjali is at the forefront of a fight that could reshape how Australia tackles climate change. Her current mission? Rallying support for the Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity Bill 2023. This proposed amendment aims to make the government responsible for the long-term effects of its climate decisions, especially those involving fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. For Anjali, it's not just about changing a law—it's a personal mission to make sure future generations have a healthy planet to live on. [caption id="attachment_39795" align="aligncenter" width="584"] Anjali Sharma[/caption] From childhood in
From childhood in India to climate crusader in Australia
But before Anjali Sharma became the poised and passionate advocate addressing large crowds and challenging ministers, she was a baby cradled in her mother's arms, moving from India to Australia at just ten months old. Born in India — a country she recognises as being on the frontline of climate change — her family emigrated to Melbourne, where she grew up as part of the thriving Indian diaspora - which is Australia's second largest and fastest growing overseas group. From a young age, Anjali saw the clear differences between the landscapes of India and Australia. However, it was only later that she realised how climate change made the inequalities between these two places even worse.
Anjali's path to activism wasn't sparked by a single dramatic event, instead it was a slow realisation. It all began when Anjali was 12 and visited India and felt guilty seeing how vulnerable her family and neighbors in Lucknow were to the harsh realities of climate change, like severe storms, extreme heat, and crumbling buildings. She felt it was unfair that she was safe when other's weren't. The trip ignited a sense of responsibility in her. However, she soon realised that she wasn't safe in Australia too after the 2019-20 bushfire left millions feeling anxious and unsettled. "There's not a single person, especially in the east of the country, who wasn’t touched by that. We still talk about seeing the sky orange for days, the thick blanket of smoke which made it so hard to go outside and just breathe," the Global Indian said in an interview. This led her to take more tangible action, setting the stage for her later lawsuit against the Australian government.
A personal journey: The awakening of a young activist
At 16, she took an extraordinary step when Anjali, along with seven other teens, sued the Federal Environment Minister in a landmark case that argued the government had a duty of care to protect young people from the risks of climate change. The Federal Court initially sided with Anjali and her group, stating that the Environment Minister had a duty to protect younger generations. However, this victory was short-lived because the government appealed the decision and overturned it in 2022. It was a hard blow for Sharma, but she didn’t let it stop her. "On one hand, we're urged to be the change we want to see in the world, but when it comes to advocacy, we're put in a box," she said in TedTalk.
Instead of letting her frustration hold her back, Anjali Sharma focused on more advocacy work, this time aiming at changing laws. She has been working hard to promote the Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity Bill 2023, which seeks to fix gaps in climate policy. This bill ensures that future decisions about coal, oil, and gas exploration consider the health and well-being of young Australians and future generations. Despite facing many challenges in Parliament, Anjali remains determined to see the bill succeed.
Legislative change: Fighting for future generations
Anjali's story is a strong example of climate activism, which means raising awareness and urging governments, companies, and communities to take quick and meaningful actions against climate change. At its core, climate activism aims to address the urgent need for changes in how societies interact with the environment, especially in how they take and use natural resources. It calls for big changes to ensure a sustainable future for everyone. "Young people need to know that you don't need to be the perfect activist…firstly, be aware of the injustice of the issue, and then be willing to use the skills that you already have to make a difference," she added.
For Anjali, climate activism is a way to deal with the overwhelming worry that many young people have about the future. This feeling, known as climate anxiety, is common among today’s youth. A 2020 study found that 78 percent of Australians aged 10 to 24 are very concerned about climate change, and this feeling is shared by teens worldwide. However, her activism offers hope for both herself and others. Her courage to take action against the odds proves that young people can truly make a difference.
For Sharma, climate activism has been a way to confront the overwhelming anxiety that many young people feel about the future. Known as climate anxiety, this chronic fear of environmental disaster is widespread among today's youth. In fact, a 2020 study found that 78% of Australians aged 10-24 are deeply concerned about climate change, a sentiment echoed by teens around the world. Yet, Sharma’s activism is a source of hope, both for herself and for others. Her ability to stand up and take action against the odds shows that even young people can make a difference.
Anjali Sharma is part of a growing group of young Indian diaspora activists in Australia. The Indian community, connected to one of the most climate-affected areas in the world, offers a unique viewpoint in the global climate movement. Many of these young activists, including Sharma, feel a responsibility not only to their new home but also to their homeland, which is still suffering from the severe effects of climate change. This dual sense of belonging and duty is fueling a new wave of activism that crosses borders and cultures.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pjcv_7LNKqQ
As Anjali Sharma continues her fight for climate justice, she carries the hopes of her peers and the legacy of her ancestors. She is a shining example of the power of youth activism, showing that age doesn’t stop anyone from making real, lasting change. Her journey, from her childhood in Lucknow to her groundbreaking legal battles in Australia, serves as an inspiring reminder that the future is not something to fear—it’s something worth fighting for.
As Anjali Sharma continues her fight for climate justice, she carries the hopes of her peers and the weight of her ancestors’ legacy. She embodies the power of youth activism, proving that age doesn’t limit one’s ability to create real, lasting change. Her journey, from her early years in Lucknow to her groundbreaking legal battles in Australia, serves as an inspiring reminder that the future is not something to fear—it is something to fight for.
(September 26, 2023) When COVID hit the world, several schools were impacted around the globe. One such school was Parivartan Special School, which initiated Project Nishant, which provided the school and its students with crucial support during a financial crisis. It was for this project that a Grade 12 student of The Shri Ram School, Moulsari Campus, Gurugram, was first introduced to the world of neurodivergent individuals. Working as a volunteer for the project, Tarini Malhotra was moved by their everyday struggles, and the young entrepreneur decided to do something for these kids. “The person who contacted me is a family friend and was aware of how eager I was to do something in the field. I jumped at the opportunity and helped the school raise funds through crowdfunding," the 18-year-old entrepreneur said, adding, "The school was in urgent need of funds because of the pandemic. During the fundraising process, I got a chance to interact with the school students. I realised the problems they face, even when it comes to doing simple things in society — such as making friends or finding good schools. I learned that there are no avenues for them, especially if they come from the
a chance to interact with the school students. I realised the problems they face, even when it comes to doing simple things in society — such as making friends or finding good schools. I learned that there are no avenues for them, especially if they come from the weaker sections of society.”
And thus was Nai Subah Foundation born - a social start-up fighting the good fight for the neurodiverse and the marginalised. The entrepreneur recently won the prestigious Diana Award 2023 for her social action and humanitarian work. "As a next-gen changemaker, who wants to create a better and more inclusive community for the neurodiverse, the world is often a hostile, unwelcoming place. Recognition from The Diana Award provides me the inspiration to carry on building the transformative journey. Further, it enhances the credibility of our start-up, helps to open doors, and develop more meaningful networks that can enable and enrich Nai Subah Foundation’s projects in a multitude of ways," she said after winning the award.
Always helping others
Growing up, Tarini was inclined towards helping others and was encouraged by her parents for the same. "In my school, we have some students who are neurodivergent and have disabilities. Spending time with them over many years made me sensitive to their needs and helped me understand the issues they face in society. This encouraged me to do something that would make a difference," the entrepreneur shared, adding, "When I was in Class 8, I volunteered as a teacher for a free school that taught children at the banks of Yamuna. That gave me a new perspective about these kids."
Talking about the time she joined hands with Project Nishant, she said, "I began spending a lot of time with children who had autism and ADHD. I found out that they were so talented. Our society focuses so much on what is wrong that they forget to glance at the positive aspects. Most people consider the neurodivergent to be a burden or a liability. This restricts their opportunities, making their life harder than it should be."
In 2020, the entrepreneur established Nai Subah Foundation, with an aim to focus on the well-being of neurodivergent people through various programmes. "The first thing that I wanted to do through the organisation was to provide the neurodivergent with avenues of work. We help them get jobs in the corporate sector. We also conduct sensitisation workshops so that they get assimilated into the space easily,” the entrepreneur said, adding, that the organisation has collaborations with over 50 companies till now.
Extending a helping hand
The organisation has implemented alternative employment models to support individuals who are unable to work in a traditional office setting. “For many people with neurodiversity, it is very difficult to go out of the house and work in an office environment. We outsource work from factories for them so they can work from home with ease. For example, we supply the materials needed to make boxes or packaging work, so they don’t have to face the stress of working in a factory,” the Global Indian explained.
[caption id="attachment_33269" align="aligncenter" width="648"] Members of the Nai Subah Foundation[/caption]
What's more, the entrepreneur is using their creative side to work as well. "We help artists find a platform by conducting exhibitions, both online and offline. This way, they get a chance to promote their work and get recognition. We also help them get orders; for instance, during Diwali, we try to secure orders for specially commissioned artworks of Lakhsmi and Ganesha," the entrepreneur said, "We are also mentoring four young neurodivergent photographers and helping them secure professional assignments."
The entrepreneur has huge plans for the foundation's future. "As for the future, we want to help neurodivergent entrepreneurs get funding and help them boost their ventures. This will not only uplift them but also uplift the people of their community,” she said.
(January 17, 2023) India is the third largest producer of electricity in the world, yet energy crisis and power outages are common, especially in rural areas. Kalipeswarapuram in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh is no different. When Connecticut-born Anvitha Kollipara visited her paternal grandparents every vacation from the US, the youngster would often notice the disparity in access to basic amenities. But it was the energy crisis that she found to be a burning issue as she would often see people sweating it out in the heat or perishable food getting wasted in the absence of electricity. "But mostly, it was affecting the underprivileged children who were finding it hard to study at night due to frequent power outages. That's when I decided to make a change and started Project Soledu," Hyderabad-based Anvitha tells Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_26583" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Anvitha Kollipara is the founder of CareGood Foundation[/caption] The 16-year-old dug deep to understand the issue and found a possible solution in renewable sources of energy, and that's when the idea of using solar lamps struck her. "The startling facts stating that 670 million people will remain without electricity by 2023 made me think on my toes. I realised
The 16-year-old dug deep to understand the issue and found a possible solution in renewable sources of energy, and that's when the idea of using solar lamps struck her. "The startling facts stating that 670 million people will remain without electricity by 2023 made me think on my toes. I realised that I won't be able to solve the problem for everyone, but I can begin by helping the villages in my vicinity," adds the girl who recently presented Project Soledu at the United Nations. So far, Project Soledu has impacted more than 700 students through 10 workshops in two schools in Telangana and 1 school in Andhra Pradesh.
On a mission to help others
Born and raised in the US, Anvitha was an active part of the Indian-American community, and was always closer to the Indian culture, thanks to her grandparents, whom she visited every year during vacations. At age 12, she decided to move back to India with her family to spend more time with her grandparents, and "to better understand the Indian culture."
[caption id="attachment_26584" align="aligncenter" width="636"] Anvitha Kollipara at the UN headquarters[/caption]
The annual visits to her grandparents nudged her towards volunteering as she would often spend time with senior citizens at old age homes in the countryside. So, when she read a newspaper article in early 2020 about how Covid had impacted the senior citizens in Italy, leaving them vulnerable, she realised that old age homes were equally at risk in India. This led to the start of the CareGood Foundation in March 2020 where she helped more than 230 senior citizens by providing them with PPE kits and medicines. The non-profit simultaneously gives them a voice as she believes "every person has a story to tell, especially our seniors who have such valuable lessons to teach the next generation."
Lighting up the lives of unprivileged children
The same year in October, she began Project Soledu to help underprivileged children live active and dignified life. Understanding the first-hand effects of power outages during her stay at her grandparents, she found the solution in a cost-effective and safe alternative - solar power lamps. She interned with the Energy Swaraj Foundation and learnt about solar power and how to make solar power lamps. Through the project, she addresses the issue of a lack of affordable clean energy and raises awareness on using solar power lamps in rural areas with the help of workshops. "It's a four-step process that we follow. The first is to provide solar-powered lamps to children through national and small-scale workshops. Second, provide a complete solar-powered system to places like schools. Third, help with the maintenance of the lamps and systems, and fourth, conduct workshops for students and show them how to build solar lamps and create awareness on the importance of solar lamps," reveals the International School of Hyderabad student.
[caption id="attachment_26585" align="aligncenter" width="649"] A student in rural India using solar lamp[/caption]
When she began, she was just 14 and had to face many challenges along the way, with funding being the major hurdle. She began a crowdfunding campaign with Milaap, and would find donations from family members, but knew it wasn't sustainable in the long run. "That's when I switched to raising money through exhibitions, stalls, competitions, and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)," says the teenager, who works with 50 volunteers who help with the identification of villages and also conduct workshops for children.
[caption id="attachment_26586" align="aligncenter" width="607"] Solar Power Kits provided to kids under Project Soledu[/caption]
Expansion plans
The last two years have been a learning curve for this Class 11 student who is determined to make an impact with her work. After reaching out to schools in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, she is now planning a geographical expansion by taking the project to the states of the northeast. "Energy crisis is worse in those states as people go 2-3 days without energy." She is working with the Sunbird Trust to install solar panels in the northeastern states and plans to launch it in the next couple of months. "Though I started with places that were accessible to me, my ultimate goal is to make an impact all across India."
[caption id="attachment_26587" align="aligncenter" width="762"] Anvitha Kollipara at 1M1B Activate Impact Summit at the UN headquarters[/caption]
For the teenager, enrolling in 1M1B's Future Leaders programme was one of her best decisions as it helped her expand Project Soledu and make impactful collaborations. It allowed her to participate in a 3-day immersion in New York, where she spoke at length about the impact of Project Soledu at the 1M1B Activate Impact Summit at the UN headquarters. Calling it a "surreal experience," Anvitha says it was a truly special opportunity. "It's not every day that you meet the people who are best in their field and get a chance to learn from them."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5EDe0IiFBw&t=4s
Anvitha, who is also passionate about Kuchipudi and writing, is keen to make a mark in business and law after she graduates from school. "During past years, I have realised that service work is impactful but it's only through a change in legislation that long-lasting impact can be made." The teenager believes that taking a leap of faith is important, even if one is uncertain about the process or the result. "Do what you are passionate about. Go as far as you can. Even if you don't know the answer, you will figure it out on the way," she signs off.
(November 19, 2023) This year has been special for the Indian-origin singer-songwriter Hitha. The San Francisco-based teen pop singer, dubbed as one of the female artists changing the music scene globally, released her first Tamil song Vaanilai for the film Marakkuma Nenjam. Not just this, the eighteen year-old singer-songwriter reached the top 100 chart in the US in 2021. Born and brought up in the US, Hitha, who not just sings but also writes music, had released her debut album as a singer when she was merely 13. She has been writing songs since the age of eleven. "I want my fans to know that if they are going through hard times, they can listen to my music to make themselves feel better, to shine a new light and to inspire my generation to keep going. Be strong, be you, be independent,” the artist said, emphasising that she does not perform just for entertainment but to give hope. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om0t_vlvd-g Hitha has been performing in major events like the North America Fashion Week and has travelled to India multiple times for her performances. Music with a purpose "I'm using my success to improve the world by shedding attention to crucial
events like the North America Fashion Week and has travelled to India multiple times for her performances.
Music with a purpose
"I'm using my success to improve the world by shedding attention to crucial issues," said the Global Indian. Majority of her songs have motivational lyrics. "I am deeply committed to speaking up for those who are unable to speak for themselves. For instance, as the Youth Ambassador for the group Unite 4 Good, I recently travelled to the slums of India to empower children. The youth are our future after all," she said.
Passionate about music since as far as she can remember, Hitha’s songs are based on her own struggles as a youngster entering adulthood. The teen singer writes and sings in the hope that through her songs young listeners can develop relevant insights about the new phase of their life.
Hitha’s recent single release touches upon the various facets of teen anxiety. The album titled In My Head reassures that not feeling at your best at all times is acceptable. "This song was intended to encourage teens and help them feel heard," she said. Similarly she was inspired to write We Will Last, when she realised that everyone needs support and someone or something to lean upon.
Her song Tell me Why is about losing someone close to one’s heart. “We are emotional beings. Many times, losing someone may seem like the end of the world and we may not have all the answers. It is written to provide comfort to people going through this phase of life,” she said during the release of the song.
Finding her calling
Her affinity for music developed at a very young age. She was only four when her grandma introduced her to music and enrolled her to Indian classical singing classes. "But I never considered it as a possible career for me. Since my parents were immigrants and I was an Indian girl, I only saw people graduating from high school and going on to college to pursue careers in engineering, medicine, or the law," she said in an interview. That is what she believed her path would be.
However, as she grew up, her passion for music also grew. Hitha has been fortunate that her parents encouraged her to do what she loved. “Music became a viable career for me when I wrote my first song at 11 and released it at 13. It was at that time that I realised that there is nothing else I could possibly do.”
After writing her debut song, Standing Up with Pride, the youngster had realised that she needed to write music to motivate people. Since then the young artist has devoted her creativity to the purpose.
Supportive parent
Hitha’s father was the one who first encouraged her to pursue a career in music. “The first step in my professional career was realising that I had his backing,” Hitha shared.
The singer’s father has been her travelling companion in her tours to different cities for recordings and performances. “Without him, I would not be here, either literally or figuratively,” she said. More than just being an ardent admirer, her father is one of her greatest inspirations and Hitha tries to live by some of his morals and convictions.
“My dad is truly one of the kindest human beings I know,” she said while talking about a song she dedicated to her father. “It honestly felt like fate to release Forever on Father’s Day. It couldn’t have been a better time,” she said adding, “I am just happy I could share this song with other sons and daughters on such a celebrated day when fathers truly deserve to shine.”
The song is a thank-you letter wrapped in EDM music. “My love for my dad is all-consuming and will last forever. Both as a father and daughter and as a teacher and student, my dad and I get along well. I learn so much from my father, and without him, I genuinely would not be who I am today,” the singer said.
Praggnanandhaa with his mother, Nagalaksmi and sister, gradmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu[/caption]
Photo courtesy: ChessBase India[/caption]
Members of the Nai Subah Foundation[/caption]
Anvitha Kollipara at the UN headquarters[/caption]
A student in rural India using solar lamp[/caption]
Solar Power Kits provided to kids under Project Soledu[/caption]
Anvitha Kollipara at 1M1B Activate Impact Summit at the UN headquarters[/caption]
Hitha[/caption]