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RISING STARS GIVE OUR FUTURE LIGHT
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Saba Poonawala
Mrs India Earth
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Prineet Grewal
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H I N DU STAN T I M ES, PU N E M ON DAY, J U N E , 2 6 , 2 0 17
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hindustantimes
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makeup artiste, La Belle Salon
UNDER
Raju Deb founder, Shape India
HINDUSTAN TIMES BRINGS to you the second part of 30 under 30, which features dedicated and determined individuals who surprise us with their endeavours and inspire us with their dreams Anjali Shetty n
anjali.shetty@htlive.com
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n the launch of Hindustan Times in Pune (Saturday, June 24) we brought to you young, inspirational and influential achievers who are gearing to be the leaders of tomorrow. In this second part, we bring the next 15 individuals. Persistent, passionate and focussed is how you would describe these young individuals from the city. The second part will introduce readers to go-getters from another set of fields. It talks about their dreams, challenges faced by our country and what are they looking to accomplish in the coming year. Having nurtured their talent with determination and hard work, these young individuals are an inspiration to many. From arts and education to fitness and sports, young minds have ignited a spark in their respective fields and are striving to do their best. Ever wondered what drives achievers? The heroes ‘so to speak’, who grab your undivided attention through their achievements in the field of academics, sports, research, art, literature, music and business ventures that spark a revolution. Science has tried to explain the phenomenon of super intelligence, but we are not discussing grey cells here. Instead, this is an attempt to understand the mental makeup, motivations, desires and environment that shapes successful individuals. While many on the list have achieved fame, some of them are working towards making the country proud with their talent. These 30 leaders of tomorrow are confident and display courage that reassures us of the future of young India. Closer home in Pune, there are also individuals who have managed to separate themselves from the flock, be it in education or young professionals floating startup companies, we have our fair share of determined and focused folks who have achieved much more than people their age generally accomplish. We spoke to them about their forthcoming projects and each one had huge plans for the country and their respective fields. On the status of challenges facing India, many pointed out the sorry state of civic sense among us. They stated that we still have a long way to go when it comes to living together in harmony. They also spoke of the need to focus on infrastructure and the ever-growing problem of population. With tremendous opportunities ahead of them, these young minds are sure of what to expect and how to go about their routines. The young entrepreneurs and educationist on the list have made us proud for their confident decisions, initiative and grit. Armed with ambition, creativity and ingenuity these under 30 stars have surprised us with their hobbies and passions. Apart from their professional commitments they still find the time to nurture hobbies like travelling, reading and music. This goes on to show how the youth today has mastered the art of multi-tasking. So, here we present you are heroes who will take you by surprise with the their achievements in the field of academics, sports, research, art, literature, music and business ventures that spark a revolution. A new generation of young achievers is preparing to rise on the city’s horizon. They are not just passionate about their area of work, but also persistent in their efforts. These young Puneites have nurtured their talent with hard work and are clearly set to emerge as the leaders of tomorrow. Who are they and what do they think of the challenges before the nation? Team HT gives you a glimpse into their young minds:
Siddharth Menon actor
cricketer
MD, China Grill
Rajvardhan Kadam, artist
Amay Yeravdekar Symbiosis International University. Photo by Pratham Gokhale/HTPHOTO
Soumya Jain
Actor-singer
Rohan Pawar
NUPUR CHAUDHURI,
CEO, iTeach Schools, 30
director, founder-Natak Company, 30
founder, Label Nupur Chaudhuri, 30
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Hobbies: “I love to travel. I have a map of Konkan at home. I love reading too, mostly stuff related to work.”
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ipun is one of Pune’s most sought after theatre enthusiasts in the city. From acting in college plays to directing films, Nipun has come a long way. In 2009, he founded Natak Company, an experimental theatre group. His web series Casting Couch with Amey and Nipun was a huge success and took the digital world by storm. Baap Janma, a Marathi film directed by Nipun will be released on September 15. Nipun feels concerned about the new culture of censorship in the country. “Filmmakers are unable to express their creativity,” he says. He wants to see more theatres.
Hobbies: Reading and watching films.
Baap Janma, a Marathi film directed by Nipun Dharmadhikari will be released on September 15, this year.
Ketaki Mategaonkar
CEO, iTeach schools
NIPUN DHARMADIKARI,
une-born Soumya Jain completed his engineering from Nagpur. He completed his masters in the US and worked in Philadelphia till 2013. He moved back to India in 2013 and took up teaching at Teach For India for two years. “I decided to stay back in teaching and founded iTeach schools because the choices I had while at Bishop’s School in Pune were unfair compared to what students are offered in government schools. It is sad that the 55 English Medium corporationschoolsinPuneareonlyup to grade seven. Students are then forced to switch to Marathi medium schools or private schools. This causes a large number of dropouts.” iTeach Schools now operates through five schools in Aundh, Hadapsar, Yerwada, Kondhawa and the latest in Mundhwa. “We run these schools on a PPP model with the government. Our first batch recorded 100 per cent SSC results in two schools and 98 per cent in one.”
Miss Scuba International
Prerna Kapoor
SOUMYA JAIN,
‘THE NEW CULTURE OF CENSORSHIP IS WORRYING’
Varsha Rajkhowa
Rahul Tripathi
Nipun Dharmadhikari
passionate racer. Photo by Pratham Gokhale/HTPHOTO
‘OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO LOWER INCOME SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE UNFAIR’
Shravan Shetty MD, Apache
‘NO SOULS ARE HARMED IN THE PRODUCTION OF OUR SOLES’
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hoes are what fascinate Nupur Chaudhuri and her dream to establish her own label began with a course in Footwear Design at the London College of Fashion in 2011, followed by another course at Footwear Design and Development Institute Mumbai, 2013. She spent another few months living in Mumbai to study and survey the market, find the right craftsmen, experiment with samples and finally launched her own label — Nupur Chaudhuri — in 2014. One aspect that has helped the label stand out from the crowd has been that the shoes are 100 per cent cruelty-free. Her product tagline is that ‘No souls are harmed in the production of our soles’. On the challenges she faces in her industry, “The fast changing fashion trends. Shoes are produced by the thousands in factories in China or India and sold on popular websites for a few hundreds.”
Hobbies: “My passion is in keeping with my work — I love animals. I’m vegetarian by choiceforsevenyearsnowand I do everything I can to help animals,” she says
In an interesting initiative, a team comprising him and others painted a large stretch of the Yerwada Prison wall this year.
RAJVARDHAN KADAM, Inkbrushnme, 29
‘NEWSAPERS ARE FULL OF VIOLENCE AND MURDER WHICH IS SADDENING’
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ajvardhan comes from a family of artists and not surprisingly, he took to doodling as a toddler. Rajvardhan was exposed to the different experiences of visual media at MS University in Baroda. “I am also researching on the sitar while learning to play it” Rajvardhan is unhappy with the high pitched news on violence and murder in the newspapers. “To add to it, people are losing their depth with the advent of technology and internet,” he says.
Hobbies: When he needs a diversion, he takes to cooking and baking. He recently experimented and made Macha Tea Panna cotta.
director
AMAY YERAVDEKAR,
ROHAN PAWAR,
VARSHA RAJKHOWA,
RAHUL TRIPATHI,
Symbiosis International University, 29
passionate racer, 29
Miss Scuba International, 25
cricketer, 26
‘WE INDIANS NEED TO INCULCATE CIVIC SENSE.’
‘CLIMATE CHANGE IS A BIG CHALLENGE.’
FEEL POSITIVE ABOUT MODI GOVERNMENT’S APPROACH TO ADDRESSING INDIA’S CHALLENGES’
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ith a doctorate in Sports, Amay Yeravdekar, dons many hats at Symbiosis International University, where he is an assistant professor, executive of sports, recreation and wellness facilities and in-charge of off station campuses.He is currently actively involved in the inter-corporate, school and college sports events in cricket. Corruption and black money are among the biggest problems facing the country, he says. “Adding to this, India’s vast population also poses numerous challenges. If you notice, all our problems are interlinked with the growing population of our country. To start with literacy and education can help resolve most of it. However, adequate steps need to be taken for the same,” says Amay.
Hobbies: Amay loves to travel, listening to music, reading autobiographies and “anything and everything related to sports” is what interests Amay. He is a sports enthusiast and uses his knowledge and experience in sports towards the benefit of his Institute. He is also very passionate about his Institute and does everything possible to maintain its high standards.
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long with taking important decisions at his family’s real estate firm, Pinnacle Group, Rohan Pawar devotes considerable attention to racing. He won the Junior Indian National Racing Championship and Indian National Racing Championship in 2013. Come July, and Rohan will be busy with his Sliders Industries’ team on the racing tracks. He kicks off his first rally on July 27. Apart from the new challenges before Indian enterprises in the form of GST, Rohan feels that we need to have civic sense. Hobbies: A fitness enthusiast, Rohan makes it a point to never miss his gym routine.
Apart from the new challenges before Indian enterprises in the form of GST, Rohan feels that as a nation, we need to have greater civic sense.
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arsha Rajkhowa was crowned the new Miss Scuba International 2016-2017 at a one-of-a-kind global beauty pageant held with the purpose of spreading awareness about ocean protection and marine life. A professional environmentalist, this 25-year-old completed her education in environmental science specialising in waste water management. She also received the title of GlobalOcean Ambassador and aims at spreading awareness on the issues faced. She is currently travelling and visiting Dive Expos across the globe and working towards marineconversationandenvironment protection. Beach (Mumbai)and hill clean-ups in the city are what she wants to focus on. The challenge of climate change is close to my heart and she wants more people to join in the campaign to spread awareness about the importance of oceans and an eco-friendly lifestyle. Hobbies: Varsha is passionate about being a professional diver which helps her learn more about the ocean.
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ahul Tripathi plays for Maharashtra and in February 2017, he was picked up by to join the Rising Pune Supergiants team for the 2017 Indian Premier League. Fresh out of the IPL, Rahul took a break before playing again. He is now headed to Chennai for match practice and is looking forward to his Ranji selection and other tournaments. Rahul feels positive about the steps taken by the Modi Government to address various challenges before the country. “I am positive that we will slowly and steadily overcome our challenges. We are a huge country and it is obvious to have issues. However, as citizens we should strive and work towards the betterment of our country than simply listing its problems,” he says.
Nupur Chaudhuri founder, Label Nupur Chaudhuri
Hobbies and passions: Endurance and fitness are necessary for Rahul as a sportsman and he therefore loves playing football or badminton. “Listening to music helps me unwind when I am on a break.”
Chinese cuisine is her family speciality since 1976 and she is passionate about expanding the chain of restaurants
PRERNA KAPOOR, MD, China Grill, 27
‘HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY NEEDS PROACTIVE POLICIES FROM THE GOVERNMENT’
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anaging Director, China Grill, Prerna has managed to gain global expertise in hospitality, besides drawing from the rich experience of the Kapoor family in the hospitality sector. Chinese cuisine is the speciality of her family business since 1976 and she is passionate about expanding her family’s chain of restaurants with the upcoming launch of China Grill at Pimpri. Prerna wants proactive policies for the hospitality industry which is a major revenue generator. Hobbies: Prerna believes travelling opens the mind and feeds the soul.
SHRAVAN SHETTY, MD, Apache, 25
‘HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY SUFFERS FROM MULTILAYER TAXATION AND NUMEROUS LEGISLATIONS. THIS HAS TO CHANGE.’
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hravan developed a liking for the hospitality sector since his childhood because he loved seeing people having a great time at restaurants. Managing director at Apache chain of Gastropubs, he first focused on the latest Apache in Vimannagar and now wants to foray in the currently hot space of casual dining. “Poona Republic” is his new brand which is an all day café and bar targeted towards millennial as well as families. Shravan is unhappy with the large number of regulations and multilayer tax structure faced by the hospitality sector. This has to change, he says.
Hobbies: An avid guitar player, Shravan strums the guitar to unwind. He also love travelling as it inspires new ideas about food, interiors and drinks for his business.
RAJU DEB,
KETAKI MATEGAONKAR,
SABA POONAWALA,
founder, Shape India, 27
singer/actor
celebrity hair and make-up artist
‘CHILDREN MUST NOT FALL INTO THE TRAP OF SEDENTARY LIFESTYLES AND JUNK FOOD’
‘DISCOURAGE BLIND FAITH AND ORTHODOXY’
‘HIGH ILLITERACY IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE BEFORE THE COUNTRY’
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ith over seven years in the fitness industry, Raju always wanted to follow his passion to initiate a programme into children’s fitness. Qualified with a Masters in Physical Education, he has participated in the Gymnastics Federation of India and SGFI junior and senior level tournament from Tripura State He was also nominated as the Best Cadet in National Cadet Corps. by Maharashtra Directorate and received ‘C Certificate’. Shape India has been into existence since the 2015, with a focused approach to “Shaping Children for a Lifetime” and this programme has been popular in many schools. Raju feels that sedentary lifestyle, junk food consumption and various health issues such as diabetes and obesity are serious challenges before urban Indians. He wants children to grow up the right way and not commit the mistakes of their previous generations.
Hobbies: Tennis, squash and other sports and working out at the gym is what makes him happy.
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he made her debut in Sujay Dahake’s Shala in 2012. Ever since, this talented actor has given us entertaining and interesting performances through her films. A Puneri mulgi, Ketaki is a singer too and has lent her voice to soulful melodies in various films. “I just finished shooting for the Hindi remake of the Marathi film Kaksparsh. I also sang two Tamil songs for Ilaiyaraaja and two Hindi songs too. I have always wanted to work on projects allow me to explore my abilities.”
Hobbies: Composing music is what she loves and recently, she recorded her first composition with veteran vocalist Suresh Wadkar.
With a deep sense of pride about India’s achievements, Ketaki is keen that the country is rid of blind faith and orthodox beliefs.
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aba Poonawala is an internationally trained celebrity hair and make-up artist from Pune. It’s been quite a journey, and so far she had done the hair and make-up for celebrities like Gauhar Khan, Riddhi Dogra, and Rakesh Bapat among others. She has also showcased her talent at several fashion shows and has worked for global brands. Her current projects include expansion of her business by setting up more branches and training women in this field for them to be able to sustain a livelihood for themselves and their families. Her biggest concern for the country is the lack of education. “A great deal of our problems can be solved with basic education provided to the masses, putting emphasis on completion of graduation for girls,” she says. Basic hygiene, women’s safety and pollution are the other challenges. .
Hobbies: Saba is a well-established home baker and patisserie trainer as well and she hosts workshops to keep this hobby alive. She is passionate about nature and immensely loves animals.
Siddharth feels concerned that people are forgetting their roots amidst globalisation
SIDDHARTH MENON, Film and theatre actor
‘PEOPLE NEED TO COME TOGETHER FOR THE COMMON GOOD.’
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iddharth Menon has actively been involved in theatre, films, short films and AD films, taking off from his forays in theatre from college. His first film was ‘Peddlers’ in Hindi directed by Vasan Bala. Siddharth played the lead in this film. He also ventured into the Marathi film industry and his debut film Ekulti Ek was directed by Sachin Pilgaonkar. Siddharth feels concerned that people are forgetting their roots amidst globalisation and urbanisation. The concentration of power is what bothers him. People, need to come together for the pursuit of the common good.
Hobbies: Cooking, travelling and music are his passions. Watching sports playing and football.
PRINEET GREWAL, Mrs India Earth
‘WE AS A COUNTRY CANNOT SUCCEED WHEN HALF THE POPULATION IS HELD BACK’
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n MBA by education, an HR personnel by profession and Mrs India Earth by title. Currently working with John Deere as an HR, Prineet have always been a go-getter since childhood. Sensitivity towards our society has always been a driver and that as well as her interest in modelling catapulted her to take part in Mrs India Earth and at the end become a winner of this prestigious national title. Inequality in the literacy and education for women in our country. “We as a country cannot succeed when half the population is held back. To educate a woman is to turn walls into door for when you know better you do better. It is the one true weapon our country has against all the evils that plague our society. It is imperative to educate women, as it yields within it the power to change the world.” Hobbies: “I am an avid movie buff and ensure that I catch a new one everyday. Another passion that both my husband and I share is our love for travel. I haven’t been everywhere, but it is on my list.