Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveShaila Saini: Rowan University student shaping beauty standards with Lushious Beauty

Shaila Saini: Rowan University student shaping beauty standards with Lushious Beauty

By: Amrita Priya

(January 12, 2025) What if the beauty industry could be more inclusive, sustainable, and empowering? Shaila Saini, a young entrepreneur studying at the Rowan University in United States’ New Jersey, is making that vision a reality. With a passion for cosmetics and a drive to change the narrative, Saini is crafting her own success story—one eyeliner and lash at a time. From a curious teen experimenting with makeup to a business owner winning a university-wide competition, she has been making strides in the field of entrepreneurship.

From Canada to the United States

Shaila Saini grew up in Brampton, Ontario in Canada where her fascination with makeup started at an early age. With her mother, a makeup artist herself, Shaila found a creative outlet in cosmetics. This shared passion eventually evolved into a business venture that would set her apart from her peers at her university in the United States.

Indian Entrepreneur | Shaila Saini | Global Indian

Shaila Saini during one of her brand’s presentations

In the year 2020, at just the age of 16, Shaila launched her brand, Lushious Beauty, with the vision of offering sustainable, high-quality beauty products that cater to diverse audiences. She launched her business with two product lines—false eyelashes and eyeliners—which are available for purchase on her website, shoplushious.com.

“When it comes to expanding the vision, like bringing in products for people of colour and making the products sustainable, it’s still in the idea stage,” shared the youngster, who is also a trained makeup artist. What began as a small venture quickly grew into a revenue-generating business.

The Idea Challenge

The Rowan Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RCIE) annual Idea Challenge provides a platform for students to pitch their innovative business concepts. In December 2024, Shaila Saini emerged victorious with her pitch for Lushious Beauty, earning a $4,000 grant to expand her product line.

Shaila Saini after receiving the $4,000 grant from RCIE

Lushious Beauty currently offers eyeliner in 15 colours and synthetic silk false eyelashes, which can be worn up to 30 times—five times more than the average. The brand’s focus on quality and sustainability has resonated with consumers, driving its early success.

“I am continuously working on scaling Lushious Beauty with Rowan’s School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s exceptional mentor team and resources,” Saini explained. “In essence, I would say that I am a creative and persistent individual who takes responsibility seriously whilst remaining open-minded toward new opportunities!”

Building a business with community support

Shaila’s journey at Rowan University has been instrumental in shaping her entrepreneurial path. Beyond academics, she actively engages with the entrepreneurial community on campus. As the president of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization, or “CEO Club,” Saini facilitates connections between students and successful entrepreneurs, advancing a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Shaila Saini with friends and mentors

Her Idea Challenge win was not a solo effort. Exercise Science majors Stephanie Sam and Gagan Sandhu played crucial roles in assisting Shaila with her pitch. Acting as creative directors, they ensured that visuals were polished and provided valuable feedback for the presentation.

“They took care of all the externals, making sure visuals were intact and giving me feedback on how to refine the pitch and prepare for judging,” Shaila noted.

Persistence as the key to success

“What’s special about the Idea Challenge is its interdisciplinary nature,” highlighted RCIE Director Jessica Vattima. “This year, 50 teams included students from at least two different Rowan colleges, with nearly 100 judges representing faculty from every school and college.”

Saini’s triumph at the Idea Challenge wasn’t her first attempt at gaining recognition. In 2023, she participated in the New Venture Expo and the Rohrer New Venture Competition. Although she didn’t emerge a winner in these competitions, she was happy to earn an honourable mention in the Rohrer New Venture Competition. These experiences laid the groundwork for her eventual success at RCIE’s annual Idea Challenge in December 2024.

For Saini, these experiences have been invaluable in shaping her business acumen. “While a great amount of personal effort went in, it was the mentors and support that made it possible! Though it’s not just the win, it’s what lies ahead for the company that’ll count,” she remarked.

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Beyond business

Shaila Saini’s influence extends beyond her products. Her Instagram and TikTok pages serve as platforms to promote authentic self-expression and inclusivity. By creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and celebrated, Saini aims to redefine beauty standards and empower individuals to embrace their unique identities with confidence.

“Our mission is to provide products that justify the price and surpass quality. Your comfort, convenience, and confidence are our utmost priorities,” remarked the young entrepreneur, who embraces her heritage with pride, often sharing images of herself in traditional Indian attire despite growing up abroad.

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A post shared by shaila (@shailasainii)

The road ahead

With the $4,000 grant from the Rowan Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RCIE) , Saini plans to expand her product offerings and bring her vision of inclusive and sustainable beauty to life. As she approaches graduation in 2026, with a dual major in entrepreneurship and marketing, her sights are set on making Lushious Beauty a recognized brand that challenges traditional beauty norms.

Shaila Saini’s journey serves as an inspiring example for budding entrepreneurs. “Our mission is to provide products that not only meet but exceed expectations.” she reiterated. With her brand growing steadily and a clear vision for the future, Shaila is paving her way to success in the beauty industry — one product at a time.

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Published on 12, Jan 2025

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Young scholar Isha Puri is working on the earlier detection of dyslexia among kids

(March 11, 2023) Despite many studies on the subject over the last few decades, dyslexia remains the world’s most common neurological learning disability. Affecting approximately one in 10 people worldwide, the disorder involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding). Through her efforts, young scholar Isha Puri has developed an easier, simpler, and cheaper application for the detection and precise prediction of dyslexia. With a combination of various machine learning algorithms, the application can help in averting this neurological learning disability in kids. "My goal is to build a free web-based application that will use a standard computer webcam to screen a child while reading and then use an accurate eye tracking algorithm to detect if the child has a higher risk of dyslexia," the scholar, who was the finalist at MIT Think 2018, shared with Global Indian. Currently, a student of Applied Math/Computer Science at Harvard University, Isha is working on developing the project further and taking it to the market. "Currently, most screenings are either extremely expensive, costing around $1000-$2000, or require hefty scientific equipment, effectively rendering them inaccessible to a majority of the world. Because my

cience at Harvard University, Isha is working on developing the project further and taking it to the market. "Currently, most screenings are either extremely expensive, costing around $1000-$2000, or require hefty scientific equipment, effectively rendering them inaccessible to a majority of the world. Because my application will be completely free and will not require any hefty scientific equipment, this solution will be accessible to millions of families around the world without regard to financial status," the scholar shared.

Passionate about AI

Born to Indian immigrants who settled in the USA, Isha grew up in the lush green neighbourhood of Chappaqua in New York. Attending Horace Greeley High School, the scholar was introduced to the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) through her parents as kids, who further encouraged her to explore the field on her own. Having developed a few applications as a young teenager, the youngster started working on software to detect dyslexia after a chance meeting with a few affected kids.

"My research interests have always been at the intersection of computer science and social good. Early detection is crucial to helping a child with dyslexia reach their full potential, and unfortunately, far too many children in today’s world go undiagnosed. My research aims to close this gap by providing a freely accessible application for the early diagnosis of dyslexia," the scholar said.

No stranger to competition, Isha has won several awards for her research, including the Second Grand Prize Award in her category at the 2018 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, the 2018 MIT THINK Scholar award, the 2018 National Security Agency Mathematics Honors award, and the 2018 Regeneron WESEF Neuroscience first-place award.

Spreading her wings

Isha's research, "A Scalable and Freely Accessible Machine Learning Based Application for the Early Detection of Dyslexia," involves developing a way to screen children for the disorder using a standard computer webcam. Using a novel combination of two different machine learning algorithms to detect the corners of the eye and the center of the pupil, the eye tracker has a very high accuracy, with a maximum possible error of only a few pixels. These eye-tracking results are then analyzed to determine the duration and frequency of gaze fixations made while reading, as studies have shown that dyslexics exhibit significantly longer and more frequent fixations. Based on this metric, the application will be able to predict if a child has a higher risk of dyslexia.

Explaining her research, the scholar shared, "My research first builds an accurate eye-tracking algorithm that uses only a standard computer webcam. The application then uses this algorithm to track the eye movements of a subject's pupils while reading. And because medical research has shown that dyslexic children have different eye movement patterns while reading than non-dyslexic children, it can classify a subject for dyslexia."

A Cutler-Bell Prize winner (2019), the youngster is also the founder of CreAIte, which is an organisation aimed to inspire girls in artificial intelligence and computer science by teaching creative, hands-on workshops that emphasize artistic and humanistic applications of tech. We hold workshops across the country, in cities like Santa Clara, New York City, Chicago, and Oakland. "In an an age where the number of women in the fields of computer science and artificial intelligence is much less than the number of men, one of the most important things we can do is nurture a community among girls interested in the field. A community of women who will lift each other, inspire each other, and empower each other to be our best selves," the scholar shared.

Thus far creAIte has impacted over 500 students from traditionally underrepresented groups in tech across the USA. "Over time, I have realised that creAIte was not just a “girls coding” organisation. We weren’t even just an “AI and art” organisation. We were a community of firebirds — rising from our stories, taking control of our destinies, and supporting each other as we do it," the young scholar explained, adding that she wishes to expand CreAIte's operations beyond the USA in the coming years.

Follow Isha Puri on Twitter

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All for Mother Earth: Environmental activist Ridhima Pandey is making all the right noises

(July 26, 2022) The Kedarnath flash flood of 2013 in her hometown of Uttarakhand was a wake-up call for environmental activist, Ridhima Pandey. Barely six back then, she watched the death and destruction unfold on television at her house in Haldwani in the hill state of Uttarakhand, about 330 km away from Kedarnath. The tragedy hit her hard as it did to many Indians. At that point, she decided to act, and do whatever she could to prevent climate catastrophes such as the Kedarnath tragedy. She spoke to her parents who explained to her in great detail how global warming was causing such tragedies. Gradually, she started doing a lot more research about global warming. "As I began studying the impact of climate change and child’s rights, I learned that even driving cars could affect the climate of such a large planet. I began collaborating and meeting with different people and started spreading awareness among young people about the grave situation,” says environmental activist Ridhima Pandey, in a chat with Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_19840" align="aligncenter" width="317"] Ridhima Pandey, environmental activist[/caption] A role model for children across the globe, Ridhima, who advocates for action against climate change, has often been likened

="317"] Ridhima Pandey, environmental activist[/caption]

A role model for children across the globe, Ridhima, who advocates for action against climate change, has often been likened to Greta Thunberg. As a nine-year-old environmental activist filed a suit against the Indian Government for not taking enough steps to combat climate change. "I believe that human activities contribute to the increased frequency of these tragedies. We have witnessed how the severity of these disasters is increasing every year. These tragedies can be controlled if we are more cognizant of our actions,” says the popular TEDx speaker, who has spoken at various international conferences including Notre Affaire à Tous in Paris and Xynteo Exchange in Norway.

Protecting the planet

Born in Haldwani, Nainital in October 2007, Ridhima is the daughter of Dinesh Chandra Pandey, a lawyer and wildlife conservationist, and Vinita Pandey, who works in the forest department.

“My mission is to get the community involved in protecting our environment. I have been creating awareness among the younger generation about climate change, their rights, and what they can do to protect it. I continuously file petitions and write letters to government officials about issues such as waste management, air pollution, and other issues concerning the environment,” informs the 14-year-old, a regular speaker at various workshops and seminars on the environment.

A member of the youth advisory council for COP 26, Ridhima has been listed on BBC’s 100 most empowering and influential women’s list in 2020. “It was a pleasant surprise and a huge opportunity to be given a chance to join the council and work with them. The first petition I filed at the national green tribunal was also based on the Paris Agreement. Most of my work, letters, and petitions were also related to similar topics. It was an altogether different experience dealing with the council,” informs the class 11 student of BMDAV Public school in Haridwar.

As for being mentioned on the BBC’s list, the teenager said she only learned about it through her friend in Amsterdam. “Initially, I thought that they needed my answers and bio for an interview. But as it turned out, I was part of this list and came to know only when my friend congratulated me. I was overjoyed,” smiles the environmental activist.

She says her passion for environmental conservation has been the driving force so far. “I would continue to pursue my career in a similar field. While biodiversity has been my area of interest, I am also keen on simultaneously working on building more projects with kids from indigenous communities. This won’t just give them a platform to raise awareness on climate change and its impact but also help them raise their voices,” feels the environmental activist, who was invited as a youth ambassador at the Global Sustainability film awards held by Difficult Dialogues, an international forum that discusses pressing world issues.

A green panther

Residing in the hill state of Uttarakhand and her love for the environment often takes Ridhima to her great grandmother, who lives in the hills. “Apart from that, I usually love travelling to the hills for the tranquillity they behold and the peace of mind they give. While beauty is the biggest factor here, the lack of internet and mobile service works in your favour every time you feel like disconnecting from the world,” she says.

Being into environmental conservation, the activist says she is always keen to learn more about the mountains while she looks for stories about life there and what it means to the locals settled at the foot of those hills. “Talking to them and experiencing the raw mountains keeps me content and gives me a sense of purpose as I fight to protect them and their essence,” says Ridhima, who was also the youth representative and speaker at the Global Pneumonia Forum and has been part of Earth Day Network’s global initiative, My Future My Voice, which compiles messaging from 50 inspiring youth activists from 17 countries.

Inspiring young minds

Recently, Ridhima became a part of Cartoon Network’s Redrawing India initiative, which she refers to as an enormous campaign where she narrates her story.

“I hope that more and more kids get to listen to all the inspiring stories and come forward to pursue their passion and dreams. It’s never too early to work for something you truly believe in," says the environmental activist, who credits her parents for rallying behind her towards the cause of doing her bit for mother Earth. The activist has also called for a complete ban and minces no words when holding higher authorities accountable.

Besides the environment, what other things interest her? “I am fond of singing and dancing,” smiles the teenager, who likes to spend time with pets and play with stray animals. “When it comes to movies, I am a proud superhero fanatic,” informs Ridhima, who is part of the choir group at her school.

Follow Ridhima Pandey on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram

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Global Kitchen: International food influencers spicing up their pages with desi flavours

(December 12, 2023) Whether it's a simple dal-khichdi or an extravagant biryani, the harmonious fusion of Indian spices has always been a culinary marvel. For years, iconic Indian dishes like butter chicken, dal makhani, and garlic naan graced the global stage. However, in today's age of social media and cooking shows, the representation of Indian flavours has expanded far beyond these classics. The diverse flavours of regional Indian cuisines have now captivated global audiences, thanks to the expertise of several culinary influencers on Instagram. The growing popularity of veganism has also played a significant role in elevating Indian cuisine's global appeal. Many traditional Indian dishes are inherently vegan or can be easily adapted to meet vegan preferences. Global Indian explores the world of international Instagram food influencers who may not hail from India, but their profound love for Indian cuisine knows no bounds. Beryl Shereshewsky (@shereshe) One of the most unique Instagram food bloggers, Beryl Shereshewsky is a New York-based creator who wears multiple hats as a producer, writer, and videographer. Her content spans various series, one of which is 'Dishes Around The World.' In this series, she takes everyday ingredients like tea, coffee, and eggs, and recreates five recipes

rong>Beryl Shereshewsky (@shereshe)

One of the most unique Instagram food bloggers, Beryl Shereshewsky is a New York-based creator who wears multiple hats as a producer, writer, and videographer. Her content spans various series, one of which is 'Dishes Around The World.' In this series, she takes everyday ingredients like tea, coffee, and eggs, and recreates five recipes from different countries, all suggested by her followers.

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Beryl's Instagram following is impressive, with over 174k followers. One of her recent and highly popular series was 'Eating the Alphabet in India: A to Z,' which she filmed in New Delhi, India. This series featured a wide range of traditional Indian dishes and snacks, including packaged foods, along with their historical backgrounds. Moreover, this influencer's channel frequently showcases Indian recipes, such as paneer biryani and mutta chaya (egg tea), which are unique and specific to certain regions in India. Interestingly, she's married to an Indian, which likely adds to her love for desi cuisine!

Jake Dryan (@plantfuture)

In today's digital age, a rising number of young Indians are discovering their passion for cooking, thanks to Instagram sensation Jake Dryan - known to his followers as @plantfuture. One of the few food influencers, who is strictly vegan, Jake's innovative plant-based approach to Indian cuisine has garnered significant attention, shining a spotlight on authentic recipes from local Indian kitchens.

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Based in the UK, this food influencer boasts an impressive 1.4M followers on Instagram. His channel features a captivating series that delves into the diverse culinary traditions of India, highlighting recipes from each of the country's states. Thus far, he has already shared delectable dishes from 11 different states. From the tangy khatti dal of Hyderabad to Odisha's flavourful ghanta tarkari, his recipes have received not only international acclaim but also earned praise from the very regions in India where these dishes originate. Jake's culinary journey serves as an inspiration for both Indian and global audiences, igniting a newfound love for Indian home cooking.

Maya Leinenbach (@fitgreenmind)

Hailing from Germany, Maya Leinenbach is a passionate vegan who demonstrates how simple it can be to enjoy plant-based meals from all around the globe. Her recipe collection spans various cuisines, including Southeast Asian, German, American, and even Indian. She skillfully uses ingredients like chickpeas, tofu, and vegan cream to bring out the delightful flavours of these cuisines.

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With an impressive Instagram following of 3.1 million, this youthful food blogger not only shares individual Indian recipes but also dedicates entire weeks to showcasing Indian cuisine. From the mouthwatering pav bhaji of Maharashtra to the delectable Amritsari kulcha from Punjab, her array of offerings is boundless and can instantly transport you to your favourite Indian state.

Cheyenne Singh (@cheysingh)

Cheyenne's last name, 'Singh,' is a nod to her Punjabi husband, and she's making waves on Instagram with her hit series, 'Lunch For My Husband.' In this heartwarming series, she shows what tasty meals she prepares for her husband , all while bravely confronting racist and negative comments that sometimes pop up on her feed.

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When it comes to cooking, Cheyenne is all about sharing delightful recipes from both India and America. Whether it's her Indian-inspired chicken curry or the tasty desi chinese hakka noodles, her flavours have won the hearts of her 167k-strong audience. Cheyenne's culinary journey is a testament to love, delicious food, and standing up against negativity in the online world.

Jennifer Pallian (@foodess)

Jennifer Pallian, a food blogger and writer on Instagram, is all about sharing "tried-and-true comfort recipes." Hailing from the USA, she brings the flavours of the world to her followers, whether it's gochujang chicken or potato-seafood chowder.

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With a robust following of 193k fans, her channel is a treasure trove of recipes that include chicken biryani, garlic naan, and samosas, all of which have become fan favourites. Her approach to Indian cuisine is easy to follow, making it a hit among both Indian and international audiences. Interestingly, she's married to an Indian, which could be a big reason why her social media feed reflects her deep love for Indian cuisine. Jennifer's food journey is a delightful mix of comfort and international flavours that brings smiles to food lovers worldwide.

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Adeetya Jain: Equipping young minds with financial literacy through Ecobyte Kids

(October 25, 2024) At just 17 years old, Mumbai-based Adeetya Jain, a senior at Rahul International School, is not your typical high school student. Trained under entrepreneur Namita Thapar, of Shark Tank fame, at her Thapar’s Entrepreneurship Academy, he is building a platform poised to change how children learn about money. As the founder of Ecobyte Kids, a pioneering initiative aimed at making financial literacy accessible to children, Adeetya is on a mission to empower the next generation with the knowledge they need to navigate the world of finance. The platform's journey began during the pandemic and has since evolved. With the vision of blending education and technology, Adeetya Jain is now making use of AI to transform Ecobyte Kids into a personalized financial literacy hub. “Our goal is not just to make finance and economics interesting, but also to make them accessible for children across India,” Adeetya shares with Global Indian. A vision born in the pandemic The idea for Ecobyte Kids came to life toward the end of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021. While the world was struggling to adjust to the new normal, Adeetya saw an opportunity to create something impactful. "We started building a team with

img class="aligncenter wp-image-40001 size-full" src="https://www.globalindian.com/youth/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AJ.webp" alt="Indian youth | Adeetya Jain | Global Indian " width="438" height="577" />

A vision born in the pandemic

The idea for Ecobyte Kids came to life toward the end of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021. While the world was struggling to adjust to the new normal, Adeetya saw an opportunity to create something impactful. "We started building a team with the goal of creating a Market Viable Product (MVP) and were able to do it in eight months right after," says the youngster who now leads a team of 30 young volunteers who are below 18.

Initially, Ecobyte Kids was conceived as a fun, digital newsletter aimed at teaching financial literacy to kids between the ages of 9 and 16. “To make financial news and information interesting for children, we created a sample four-page newsletter that was graphic and funky but at the same time enriched with simplified economics and finance concepts,” Adeetya shares. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and this small project quickly grew into a full-fledged venture. “Soon we positioned ourselves as a digital media startup for finance and economics with a niche target audience,” tells the young entrepreneur.

From newsletter to tech-backed learning solution

Ecobyte Kids is steadily evolving. Today, the platform is transitioning into an AI and Machine Learning-powered financial literacy hub. “Our focus on content creation remains intact,” Adeetya says, “But we have started exploring and executing a lot of tech-based initiatives to deliver our content.”

He and his team are working on personalized learning modules that adapt to different age groups, ensuring that younger kids receive simpler explanations while older children are introduced to more complex financial concepts. “To put it simply, the level of jargon and intensity of concepts will vary even in the 9-16-year-old age group,” Adeetya explains.

One of the upcoming features of Ecobyte Kids includes an AI-powered chatbot and a natural language processor, which will help users easily access simplified financial knowledge. “Our digital solutions, including the chatbot, will only provide verifiable, easy-to-understand and accurate content,” Adeetya shares.

In addition, his venture is working on delivering content in multiple Indian languages, ensuring it can reach children from different linguistic backgrounds.

Entrepreneurship in the DNA

“For me, entrepreneurship is the most viable extracurricular activity. It is something I derive a lot of joy from - almost an escape from the rigorous academia in high school,” says Adeetya, for whom entrepreneurship also runs in the family. Both of his parents are successful entrepreneurs, and their example inspired him from an early age. "My parents are originally from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, who came to Mumbai to study and then established their entrepreneurial ventures,” says the youngster, whose mother runs an interior designing firm, while his father has his own pharmaceutical company.”

Their entrepreneurial drive has been a constant source of inspiration for Adeetya, encouraging him to take risks and follow his own path. “They have truly guided me along the way, and I certainly derive inspiration from them to take risks and to continuously innovate.”

Shark Tank fame Namita Thapar – a mentor

It wasn’t just his family who inspired him. Adeetya credits entrepreneur Namita Thapar for playing a key role in his development as a business enthusiast. “Namita Mam has been a vital part of my entrepreneurial journey under whose tutelage I launched my first startup, RootsUp,” Adeetya says. "She has given valuable inputs which have greatly influenced the products and services Ecobyte Kids provides today.”

Adeetya first met Namita during the online interview session of the Thapar’s Entrepreneurship Academy's (TEA) incubator program. “After getting accepted in the program, we bonded over my startup idea and pitch-deck development over the length of the program which was in an online mode due to the pandemic.” She later added him to the Thapar Entrepreneur Academy’s Star Alumni Group which increased their interactions. The youngster calls her his ‘go-to mentor’.

As part of the TEA Incubator Program, where he won the Best Pitch Award, Adeetya Jain received prize money to run the startup. Though RootsUp didn’t pan out due to resource and time constraints, the experience gave Adeetya valuable insight into the world of startups and set the stage for Ecobyte Kids. “However, I feel that the idea of RootsUp is still relevant, and I would love to pick it up again in the future,” he says.

Balancing academics and other initiatives

For the high school student, balancing schoolwork with running a startup is no easy task, but Adeetya has found ways to manage both. “Up to 10th grade, managing studies and entrepreneurial ventures is not much of a challenge if you remain consistent,” the 12th grade student says. But with the added pressure of competitive exams and university applications, Adeetya has had to perfect the art of time management.

“Dabbling between academics and activities of interest not only requires desperation but also the ability to pull all-nighters,” he admits. His dedication to both his studies and his venture has paid off, due to the support he has received from teachers and family. “I have received a tremendous amount of support from my family members and all my teachers in school and coaching institute,” he says, also expressing gratitude to Prem Ranjan, a professor at his coaching institute.

A passion for writing, arts, and social work

In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Adeetya Jain is a talented writer and an avid lover of the arts. He is a three-time winner of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition and is currently working on publishing his anthology of poems. “I certainly had a knack for writing. I always appreciated unabridged literature and have been an avid reader - a trait my mother instilled in me,” he says.

Adeetya’s love for writing extends to his work at Ecobyte Kids, where he contributes to the content creation efforts. He also enjoys drama, debate, collecting stamps and coins and participating in occasional plays in Mumbai. “Apart from this I love debate and MUNs and have been part of the Indian National Camp for debate.”

Adeetya is also part of SpecsAid, a student-run vision-correction initiative that has collected, refurbished, and distributed over 5,000 spectacles for those in need. This initiative has been featured in print and radio.

What’s next for Ecobyte Kids?

Looking ahead, Adeetya Jain and his team have ambitious plans for Ecobyte Kids. “We are hoping to launch our print media vertical soon,” he shares, informing that the team is trying to bring on board a group of undergraduate students with backgrounds in economics and finance, currently attending leading universities, to provide advice on relevant content development.”

For him Ecobyte Kids is more than just a venture - it’s a movement to educate and empower the next generation to become financially literate. Talking about his career goals he says, “I certainly wish to continue as an entrepreneur. I have always been attached to tech and finance and would most probably continue developing and executing ideas in that field.”

How is financial literacy important for youngsters?

Better Money Management: Learn to budget, save, and spend wisely.
Smart Decision-Making: Make informed financial choices.
Understand Current Affairs: Stay updated on financial news and trends.
Student Loan Awareness: Understand how loans work, including interest rates and repayment options.
Understand Debt: Manage credit cards responsibly.
Early Investing: Start building wealth through savings and investments.
Financial Independence: Gain the skills to manage personal finances independently.

Follow Adeetya Jain on LinkedIn

Reading Time: 5 mins

Pen and Purpose: Keerthana Seetharaman is helping people in their writing and publishing pursuits

(February 24, 2024) Keerthana Seetharaman has harboured a deep passion for writing and getting her work published, for as long as she can recall. However, navigating limited resources and lack of knowledge of how to go about it, posed challenges. "I felt exhausted while searching for the right platform to publish my works," she shares with Global Indian. Recognising that many others might be facing similar obstacles, the Chennai-based youngster had established The Writing Arena Publishers in 2020, when she was just a 16-year-old. Building this venture during the pandemic brought her a sense of fulfilment and productivity. "Within the confines of this venture, I constructed my sanctuary of happiness, even in the face of negativity," she shares. [caption id="attachment_36094" align="aligncenter" width="583"] Keerthana Seetharaman[/caption] So far, The Writing Arena Publishers has overseen publication of 15 print-on-demand anthologies, each featuring contributions from teenagers or adults, depending upon the theme. Keerthana’s entrepreneurial initiative has garnered attention, leading to speaking opportunities at events hosted in schools and colleges. Moreover, she was recognised with a startup award from a Chennai-based organisation and also had the privilege of meeting the Governor of Tamil Nadu. These early accolades have fuelled the budding entrepreneur’s determination to continue

print-on-demand anthologies, each featuring contributions from teenagers or adults, depending upon the theme. Keerthana’s entrepreneurial initiative has garnered attention, leading to speaking opportunities at events hosted in schools and colleges. Moreover, she was recognised with a startup award from a Chennai-based organisation and also had the privilege of meeting the Governor of Tamil Nadu. These early accolades have fuelled the budding entrepreneur’s determination to continue excelling in the realms of creative writing and entrepreneurship.

In the world of writing

The engineering student found affirmation in her writing abilities last year when she was awarded a 'Gold Finalist' certificate for her entry in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, an international event organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society.

The 20-year-old is set to release her debut book of poems, titled 'Engraving Emotions'.

[caption id="attachment_36095" align="aligncenter" width="608"] Keerthana Seetharaman with Ravindra Narayana Ravi, the Governor of Tamil Nadu[/caption]

Learning from obstacles

Four years back when Keerthana had launched her publishing venture, she had formed a remote team. However, during the initial phases, the volume of submissions remained minimal, causing team members to gradually lose interest. Additionally, as time passed, their priorities shifted, and the venture experienced a temporary halt in its operations.

“There were times when I questioned my own knowledge. There were days when I felt like quitting and focusing solely on studies,” she says. “But my purpose pushed me to juggle these hassles and keep working,” she adds.

Finally, embracing a solopreneur mindset, Keerthana began working with numerous roles - editor, proofreader, compiler, marketer, and beyond. "Initially, it was exhausting, but I eventually got used to the workload," she says.

[caption id="attachment_36096" align="aligncenter" width="418"] Keerthana Seetharaman[/caption]

Recognising the challenges and time commitment involved in writing an entire book, which can often lead to loss of interest midway, Keerthana promotes creative expression through anthologies – as the writers in anthologies need to just contribute a chapter or two. “Nurturing students to become authors is a dream I aspire to share with the world," she remarks.

Publishing anthologies however, proves to be very time-consuming, as she has to deal with multiple writers and spend considerable time coordinating their contributions.

Giving back

Keerthana also helps less privileged students to follow their dreams of writing, through an initiative called Kanavugal Meipada (Dreams Come True). The organisation conducts writing competitions in government schools, and the best entries are chosen to be part of an anthology published by her venture, The Writing Arena Publishers. She also conducts sessions on mental health and wellness for these children.

“Entrepreneurship is not all about making money, rather about adding values to people’s life,” she remarks.

[caption id="attachment_36129" align="aligncenter" width="573"] Keerthana Seetharaman during an interaction at a government school[/caption]

At Chennai’s Sri Sairam Engineering College, where she is pursuing computer science and business systems, Keerthana is actively involved in a social work project called Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, spearheaded by the government. Along with her fellow students she conducts awareness programs in Poonthandalam village, one of the ten villages her college is assisting in achieving economic stability and independence.

An eye on future

The pre-final year student is also a member of the Professional Communication Society (PROCOMM), an initiative of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to improve engineers’ technical communication skills. Recently Keerthana has been selected to serve as a student chairperson of the society’s chapter in her college.

Looking ahead, Keerthana aims to carve a career path that integrates her degree in engineering and passion for writing.

Follow Keerthana Seetharaman on LinkedIn

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