Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveThe physics of desi vegan: PhD student Anjali Harikumar’s insta handle a boon for plantarians

The physics of desi vegan: PhD student Anjali Harikumar’s insta handle a boon for plantarians

Written by: Zara Xavier

(May 1, 2022) Her kale pancakes are the rage, her kuzhi paniyaram got 2.6 million views while her vegan rasmalai got 13k likes. Yet, the sprightly, irreverently funny vegan instagrammer Anjali Harikumar – or Beextravegant is actually a physicist by profession. Not your average deep-in-her-books kinda girl, though. Currently based in Grenoble, France, Anjali is a PhD candidate working at a government lab on nanophotonics. Beyond all manner of particles, Anjali took her proclivity towards particles of a more wholesome healthy gourmet nature with Beextravegant, that creates vegan Indian recipes. With 78.7k followers, 157 vlogs (and counting) oddly enough, the vegan physicist dabbles as a freelance videographer, sharing desi recipes on her love for all forms of plantains (yes bananas), all the while being inundated with tips on doing a PhD abroad!

Gourmet Expert | Anjali Harikumar | Global Indian

Anjali Harikumar, physicist and vegan instagrammer

The academically-inclined Anjali decided on stem as was expected for a smart student even though she wasn’t really convinced. “Now, I love it. The field I work in is so interesting with so much to do in it,” says the PhD student, who works on UV lamps and lasers, in an interview with Global Indian. After MTech from Amity Noida in 2018, the physicist-turned-vegan gourmet studied nanotechnology. “It is the present and the future, so much of everything we use today is controlled by nanotechnology. It’s something so small, literally intangible, but something so powerful,” the physicist explains.

Craving for vegan

From nano tech to ingredient sourcing, especially for a vegan, it was despite Anjali’s dislike for cooking! Admitting sheepishly that she couldn’t cook, her 70k-odd followers on instagram turn cliches on the head, as she is now an expert. Of course, her rebellious nature was also tamed when it was a matter of survival. “I never liked societal rules – how women were associated with cooking – thus I never wanted to learn. Then, I realised that it was a skill I actually needed,” Anjali laughs.

From Kerala, the armed forces kid was brought up across India – Rajasthan, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra and even Jammu & Kashmir. “It was super interesting to be able to experience so many different cultures. It made me extremely adaptable,” quips the happy-go-lucky vegan physicist who does not find moving to new places daunting. Her, father, an Air Force officer, she feels, is the reason she is independent, speaks her mind, and is fearless. “I was able to start social media, endure hate comments, and persevere because of the confidence he gave me,” she adds.

Her mother, a teacher, instilled compassion and kindness in her which also led her to question her choices. It eventually led her to veganism. Her “super brainiac” younger brother, “is doing a triple major in computer science, mathematics and physics,” and she is grateful for the closeness they share.

The animal loving physicist, inspired by her mother, wanted to reduce animal cruelty, and spread awareness of being ethical towards animals.

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A post shared by Anjali | Vegan recipes 🇮🇳🇪🇺 (@beextravegant)

Thus began an odyssey of stutters and starts to learn cooking, and soon mastering it. Her first was a simple burnt rice and potatoes at university, soon she became a reputed vegan influencer – promoting vegan Indian food with incredibly simple and delicious recipes.

This was also the time the world over, people ventured into the kitchen during the pandemic-induced lockdowns, to reconnect with food. During the first lockdown, Anjali started an Instagram account featuring vegan Indian recipes – Beextravegant. “The West has a dominant vegan community, and thus the food is unfamiliar to Indians. I wanted to make classic Indian dishes vegan, and promote our culture too,” Anjali explains. With her PhD. thesis coming to a close, the amatuer videographer hopes to take her vegan lifestyle to a reel life too – Her vision is to start a YouTube channel, featuring recipes, editing hacks, and more.

Consistent and persistent in physics and the kitchen

“A vegan diet has so many benefits, but it can also be quite dangerous if it is not balanced,” cautions the vegan physicist who learnt from her own experience. Unaware initially, when she cut animal products from her diet, she lost a majority of her protein intake, along with essential nutrients found in meat and dairy. “I’d recommend cutting out animal protein with vegan replacements like chickpeas, kidney beans, and more. Also, take supplements of certain nutrients,” Anjali explains (with consultation from a nutritionist, of course). Any tips? Stressing on consistency, “Don’t feel pressured to turn completely vegan on the first day, it will take time, don’t beat yourself for slipping up,” she adds.

The vegan physicist believes that, “failure is a stepping stone to success, be consistent and persistent.” Eight months after applying for a PhD, and two years of developing her vegan conversations on Instagram, it’s a mantra she follows herself.

Follow Anjali Harikumar on Instagram and YouTube

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Published on 01, May 2022

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Indian child mountaineer: Bal Puraskar awardee Virat summits Mt Kilimanjaro, it’s Mt Kosciuszko next

(February 1, 2022) Standing stop a mountain peak, covered with a blanket of clouds is a fantasy for children. Virat Chandra Telukunta is no different. His favourite cartoon show — Doraemon - a fictitious character in Japanese manga would transport him to the mountains and back, even as he sat comfortably in his living room. Yet, unlike most children his age, the then seven-year-old decided to live his dream. A video call from his cousins trekking in Uttarakhand triggered his interest, and left a lasting impression. What followed was intense physical and mental training. Finally, he did the unthinkable for one so young. He went on to become the youngest person to conquer the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro - the tallest mountain in Africa. The rare feat not only brought the Indian child mountaineer laurels but also the Pradhan Mantri Bal Puraskar Award, given to children (five to 18 years of age) with exceptional abilities and outstanding achievements. “The moment I was standing on the mountain peak covered with clouds, the only image on my mind was of Doraemon’s Nobita (a fictional character) and his friends jumping over the clouds,” laughs Virat, now eight. He was the only person from the state of Telangana

oment I was standing on the mountain peak covered with clouds, the only image on my mind was of Doraemon’s Nobita (a fictional character) and his friends jumping over the clouds,” laughs Virat, now eight. He was the only person from the state of Telangana among 29 others to have been selected for the prestigious award handed over virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently.

An Indian child mountaineer finds his ‘calling’

“It was very cold there, my body ached. All I wanted to do is achieve my goal, come what may,” beams Virat in an exclusive with Global Indian. It took six days for the Indian child mountaineer to summit. At one point during his climb, the child confesses, he was bored so he spiced it up with many breaks!

An inspiration to all, Virat is grateful for that video call in 2020 from his relatives in Uttarakhand. “I had just finished my online classes and my mother was feeding me when Karthik anna (brother) and Vaishu akka (sister), who were trekking Rudugaira mountains, call, sharing their experiences and the vista. I was fascinated by the mountains instantly and decided that I too wanted to climb mountains. That's it, I had a lengthy discussion with my parents who agreed,” informs the Indian child mountaineer, a class III student of Gitanjali Devshala School in Hyderabad.

His father Sharat Chandra approached Bharat Tammineni, a mountaineer who runs Boots and Crampons, a Hyderabad-based academy to train trekking enthusiasts. “Bharat Sir first did a physical evaluation. I started training on December 15, 2020,” informs the excited Indian child mountaineer. Then began the rigorous training. The Hyderabad lad would run for 6-7 km every day, do Suryanamaskars, sit-ups, meditation and breathing exercises (anulom-vilom and kapal bhaati) and mock-climbed the Moulali Fort, supervised by Bharat and others. “I got a chance to prove my mettle when I participated in a 5k run. After successfully completing it, Bharat Sir told me I was ready, and he chose Mount Kilimanjaro,” informs Virat.

The road to Mount Kilimanjaro for the Indian child mountaineer

Training completed, Virat, his parents and coach left for South Africa on February 28, 2021. Once formalities were done, they proceeded with the trek on March 5. The first stop was Mandara hut at an elevation of 2,720 metres (approximately 28,000 steps). After spending the night there, the next day, they left for Horombo hut at 3,720 metres. “Enroute to Horombo hut, I was bored, and taking short breaks so my parents shared some inspirational stories (to motivate me). We reached Horombo hut by evening, and spent two nights there,” recalls Virat, whose parents accompanied him till Horombo hut. Thereafter, his parents bid the Indian child mountaineer goodbye, and he undertook the arduous trek to Kibu hut at an elevation of 4,720 metres. “This journey was very challenging,” informs Virat, who overcame multiple challenges - extreme weather and body wear and tear.

The following day, Virat woke up at 3.40 am and undertook the last leg of his journey. “It was a foggy day with heavy winds and snowfall. After trekking for hours, we reached the summit. I couldn’t believe what I saw. Clouds everywhere, and I was standing on top of it (images of Doraemon flitting past),” says Virat, eyes bright recalling seeing a rainbow for the first time. The Indian child mountaineer's descent to his anxious parents waiting at Horombo hut was good. “On seeing me, my mother broke down and hugged me real tight,” smiles the child, whose name has been recorded in the Asian Book of Records and Indian Book of Records for his feat. “Thereafter, I got so many gifts,” smiles the super trooper who stuck to his usual diet comprising Indian food while summiting Kilimanjaro.

Next is Australia for the Indian child mountaineer

Now, the Indian child mountaineer, Virat is enthused, “I am preparing to climb Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in Australia. Bharat Sir suggested it,” pipes Virat, who otherwise likes playing guitar, reading, cricket, skating and even dancing. “My target is to climb all the highest mountain peaks in the world before I turn 10,” pipes Virat, who has participated in many competitions - storytelling, fancy dress, shloka recitation, cycling and running race. One can even find the little lad cooking with his mother on occasion.

Named Virat, the Hyderabad boy says his mother came across the name reading Satyarth Prakasam. “Another reason is that the last letters of my parents name adds up to Virat,” smiles the Indian child mountaineer, an October 2013 born.

Reading Time: 5 mins

His brother’s keeper: Yash Gandhi Foundation leads the way in I-Cell disease research

(December 7, 2022) Yash Gandhi was eleven months old, the much-adored firstborn son of Ash and Sonal Gandhi, when he was diagnosed with a rare, terminal disease. He wouldn't make it past the age of five, doctors said, and there was nothing anyone could do. Shattered, his parents scoured the internet for information and answers, finding none. Their search for solace led to the creation of the Yash Gandhi Foundation in 2001, which has, over the years, given out sizeable grants for I-Cell research and has reached hundreds of thousands of people across over a dozen countries. In 2016, their younger son, Kavi Gandhi, took over the foundation and has been running it since, determined to keep his brother's memory alive. To fight another day What they did find, however, was stories - hundreds of them, all similar to their own. The internet was full of devastated parents who, instead of allowing grief to debilitate them, were determined to fight for their kids instead. In some cases, these struggles even resulted in a miracle cure. That was how the idea for the Yash Gandhi Foundation first came about. "With the clock against us, we knew that any work we did

rmined to fight for their kids instead. In some cases, these struggles even resulted in a miracle cure. That was how the idea for the Yash Gandhi Foundation first came about. "With the clock against us, we knew that any work we did was unlikely to benefit Yash, but to us, it didn't matter," Ash and Sonal Gandhi write, on the Yash Gandhi Foundation website. "What was most important was that we could make a difference and prevent another family from going through what we were at the time."

[caption id="attachment_25140" align="aligncenter" width="1620"] The founders of the Yash Gandhi Foundation, Kavi Gandhi with his family. Photo: Twitter[/caption]

Handing over the reins

Today, the Foundation is run by their second son, Kavi Gandhi, now a student at Davidson College. In three years, they raised $460,000 to aid I-Cell research, to prevent the disease that claimed his brother's life from taking another. I-cell disease is caused by a genetic mutation and is a rare, inherited metabolic disorder "characterised by coarse facial features, skeletal abnormalities and mental retardation," according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders. Children with I-cell disease show delayed development of gross and fine motor skills, hearing loss, lack of muscle tone and growth delays.

The Gandhis ran their foundation, the only one in the world for I-Cell, for 15 years. In 2013, they even climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for their cause. Three years later, however, they believed the time had come to close the foundation. Their 13-year-old son, Kavi, was not happy to hear the news. After giving it a few days of thought, he announced to his parents that he was going to revive the foundation and run it himself, in memory of his brother.

Growing up with Yash

Only two years younger than Yash Gandhi, the family's trauma impacted Kavi too. He recalls a slew of hospital trips, and watching his brother hooked up to oxygen tanks and walkers. "We were really close like a lot of siblings are at that age," Kavi said. "A lot of my memories are from playing with him and spending time together. Those six years, I've definitely cherished and still retained a lot of those memories."

When Yash passed away in 2009, the family created the Yash Gandhi Foundation. "Losing my sibling was probably one of the most formative experiences for me... the foundation is a way to transform the grief I felt with my brother into really honouring his memory and preserving that," Kavi remarked.

[caption id="attachment_25141" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Kavi Gandhi was named the 2018 Global Genes RARE Champion of Hope for Teen Advocacy[/caption]

At the frontier of I-Cell disease research

Since he took over the foundation in 2006, Kavi has worked to connect with other families who have been impacted by I-Cell and has raised nearly half a million dollars towards ML II research. In 2020, Kavi interned at the Greenwood Genetic Center to study the disease in human and zebrafish cells. The young Global Indian is a 2021 John M Belk Scholar at Davidson College, where he is doing his undergraduate degree in Public Health, with a Minor in Hispanic studies. He's also a member of the university's jazz ensemble.

In 2018, Global Genes named Gandhi the 2018 Global Genes RARE Champion of Hope for Teen Advocacy. Every year since 2012, the Yash Gandhi Foundation has issued research grants - in 2020, a smiling Kavi, standing with his parents, announced a $130,000 grant, their largest to date, to Dr Richard Street at the Greenwood Genetic Centre and Dr Stuart Kornfield of Washington University.

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Meet Zara Xavier, the young leader uplifting underprivileged students by bridging the digital divide

(March 7, 2023) 'Education', they say, 'is the base of any great nation'. However, in today's technology-driven world, underprivileged students find it quite difficult to keep up with the rapid rate of innovation. The inability to access technology has deprived several youngsters of essential resources, impacting the quality of their education. Helping bridge this growing digital divide is sixteen-year-old Zara Xavier, who works to provide digital literacy to underprivileged students under the 'Know More School' campaign. Over 13,737 students have benefitted from the youngster's initiatives thus far. [caption id="attachment_28387" align="aligncenter" width="742"] Over 13,737 students have benefitted from the 'Know More School' campaign thus far[/caption] "My parents started the Know More School (KMS) in 2015, an organisation under which they set up free-to-use computer labs at three underprivileged schools intending to help those students become digital citizens," shares the young leader, as she connects with Global Indian, adding, "I joined KMS during the pandemic and started helping in making small changes to the syllabus being taught at the school already under the organisation. However, eventually, I started getting more and more interested in the work the foundation was doing. I wanted to scale up the project to create more social impact.

leader, as she connects with Global Indian, adding, "I joined KMS during the pandemic and started helping in making small changes to the syllabus being taught at the school already under the organisation. However, eventually, I started getting more and more interested in the work the foundation was doing. I wanted to scale up the project to create more social impact. That was when I decided to explore more schools and get them on board with us."

The 16-year-old student of the International School Hyderabad, who is also a student ambassador in her school, recently set up a computer lab at the New Bloom High School in the city, which is not only helping the students learn the basics of digital literacy but is also providing various coding lessons to set them up for success in the future.

"I feel it is important for the kids to learn technology skills, which can help them get a good education or work opportunity in the future. In a highly tech-based world, these young children lack the basic digital skills to get by and are at a huge disadvantage. I changed a lot of the school syllabus as I found that it was outdated and wasn't going to be useful to the student. I also wanted to make the classes more hands-on, where the students have the liberty to explore the computer programmes by themselves," says the young leader, who regularly visits the schools, plans innovative quarterly camps, conducts meetings with the teachers, and manages the school with a full-time KMS manager. Currently, over 2500 students from grades I to X attend three classes per week in each KMS lab, amounting to 12 classes per month and 636 per year.

Leading the way

Zara recalls the experience of identifying an underprivileged school for the organisation. "I remember when I first visited the school, I was just looking around and noticed that all the kids there were quite friendly. I really like the energy of the school," she says. "There are about 600 students at the New Bloom High School, so it is smaller than the other schools that we have under the Know More School campaign. But what really motivated me to pick this school was the excitement of the students here to learn and the fact that they were hard-working. Once we finalised the school, we went ahead with designing the lab, getting the computers, and then finding a teacher who would not only teach, but also encourage the kids to explore and learn on their own."

[caption id="attachment_28167" align="aligncenter" width="649"] Zara with student at the New Bloom High School[/caption]

Through this young leader's initiative, thousands of underprivileged students now have access to various online classes being conducted across the globe, and they can also access resources available on the net for any educational research, instead of relying only on their textbooks. Students are also taught computer basics including Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), editing documents, making posters, videos and podcasts, and the fundamentals of developing a website. The new syllabus designed by Zara provides students access to platforms like Khan Academy, BBC Bitesize, Google Colab, and Canva which help the students broaden their horizons.

Despite being busy with her own schoolwork, Zara makes sure to physically visit the school every 10 days. "One of the things that bothered me when we started the new computer lab was if it was making the impact we intended for. And the only way to find that out was to go and visit these labs once every week. While other volunteers do a tremendous job at ensuring the kids learn something new every time, I like to be there as often as I can to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Even if I am very busy, I still find time to make sure and visit the labs and hang out with the kids there," the young leader says.

Zara has been involved in various volunteering activities since she was a young child. Motivated by her parents, Sabina and Xavier Augustin - who are engaged in numerous non-profit projects - the young leader feels that being able to help other people is also a privilege. "My parents have taught me to be grateful for all we have in our lives, and that we have to make efforts to give back to the community. So, I have been involved in various volunteering activities since I was young, including raising funds for the Heal-a-Child Foundation, which helps save the lives of sick children from very poor families," she says. In 2021, Zara joined the “Angels of Heal-a-Child’ programme and raised funds from friends and family to pay for the treatment of poor and critically ill newborns.

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A post shared by Know More School (@knowmoreschool)

But it is not just her parents that this young leader is inspired by. "Many of my friends are also volunteering or running campaigns for various causes, and that inspires me a lot. As a generation, we are aware of the various issues plaguing our society and are ready to take things into our own hands and explore various solutions to help society at large," shares the young leader, who also raised funds to provide over 1000 PPE kits for front-line medical workers at high risk during the first and second COVID waves in the country.

The road ahead

Passionate to give all the students an equal education platform, the young leader is also planning on including more schools under KMS. In fact, only last month, Zara and two of her friends - Bhavani and Manya - organised a week-long coding camp for around 20 kids, who were taught the basics of Python.

"We recently started organising coding camps for the kids at our school to help them learn various coding languages and platforms, which is a skill so much in demand these days. Next, we are working on establishing libraries at the schools to ensure that the kids can access various educational resources free of cost. I also pick up ideas from various places during my travels. I remember seeing 3D printed eco-schools in Dubai during my visit there, and would really like to do something like that with KMS," says Zara, who is also the editor-in-chief of her school newspaper, and recently attended the summer programme at the New York Times.

[caption id="attachment_28388" align="aligncenter" width="529"] The new syllabus designed by Zara provides students access to platforms like Khan Academy, BBC Bitesize, Google Colab, and Canva[/caption]

Always driven, Zara - who is currently working on organising the first ISH TEDx at the Hyderabad-based T-Hub - plans on starting her own business after finishing her education. "I am going to graduate from school next year, and after that, I want to go to study eco or business management," she says.

While she wants to start a profitable organisation, this young leader is quite conscious about creating a positive impact through all her initiatives. "Once I graduate, I plan on coming back to India and setting up a social enterprise. One area of entrepreneurship in which I am very interested is edtech. I would really like to explore ways to make education and various learning resources available and accessible to all. As much as I would like to make a profit and monetise an idea, I would still want to help those who are in need," shares Zara.

Follow Zara Xavier on LinkedIn
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Reading Time: 7 mins

Jeeva Senthilnathan: The Indian American 2021 Global Teen Leader steering change

An Indian girl is hoping to change the unbearable plight of being in Colorado - through leadership, mental health awareness, and as a voice against sexual harassment. Even though it has not been even sailing for Jeeva Senthilnathan, the 18-year-old from Chicago, Illinois, she has persevered. Today, as a global teen leader, game changer and leader for the community at Parker, Colorado, Jeeva continues to inspire. Winner of the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) STAR Scholarship, the National Honor Society Top 24 Scholarship (the only student from Colorado), and lauded by the Nile Rodger’s We Are Family Foundation, the introvert is an activist at heart . The girl who ran for Parker Town Council, and a former council member at one time is now focusing on helping Afghans in the US seek asylum, and getting them to register to vote. Among her most fulfilling endeavors, is starting Privando, an organization that works to solve the deep-seated malaise when it comes to sexual harassment and the rape crisis in India. She researched on mental health used electroencephalography (EEG) waves to identify cognitive abilities, levels of motivation, and consciousness in teenagers. Inspired by the emergency blue lights boxes used on university campuses to

EEG) waves to identify cognitive abilities, levels of motivation, and consciousness in teenagers. Inspired by the emergency blue lights boxes used on university campuses to create a gadget that creates a network for women to receive help in life-threatening or unsafe situations, Jeeva tells Global Indian, “We mobilized young women in India from village huts to city slums to build a coalition that would not only fight against such incidents, but also create a private network for victims to heal. Privando has been able to obtain $5,000, and is currently working on developing wearable technology: it has saved more than 1,000 women from human trafficking.”

Rooted in India

Her mother, a microbiologist from Chennai, and father, a software developer from Vellore, immigrated to the US in 1998. From Ohio, to Illinois, and finally Colorado, the Senthilnathans were in search of a job for her mother. Learning how it was to be discriminated due to race and color, her “very White school” lacked diversity. She was bullied frequently, and unable to cope, she developed hypothyroidism in second grade, was on medication, and battled depression in sixth grade. “I was quiet, known as the ‘goody-two shoes’ in school. I wasn’t good at public speaking as I lacked confidence,” she says. Taking the challenge head on, she started debating through high school, regardless of the brickbats, sneers, and laughs. Now, the bespectacled girl’s gentle smile exudes wisdom, “I worked hard on issues I cared about, and concentrated on no one but myself. I was my only competition.”

Today, she feels integrated (tied to her Indian roots) rather than assimilated (Americanized). Having parents that helped her believe, and persevere helped her change her circumstances, and life. She and her elder sister Lakshmi Priya saw their parents working long hours. “It helped me challenge myself. I understood the hardships they went through to give us better lives. I realized that I have to work hard to give meaning to my parents’ struggles. Now, I have decided to not work under anyone. I want to lead by becoming my own boss,” she declares.

Turning the spotlight on mental health

Working on mental health started in high school, and while working at Colorado State Capitol in state representative Tom Sullivan’s office, Jeeva saw states passing a legislation on students having to take off mental health days. This made her question America’s standard of education.

“My research became even more important after my greatest mentor, best friend and big brother Jai Rajagopal lost his battle against depression during my first run for office. I will always be thankful to Jai because he lifted me to greater heights unequivocally, and took good care of me in the most difficult times. My first government job was also because of Jai, and I will remember him every time I run for a new office,” Jeeva says.

Covid warrior

During COVID-19 Jeeva started a donation drive to provide oxygen cylinders and oxygen tanks to prepare of India’s third wave, with the Privando team. Jeeva also helped fund students from the High School Democrats of America with online training on larger campaign positions and winning strategies with 10 hours paid work with the help of a grant from Blue Future, an organization that helps mobilize young people to work on campaigns within America. “I took leadership to provide students a stipend while working for a state race – House District 44 in Colorado. I wanted to provide a virtual opportunity for students who needed experience for college applications,” she adds.

Speaking against gun violence while she was working on her first campaign with Simone Aiken (who ran for House District 44 in 2018), and at Tom Sullivan’s office, she explains, “The Extreme Risk Protection Order, also known as ERPO and Red Flag Law, was the legislation inputted to take away firearms temporarily from the mentally ill. The legislation was opposed by Sullivan’s Republican colleagues, though Republican Sherriff Tony Spurlock favored it, and stressed the need for the legislation to assist the police force.”

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAePNe1hhpE[/embed]

Empowering women

The PEO STAR Scholar at Littleton (Colorado), is using Privando to empower women, and is the only student in Colorado to be the National Honor’s Society Finalist, a Top 24 Scholar, for which she was awarded $5,625.

As part of the Global Teen Leader program, she worked with over 40 global teen leaders in the summer of 2021 and bounced off new progressive ideas. Jeeva formed a deep friendship with Malawian Chmba Chilemba, Youth To The Front Manager, and facilitator for the Just Peace Summit. “She is an inspiration – so sincere, working hard to solve child marriages in Africa. She DJs in her free time,” she adds.

She is grateful that Colorado Early College Parker (high school) helped her focus on important matters – she received college credits, an associate’s degree for a guaranteed transfer at Colorado School Of Mines. “I was given $2,100 per semester as a full-time student allowing me to pay for half of my bachelor’s degree when I transferred my courses at CECP,” says the mechanical engineering student.

Eye on the future

A voracious reader, Jeeva loves sitting in libraries, devouring books, or watching Netflix. The adrenaline seeker can be seen car racing in Colorado. Next on Jeeva’s to do list is to continue to spread Privando’s reach, finish an MBA and Juris Doctorate. “I have a dream to run for Congress once I turn 25, in the House of Representatives.” Solemn advice? “This world is an ugly place, and our earlier generations created a competitive lifestyle. Students trying to find their way should not forget to live life to the fullest. Make families, education, and being your own boss in something passionate a priority. Stop comparing, focus on yourself. I would love to guide anyone (jeeva4parker.com).

High goals for a girl whose mentors – former state representative Jonathan Singer, Emily Hiltz, and Lindsey Rasmussen instilled in her belief and purpose.

Follow Jeeva Senthilnathan on Twitter and Instagram

Reading Time: 8 min

Jasraaj Singh: Embracing the road less travelled in Australian rural medicine

(April 20, 2024) When Jasraaj Singh gained admission to the University of Melbourne's medical school, her initial ambition was to become a neurosurgeon. However, she soon discovered her true passion for rural medicine. Due to her dedication to rural healthcare and the significant contributions she made in this field, the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) honoured her with the Medical Student of the Year Award in 2022. Since 2006, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and RDAA have been recognising the achievements and commitment of medical students working in rural and remote health. This annual award honours the most deserving candidate who has demonstrated a strong passion and commitment to rural healthcare. [caption id="attachment_37298" align="aligncenter" width="470"] Jasraaj Singh[/caption] “I was over the moon when I found out that I have been chosen for the award,” the Indian-origin healthcare expert said in a podcast. “By being part of the Extended Rural Cohort and moving from one rural place to another and getting a broad and interesting rural clinical experience, and exposure to the awesome rural communities was great. And then getting the RDAA Medical Student of the Year Award was a super proud moment,” she said. The

ve been chosen for the award,” the Indian-origin healthcare expert said in a podcast. “By being part of the Extended Rural Cohort and moving from one rural place to another and getting a broad and interesting rural clinical experience, and exposure to the awesome rural communities was great. And then getting the RDAA Medical Student of the Year Award was a super proud moment,” she said.

The joy of working for rural healthcare

Born in Nambour on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Jasraaj grew up on a macadamia nut farm at Didillibah, a semi-rural locality in the Sunshine Coast Region. At school she undertook a voluntary work at a local children’s hospital, which sparked her interest in the field of medicine.

“Being in that hospital environment and seeing the doctors, nurses and the allied health teams all working together with families and patients to help them get better was inspiring.” It left an indelible mark on the impressionable mind and Jasraaj realised that this is what she would like to do when she grows up – to take care of patients as a doctor.

Later, when she went to medical school, she got the opportunity to be part of the Extended Rural Cohort. As part of the University of Melbourne's commitment to rural health, the Melbourne Medical School launched a Rural Pathway option within the MD programme. Hailing from a semi-rural locality in Australia, Jasraaj calls herself ‘a country girl at heart’. She felt drawn towards this option and ended up falling in love with rural healthcare, becoming totally immersed in it.

Jasraaj completed all her medical training in rural areas since the second year of her medical degree, including some internship opportunities at the interiors of Shepparton, Wangaratta, Ballarat and Bendigo.

[caption id="attachment_37296" align="aligncenter" width="740"] Jasraaj Singh while receiving the award[/caption]

“It has been such a rewarding, eye-opening and exciting adventure. I strongly believe all healthcare students should be undertaking rural placements in some way, shape or form,” she remarked.

While working at Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land, she developed a deep appreciation for the ‘incredible skill set’ of generalist doctors working in remote communities.

“I have had the opportunity to meet incredible and inspiring people, undertake hands-on and practical clinical placements, become part of rural and remote communities across Australia, and develop my clinical and life experiences along the way,” she shared.

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Misconception – excitement and real medicine exists in cities only

Not all students studying in big towns opt to work in rural settings. They do not find that exciting enough. “I aim to challenge the common misconception that all the excitement and ‘real medicine’ happens in the city,” remarked the youngster.

Based on her own experiences, she has come to realise that rural settings offer much more than commonly believed. She firmly believes that this segment provides a diverse range of learning opportunities for medical professionals.

“You get exposure to all different sorts of things and quite a balancing act is required for what you are often dealing with. There are sometimes complex social issues such as geographical isolation, issues with health literacy - and so there's a lot to unpack. It's a challenging but really interesting space, I think to work in.”

[caption id="attachment_37319" align="aligncenter" width="747"] Jasraaj Singh and others[/caption]

As a passionate advocate for rural health, Jasraaj has undertaken various volunteer roles aimed at changing perceptions. She served as the President of her university’s rural health club, Additionally, she held the position of President of the Surgical Students Society of Melbourne where she worked to improve accessibility to surgical research in rural areas. Jasraaj also chaired the society’s Rural Committee.

Finding bliss in the rural path

After graduating from the University of Melbourne Medical School, Jasraaj Singh started work as a junior doctor at the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service in 2023 and began practicing in Far North Queensland.

Following her graduation from the University of Melbourne Medical School, Jasraaj Singh commenced her career as a junior doctor at the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service in 2023, where she began practicing in Far North Queensland.

[caption id="attachment_37295" align="aligncenter" width="619"] Jasraaj Singh with one of her colleagues[/caption]

During her final year as a student, she had already gained some experience in the hospital through short-term work there. “I was drawn to the friendly atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and opportunities to expand my knowledge of rural and remote health,” she had remarked adding, “I’m looking forward to the warm weather, close-knit community atmosphere, beautiful landscapes, tropical and rural medicine opportunities, exploring a new place and developing practical and useful skills to apply as a future rural generalist.”

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