Titas Sadhu: Taking India to a historic win in Women’s cricket at Asian Games 2023
Compiled by: Team GI Youth
(October 1, 2023) Clad in Indian jerseys, the women in blue entered the cricket pitch at Hangzhou with the promise of winning the game against Sri Lanka. And staying true to their vow, the Indian Women’s cricket team won a historic gold medal in cricket at the Asian Games 2023. While the team did everything to clinch the gold, it was Titas Sadhu who orchestrated a dream start by picking up three wickets in four overs and giving only six runs. The 18-year-old became a star for India at the Asian Games 2023 with her pace and swing bowling, helping India clinch its very first gold medal in cricket. “It was always a dream to play for the country but I had never expected that it would come true so soon,” she told ESPN in an interview. It was in the semi-finals against Bangladesh that Titas made her international debut.
Born in the Chinsurah district of West Bengal in 2004, Titas was always interested in sports, thanks to her father, who was an athlete. But cricket wasn’t her first love, instead, she had her eyes on swimming. So much so that she enrolled in Chinsurah Rajendra Smriti Sangha Academy on the outskirts of Kolkata to hone her skills in the sport. However, over the years, she developed an interest in cricket and started playing the sport at the age of 13. “It wasn’t for my love of cricket that I joined it. Instead, I started playing it as a fun activity since I would often watch the academy matches and also help them. But when I started performing well, my interest in the sport started growing, and that’s how cricket happened to me,” she added. It was her father who was the wind beneath her wings, always encouraging and motivating her. “It’s very important to have someone at a young age who pushes you, despite knowing your limits. I’m so glad that my dad kept pushing me to do better. He is like a friend to me.”
However, she had to wait for her chance to break into the West Bengal cricket team. While she failed to clear the trials in the first go, Class 10th board exams forced her to miss out on the 2018-19 season. “Though it was heartbreaking I realised that I wanted to be a part of the U19 team. That’s when I started getting more invested in the game.”
It was after Covid-19 that Titas joined the senior Bengal squad in the 2020-21 season. She was only 16 when Bengal women’s coach Shib Shankar Paul saw her at one of the training sessions and realised her potential. He soon picked her up for three practice sessions. However, in the first few matches, Titas was unable to prove herself on the pitch and had to be dropped.
However, she was determined to bounce back and kept performing well in the inter-district matches and the Cricket Association of Bengal-affiliated tournaments. In 2022, she played in the Women’s T20 tournament and ended up taking seven wickets in five matches, thus cementing her position in the senior squad. Talking about the Women’s Premiere League, she said, “You get to play with the players from other countries, and you find that their perspective on cricket and life is very different from ours. And it also gives us the nudge to incorporate those perspectives in our game.”
But it’s with the Asian Games 2023 finals against Sri Lanka that Titas proved her mettle as a cricketer. “It was special as we don’t get to clinch a gold at the Asian Games every time, and representing India as an athlete was a proud moment. I literally had goosebumps standing on the podium receiving the medal,” she said.
(November 11, 2023) Kohl-rimmed eyes, with beautiful mudras, and nuanced facial expressions, there's a story unfolding on the stage at Piscataway in New Jersey. The 18-year-old Indian American is bringing to life the story of Krishna, an Indian god, who helped protect Draupadi after her husband lost her in a game of dice. This is her 40th performance on stage, ever since she began learning the traditional dance art form of Bharatanatyam at the age of four. In these years, she has dedicated herself to honing a 3,000-year-old Indian dance, ensuring that the legacy of her culture is passed on through the generations. "When we are growing up in America, away from our origins of India or other areas around there, I think we sometimes lose our connection with our culture," said Radha, adding, "This is what keeps us tied to that... dancing and teaching this to young kids is a way of preserving this legacy, especially this super old and ancient dance form." A senior at Piscataway High School, Radha started learning Bharatanatyam in Greensboro, North Carolina with Veena Argade, and later with Priya Gopal. She later began training under Guru Srimathi Selvi Chandranathan, who trained Radha at Bharata
, Radha started learning Bharatanatyam in Greensboro, North Carolina with Veena Argade, and later with Priya Gopal. She later began training under Guru Srimathi Selvi Chandranathan, who trained Radha at Bharata Kala Nrityakshetra dance school in Piscataway. Her Guru got a glimpse of her talent even when she was a kid, and knew that she had the potential to make it big.
With over a million Asians that live in New Jersey, Indian Americans make up the largest ethnic group. And it's this Indian community in New Jersey that has helped cement the tradition and infuse the culture and history of India in the natives.
It's been rigorous training for the last 14 years for Radha, and is keen to carry the legacy of Bharatanatyam forward through her art. For her, everything comes alive as she takes the centrestage, and immerses herself in the art form. Growing up, she heard stories and now portraying those stories on the big stage, she feels honoured. Bringing to life the story of Krishna, she considers it a responsibility that she needs to uphold with dignity. "Performing this scene (protecting Draupadi) was very emotional because you are playing these different roles. You are playing the bad king, the good king, and then you are playing the woman who's trying to save herself and her dignity. And then you are playing the saviour," the Global Indian added.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYKdgFrbOoo
At a time when most kids her age prefer dancing to Bollywood tunes, she wants to keep the tradition of Bharatanatyam alive through her performances. "For me, I have been wanting to do this forever," added Radha, who says that her art form is completely different from what her friends have opted for. "A lot of them do Bollywood dances or things that are seen on TV and commercialized, but this is a completely classical dance, so it is a little different from what you normally see," said the teenager.
In the last 14 years, Radha's dance journey has helped her develop a greater appreciation for her culture and heritage. Radha, who is interested in pursuing the sciences in the future, and has also been part of the Princeton W.E.B Du Bois Accelerated Learning Academy, is keen to take the art form to the next level. Her love for Bharatanatyam goes beyond performances as she is also mentoring young students in the art form.
(March 27, 2024) The screen bursts to life as a team of agents clad in all black with guns in hand chase through a forest looking for Axel Chase, a survivor, who attains special skills from a failed medical experiment, who has gone rogue. Soon the camera pans to the start of a cat-and-mouse game with high octane action sequences, incredible cinematography and compelling storyline that keeps the audience hooked for the next 37 minutes. The Survivor - a perfect blend of action and premise - directed by Rajath Rajanikanth - has found praise from all quarters, including Rome Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival and Cannes World Film Festival, where it won the Best Action film. Having made the film with the objective of a YouTube release, Bengaluru-based Rajath Rajanikanth had never thought that his featurette The Survivor would bag not one but two awards at the Cannes World Film Festival 2023. It was curiosity that led him to submit his entry to international film festivals. "I wanted to see where this will lead to." But seeing his low-budget competing with 200 other contenders who had spent thousands of dollars, he felt a little uneasy. However, his doubts vanished
to submit his entry to international film festivals. "I wanted to see where this will lead to." But seeing his low-budget competing with 200 other contenders who had spent thousands of dollars, he felt a little uneasy. However, his doubts vanished the moment his film was declared the winner in the action genre. "I felt like I have done something right. With the budget constraint, I had to look for creative ways to shoot the film, keeping in mind its essence," he tells Global Indian, adding, "I felt validated. My gamble on my team, myself and my idea turned out right."
The 26-year-old had submitted his film in the action category but was surprised to receive a second mail from Cannes Film Festival, announcing The Survivor's win in the Best Trailer category. "I had not won one but two awards in the same film festival, especially when I hadn't even submitted the trailer," reveals Rajath, who also the won Best Actor award at the Rome International Movie Awards.
With constant delays in releasing his film on OTT and obtaining censor certificates, Rajath found solace in applying for film festivals. "It came at the right time. With the wins, came a sense of fulfilment. The doubt that kept gnawing at me finally vanished." However, Rajath is in for a longer game - to establish himself as an actor. "My end goal wasn't to win at Cannes, but it happened and I am grateful for it. It has given me hope and faith to continue working in the right direction." He has proved that one doesn't need a big budget or star cast to make it big, at times creativity and hard work is enough to make heads turn.
Growing up with a movie buff father who had amassed a huge collection of DVDs, Rajath was enamoured by the cupboards filled with CDs, VCDs and DVDs at his home. For the family, weekends meant watching films together. "I was fascinated by the making of the films. Back then, most DVDs came with a bonus feature - the making of the film. I would spend hours watching it. This was my first tryst with learning." However, the serious pull towards becoming an actor came around the release of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Don 2. "I loved the film for its action and cool factor. Back then, after watching every film at theatre, I'd return home to recreate the scenes with my toys," he laughs.
But coming from a family of engineers, Rajath took up electrical engineering at SVIT only to drop out after the first year. He then joined a bachelors in filmmaking at St Joseph's University in Bengaluru to hone his skills. Those years shaped him. "I learnt cinematography, editing and direction, and met like-minded people who were passionate about cinema." Hungry to learn more, he turned to YouTube for improving his skillset. "I realised I needed more than just a degree and started working on my portfolio."
The making of the passion project
After graduating in 2019, he shifted to Mumbai to learn acting. Upon his return to Bengaluru, he was welcomed by the lockdown. To keep himself occupied, he made a homage video to hit series Money Heist which gained attention from the makers of the series. This prompted him to take on his next project - The Survivor. "The idea came from the way the world was functioning at that time. Plus, I was always fascinated by action genre, so I began writing the script."
[caption id="attachment_36865" align="aligncenter" width="687"] A still from The Survivor[/caption]
Made on a tight budget, the film's crew was a mix of Rajath's friends and acquaintances who were curious and passionate. "I had nothing to offer to them apart from the experience of filmmaking, and they grabbed the opportunity to challenge themselves." Through shared goal and mutual support, they were able to put their skills to best use.
Despite having an interest in acting, Rajath learnt to take on most of the responsibilities due to budget constraint. "I made the film in â‚ą90,000, which costs less than an expensive iPhone. So, I was the actor, director, editor and scriptwriter," says the young filmmaker, who finished the film's production in eight months. "Since I wasn't paying anyone, people came and worked when their schedules allowed." The next four months went into editing and sound designing. "I edited the film because it would take a lot of energy to make someone else understand your vision. Since it's an action film, the film had to look crisper and realistic." Interestingly, Rajath had written the script keeping in mind the editing.
Despite being shot in and around Bengaluru, The Survivor doesn't look like a regular Indian film due to its pace and narrative. "I tried to make it in a way that it can fit any location, irrespective of nationality. That's why we made the film in English, and it was later dubbed in Hindi and Kannada."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVclcrZWAHo
Learning on the go
Moreover, he shot the entire action film without any stunt director on board. Growing up on a rich diet of action films, this was right up his alley. "I knew how the punch and block works to make the shot look aesthetic. With that knowledge, I choreographed the action scenes. Also, I revisited a couple of action films to see what kind of action I can incorporate but giving it my twist."
During the making of the film, he understood that passion and necessity are the two cornerstones in life, and this film provided him both. "I was so passionate that I didn't even realise how the 10 months passed by as every day I was shooting or editing. Moreover, I didn't know sound designing or editing but it was necessary for the film so I had to learn. I had no other choice, and in the process I fell in love with the learning experience."
The long haul
But bringing the film to the people turned out to be a tedious process and a long journey of one and a half years of waiting. Getting to release in on OTT was a long haul. But it was his maternal grandfather's death in 2022 that nudged him to take action. "He was my biggest cheerleader and he loved the film. It felt I couldn't make him see the film on OTT." That pushed Rajath for a trailer release of his 37-minute film. "The motive behind the film wasn't to make money, we are still not making money. But to pitch myself to the people in the film industry." With the film now available on Jio Cinema and making waves at the international film festivals, he is stepping an inch closer to his dream of making big in the world of cinema. "Getting your films screened at the film festivals gives you validation. Also, it creates a sense of perception as an authority as big as these [film festivals] on world cinema is recognising your film, it attracts more people towards it," says Rajath, who is happy that with success of RRR at international awards, people have started accepting different styles of cinema. "It wasn't the case earlier."
Rajath, who calls himself an actor before a director, is keen to grow his career as an actor. "I learnt everything and made the film just to put myself out as an actor," he signs off.
(Aug 9, 2023) It was a proud moment for Steven Harris Ramdev as he secured a medallion of excellence at the WorldSkills Competition 2022 in Aarau, Switzerland. Competing alongside 24 nations in the graphic design technology category, Steven showcased his prowess and emerged as one of the top four achievers. "The exhilaration of holding the Indian flag on that esteemed international platform was truly surreal. It was a dream come true," Steven tells Global Indian. The 22-year recent graduate from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru, has moved to Abu Dhabi for his first job. "I've been appointed as a vocational trainer at ACTVET (Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training)," he shares.  In this role, Steven is all set to mentor and refine the skills of the aspiring WorldSkills 2024 participants hailing from the country in the domain of graphic design technology – the very category that earned him a medal in 2022. “I am deeply grateful to the government of United Arab Emirates for providing me with this incredible opportunity and entrusting me with the role of training the next set of contestants,” remarks the youngster. [caption id="attachment_32476" align="aligncenter" width="709"] Steven Harris Ramdev during
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In this role, Steven is all set to mentor and refine the skills of the aspiring WorldSkills 2024 participants hailing from the country in the domain of graphic design technology – the very category that earned him a medal in 2022. “I am deeply grateful to the government of United Arab Emirates for providing me with this incredible opportunity and entrusting me with the role of training the next set of contestants,” remarks the youngster.Â
[caption id="attachment_32476" align="aligncenter" width="709"] Steven Harris Ramdev during the WorldSkills Competition at Switzerland[/caption]
The proud moment…Â
Ever since Steven discovered the image of Shweta Ratanpura, the first Indian woman to win a medal in graphics design technology at WorldSkills, he was inspired to achieve a similar feat. “I stumbled upon the image of hers holding the Indian flag in my college, finding it magnanimous, and feeling a deep curiosity to learn the story behind it.”Â
Intrigued, he delved into all the available information about the competition. Prior to that he had been unaware that graphic artists could also bring honour to their country, by participating like athletes in an international competition of such a large scale. “World Skills is the Olympics of vocational skills. It should be made more popular,” Steven says, emphasising that even after 50 years of its existence, the competition continues to need more publicity.Â
[caption id="attachment_32477" align="aligncenter" width="754"] Steven Harris Ramdev at the WorldSkills stage in Switzerland[/caption]
Impressive milestonesÂ
Always in a quest to outshine himself the youngster has won 155 prizes altogether in school and college, both in art competitions and other extracurricular activities. Although winning at World Skills is the highest achievement so far, his art has fetched him some extraordinary recognitions. Â
Amidst the pandemic, he felt immense pride in the recognition he received for his artwork from none other than the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi. During the lockdown, he sketched two portraits of the PM in appreciation of his leadership and sent them to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) without expecting any acknowledgement. To his surprise, he received a letter from the PM himself, thanking him for the thoughtful gesture. The PMO also released a press statement appreciating his artwork, which resulted in numerous interviews on prominent media outlets, including radio, print, and TV channels. Â
As an artist, Steven experienced another exhilarating moment when he emerged as the winner of an art contest hosted by TrueFan celebrity shout out app. His outstanding portraits of Hritik Roshan and Tiger Shroff secured him the top position in the competition. The icing on the cake was receiving video messages from the stars themselves, commending Steven for his remarkable talent.Â
Also, one of the most cherished moments in the youngster's life was being felicitated by then chief minister of Karnataka, Basavaraj Bommai and minister for higher education Ashwath Narayan for winning the various IndiaSkills competitions and getting selected as the final candidate to represent India at the WorldSkills. The recognitions that he has received for his accomplishments at various other platforms have made them unforgettable and special occasions for him.Â
Joy of artÂ
Steven was captivated by vibrant posters, books, illustrations, and all things visually appealing from as far back he can recall. Anything that caught his eye was promptly recorded in his art book. "Translating the allure of what I found captivating into sketches brought me immense delight," he shares. His mother recognised his deep interest and natural skill in the arts, providing motivation along the way. She diligently documented every piece of art he crafted, nurturing his creative journey.Â
"I've consistently been someone who competes with myself. Upon completing each artwork, my immediate thought is always, 'What's next? How can I surpass this and create something even more remarkable?'" he reveals.Â
Steven is indebted to his Guru, Sheshadri Mokshagundam who has been his teacher since he was a student of grade 4. “I look up to him not just a teacher who taught me art but as a guru of life” he says talking about the retired engineer who is the grandson of Late Sir Visvesvaraya Mokshagundam – the acclaimed civil engineer whose birthday is celebrated each year as Engineer’s Day in India, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.Â
Steven is also grateful to his Pune-based mentor Satish Narayanan, founder director of Design Skills Academy and expert in graphic design technology for training him for the WorldSkills competition. He holds his alma maters NIFT Chennai, and NIFT Bengaluru in high regard.
“Everyone should be aware of WorldSkills, as this could lead to a greater number of Indian representatives. It's a prestigious opportunity that should not be overlooked. While winning can be challenging, even when you don’t you will still be gaining valuable experiences," he signs off.Â
(January 13, 2024) Arushi Aggarwal fell in love with programming and robotics when she was 12 years old. What started out with curiosity instantly became a passion, and soon, she was learning robotics, mechanical engineering and programming languages, and attending hackathons. However, she was also quick to spot the inequality within the STEM circles worldwide, and decided to do something about it. It led her to start Unknown16, a non profit that works to bring more young girls into STEM. She also works closely with the state of Bihar, tapping local NGOs there to provide tech education to the less privileged. She's not just another proponent of STEM, however. Unknown16 is made unique by the fact that it encourages its young students to address social challenges, letting them know they can program their way to a better world. In 2023, Arushi, who is a Forbes India Teenpreneur, was invited to the UN as a delegate with the Economic and Social Council's Youth Forum. The GenZ innovator has also developed iBlum, an app that uses gamification to encourage environmental awareness. It motivates individuals and organizations to make eco-friendly choices and community improvements by offering game-like incentives. Businesses participating in iBlum provide
ing in iBlum provide perks for environmentally conscious purchases, aligning their brand with social responsibility and appealing to the values of Gen Z consumers. The app generates customized digital coupons for these businesses, enhancing their appeal among environmentally conscious changemakers.
From hackathons to Unknown16
Arushi, who was born in Hisar, spent a few years in Bengaluru and then moved to the US with her family when she was 10 years old. Life in New Jersey was a far, far cry from what she had known in southern Bihar, and Arushi quickly immersed herself in this new world. When she was 12 years old, she decided to try her hand at coding. "I knew nothing about coding before that and just wanted to try new things," she told Forbes in a podcast. "But after my first year, I fell in love with the concept of building robots from scratch and that's when I continued doing robotics, mechanical (engineering) and programming. That's where my love for programming started."
One year later, in 2016, the Global Indian made it to her first hackathon, the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) World Championship in Detroit, Michigan. The experience was profound in many ways - this was Arushi's first broad view of STEM around the world. "I met some all girls teams and suddenly, I realised that on my team, out of 16 members, only two were girls. I was curious about why that was," she recalls. After a conversation with a girl coder at the championship, she understood that one reason why girls really don't show up to these big STEM events is a lack of confidence.
"That question led me to start Unknown16," she says. She wanted to help young girls build confidence, so she designed curriculums, workshops and took classes at their local library. "I taught SCRATCH and Python," Arushi says. Her thoughts would often wander back to her homestate, Bihar, where so many young kids grow up without access to technology. She began cold-emailing NGOs back home, introducing herself and sharing her curriculum with them.
Project Lahanti
As Arushi networked with NGOs in India, she discovered Project Lahanti, and collaborated with them to take virtual weekend classes. The initiative was an immediate success and soon, Arushi was teaching classes with anywhere between 150-300 children of all ages from villages like Kumbadih and Govindpur.
Things weren't so straightforward, though, as she soon discovered. All programming languages require a basic understanding of English and her students, even if they were intelligent, curious and enthusiastic, did not speak English. This put STEM textbooks out of reach, too.
"In my world, people have difficulty learning programming, or lack certain resources, that was my perspective. But when I started talking to these kids, I saw their perspective. So I decided to teach them English first before they move on to programming." She began splitting her time between both, teaching English and simultaneously getting students to work with computers. "My family in India really helped out - they donated computers and even went and delivered them," she smiles. "So I was able to get them acquainted with computers and using programs like Excel."
That wasn't all. While her family's donation did bring computers to the area, there were still daily challenges- sketchy WiFi and power cuts. "Whenever it rained, they would lose WiFi," she says, in a tone of total disbelief. "The lack of resources to combat daily life challenges prevents them from taking that step. So our job is to say, it's okay that the barriers exist, we are here to help you overcome them." She was soon working around an 11-hour time difference, and accepting that if the younger kids couldn't make it to class because of bad weather, or any other reason, she would have to hold another session during the week.
A multi-faceted approach
In 2019, Arushi set up a GoFundMe page, to raise funds for textbooks and more technology. She also approached corporates with CSR portfolios, asking them for help. "I learned how to accept a no," she laughs. Getting more volunteers is also crucial. When taking numerous classes during the week became too much, Arushi shifted her focus to the older students. "I teach college students and they teach the others," she explains.
Arushi’s approach to spreading awareness truly makes her unique. Storytelling, for instance, is one approach. She has written several books for tweens, including the Coding Supergirls series, about three girls who solve real world problems using their STEM skills, and developing "powerful, disruptive and cutting-edge ideas along the way." Education and adventure come together in the series, which is meanto entertain and inspire. She is also the organiser of her own hackathon, Code4Cause.
Follow Arushi on Instagram and learn more about Unknown16 on their website.Â
(November 17, 2024) Manipur, a picturesque state tucked away in Northeast India, is often overshadowed by the bustling metropolises of the country. However, this land of lush green landscapes has a new reason to celebrate. Martin Irengbam, hailing from Kakching Khunou, an agricultural town in Kakching district in Manipur, has emerged as an international sensation, proving that talent and perseverance know no boundaries. At just 19 years old, Martin has made an indelible mark. As the first runner-up at the 2024 Top Model of Universe Contest held in Istanbul, Turkey, he also clinched three other coveted titles for Best Physique, Best Face, and Best Walk. His achievements are not just personal triumphs but a source of immense pride for Manipur, a state far removed from the country’s fashion capitals. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mega Mister || India 🇮🇳 (@megamister.in) “One of the biggest achievements of my life so far,” remarked the elated youngster talking about the feat. The Top Model of Universe contest An international event, The Top Model of Universe Contest is a platform for male models to showcase their talent, physical fitness, personality, and charisma. This year’s competition brought together over
“One of the biggest achievements of my life so far,” remarked the elated youngster talking about the feat.
The Top Model of Universe contest
An international event, The Top Model of Universe Contestis a platform for male models to showcase their talent, physical fitness, personality, and charisma. This year’s competition brought together over 50 participants from countries across the globe, making it a melting pot of culture and competition. Hosted in the city of Istanbul, the contest’s multifaceted challenges—spanning traditional attire, formal wear, and talent displays—tested each participant’s versatility. Martin’s stellar performance amid tough competition has not only brought pride to his state but also highlighted the immense potential that exists in India’s northeast.
The boy from Manipur
Martin’s roots are humble. Born to an army father, Hemchandra, and a homemaker mother, Ronibala, he was raised in a household that valued discipline and determination. He completed his schooling at St. Joseph School in Imphal West and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education at Manipur University.
Despite the challenges of living in a region that lacks the infrastructure and exposure of India’s metropolitan cities, Martin always dreamed big. His entry into the world of pageantry began with the Manfete Manhunt 2023, where he showcased his talent and charisma. Soon after, he won the 13th edition of Set Wet Mega Mister North East, setting the stage for greater accomplishments, and becoming a role model for aspiring youth of his state.
Rising to stardom
Representing India at the Top Model of Universe Contest in Istanbul was a significant milestone for Martin. Reflecting on his journey he shared, “The competition wasn’t just about looks or charm; it was a test of resilience, adaptability, and the ability to shine on a global platform.”
Turkey, with its rich cultural heritage, was an exciting yet challenging destination for Martin. “Everything was so beautiful and lovely, but the language was a problem,” he admitted.
[caption id="attachment_40433" align="aligncenter" width="803"] Martin being welcomed by family in Manipur after one of his recent victories[/caption]
Acknowledging the ongoing struggles in Manipur, he sees his international achievements as a platform to draw attention to the state’s challenges, and towards the significance of health and fitness. “I’m also into health, lifestyle, and doing my best to promote it,” shared the youngster who secured the Best Physique award in the contest.
Mentorship and gratitude
Behind every successful individual lies a network of mentors and supporters. For Martin Irengbam, the guidance of his coach and the encouragement from the pageant’s organizers were instrumental. “Everything was so beautiful there. Even the coach and the environment—everyone really helped me,” he noted. Martin also credited his achievements to Mega Entertainment and Abhijeet Singha, who gave him the opportunity to represent India on an international stage.
His gratitude extended to a Manipuri designer. “One of the renowned designers from Manipur—Arvon has also played a great part in my success,” Martin mentioned, highlighting the collaborative spirit of his journey.
[caption id="attachment_40432" align="aligncenter" width="513"] Martin at one of the recent pageants[/caption]
Inspiring the next generation
Martin Irengbam believes in the importance of growth and learning. “Everyone has room to grow,” he said, emphasizing the need for constant self-improvement. His success story has already inspired many to pursue their dreams, regardless of their circumstances.
He remains humble despite his success, focusing on giving back to the community. “More than 60,000 people are homeless,” he remarked, hinting at his desire to address pressing social issues.
A future full of promise
As Martin continues to scale new heights, he remains grounded and focused on his goals. His journey from Kakching Khunou to Istanbul is a great example of determination. For a state like Manipur, which is often overshadowed by India’s metropolitan hubs, Martin’s success is a powerful reminder that talent can flourish anywhere.
[caption id="attachment_40434" align="aligncenter" width="582"] Martin at the traditional costume round of one of the recent pageants[/caption]
With dreams of participating in more international competitions like Mr. World and Super Mr. International, Martin is well on his way to becoming a global icon. “Three to four years—I will be on Mr. World and Mr. Super International stage,” he said, talking about his aspirations.
Martin Irengbam’s story is not just about a young man’s rise to fame; it’s about breaking barriers, inspiring others, and proving that even the most distant corners of the world can produce stars. His journey serves as a shining example of how dedication and passion can turn dreams into reality.
Rajath Rajanikanth[/caption]
A still from The Survivor[/caption]
Steven Harris Ramdev during the WorldSkills Competition at Switzerland[/caption]
Steven Harris Ramdev at the WorldSkills stage in Switzerland[/caption]
Martin being welcomed by family in Manipur after one of his recent victories[/caption]
Martin at one of the recent pageants[/caption]
Martin at the traditional costume round of one of the recent pageants[/caption]