Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveYoung innovator Bhavya Sri Suravajhala is helping tackle the teen mental health crisis

Young innovator Bhavya Sri Suravajhala is helping tackle the teen mental health crisis

Written by: Vikram Sharma

(August 30, 2024) As a high school student, Bhavya Sri Suravajhala was witness to the increasing pressures faced by her peers, leading to anxiety, stress, and other teen mental health issues. Unlike many her age who would only wish they could do something about it and leave it at that, Bhavya swung into action.

The result was Adolescencesio — a platform that provides educational resources, mentorship, and mental health support to adolescents. “Adolescencesio was born out of a deep concern for the mental well-being of adolescents. It combines modern mental health practices with holistic and Ayurvedic approaches, ensuring a comprehensive support system for young individuals,” says Bhavya, founder and CEO of Adolescencesio, in a chat with Global Indian.

The young innovator is a Grade XII student at Amrita Vidyalayam, Puthiyakavu, Kerala.

Bhavya Sri Suravajhala

Adolescencesio

At Adolescencesio, Bhavya leads a dedicated team of over 20 members, who share her passion for supporting adolescent mental health. “Daily operations involve coordinating with the team, overseeing content creation, managing outreach programs, and ensuring the platform’s growth and sustainability,” informs the 17 year old, who also organizing workshops, awareness programs, besides providing resources to those in need.

She feels the mental health crisis among youngsters in India is a pressing issue. “With the increasing academic pressure, social expectations, and the impact of social media, many adolescents struggle to cope with these challenges,” points out the youngster, who launched Adolescencesio in 2022, with a vision to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive platform.

The journey has not been without its challenges— ranging from technical difficulties to addressing the stigma surrounding teen mental health. “However, resilience, adaptability, and the continuous support from mentors have helped me navigate these hurdles,” says Bhavya, for whom managing Adolescencesio alongside her academic responsibilities has been a challenging yet rewarding experience.

She even received letters of appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi twice, in 2023 and 2024. “It was a recognition of my efforts and contributions towards adolescent mental health, which further motivated me to continue my work with even greater zeal,” smiles the teenager.

Denmark born

Born in Denmark in 2007, Bhavya’s mother Renuka Suravajhala is an Assistant Professor/Research scientist at Amrita University while father Dr Prashanth Suravajhala is a Principal Scientist, Systems Genomics at Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.

Bhavya had her primary education at Absalons skole, Roskilde (Denmark) after which the Suravajhala family moved back to India. Both Renuka and Dr Prashanth went to Denmark to do their PhDs (2004 to 2008) and subsequently postdoc that Dr Prashanth did until 2016. Bhavya has a sibling named Nirmala, who is 11.

Science researcher, COO & more

But Adolescencesio is just one part of Bhavya’s introduction. She is a science researcher, social volunteer, a passionate explorer and the Chief Operating Officer at TeenVisor, which provides a platform for teenagers to interact with industry experts and get timely guidance/mentorship.

As a science researcher, the teenager is currently working on a study that explores how the composition of tears is affected by emotions. “This research delves into the physiological and psychological connections in human behavior, a topic that fascinates me and aligns with my passion for psychology and behavioral sciences,” she informs.

In addition to her research, Bhavya is an active social volunteer, who organises workshops, awareness programmes and providing resources to those in need, through various initiatives.

As a passionate explorer, Bhavya is someone who is always eager to learn and discover new things, whether through travel, reading, or engaging in creative endeavours. “My curiosity drives me to explore different cultures, perspectives, and ideas, enriching my understanding of the world around me,” says Bhavya, who was honoured with the Little Shakespeare Award by the Biofootprints Foundation for excellence in literature, in 2021.

Atal Innovation Mission

With a vision to ‘Cultivate one Million children in India as Neoteric Innovators’, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) established Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) in schools across India.

Bhavya was selected among the Top 100 in the ATL (Atal Tinkering Laboratories) Tinkerpreneur 2022 Program and later among the Top 21 in the Atal Catalyst Program, which was a testament to the innovative ideas she brought to the table.

Through workshops, boot camps, and continuous support from experienced mentors, she learned business planning, product development, and market strategies. “These programs provided me with invaluable mentorship and resources, allowing me to refine my vision for Adolescencesio.”

Her journey with AIM started with a simple idea — to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive platform for adolescents to talk about their mental health. “I wanted Adolescencesio to be a place where teenagers could share their thoughts anonymously, get support from peers and professionals, and access holistic mental health resources. The idea was clear, but making it happen was not. The breakthrough came when I learned about AIM,” she says.

AIM’s mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among young Indians resonated with Bhavya’s goals for Adolescencesio. The initiative was designed to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit in students.

One of the most impactful parts of the AIM experience was the mentorship. Industry experts guided Bhavya, helping to refine her vision and offering practical insights into the mental health sector.

Atal Catalyst Program

The next significant step was the Atal Catalyst program with the Indian School of Business (ISB). This program taught the teenager all the essential business skills such as making business projections, identifying target markets, and perfecting her pitch to investors.

“Under the mentorship and guidance of Vinay sir from ISB and my AIM mentors, Adolescencesio was selected among the top 21 business ideas.”

Next came The Big PItch 2.0. It gave Bhavya the opportunity to pitch Adolescencesio to investors live and Adolescencesio was selected among the top 10 ideas for sponsorship by the DLabs Incubator association at ISB. This recognition not only provided financial support but also validated the potential and impact of Adolescencesio.

COO at TeenVisor

Thanks to AIM, Bhavya connected with other young entrepreneurs who share similar passions and goals. One exciting outcome is her current role at TeenVisor as the Chief Operating Officer, where she works on innovative solutions for adolescents with other young entrepreneurs.

“Whatever I have achieved so far would not have been possible without the guidance and blessings of Amma, Satguru Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, all my gurus, mentors, teachers, my school, my school principal, my parents, and my friends. They have stood by me throughout my journey.”

More recently, Adolescencesio won the 2nd place at the International Stogofest in Dubai, marking a significant achievement on the global stage. “We were the only team from India to have won this prestigious award, marking a significant achievement on the international stage,” smiles Bhavya, beaming with pride.

As a Tinker Champ, Bhavya had the opportunity to mentor and guide other young innovators, sharing her experiences and insights to help them realize their potential. “This role has been incredibly fulfilling, as I am able to contribute to the growth and development of future leaders and change-makers.”

Bhavya Sri Suravajhala | Adolescenscio | Young innovator | Global Indian

The Young Innovator is also COO at Teen Visor

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Bhavya aspires to further her studies in psychology or a related field in behavioral sciences and cognition. “My long-term goal is to expand Adolescencesio’s reach and impact, while also contributing to the field of psychology through research and practical applications.”

She hopes to implement awareness programs in schools and collaborate with NGOs and government bodies to create a global community where every adolescent feels supported and empowered.

Follow the young innovator on LinkedIn.

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Published on 30, Aug 2024

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Lukanand Kshetrimayum : Young Manipuri filmmaker brings home Mr International first runner up title

(November 10, 2022 ) At 20, Lukanand Kshetrimayum is not just the first runner up at the 14th Mr International 2022 pageant but also a filmmaker with 12 years of experience. With his winning performance at the global pageantry platform, he is being counted amongst the stars of Manipur - Mary Kom, Meerabhai Chanu and Ashalata Devi. It was after a gap of three years that Mr International returned, owing to pandemic, with the last one held in Manila, Philippines in 2019. [caption id="attachment_24048" align="aligncenter" width="629"] Lukanand Kshetrimayum[/caption] For the young lad, each platform - be it films or pageant - is a podium of advocacy. Minutes after winning the title at Cubao, Quizon City, Philippines, he told the media: Through my films, I indulge in advocacy for sensitive issues relevant to society like mental health of children, and drug abuse. This competition provided me an opportunity to take advocacy to a global platform. Coincidentally, it was in the Philippines that 28 years ago Sushmita Sen was crowned Miss Universe, becoming the first Indian to win the coveted pageant. The youngster from Manipur looks up to her as a role model who has since been an inspiration to a whole

e issues relevant to society like mental health of children, and drug abuse. This competition provided me an opportunity to take advocacy to a global platform.

Coincidentally, it was in the Philippines that 28 years ago Sushmita Sen was crowned Miss Universe, becoming the first Indian to win the coveted pageant. The youngster from Manipur looks up to her as a role model who has since been an inspiration to a whole generation of people trying to make India proud in the world of pageantry.

“I feel very lucky that people of India are supporting me, it’s their love that I am progressing so much,” said Lukanand about the love and encouragement he got from the Indian diaspora in the Philippines. Though his parents couldn't make it, his aunt flew from India to cheer for him on his big day.

[caption id="attachment_24049" align="aligncenter" width="639"] Lukanand during the national costume round at the 14th Mr International pageant[/caption]

Filmmaker at eight

Lukanand entered the world of film direction when he was just eight, becoming the youngest filmmaker in Manipur. He used to even write the script and lyrics, without getting exhausted with the entire process of filmmaking at that tender age.

The student of Maria Montessori Senior Secondary School, Imphal had participated and won in CBSE filmmaking competitions during his school days. It's under the banner of ‘Marvels of North East India’ that CBSE runs these competitions to promote awareness about culture and traditions of the north eastern states, awarding winners of short films with cash prizes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OsU74PBYxQ

This served as an impetus for the young boy to begin a career in filmmaking quite early in life. Since films shot on mobile phones were also acceptable by CBSE, he shot his first few films on his mobile phone. This soon translated into a passion for filmmaking and governed the future course of direction for the Imphal boy. He ended up directing Manipuri teleplays like Ram Lakshman (2010), Thambel Parang (2010) and T.A.K (2011), along with Manipuri documentaries like Sangai (2013).

It was in 2014 that he shifted gears to feature films and made his directorial debut with Asengba Saktam in 2014. His last film Meitan Araba, which was released at the Manipur State Development Society in Imphal in 2019, bagged two Manipuri State Film Awards and seven Sahitya Seva Samiti Manipuri Film awards.

Being a jack of all trades, he even released some Manipuri songs - Emotionless (2014), Hanglanu (2021), and Laibak Pheida (2021). In between, he picked up modelling assignments and print shoots for apparel brands and also won some local pageants.

[caption id="attachment_24050" align="aligncenter" width="865"] Lukanand welcomed at his school[/caption]

For someone who began making films at a young age, he isn't camera shy. And Mr International 2022 was a culmination of sorts for the young lad.

Living every moment

“I have enjoyed every moment backstage and on stage,” he said, talking about the time he spent in the Philippines with 34 other contestants from all over the globe. The rich experiences that the pageant provided embodied the essence of winning for the multifaceted youngster who loved Philippines’ hospitality. He looks forward to strengthening the ties between the two countries through cultural exchange initiatives.

It's good progress for Indians to represent themselves on global platforms and leave a mark. India loves progress.

The youngster who feels that winning is just the tip of the iceberg. More than winning, what one does after that to serve the community is what matters.

Apart from Sushmita Sen, he idolises reigning Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu who is using her success at the global pageant for the benefit of others. “There should not be objectification of beauty. Looks should be skin deep and about giving voices to the issues bothering the community.”

It's not about the individual – but society

“All 35 of us are winners. We are from different communities and religions, it’s just that one of us took the crown home,” said the model who looked at the final outcome as not any personal win rather an opportunity to do impactful work for the society.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIzG-bQwYuQ

The youngster, who started modelling in 2016, not just makes films but also organises workshops and free scholarship programmes in film making to empower the youth to have a career in the industry.

Proud of his country

Lukanand returned to a rousing welcome from the people of Imphal.

The youngster who is not just in love with his state but his entire country, said to the media minutes after his win:

Indians are warm people. Despite differences, we learn from diversity of each other. I am very proud of where I come from.

The Manipur boy believes in fighting negativity and looks at setbacks as a step to bounce higher. He hopes for more youngsters to embrace pageantry with a larger purpose of impacting the society in a positive way.

Connoisseur of regional cinema

“We need to inspire ourselves. We are looking at perfection around, but perfection comes from within you,” says the youngster who finds Bollywood a good industry and commercially viable too but at the same time stresses on the need of promoting the regional industries that are unheard of like the Manipuri film industry. “People are working hard equally whether it is Bollywood or regional cinema, so such industries should also be encouraged.”

Now that he is back, the youngster is looking forward to growing, learning and experimenting more in filmmaking and also eating spicier food after months of being on a strict diet.

Follow Lukanand Kshetrimayum on Facebook and Instagram

Reading Time: 5 mins

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

Maya Joshi: Indian-American teen lifting senior citizens out of isolation through art

(March 8, 2024) Growing up in Chicago, Maya Joshi's favourite memories revolved around learning to paint and weave with her grandparents. This passion for the visual arts stemmed from her early childhood. But when the COVID-19-induced pandemic in 2020 called for a worldwide lockdown, the Indian-American teen found it hard to access her grandparents. This isolation "kindled the idea of expanding social connection by using technology and willing volunteers" and led to the birth of Lifting Hearts with the Arts. [caption id="attachment_36437" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Maya Joshi is the founder of Lifting Hearts With Arts[/caption] Lifting seniors out of isolation Seeing the senior population facing social isolation, she decided to bridge the gap by expanding social gaps between youth and senior citizens. "We try to connect the seniors with high school volunteers through technology and through the arts in an effort to lift their spirits and improve their mental health," she said in an interview. ALSO READ | Sai Hitesh Vavilapalli: Indian-American teen’s nonprofit empowers the visually impaired It was the shelter-in-place order in Illinois that prompted her to come up with the idea. "When it hit, I thought about my grandparents, and how I couldn't meet them in person. I

health," she said in an interview.

ALSO READ | Sai Hitesh Vavilapalli: Indian-American teen’s nonprofit empowers the visually impaired

It was the shelter-in-place order in Illinois that prompted her to come up with the idea. "When it hit, I thought about my grandparents, and how I couldn't meet them in person. I thought about how I spent so much of my early childhood going over to their house, especially weaving with my grandmother and painting with the grandpa," she added. Manya saw how happy her grandparents were when they got video and phone calls and wanted to share the same joy with as many senior citizens as possible. "I knew that I needed to create a program to facilitate my idea," she revealed, adding that it became a dining table conversation with her family who turned out to be her support system. They soon outlined goals and started reaching out to senior living facilities and their high school friends to build Lifting Hearts with the Arts.

In April 2020, it came into action with the mission to engage the community through intergenerational learning with the arts. "In youth, art helps foster creative thinking, boosts self-esteem, and establishes a sense of accomplishment. In adult populations, art can prevent cognitive decline by improving memory, reasoning, and resilience," reads their website.

Bridging the gap and community building

When Maya began her first virtual meetings with the residents, she was a little skeptical of breaking the ice with them. However, she realised that it was actually very easy. Sharing an experience, she said, "One day, I was hosting a trivia game for a group of 6 residents via Zoom, and we started talking about languages the residents took in high school. I told them that I was taking Latin, not expecting anyone to have taken it. It turned out that all 6 of them had taken Latin in high school," adding, "We started reminiscing about texts that we had all read in school, and they even offered some advice for translating some of Virgil and Caesar's texts!"

It was her parents in whom she found her first mentors, who guided her at every step. "My grandparents have been my biggest cheerleaders and were the organization’s first followers on Facebook," revealed Maya, who is currently studying at Princeton University.

Understanding its ramifications, they pair high school students with seniors at long-term care facilities for one-on-one and group activities to build long-term friendships on the basis of mutual interests. The activities include playing games, painting or drawing together, sharing cooking/baking recipes, or listening to music.

ALSO READ | Avi Gupta: Indian-American teen revolutionises healthcare with affordable ventilator invention

Explaining one of the group activities 'Name that Tune' with the seniors, Maya said that volunteers play the first one minute of a song and the residents need to guess the name and artist. "Some of our high school volunteers weren’t sure what decade to play music from. After talking to several of the seniors, we found that 40s and 60s music was the most popular. In fact, I have found a new love for the musical jams of the 50s and 60s," she added.

Taking the next step

After its success during the pandemic, in the fall of 2023, CoGen Creations was yet another program that was introduced to "encourage open communication to counteract stereotypes and increase understanding between generations." Based on mutual interests and hobbies, it pairs ten high school students with ten senior residents at a local care facility in Chicago where they meet during an ice cream social or create a first art piece together. It gives them a chance to get to know each other better by engaging in a dialogue and by expressing themselves through dialogue. "The hope is that seniors and students might build long-lasting, intergenerational friendships that will enrich their lives."

In the last few years, Lifting Hearts with the Arts has been on a mission to use the arts to connect seniors and youth through virtual or in-person activities to build long-lasting friendships. Interestingly, the organisation is now expanding the program for college students too. "Finding common grounds with seniors has helped the volunteers develop empathy."

Follow Maya Joshi on LinkedIn

Manya Harsha: The eco-warrior turns vegetable waste into paper, saving millions of trees

(September 17, 2023) When most of the people were busy making Dalgona coffee in the lockdown, the then 10-year-old Bengaluru-resident Manya Harsha had turned her home into a mini laboratory where she spent hours looking for ways to turn vegetable waste in eco-friendly handmade paper. Passionate about environment, her green initiatives have been appreciated by the United Nations-Water. "I celebrate every day as Earth Day. I believe it's our responsibility to look after our surroundings and nature," she said in an interview. [caption id="attachment_33099" align="aligncenter" width="726"] Manya Harsha[/caption] Just when the world had come to a standstill, Manya, who has been a champion of environment, dived deeper to find a solution to saving trees. Around 15 billion trees are cut each year to make paper, and Manya was determined to find a way out. Despite several initial hiccups, she was able to devise a novel method through which she could produce 2-3 A4 size sheets by using 10 onion peels. The process was tiresome as her first attempt turned out to be a complete failure, but she persisted and kept improving the technique until she could make sheets in varied colours and patterns. "Recycled paper reduces energy and helps stop

turned out to be a complete failure, but she persisted and kept improving the technique until she could make sheets in varied colours and patterns. "Recycled paper reduces energy and helps stop deforestation. With around 1.3 billion population, India generates an average of 1000 gms of kitchen waste per day, if everyone starts recycling vegetable peels into paper, each one can contribute to the lessening of Ecological crisis," reads one of her Instagram posts.

Growing up amid the lush greenery of her grandmother's home in Bengaluru, Manya felt closer to nature. But seeing waste pollution as a constant menace, she started raising awareness on environment preservation. "Born in Bengaluru, I see the beautiful Garden city slowly transformed by heaps of garbage dumped on the roadside and how the quantity of waste is increasing every passing day has been a matter of huge concern. This scenario always had made me think for a permanent solution as to how the flower and plant waste can be utilized in an eco-friendly manner," she said.

As young as eight, she started raising awareness through blog and poetry. She understood the power of words, and ended up authoring five books on environment and nature. While she kept relentlessly championing for environment preservation, she took it a notch higher when she made handmade paper from vegetable peels. "Making one paper a day keeps deforestation at bay, in my opinion. It’s an easy sustainable option to wet waste management," she said in an interview.

In 2020. she was awarded for her project SUNSHINE, an eco-friendly initiative, where she created DIY vegetable paper to promote environment awareness among kids. So far, she has produced over 300 sheets of colourful paper made from vegetable waste. "Instead of chopping trees for paper, let's recycle the kitchen waste to eco-friendly vegetable paper. Let's all together join hands to restore our earth," Manya said, adding, "8 trees are sacrificed for 1000 pounds of paper! Now with around 8-10 onion peels, I can make 2-3 A4 size papers. A 1/2 kg of Peas husk can make 3 A4 size sheets! 2 -3 baby corn husk makes around 2 A4 size sheets! These colourful vegetable papers are just like any other handmade paper. You can write, draw, paint, fold and create art out of it."

The Water Heroes awardee in 2020 by the ministry of JAL Shakthi, Manya is also the editor of her kid's journal Sunshine Fortnightly. Moreover, she received the India Book of Records for being the youngest to write a book on nature. "I believe nothing in this world is a waste until you consider it one."

Follow Manya Harsha on LinkedIn

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Mishthi Aggarwal: Brewing tradition and innovation at 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters

(May 15, 2024) Coming from the family of the Indian multinational snack food company and restaurant chain, Bikanervala, entrepreneurship runs in the blood of Mishthi Aggarwal. The fourth-generation entrepreneur is the only female specialty coffee roaster in India, a certified Q grader, and an authorised SCA trainer. As the founder and CEO of 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, Mishthi oversees the production of bespoke blends innovated and developed in her organisation’s research and development centre. “During my travels across the world, I was inspired by the rich coffee culture and it led me to venture into the coffee industry,” Mishthi tells Global Indian. “While India is the seventh largest producer of coffee in the world, most of it is exported. I want to inculcate the specialty coffee culture in our Indian lifestyles. This will not only allow us to enjoy our high-quality homegrown coffees but at the same time promote the flourishing agri-economy,” adds the Harvard University alumna. [caption id="attachment_37808" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Mishthi Aggarwal[/caption] 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters At 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, each coffee batch undergoes gentle roasting in high-quality equipment to capture the fullest flavours from every bean. This meticulous process helps in discovering the window of peak

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[caption id="attachment_37808" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Mishthi Aggarwal[/caption]

93 Degrees Coffee Roasters

At 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, each coffee batch undergoes gentle roasting in high-quality equipment to capture the fullest flavours from every bean. This meticulous process helps in discovering the window of peak flavour, resulting in a perfect roast. When a coffee achieves the desired mark, it is served at cafes and made available on shelves as whole beans.

Established in the year 2022, the organisation is based out of Gurugram, Haryana. “Being born in a business family, you pick up all the traits and values that are discussed in the household. I think I imbibed the qualities of diligence and entrepreneurship from my family very early on in life,” Mishthi tells. “My family always supported me in my venture and with their constant encouragement I have been able to lay a strong foundation at 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters.”

As the sole owner of 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, the 27-year-old leads a team of 15 dedicated individuals who share her passion for specialty coffee. “While I am the primary decision-maker and visionary for the company, I deeply value the collaborative effort and diverse perspectives that each team member brings to the table.” Together the team strives to uphold the highest standards of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction in every aspect of business operations.

93 Degrees is Mishthi’s first business venture. “It has been a transformative journey so far,” she remarks. The decision to embark on this path was not taken for the heck of getting into business following her family’s legacy, rather it was a result of her deep passion for coffee and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the coffee industry of India.

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Juggling business in India and studies in the US

Mishthi started her business venture in 2022 while she was still a student of Harvard. “Managing the day-to-day operations of 93 Degrees while pursuing my management studies at Harvard has been both demanding and rewarding,” she remarks. “Thanks to the flexible learning options offered by Harvard, I was able to strike a balance between my academic commitments and the responsibilities of running a business. Leveraging technology and effective time management strategies, I ensured that the company continues to thrive in my absence,” she tells, highlighting that the insights gained from her course enriched her decision-making ability and contributed in running the business even from abroad.

“Each day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth, and I am grateful for the invaluable lessons learned along the way.” While there have been hurdles to overcome, a sense of fulfilment derived from building something from the ground up makes every obstacle worth it for Mishthi.

Blending legacy and innovation

“Coming from an esteemed business family, entrepreneurship was the most natural progression for me. I have enjoyed the process of establishing 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters. Also, I have learnt to respect traditions in businesses even while innovating and discovering new trends in the industry,” says the fourth-generation entrepreneur. She looks at her grandfather, as a visionary entrepreneur who instilled in her the qualities of integrity, persistence, and diligence towards excellence from a young age.

Drawing inspiration from his entrepreneurial journey Mishthi learned to blend tradition with innovation, respecting the rich heritage of her family business while pioneering new ventures in uncharted territories.

“Throughout my entrepreneurial endeavour, I have been fortunate to have the support and guidance of my family members. They are the mentors and advisors of my journey. Their experience, wisdom and the values that they instilled in me has shaped my identity as an entrepreneur,” she remarks.

Visionary leaders in the coffee industry who have reshaped the landscape of specialty coffee globally are also people who inspire Mishthi Aggarwal, fuelling her ambition to make a meaningful impact in the world of specialty coffee.

Beyond business

As an entrepreneur, Mishthi’s aspirations for 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters extend beyond mere profitability. She envisions her brand becoming synonymous with exceptional quality, sustainability, and social responsibility in the coffee industry. “By cultivating strong partnerships with local farmers, we aim to create a positive impact at every stage of the coffee supply chain. Ultimately, I strive to elevate the coffee experience for our customers while contributing to the greater good of society,” she tells.

93 Degrees Coffee Roasters is deeply committed to empowering local coffee farmers through initiatives aimed at promoting fair trade practices, sustainable agriculture, and community development. “Partnering with coffee-growing communities and advocating for their rights and well-being, we aim to create a more equitable and sustainable coffee industry for generations to come,” Mishthi shares, talking about her aspirations.

On the path of leadership

Before enrolling in the master’s in management at Harvard University, Mishthi completed her bachelors of science in economics from the University of Nottingham, and a three-year diploma course in coffee skills from Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE), one of the world's largest coffee trade associations.

“As an authorised AST (Authorised Specialty Coffee Association Trainer), certified by the SCAE, I possess the necessary credentials to educate and train others in the art and science of specialty coffee,” she mentions. Her Q Grader Arabica certification, awarded by the Coffee Quality Institute makes her an expert in evaluating and grading coffee beans - a unique position as a female leader in a male-dominated industry.

She has served as a jury member with the National Coffee Board for the National Latte Art Championship and National Barista Championship in the past. Winners went on to participate in global competitions. As a jury member she evaluated and critiqued the performance of contestants based on criteria such as taste, technique, and presentation. The entrepreneur and trainer loved being in the judge's shoes. She looks at it as an opportunity to contribute towards the advancement of the coffee industry of India on a global scale.

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Challenges and triumphs

“As a budding entrepreneur, I have encountered numerous challenges along the path to building and growing 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters. From navigating the complexities of supply chain management to overcoming financial hurdles and fierce competition, each obstacle has tested my resilience and determination,” she remarks adding, “However, I firmly believe that challenges present opportunities for growth and innovation. I have been able to overcome the obstacles and emerge stronger than before.”

The entrepreneur, who has just returned after completing her masters at Harvard, aims to make her venture bigger and contribute wholeheartedly in the specialty coffee industry of India as a certified Q grader, and an authorised SCA trainer.

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