The art of the hustle: How Aamir Qutub became one of Australia’s top young entrepreneurs
Published by: Team GI Youth
(March 28, 2023) Every day, when Aamir Qutub drives to work, he chooses from his fleet of luxury cars to take him to his office in Geelong, where the headquarters of Enterprise Monkey Proprieter Ltd are located. Aamir is the founder and CEO of Enterprise Monkey, which operates out of four countries, and continues to head Angel Next Door, which he founded during the pandemic, to help make life easier for everybody.
The entrepreneur and tech investor has come a long, long way from when he boarded a plane for the first time in his life, bound for Australia, where was all set to begin life as a student in Deakin University. Born in Aligarh, UP, Aamir had a middle-class upbringing, and dreamt, even as a child, of owning a business some day. He wanted to study more, he had his sights on Deakin University in Australia, but didn’t want to ask his father for money. While his parents weren’t poor, the tuition cost at a foreign university was beyond them. With some difficulty, Aamir’s father scraped together the fee for his son’s first semester.
Aamir Qutub
Hustle to make it
Alone in Geelong, Aamir had to find ways to fund his study. He applied for dozens of jobs – and got no responses. In the end, he landed a job as a janitor at the airport in Geelong. “In India, a cleaning job is looked down upon,” Aamir said in an interview. “In Australia, it’s like any other job. When my parents found out about work, they became quite sad. My relatives also started gossiping about me and giving the family a hard time.”
Aamir remained unfazed, working the 6 am to 6 pm shift, studying during his breaks. The long hours got in the way of his work and he was forced to quit. He found himself another job and would wake up at 3 am to deliver newspapers. He continued to search for work, finally landing an internship at at IT firm and then at ICT Geelong, where he was promoted quickly and soon worked directly under the general manager. When his boss quit, he was appointed the interim GM and was promoted again, becoming the company’s youngest GM. “Within a year, the revenue of the company increased by 30 percent,” Aamir said.
Striking out as an entrepreneur
In 2014, the Global Indian registered Enterprise Monkey Proprietor, with an investment of AUD 4,000, which he had managed to save. He hired himself an assistant in India and began working with a team of four. Business grew and Aamir scaled up on hiring, only to find, he dind’t have the money to pay them. “We were making money, but I was in debt. I took a loan of around AUD 100,000 from private lenders to maintain the cash flow,” he recalled.
Again, he was in a financial quandary. He had left the safety being employed, turning his back on what had promised to be a glowing career, even if it wouldn’t one of entrepreneurship. He took that leap and found success, only to find himself back where he started – wondering where they money was coming from. The situation worsened, to the point where Aamir couldn’t afford to put fuel in his car. “I had 17 employees, the turnover was big but the profits weren’t there.”
This was his most troubling time as an entrepreneur. Aamir knew he had to step back and assess the situation. He realised that he had taken on small clients – that move hadn’t paid off. He had also fallen into the trap of planning, taking focus off the goal itself. “The business was repositioned on profitability rather than on growth, and voila! I repaid the debt within three months.”
Today, the company employs a 100 people and has a turnover of over Rs 12 crore. Enterprise Monkey Proprietor Ltd was also awarded the Australian Smartest Innovation of the Year.
Giving Back
These days, the business runs on “auto-mode,” as Aamir puts it, leaving him with room for other pursuits. He set up the Aamir Qutub foundation and continues to work with students in India. This included setting up the first-ever recruitment drive in his alma mater, Aligarh Muslim University, during which 2000 students were placed in 30 companies. He also introduced free WIFI on campus and Smart classrooms, even lobbying national policies for the students.
During the pandemic, Aamir founded “Angel Next Door,” an outreach program that mobilised the community, allowing citizens to ask for – and provide – help discreetly. Aamir, who was also named the Australian Young Business Leader of the Year, continues to live in Geelong with his wife, Sarah Niazi, who is a dentist. “My life has always been exploring new possibilities,” he said, adding, “I always wanted to be successful, I just wanted to pursue what I loved and I had this belief in myself.”
(June 25, 2023) "People say I live in a slum but I love my life! I hope to be a supermodel to help my family eat," reads 15-year-old Maleesha Kharwa's Insta bio. The teenager from Mumbai's slum is already inching towards her dream as she featured on the cover of Cosmopolitan and is now the face of a luxury beauty brand Forest Essentials. This was all a dream for her who lived in a makeshift shanty made of sticks, but things took a turn for the better when American actor Robert Hoffman spotted her in 2020. Little did Maleesha know that the encounter was set to change the course of her life. [caption id="attachment_31384" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Maleesha Kharwa[/caption] It was in the spring of 2020 that Step Up 2: The Streets actor Robert landed in Mumbai for the shoot of a music video for which he was scouting for an authentic slum dweller. One of his friends told him about this beautiful girl living in a slum. That's how he met Maleesha, then a 12-year-old with a "million-dollar smile" living on the streets of Mumbai. "I couldn't believe she was in the middle of Mumbai living on the street yet
c video for which he was scouting for an authentic slum dweller. One of his friends told him about this beautiful girl living in a slum. That's how he met Maleesha, then a 12-year-old with a "million-dollar smile" living on the streets of Mumbai. "I couldn't believe she was in the middle of Mumbai living on the street yet nobody had discovered her. I came to realise this was because the Indian culture regards dark skin as unattractive. But I knew for sure the international beauty industry would see her differently, especially in tandem with her unforgettable levity and charm in spite of all else," said Hoffman. What was meant to be a short trip ended up in a five-month long stay, owing to the lockdown and pandemic. Though the music shoot was stalled indefinitely, he knew he had found a gem in Mumbai.
In pursuit of stardom
When Robert approached Maleesha, she was living in a slum in Bandra with her family in a house made of sticks, which was often razed down by the municipality, and the family would rebuild it for the umpteenth time. When asked about her dreams, she revealed that she wants to be a model. Despite her situation, Maleesha dreamt big, and Universe somehow conspired to get her what she wished for. Then in sixth standard in a government-run school, Maleesha undertook odd jobs to make money. "Sometimes my family will go to TV and movie sets hoping to get picked as background actors. This is how I got interested in becoming a professional child model! There are many jobs like children's clothing catalogues which I could potentially get cast in!," she wrote on her GoFundMe page.
When Robert met her and realised her potential, he knew the next step was to speak to her father, of course, with the help of an interpreter, explaining to them the opportunity that had the potential to change her life forever. "We spoke at great lengths, so I could be sure they understood that modelling was neither a guarantee, nor something that could be counted on forever," he told Better India, adding that after days of consultation, the family decided to let Maleesha give it a try.
The dawn of a new life
This gave Robert enough confidence to start an Instagram page, sharing Maleesha's story. His goal was to help her connect with a supportive and reliable community of women who are trustworthy and professional. He wanted her to have a strong network of peers, influence, and accountability.
The story touched the hearts of many cheering her on, and soon earned her the moniker of Slum Princess, who now boasts of 332k followers on Instagram. While she found fame on social media, Robert had to figure out the legalities before letting her start her modelling career. "We began speaking to NGOs, the US consulate in Mumbai, entertainment figureheads, and unending voluntary consultants about how to craft Maleesha’s movement and the GoFundMe account for her ( which has amounted to $14,873 so far) in the most delicate way, considering her age and socioeconomic status," he told the website.
[caption id="attachment_31383" align="aligncenter" width="603"] Maleesha Kharwa with Robert Hoffman[/caption]
The same year, she featured on the cover of Peacock Magazine, thus inspiring millions that "those who dare to dream often find a way to make them come true." That was her big breakthrough, and soon more modelling projects starting lining up for the teenager. She even featured on the cover of Cosmopolitan's 26th anniversary issue in 2022. The money from the modelling assignments helped her rent a one-room flat in a tenement in Mumbai. "Earlier, we did not have proper electricity, we had to go far to fetch water but now we have a power connection, there is a ceiling fan, we have tap water," she told a daily, adding, "The municipality would often demolish our huts but now we have a safer roof over our heads. My father is proud of me."
[caption id="attachment_31382" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Maleesha Kharwa on the cover of Cosmopolitan[/caption]
However, Robert wants Maleesha to strike a healthy balance between modelling and leading a normal life, and has made it clear that her work hours would be limited. "Education would always come first, and that modelling stops if grades go down. Early on, it was decided that Maleesha would stay clear of pageants and mass-auditioning. In fact, Maleesha has yet to go to a single audition. Every job so far has come to her. The kid and her story are truly magic," he added.
Encouraging Indian women to embrace natural beauty
In a country that's obsessed with fair skin, the metrics are alarming as India Fairness Cream and Bleach Market Outlook report revealed that the market is anticipated to grow six percent CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) by 2027-28. However, Maleesha is on a mission to encourage women, especially youngsters to embrace natural beauty. "I see beauty in everything. Many people think that only light skin is beautiful … I just think it is silly. It is not how I see the world. Beautiful faces are nice but beauty is more important on the inside. I love my complexion and I feel perfect. I am very happy that I can share the message that there is no proper rule for girls and women to follow. They can do whatever they want to do. I am happy that I can inspire other girls and tell them that they are special," she added.
Maleesha's story is one of hope and faith. From scraping for food to finally getting a chance to follow her dreams, the teen has come a long way. "My journey is proof that nothing is impossible...you just need to keep trying."
(January 14, 2024) In 2019, Akila's cinematic debut in director Arul's spine-chilling thriller 'Kadampari' marked her entrance into the world of Tamil cinema. Although she had found success, Akila wanted more than the glamours of stardom. After the film’s release and other projects like pageantries and stage shows in India, Akila returned to the US, where she had been raised, and enrolled in the US Army Combat Training. “Soldier, paralegal, educator, singer, model, actress - these are the various jobs that I have held to date which may seem excessive; however, I believe each one of these roles is my passion and has moulded me into an individual I am proud to be today,” shares the multifaceted youngster as she connects with Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_35242" align="aligncenter" width="466"] Akila Narayanan[/caption] Apart from being a U.S. Army paralegal, and an AIT Honour graduate, Akila has earned honours like the FETNA Women Achievement Award 2022, Visionary Celebrity Award for Young Talent 2018, Queen of Madras 2017, Miss Worldwide India 2017, Miss Tamil Nadu 2016, and Miss Teen India USA 1RU 2016. With an interest in both Indian and Western classical vocals, pop, rock, jazz, and R&B, Akila has performed in award shows,
rned honours like the FETNA Women Achievement Award 2022, Visionary Celebrity Award for Young Talent 2018, Queen of Madras 2017, Miss Worldwide India 2017, Miss Tamil Nadu 2016, and Miss Teen India USA 1RU 2016.
With an interest in both Indian and Western classical vocals, pop, rock, jazz, and R&B, Akila has performed in award shows, fashion shows, corporate events, beauty pageants, and concerts throughout South India.
A Bharatnatyam dancer with training for 13 years under the tutelage of guru Sridevi Tirumalai, Akila has also done photoshoots in both the US and India for brands like Pothys, VBJ Jewellers, Lemuria, amongst others before becoming a full-time civil paralegal and a part-time paralegal at the US Armed Forces. Her choices of occupation seem quite unusual and at the same time make her career graph look unique.
From acting, singing, and pageantry to law
Growing up in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, Akila’s childhood was immersed in the arts and academia.
After high school, she moved to India for a few years to pursue her dreams of singing, modelling, and acting in the entertainment industry. She completed her BA in music specializing in Western classical and musical theatre voice at the KM Music Conservatory run by AR Rahman. The institution is affiliated with the Middlesex University in the UK. She has also earned a certification from Berklee College of Music.
Talking about what nudged her to the field of law after all that she says, “I had started teaching music at a school during my time in India. Teaching made me realise the deep divide in education systems between the rich and poor and created a desire in me to become an international public interest attorney to help bridge the gap.”
The youngster is currently pursuing her master's in international educational development from Columbia University at present and plans to enrol in a law school after her master's is over in May 2024.
She has done a paralegal certification from Boston University which has enabled her to work as a paralegal professional.
Beyond the glitz and glamour
The actor-turned-soldier recently went through six months of rigorous training for the U.S. Army after being selected as a part-time paralegal specialist there. “I was pushed to the edge physically and mentally. I learned combat skills, rifle marksmanship, land navigation, how to survive in the field, how to throw grenades, and more,” she mentions.
She provides paralegal support to unit commanders and the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate in a wide range of legal matters which include criminal, international, civil, contract, and fiscal law.
Talking about the selection process in the US Army she mentions, “It is difficult. There is this test called the ASVAB that you need to get a certain score on to be selected for the paralegal specialist job. There are also physical fitness requirements that you must pass during training to graduate and become a soldier.”
Her fitness test involved deadlifting at least 120 pounds, running two miles within 22 minutes, doing push-ups, doing a plank, a power throw, and an event called sprint-drag-carry. Along with the fitness test soldiers must complete ruck marches.
“Ruck march means walking 5-12 miles with 35-50 pounds on your back. We also had to qualify for the M4 rifle. There are 40 targets and to qualify, soldiers must hit at least 23 of them,” she says.
The six months of training tested her limits and reshaped her perspective. “I did things I never thought I could do,” she says.
The love for law
The paralegal certification, the opportunity with the US armed forces, and her civil job have already laid a sound foundation for a full-fledged career in law for Akila.
“As a paralegal specialist in the Army, I gained extensive experience in legal research, drafting legal documents, and assisting with investigations and trials. I have been responsible for managing case files, preparing witnesses for testimony, and assisting attorneys with trial preparation,” she shared adding, “I have developed a strong sense of professionalism, teamwork, and leadership.”
Her responsibilities as a real estate paralegal span a wide spectrum, from managing high-volume transactions and ordering title searches to writing title commitments, preparing contracts, and closing documents, and coordinating closings with clients and lenders. She has assisted attorneys in all aspects of real estate transactions.
Purposeful ventures
Akila is in the US Army Reserve. Being part of the army reserve means she can be deployed to any country at any time within her eight-year contract. “I always have to be ready to be deployed anywhere to serve my country,” she says.
After her Army training, she came back home and went back to her civilian job as a real estate paralegal as being in the reserve is like a part-time job. “I have ‘drill’ weekends once every month and annual training two weeks every year. During drill weekends I do my paralegal specialist job and other army-related training such as going to the shooting range, doing field exercises, practicing first aid on casualties, and more,” she shares.
Musician at heart
Akila has always maintained her deep connection to music and has even managed an online music school, the Nightingale School of Music. She had begun singing at the age of four, after being introduced to Carnatic music. Whenever there were choirs and musicals in her school, she always was a part of those.
She loves educating children about the world of music. “No external achievement of mine can hold a flame to the joy that I get looking at children with constant smiles and enthusiasm for music,” she remarks.
Films are not ruled out
Although she plans to focus on law, she has not ruled out the idea of acting in Tamil films again. “I just want to focus on my studies right now, but my love for acting still calls to me,” she says.
Quite by chance, Akila had got a role in the Tamil horror movie ‘Kadampari’. “It happened by chance. I was participating in a lot of pageants in India when I moved there which made my social media presence higher. The director of the film found me through social media,” she says. “I had never really acted before but I’ve always loved watching horror movies so acting a possessed character, kind of came naturally.”
Being a master at time management
The multifaceted youngster is a master of time management and sometimes ‘compromises on doing fun things’ that most people in their 20s get to do like going out on weekends or traveling.
“I have always done so many things at the same time. In undergrad, I was doing my BA in music and teaching music at the International Village School while working in the Indian entertainment industry as a singer, model, and actress. Now during graduate school, I am doing my MA in International educational policy while working my 9-5 civilian job and my weekend army job.,” she says adding, “I think it’s all about time management.”
Her job keeps her occupied from nine in the morning to five in the evening. After that, she attends her classes until 9 pm. “So, by the time I get home, it is too late to do assignments, homework, and readings. Hence my weekends are filled with doing assignments,” she shares.
Finding support in the family
Akila’s family is her biggest support. “My parents gave me the best gift they could give their child: the freedom to follow their dreams. My parents have always gone above and beyond to help me with my career and I am doing everything I can to make them proud,” says the youngster who was born in Coimbatore and moved to the US when she was two.
[caption id="attachment_35247" align="aligncenter" width="423"] Akila Narayanan with her sister[/caption]
She considers her younger sister who is a pre-med student to be her best friend. “We love shopping for clothes, doing funny dances, and going to bookstores together,” she mentions.
Future plan – to be of use to others
Akila holds a deep inclination towards serving her community. She also nurtures the desire to start an NGO that advocates for and provides quality education to marginalised students in India. “Having a law degree will help me run this NGO,” she believes.
“I find great joy and pride in serving the nation and being a role model to young Indian American girls who aspire to join the military,” she signs off.
(June 22, 2023) His dad was a cab driver, his mum managed to find work driving a bus. It was a time of hardship and great tenacity, as cricketer Jason Sangha's family worked against the odds to create a life for themselves in Sydney, Australia. Despite their financial constraints, Jason was encouraged to follow his great love - cricket. In 2017, Jason Sangha made his first-class debut for Cricket Australia XI, in a pre-Ashes game. During his second match, he scored his maiden first-class century, becoming the youngest player to score a first-class century against England, second only to cricketing god, Sachin Tendulkar. In December 2017, he was named the Australian team captain for the 2018, U-19 Cricket World Cup, becoming tournament's lead run-scorer, with 229 runs. A right-handed batsman and right-arm leg break bowler, the Global Indian now plays for New South Wales and Randwick Petersham in the New South Wales Premier Grade Cricket. And Sangha was always gifted, standing head and shoulders above any crowd, learning to face the highs and lows that come with being exceptional. "If he was a thoroughbred, his breeding would be Joe Root out of Virat Kohli," said Australian cricketer turned commentator Kerry
, his breeding would be Joe Root out of Virat Kohli," said Australian cricketer turned commentator Kerry O'Keeffe, who spotted Sangha's genius early on and made sure he found a spot on the Australian test team. As for Sangha himself, he has been through far too much already, from battling mental health issues, financial hardship, dealing with the pressures of his chosen vocation and learning to belong in a place where he would always feel different, to be swayed too much by life's highs and lows. "It's a rollercoaster," he often says. "Cricket is a rollercoaster."
[caption id="attachment_31329" align="aligncenter" width="445"] Jason Sangha[/caption]
Jason Sangha's story begins, not with the discovery of his own talent, but in Punjab with his father Kuldip, and in Sydney, where his mother Sylvia lived. His father, Jason writes, was the national 200m and 400m champion, who even competed at the Asian Games. However, sport being quite a political issue in rural Punjab, meant Kuldip's talent lost out to those who held political sway. Kuldip and Sylvia had an arranged marriage, she flew down to Punjab to meet her husband and the couple went back to Sydney together. Kuldip left his athletic dreams behind and found work as a cabbie, while Sylvia was a bus driver.
"Money was always tight," Sangha says. "What little was left over after living expenses was usually sent back to dad's family in India. But they got by." They gave birth to their first child, Sharon, in Rooty Hill Place, their first residence in Sydney, then went to Kemps Creek and finally, to Coogee, where Jason Sangha was born. They went on to set up their own restaurant, 'The Flavour of North India' and expanded to four outlets around Cronulla, Coogee and Maroubra.
"For as long as I can remember, we always had relatives staying with us, many from dad's side of the family in India," Sangha wrote in Athletics Voice back in 2017. As it is in an Indian home, the relatives pitched in, and the extended family formed deep bonds. He recalls his parents' selflessness - "Mum always put others ahead of herself. She made sure everyone ate before she did. Dad was the same. The two of them would work long hours then, as soon as they got home, they'd set about making sure everyone else was alright."
In those early days, Sangha wasn't too interested in cricket, he preferred basketball, because of his hero, LeBron James. He liked the rugby league and soccer, "pretty much everything other than cricket." When he was nine years old, he watched Adam 'Gilly' Gilchrist take Monty Panesar to the cleaners and feeling very impressed, enough to try his hand at the sport. As it happened, the family lived near the Coogee Oval, they could even see it from their apartment. So, the young Sangha would watch cricketers playing for Randwich-Petersham, and dream about being among them some day. And like so many other Indian kids, he would use a tennis ball to play cricket with his two cousins. He even remembers his neighbours in South Cardiff telling him he would play for NSW one day, as they watched his father bowl to him in backyard.
Just as things seemed to be picking up in the young boy's life, the financial crisis hit, leaving the family in pieces. They were forced to sell and had no choice but to move to Newcastle to start over. "Mum and dad protectedus from the news. It wasn't until three or four years later that I found out the real reason why we left Sydney," Sangha recalled. As it turned out, Newcastle wasn't so bad after all. Granted, Sangha was the "only brown person in school," but had no trouble making friends. The city also had a small but thriving Sikh community, where Sangha learned to stay in touch with his cultural roots.
The whole 22 yards
By the time the family settled into Newcastle, Jason Sangha had established his love for cricket. He began playing junior cricket at Warners Bay in Cardiff and after one year, made it to the local team. He recalls his coach, Bob Holland, very fondly, saying, "he helped convert me from a quick bowler into a leg-spinner." One year later, Sangha was 12 then, he moved up to grade cricket. This was an intimidating experience, "surrounded by all these grown men at Wallsend," Sangha says. His peers stuck by him, though and he ended up playing the last two games of the season that year.
He was noticed by the first-grade captain, Brett Jackson, who became his batting coach. He was a hard taskmaster, though and Sangha definitely had moments when he wanted to give up, even telling his mother, "I don't want to train with him anymore." His mum simply told him to toughen up. The evening before the first game of the first-grade season, Jackson told him, "Also, I forgot to tell you: You're playing." Sangha was 13 years old, and had made himself known as something of a prodigy.
Jason Sangha was sixteen years old when he got his first contract with NWS. He got his contract, and with it, quite a bit of fame. The media was quick to point out that his was the youngest Blues' signing since Josh Hazlewood.
The mental health descent
As has been the case with Sangha, life was unpredictable. What seemed like a rapid rise to success ended up being one of the most challenging years of his life, filled with mental health struggles, and the pressures of so much success at such a young age. "You're not a normal 16-year-old kid anymore," he would remind himself. "you're a pro." It was too much to take. His performance at school dropped because he was spending so much time away. Sangha even tried to give up school, although that idea was quicly shot down by his Indian parents. The situation got so bad that Sangha would wake up on game-day and think, "I'd be happy to nick off early and sit the rest out." Although he scored a century in one game, the rest of his scores remained in the single digit. Suddenly, Sangha hated cricket.
His best friend, Joe Hart, and his family, rallied around him. His mum also moved the family back to Sydney, where she had set up a meeting for Sangha with Waverley College. So he and his mum set off for Sydney again. "We stuffed everythign we could into a car and headed to a flat in Belmore Road in Randwick," Sangha writes.
Things weren't easing up. Sangha's schedule remained very intense - he would be in the gym at 6 am three days a week, finish training, come home for breakfast and get to school. After school, he would to the nets in Moore Park to practice, do his homework and go to bed. Everybody had high expectations of the precocious young man, and he struggled to cope.
After he missed his sister's wedding, things hit crisis point. His mentor and manager, Bill Anderson sat with him that day and told him to take a break. As always, his friends, family and peers stood by him. Eventually, Sangha was hit by another truth - "I have been so selfish," he thought. "I haven't even thought about the impact I've been having on other people around me."
The turning point
The impact of Jason Sangha's mental health struggles on his family inspired him to make a ch ange. He walked to the Sikh temple in Blacktown, something he hadn't really done since moving back to Sydney. Through a series of small steps, he found his way out of the darkness, and also passed high school with flying colours.
In 2017, Sangha was chosen to captain Australia at the ICC Under-19 World Cup, along with Austin Waugh, son of former skipper Steve. He is also touted as one of Australia's most promising young players and in 2022, was named captain of Sydney Thunder ahead of the Big Bash League. Unfortunately, Sangha broke his collarbone during the first game, leading to a big loss for the team, who were bowled out for a doube digit score by the Adelaide strikers.
Sangha's story is one of perseverance and triumph over adversity. From humble beginnings in a financially constrained family, he embraced his passion for cricket against all odds. Battling mental health issues, balancing the pressures of success at a young age, and finding his place in a competitive sport, Jason Sangha has shown remarkable strength and determination. Through the highs and lows of his journey, he has emerged as a promising young cricketer, captaining Australia at the U-19 World Cup and earning recognition in the Big Bash League. And he has learned, the hard way that life is full of ups and downs and understands how to take both in his stride with hope and equanimity.
(December 22, 2022) Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty, who was crowned the national hardcourt tennis champion (women’s singles) 2021, was 11 when she first held a tennis racket in her hand. Calling herself an “accidental” tennis player, Shrivalli was introduced to the game at the Lal Bahadur stadium in Hyderabad. “I was just 11 years old and frankly, I only noticed the clothes of the kids who were playing at the stadium,” laughs the 20-year-old tennis star during an interview with Global Indian. “I told my father that I wanted to play because I also wanted to wear those clothes,” she adds. [caption id="attachment_25691" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty, tennis player[/caption] However, Shrivalli has come a long way since then. The right-handed tennis star, recently recorded twin victories as she entered the singles quarterfinals and doubles semi-finals of the Balaji Amines Solapur Open Women’s ITF $25K Tennis Tournament held in Solapur. The player is currently doing her degree at St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, has also won numerous titles, including ITF Women’s (doubles) $15000 – 2022 held in Gurugram. She was also a semi-finalist at the ITF Women’s (singles) $15000 – 2022, Ahmedabad. Making of a champion Born to two sports
ee at St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, has also won numerous titles, including ITF Women’s (doubles) $15000 – 2022 held in Gurugram. She was also a semi-finalist at the ITF Women’s (singles) $15000 – 2022, Ahmedabad.
Making of a champion
Born to two sports players – her father being a cricketer and mother a national-level basketball player – Shrivalli was always encouraged to play sports. “I was a very active child, mostly because my parents were into outdoor activities. My father, especially, is a sports freak. He encouraged me to pick up an extra-curricular activity in school,” shares the tennis star, who is also a trained Carnatic singer.
While she took part in various sports, including swimming and roller skating, tennis was her ‘one true love’. And once she started training, it did not take the coaches at the LB stadium much time to realise that Shrivalli was a gifted player.
“For the first year, I went to the stadium to just have fun. I was the most talkative kid in the stadium, who loved picking up balls more than hitting them,” she laughs, adding, “But one day when my father had come to pick me up, one of the coaches asked him if I would like to take up the sport professionally. After coming home, my father posed the same question. In fact, I remember he warned me that it would be a tough journey. I was about 12 years old and didn’t really understand what was so tough about playing tennis. So, I just said yes,” the tennis player recalls.
Even as she worked hard to win every tournament, she did not forget to enjoy her childhood. Although she was a good student, she was also a trouble-maker in class. “I was a notorious student. A few friends and I would bunk classes together. We would never leave the school premises, but we just would not attend the classes some times. Since I was very talkative, the teachers would sometimes even kick me out of the class. But I was a good student, my grades were really good. And I’d win gold in almost every tournament, so my teachers and principal were happy with me,” smiles the tennis champ.
When the going gets tough
During her initial years, the tennis player won several medals, including the national title 2014-15, and under-18 petit camp open doubles in Mauritius in 2016. However, like every player she had to face some tough losses as well. While she recognised her potential as a player, Shrivalli learnt a lot from the matches she couldn’t win.
[caption id="attachment_25692" align="aligncenter" width="649"] Shrivalli with her parents[/caption]
“I knew right from the beginning that I was able to do something extraordinary, something not everyone could do. As a junior, I wasn’t much of a performing kid. So, I would constantly put pressure on myself to perform well. And when I didn’t, the losses hit me very hard. Also, the other tennis players my age were performing really well, and I would inadvertently compare myself with them. In almost every tournament, even before the draw was out, I would freak out,” shares the young player.
For two years, Shrivalli constantly struggled with self-doubt which affected her game. Explaining how important it is to be mentally strong to win the games, the tennis player adds, “I did go to a psychologist subsequently and that helped me a lot. I started concentrating on my game more than the outcomes. So, as I moved towards my under-18s, my game improved a lot.” Her parents, Shrivalli says, were very supportive through her journey, and never once put pressure on her.
Olympic dreams
One of her biggest victories was defeating Rutuja Bhosale at the ITF $25K Pune R1 – 2021. That instilled a great deal of confidence in her. “I think all players feel nervous before a match. I do too. But I am confident now that I can play against, and defeat, any player,” remarks Shrivalli, who is very inspired by Novak Djokovic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXWeyVQPQls
Shrivalli dreams of representing India at the Olympics and works at her aspirations without compromise. Her day begins at 4.15 am and training continues for between five and six hours a day. And along the way, she hopes to win as many cups as she can for her country. “I will be participating in several upcoming national and international tournament. But a dream come true will be representing India at the Olympics and winning gold for the country,” says the tennis star, who loves cooking or baking in her free time.
(May 3, 2023) In 2020, a 20-year-old Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash broke human computer Shakuntala Devi’s record when he won India’s first ever gold medal at the Mental Calculation World Championship held in London. He wasn’t just the first Indian but also the first Asian to claim a gold and the BBC went on to report, “You could say Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash is to maths what Usain Bolt is to running.” This was his competition debut and Neelakantha managed to defeat 29 opponents from 13 countries. He was so fast that judges made him jump through more hoops and make even tougher calculations to confirm his extraordinary accuracy. Three years have passed since then and the Hyderabad based youngster has visited more than 23 countries, conducted more than 500 stage shows and impacted two million students with a mission to eradicate maths phobia. Neelakantha, who holds 50 Limca records for his extraordinary math calculations founded his company Bhanzu, a math ed-tech platform that aims to revolutionise the global math learning landscape. In 2022, Forbes featured the Global Indian in its 30 Under 30 Asia list, for making a difference to the math learning environment through his social entrepreneurship. [caption id="attachment_29720"
more than 500 stage shows and impacted two million students with a mission to eradicate maths phobia. Neelakantha, who holds 50 Limca records for his extraordinary math calculations founded his company Bhanzu, a math ed-tech platform that aims to revolutionise the global math learning landscape. In 2022, Forbes featured the Global Indian in its 30 Under 30 Asia list, for making a difference to the math learning environment through his social entrepreneurship.
Born in in Eluru in Andhra Pradesh, Neelakantha suffered a head injury in 2005, which left him bedridden for one year. However, instead of being bogged down by adversity, he picked up math and mental calculation as a hobby and worked to hone his skills. When he finally recuperated, he entered the competition circuit.
"My parents were told I might be cognitively impaired. So, I picked up mental maths calculations for survival, to keep my brain engaged," he told the BBC in an interview.
Over the years, the math stalwart has bagged many gold medals and has held world records for fast arithmetic calculations. He has also won the International Speed Math Championship '13 and the National Speed Math Championship '11 and '12. In 2015, he won the Math Genius Award.
After he graduated from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Public School (Vidyashram) Hyderabad, he went on to study at St. Stephen's College, Delhi and earned a BSc honours degree in Mathematics.
[caption id="attachment_29716" align="aligncenter" width="897"] Neelakantha with his trophies when he was 10 years of age[/caption]
Helping get rid of maths phobia
In one of his many TEDx talks Neelakantha asked the audience, “Why is maths something that we universally accept as important but are always consistently scared of?” It’s a phobia he hopes to remove from the minds of young students. Neelakantha has been working to make youngsters understand mathematics in such a way that they are able to engage with the subject more fully.
In the TEDx talk he remarked, “250 million students in India are currently in schools learning math. Out of these, more than 187 million students cannot do simple math calculations. It is not okay to be in a position where fundamental skills – literacy and numeracy are still not achieved.”
In order to inspire children and teach them to love mathematics, his company Bhanzu offers a special curriculum that makes math a fun activity, which is relatable and can be used in daily life.
Mental math is a sport, Neelakantha believes. He has trained his mind to think quickly, whether it is in Math or something else. He doesn’t, however, like to be called a prodigy, saying it is not an ability he was born with, but something he developed with hard work. As a child, he would spend over six hours a day practicing, after school.
“I look at it as "unstructured practise where I keep thinking about numbers all the time," he said in an interview."I practice with loud music on, when I’m talking to people, catching and playing cricket, because this is when your brain is being trained to do multiple things at the same time," he added.
Considering it his duty to promote math as something ‘enjoyable’ the math wizard is on a mission to ‘eradicate math phobia and explore infinite capabilities of the human brain’.
(March 25, 2023) About six days after her 18th birthday, Indian American activist Shiva Rajbhandari announced his candidacy for the Boise, Idaho School Board of Trustees elections earlier this year. And in a historic run, the young climate leader, who has been quite vocal about the various natural disasters, unseated the far-right 47-year-old incumbent. A climate change leader, activist, and prolific writer - this 18-year-old teenager is all that, and much more. According to the youngster, his win marks a much-needed, long-overdue change for Boise and represents the irrefutable power of young people mobilizing together to make a change. "I definitely did not expect to be running for office at this age. But I just came to realize how important it was to try to establish a student voice on the school board," the young leader said soon after winning the elections. "We don’t always get taken seriously as students. So, then it’s on us to take that responsibility on, to fight for our futures," he added. Recognised by Teen Vogue's ‘21 Under 21’, Shiva is a vocal gun violence prevention activist and has protested state policies aimed at restricting what students can learn. In fact, about three years back,
Recognised by Teen Vogue's ‘21 Under 21’, Shiva is a vocal gun violence prevention activist and has protested state policies aimed at restricting what students can learn. In fact, about three years back, when he was merely 15, he organised roughly 75 students to protest Chase Bank’s financing of fossil fuels. At 16, Shiva also confronted Idaho’s lieutenant governor, Janice McGeachin, about the task force she had set up to 'examine indoctrination in Idaho education'. Although he has had a long journey as an activist, the young leader believes that he is just getting started. “Activism takes place at the intersection of your interests, your skills, and your community's needs. From artists to writers to speakers to scientists, there is room for everybody in our movement,” the Global Indian said in his speech.
Coming of age
As a young boy, Shiva Rajbhandari would listen to his father quite intently talking about the climate crisis and how deforestation has affected tribal lives. And it wasn't long after that the teenager started running various campaigns against climate change, gun violence, and various other issues that plague society today. "As I grew in my activism, I began working for tribal justice, voting rights, and gun violence prevention,” the young leader, who started off working in climate activism, said during an interview, adding, "After a two-year long campaign to create a clean energy commitment and long-term sustainability plan in our school district, I decided to run for the school board.”
Suddenly, Chairman Skaug values student input it’s just that students in the legislature is a threat to parental rights. Yeah, we’re not buying it either. #LetStudentsSpeakpic.twitter.com/BiwBJIybV5
He got involved with school board politics while working with students across the school district at the Idaho Climate Justice League, organising a clean energy commitment and long-term sustainability plan for his schools. "In the Boise school district, energy is our second largest expenditure and we could save about half of that energy budget each year by 2030 with this long-term sustainability plan," he shared, adding, "I sent a letter to our school board president asking for a meeting. I didn't immediately get a response, but I know he read the letter because about a week later, I was called to my principal's office and reprimanded for reaching out to our board members. To me, that highlighted this lack of student involvement in educational decision-making in our school district. That was when I decided to run for the school board and change that."
The young leader wishes for students to be involved in all places where decisions are being made, but especially where decisions are being made in education. "As students, we are the primary stakeholders here – this is our education. But we were being told we didn’t belong in places where decisions about our education were being made. And so by the end of that meeting, I knew I wanted to run for the school board," he said.
The plans ahead
Inspired by the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, Shiva's top priority after winning the elections is working on establishing mental health counseling resources for the students - not just in his city or state, but the entire USA. "My top priority is mental health. We’re facing a mental health crisis. So, we need more counseling resources and need to destigmatise mental health in the classroom. And then, supporting teachers against these extremist attacks, and making sure they have the freedom to teach as they think is best, and feel respected. My teachers have given me the world – they are the reason I felt so empowered," the climate change leader said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBVmzJru7V4
A Young Climate Leader at the United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP27), held in Egypt, Shiva wishes to work more on creating awareness about the burning issue. "I have participated in several projects to create awareness about this issue for years now. Currently, I am working on how my school can transition away from fossil fuels to a more sustainable source of energy. In the coming years, however, I wish to take my knowledge to the world," the climate change leader said.
(April 30, 2024) Following in the footsteps of her father, Manoj Nelliyattu ‘M. Night’ Shyamalan, Ishana Night Shyamalan also graduated from his alma mater, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Similar to her father's journey, the Indian American youngster has turned into a filmmaker. She started her career by working on music videos and short films before stepping into the world of filmmaking. The 22-year-old, recently released the trailer of her debut feature film, ‘The Watchers,’ which boasts of an impressive star ensemble including Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Oliver Finnegan, and Olwen Fouere. Scheduled to hit theatres in June 2024, ‘The Watchers’ trailer went viral soon after its release. In her debut feature film Ishana has worked on a horror-themed narrative, a genre that her father is renowned for. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrhrNS0JFyg Influences in approach to cinema Although Ishana is deeply inspired by her father, she shared in an interview that a significant influence on her craft also comes from the works of Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. “I think like in my bones, I'm most inspired by Miyazaki,” she remarked adding, “Like I just think those have been the movies that throughout my life have moved me the most and
o comes from the works of Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. “I think like in my bones, I'm most inspired by Miyazaki,” she remarked adding, “Like I just think those have been the movies that throughout my life have moved me the most and they're very sacred things to me. So, in many ways, this was just like chasing the experience that I feel when I watch those movies, which is one of wonder and adventure and innocence in many ways.”
Wong Kar-wai, Hong Kong’s director, screenwriter and producer and Polish film director Krzysztof Kieślowski are some of the other filmmakers who have had an influence on Ishana’s approach to cinema.
Carrying forward the legacy
“From making shorts, to going to Tisch, to becoming one of our top writer/directors on ‘Servant’ (TV series) to this incredible moment of #TheWatchers in theatres this summer… Ishana has always made me very proud. And even better than making a dazzling film, she is a wonderful person,” tweeted her proud father. He had immigrated with his doctor parents from Pondicherry to the USA when he was six weeks old.
The New York University Tisch School of the Arts alumni graduated in 1992, adopting 'Night' as his second name during his time there. A blend of Eastern and Western influences in name extended to his three children, including Ishana.
Not the first father-daughter collaboration
It’s not the first time that the father-daughter duo has collaborated for a project. Ishana contributed to M. Night Shyamalan’s eerie Apple TV+ series ‘The Servant,’ as a writer and co-writer for 10 episodes and as director for six episodes. She also served as the second unit director for her father's box office hits, ‘Old’ (2021) and the recent ‘Knock at the Cabin’ (2023). Both the productions had topped the charts during their opening weekends.
While working with him, M. Night Shyamalan, Ishana, his middle daughter, inherited his knack and expertise for crafting suspense, thrills, and compelling drama. “The training from him has existed my whole life,” she remarked.
[caption id="attachment_37460" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Ishana Night Shyamalan at the sets of M Night Shyamalan's movie 'Old' (2021)[/caption]
For her directorial debut, Ishana adapted the screenplay from a novel by the Irish author A.M Shine who has written several literary horror masterpieces.
Talking about her adaptation Ishana remarked, “It’s a journey of suspense that hopefully leads into a feeling of wonder at the end. My hope is it’s an experience that plays on that sense of unease – then takes you to a bigger, wonderful place.”
Pursuing art to survive
Since she was a child Ishana was creatively inclined whether it was painting, ballet, poetry and even designing clothes.
“I’ve moved through different forms of art throughout my whole life and kind of later in life came to filmmaking. But there’s really been no other option in terms of my psyche – I’ve only felt that I need to be doing art to survive,” she remarked.
For nearly twenty years, Ishana and her family, including her siblings Saluki and Shivani, along with their parents Bhavna and their father, have lived in Ravenwood, a 1937 Georgian revival house nestled on a 125-acre estate in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Proudly, the father has also backed Ishana’s directorial debut through his production company, Blinding Edge Pictures.
(May 28, 2022) One of the world's most prestigious academic programmes, The Rhodes Scholarship is an international postgraduate award for students, giving them a chance to study at the University of Oxford. Established in 1903, it is the oldest postgraduate award and its scholars have made their mark around the world, becoming politicians, academics, scientists, authors and entrepreneurs. Famous Indian-origin Rhodes Scholars include Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal, economist Sanjeev Sanyal, member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, physician and Pulitzer-Prize winning author Siddharth Mukherjee, former deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Kannada playwright Girish Karnad. The 2022 scholars are a diverse and versatile lot, including doctors, scientists, researchers and innovators. Global Indian takes a look at some of the Indian and Indian-origin scholars who will head off to Oxford this year. Ritika Mukherjee [caption id="attachment_17322" align="alignleft" width="354"] Ritika Mukherji[/caption] Ritika was 19 when she was selected a Rhodes Scholar 2022, making her the youngest Indian to win the prestigious scholarship. She is one of the five winners from India. "I am interested in sleep physiology and the metabolic level studies of sleep patterns and related states," she told Rediff.com She's currently
Ritika was 19 when she was selected a Rhodes Scholar 2022, making her the youngest Indian to win the prestigious scholarship. She is one of the five winners from India. "I am interested in sleep physiology and the metabolic level studies of sleep patterns and related states," she told Rediff.com
She's currently working on a project that "studies sleep patterns of Northern elephant seals who come to breed on the beaches of California." The project is in collaboration with a team at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Encouraged by her teachers at Miranda House, along with a host of mentors and seniors, Ritika learned her academics and a set of professional work ethics, too. She is also the founder of InVoIMEnt (Internships, Volunteering, Mentorship, Entrepreneurship), to create opportunities for Indian undergraduates to be exposed to quality work experience. The young researcher intends to return to India and continue her study of interspecies sleep differences and hopefully, make a positive impact on animal conservation efforts.
[caption id="attachment_17321" align="alignright" width="379"] Varad Puntambekar[/caption]
Varad joined the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 2015, with an all-India rank of 15 in the entrance exam. After completing his MBBS, Dr Varad Puntambekar chose to work with community healthcare, becoming a public health fellow at SEARCH, instead of the tried and tested route through private hospitals.
He became part of NIRMAN, a programme under Society for Education, Action and Research in Community Health and arrived in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra for the first time. It was his chance to work at the grassroots and better his understanding of solving issues at the community level.
As a public health fellow, Varad has been part of preparing community guidelines for Covid-19, improving vaccine coverage in rural areas, providing clinical services in OPD and IPD, helping improve the quality of mental healthcare and training community health awareness on de-addiction in villages. He believes that working at the grassroot level is crucial for every doctor, in order to explore healthcare challenges in remote locations.
Varad has developed an innovative device to help screen congenital heart defects and hopes to pursue research on interventions for maternal and infant well-being at Oxford.
(Featured in the banner photo. Picture courtesy: Maya Burhanpurkar / Popular Science )
In November 2015, 400 PPM, a documentary on climate change, saw a quiet-ish online release. The narrator, Maya Burhanpurkar, then still in her teens, stands beside an ice fjord in the Arctic, capturing it melt on camera. The film also featured prominent Canadians like author Margaret Atwood, former astronaut Colonel Christopher Hadfield, the explorer Wade and Nobel Laureate Dr Brad Bass. The documentary was awarded the international Gloria Barron Prize and has been seen by over two million students around the world.
Today, at 23, Maya Burhanpurkar will head off to Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar this fall. The news came in late 2021, along with a congratulatory call from the prize committee, which included Donna Strickland, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics. Maya graduated summa cum laude with highest honours, a Technology and Innovation Fellow at Harvard Business School. She has also worked in investing, from early-stage VCs to public global macro and her academic background includes machine learning, autonomous technology, theoretical physics and fair AI.
Growing up in Ontario, Canada, Maya was ten when she built a microbiology lab in her family basement, where she would conduct her scientific experiments. In 2012, as she entered her teens, Maya's project on Alzheimer's disease won her the platinum award at a student-level science fair in Canada.
At Oxford, Maya plans on doing two master's degrees, one in Advanced Computer Science and the other in Philosophy of Physics.
A student of National Law University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata, Adrija Ghosh works as a research consultant on projects related to the death penalty at Project 39A, part of the National Law University Delhi. Her areas of interest include equality law and human rights law. Her research has involved the constitutionality of the marital rape exemption and the culture-based justifications for its retention. She also worked on citizenship rights issues, focussing on the Foreigners' Tribunals in Assam.
Adrija always knew she was academically inclined, she says in an interview. ( https://www.scconline.com/blog/post/2021/12/20/in-conversation-with-adrija-ghosh-on-winning-rhodes-scholarship/ ). At law school, she enjoyed research and writing, engaging logic and reason to build arguments.
She hopes to build on the research she has undertaken in India and on her skills as a lawyer, to use as tools to protect the rights of individuals and minorities.
Growing up in North York, Ontario, in what Aditi has described as "a racialised community in Toronto," she would see the disparities between the schools in her neighbourhood compared with others. As a child of immigrants, it was plain to her that their community fell short in terms of amenities. It stoked her interest in financial regulation and economic policy. This October, the Indian-origin scholar will head to Oxford University, one of 11 Canadians selected for the Rhodes scholarship. There, Sriram is looking at a masters of Public Policy and a master’s of science in public policy research at Oxford.
Currently an analyst at Good & Well, an impact investing firm, Aditi graduated from the University of British Columbia's Global Resource Systems Programme in 2016 as a Scace Loran Scholar. During her time at UBC, Sriram helped implement a mental health programme on campus, worked with non-profits in Africa and the UK, engaging with sex workers and injection drug users. She also travelled to France to study French and attended the International Students Summit on Food, Agriculture and Environment.
"I was initially interested in our education and social welfare systems and why those systems were failing our most vulnerable," she told the Loran Scholars Foundation. "The realisation that there is a strong profit motive for inequality to persist is my motivation to study public policy."
Sriram hopes to use her knowledge of economics and public policy to streamline the distribution of financial benefits across socioeconomic classes both locally and internationally.
(November 22, 2024) Achyuta Rajaram, a 17-year-old senior at Phillips Exeter Academy, stood on stage in Washington, D.C., shocked as his name was announced as the top winner of the 2024 Regeneron Science Talent Search. His project, which developed a method to identify the decision-making components of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, earned him the competition’s $250,000 prize. It was a moment of recognition for years of disciplined effort in understanding machine learning and pushing its boundaries. “When they called my name, I honestly thought I might faint,” Rajaram recalled. “By the time they announced the first runner-up, I had fully accepted that I wasn’t in the top ten. I was genuinely happy for my friends and ready to celebrate their success.” Instead, the recognition was his. The Regeneron Science Talent Search, often referred to as the “Junior Nobel Prize,” is one of the most prestigious STEM competitions in the United States. It challenges high school seniors to develop innovative projects while demonstrating academic versatility and depth. More than 2,000 students applied in 2024, competing in what organizers described as the largest entry pool since the 1960s. Addressing a key problem in AI research Rajaram’s project addresses a key problem in
Rajaram’s project addresses a key problem in AI research: understanding how models process information. While AI systems have become ubiquitous—generating images, diagnosing diseases, or driving cars—their decision-making processes often remain opaque. This lack of transparency creates risks, from unfair biases to dangerous misclassifications.
Rajaram’s method automates the identification of which parts of a model contribute to its decisions. “You can think of it like identifying which neurons in a human brain light up when you look at an image,” he explained. “Except here, it’s an algorithm, not a brain.”
This work is particularly relevant to image recognition models, which are used in applications ranging from facial recognition to autonomous vehicles. Rajaram tested his code on an open-source AI model and found that it helped resolve a significant flaw: misclassifying images when conflicting text appeared nearby. For instance, an image of a red traffic light labeled with the word “green” would sometimes be incorrectly identified as green. Rajaram’s method pinpointed and addressed the problem by isolating the components responsible for the misclassification.
“As AI models grow more complex, analyzing them manually becomes nearly impossible,” he said. “My goal was to create a tool that could automate this process, making these systems more reliable and safer to use.”
Early Influences and Support
Rajaram credits his interest in computer science to his parents, who both worked in software engineering. “My parents met while working at IBM in India,” he said. “From a young age, they encouraged me to be around computers and learn coding.” This foundation gave him the confidence to dive into complex concepts and experiment with emerging technologies.
At Phillips Exeter Academy, Rajaram quickly stood out for his academic curiosity and leadership. He co-leads the school’s physics, chemistry, and chess clubs while maintaining a rigorous schedule. His interest in AI grew during his freshman year when he noticed that much of the research focused on natural language processing, such as chatbots, rather than image-based AI models.
“I saw a gap in the research and wanted to explore it further,” he said. “Images are central to so many AI applications, yet we don’t fully understand how these models interpret visual data.”
Rajaram’s project required more than curiosity—it demanded time, discipline, and expert mentorship. He worked closely with Dr. Sarah Schwettmann at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, spending three days a week in her lab. Each week, he dedicated 25 to 30 hours to refining his code and testing its applications.
“Dr. Schwettmann’s guidance was invaluable,” he said. “She helped me think critically about the practical implications of my work and encouraged me to push the boundaries of what the project could achieve.”
[caption id="attachment_40516" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The winners of the 2024 Regeneron Science Talent Search[/caption]
A Practical Impact
The practical applications of Rajaram’s research extend far beyond the competition. His method could be used to improve the transparency of AI systems in industries like healthcare, finance, and transportation. For example, in medical imaging, his approach could help identify how algorithms diagnose diseases, ensuring that decisions are based on relevant features rather than spurious correlations.
“There’s so much at stake when it comes to AI,” he said. “Understanding how these systems work is the first step toward making them better.”
Rajaram is already looking ahead to the next phase of his research. After graduating from Phillips Exeter Academy, he plans to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he will major in computer science. His goal is to apply his method to a broader range of AI models, particularly those used in critical applications like autonomous driving and facial recognition.
“This is just one tool in a larger toolbox for understanding AI,” he said. “The more we know about how these models work, the more we can trust them—and improve them.”
Beyond the Lab
Despite his academic achievements, Rajaram finds time to enjoy the typical pursuits of a teenager. He is an avid jazz drummer and a devoted fan of chess, often competing in school tournaments. He also enjoys spending time with friends, frequently visiting local restaurants.
“My favorite dish is the honey spareribs at Szechuan Taste,” he shared with a smile. “It’s the best way to relax after a long week.”
His ability to balance rigorous academic work with extracurricular interests reflects a disciplined but grounded approach to life.
Advice for Aspiring Innovators
Achyuta Rajaram is aware that his achievement will inspire other young scientists, and he is quick to offer practical advice. “Be curious about everything, not just your chosen field,” he said. “The more you explore, the more you’ll find connections between different ideas. Most things become fascinating when you dig deep enough.”
He also emphasized the importance of persistence. “Research can be frustrating. There were times when my code didn’t work, and I felt stuck. But every failure taught me something new, and that’s what kept me going.”
A Future in AI
Rajaram’s work highlights the potential of young scientists to contribute to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. By improving the transparency and reliability of AI systems, his research addresses concerns that have long plagued the field.
His success at the Regeneron Science Talent Search is just the beginning. As he prepares to join MIT, Achyuta Rajaram remains focused on pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve—and ensuring it serves society responsibly.
“I want my work to have a real impact,” he said. “There’s so much we still don’t know about AI, and I’m excited to be part of the effort to change that.”
At a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, Rajaram’s contributions stand out for their clarity and purpose. His journey serves as a reminder of the importance of curiosity, discipline, and a commitment to understanding the systems that increasingly shape our world.
(December 8, 2023) When Surat’s Vinay Dharmik met ISRO chief S Somnath at a dinner hosted by the Embassy of India at Baku in Azerbaijan this year, he felt on top of the world. Being face-to-face with the ISRO chief, the heartthrob of the entire nation after the successful Chandrayaan mission, was a memorable experience. Vinay was at Baku, having earned the invitation to present his research paper at the 74th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), following his award-winning solution in the field of aeronautical sciences. [caption id="attachment_34478" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Vinay Dharmik with ISRO Chief S Somnath[/caption] “The 74th IAC was organised by the International Astronautical Federation and hosted by Azercosmos. More than 5,000 delegates from 110 countries participated. During the conference, I interacted with astronauts and even had the chance to take selfies and get their autographs,” the thrilled eighteen-year-old said, during an interview with Global Indian. The cow-dung project Vinay, who is currently taking a gap year, had worked on a group project in school as part of ATL Space Challenge, an all-India competition launched by NITI Aayog, ISRO and CBSE. In his team project, he came up with a hypothesis about shielding astronauts from galactic cosmic rays, using an unconventional
ipated. During the conference, I interacted with astronauts and even had the chance to take selfies and get their autographs,” the thrilled eighteen-year-old said, during an interview with Global Indian.
The cow-dung project
Vinay, who is currently taking a gap year, had worked on a group project in school as part of ATL Space Challenge, an all-India competition launched by NITI Aayog, ISRO and CBSE. In his team project, he came up with a hypothesis about shielding astronauts from galactic cosmic rays, using an unconventional material that would hardly cross anyone’s mind - cow dung. This out-of-the box idea was chosen as one of the 75 ATL winners from across the country, which saw participation from thousands of school kids of India.
After winning the award, Vinay took a leap forward, delved deeper into his research and pursued hard to finally find an opportunity to collaborate with CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru and scientists from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai.
The innovative idea that involved cow dung, a material rich in cultural significance, showcased not only scientific promise but also highlighted the value of unconventional resources in interdisciplinary research. This led the acceptance of Vinay’s request by the two esteemed organizations to support and conduct further research on his award-winning idea.
[caption id="attachment_34479" align="aligncenter" width="739"] Vinay Dharmik at Baku[/caption]
While CSIR-NAL helped him in fabricating composites, BARC helped in radiation study, radiation blocking experiments and evaluation of the composites.
“I had sought guidance from CSIR-NAL for exploring the basics of composites, matrix and reinforcements, suitable binders, various resin systems, and fabrication methods in coming up with the fabrication of cow dung composites using an epoxy resin system,” Vinay remarked adding, “While they provided technical expertise, the experience was new for them too.”
When it came to evaluation of the radiation shielding efficacy of his composites, he turned to guidance from scientists of BARC in Mumbai.
With the help of BARC scientists Vinay was able to conduct further radiation studies. His dedication towards a cost effective solution eventually earned him an invitation to present his work at the 74th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), a prestigious event held in Baku this year.
The Baku experience
When Vinay learned about the International Astronautical Congress, he submitted his research paper on the cost-effective, light-weight and effective solution of shielding astronauts from galactic cosmic rays, and was thrilled to get an invitation to present his paper.
[caption id="attachment_34508" align="aligncenter" width="624"] Vinay Dharmik with astronauts at IAC[/caption]
Travelling to Baku proved to be a milestone in the youngster’s life as it happened to be his first foreign trip and that too earned on his own merit. “At IAC I was appreciated for being one of the youngest presenters and the sole author of the research paper that I presented,” he said.
The experience at the IAC has further fuelled the Surat boy’s determination to break barriers of coming from a small town where there is lack of opportunities and support, and aspire towards his dreams. “I want to aid humanity to thrive as an interplanetary species by becoming an astronaut or an engineer,” he remarked adding, “I want to make space tourism and colonization more accessible to people.”
Grateful for support
Grateful for the support that he has received, Vinay remarked, “I attribute my success to the invaluable assistance provided by CSIR-NAL and BARC. Their support allowed me to take my research to new heights. I am especially grateful to Nitin Bhosale Sir from BARC, who has played a significant role in my journey, and guided me in coming up with the research paper.”
The collaboration with scientific institutions has not only honed his technical skills but has given Vinay loads of confidence.
The Surat boy looks forward to the fall of 2024 when he will be flying to the USA on a scholarship he earned to pursue Aerospace Engineering at the University of Miami. His achievements stand as a testament to the power of perseverance and the virtues of relentless dedication towards one's dreams.