I am a Grade 11 student at Adani International School, Ahmedabad, with a passion for science, adventure, and making a positive impact on the world. My primary interest lies in scientific research, particularly in biology, medicine, and neuroscience, and I aim to study in the USA to pursue a career in developing medical technologies to support marginalized communities in rural India.
I am also an avid trekker, having explored Rishikesh, Tirthan Valley, and the Kedarkanta mountain trek, with Everest Base Camp being my next goal. Trekking has taught me valuable lessons in resilience and the beauty of nature, motivating me to push my limits both physically and mentally.
In addition to academics and trekking, I am currently exploring the world of music by learning singing and the bamboo flute. Music has become a new passion that allows me to express creativity and find balance in my life.
As someone with red-green color blindness, I have also been deeply involved in color vision deficiency awareness, particularly through my leadership in AIDING COLOURS. I am proud of my personal achievement in solving the 3×3 Rubik’s Cube with a best time of 7.6 seconds, showcasing that determination and problem-solving can overcome any challenge.
Every step I take, whether through scientific exploration, personal growth, or pursuing new passions, is driven by the desire to continuously learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the world around me.
In 2023, I was given the incredible opportunity to work as the Project Coordinator for the Aiding Colours project under the Dr. Shivani Bhatt Charitable Foundation (SBCF) in my hometown, Anand. The foundation is known for its impactful social work, ranging from underprivileged children and women’s health to children’s education, and one of its key initiatives is conducting colour blindness screening camps in municipal schools.
Being red-green colourblind myself, I know first-hand the challenges that students with colour vision deficiency (CVD) face, both academically and socially. Motivated by my own experiences, I embarked on this journey to make a difference for children who are affected by CVD, so they can be diagnosed early and receive the support they need.
To date, our team has conducted screenings for over 6,500 students, identifying 72 cases of CVD. In my role as Project Coordinator, I manage a dedicated team of optometrists and volunteers, coordinate with schools, procure essential diagnostic tools like the Ishihara chart, and provide career and psychological counselling for students, parents, and teachers.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been helping raise awareness. Through the creation of brochures and posters in both English and Gujarati, I’ve worked to simplify the information about CVD, ensuring that everyone, including those with limited English proficiency, understands the importance of early diagnosis.
I’m excited to continue this work and reach even more children who may need our support. I believe that through awareness, education, and action, we can make a real difference in the lives of children with colour blindness.
Table tennis has always been a passion of mine, and I’m excited to share that I recently participated in the ISSO National Games Tournament for Table Tennis in Noida, representing Adani International School in the Under-17 age group. The tournament, held on November 10, 2024, brought together some of the best young players from across the country, and I had the opportunity to compete at a national level.
Being a district-level player, this experience was a major step in my journey towards a national ranking. It was both thrilling and challenging to face such tough competition, and it has motivated me to train even harder and continue pushing my limits. The event not only helped me improve my skills but also gave me invaluable exposure to the level of competition I will need to overcome in order to make a mark on the national stage.
As I look ahead, my goal is clear: I want to continue playing at the national level and achieve a national ranking in table tennis. I know it will require consistent dedication, hard work, and resilience, but I’m committed to putting in the effort to reach my goals. Whether it’s refining my techniques, improving my mental game, or gaining more competition experience, I’m ready to take the next steps in my table tennis journey.
Cubing has been one of my greatest passions, and it’s something I’ve pursued with determination. Being red-green colourblind, I faced unique challenges when it comes to solving cubes, especially when it comes to differentiating between red and green coloured blocks of Rubik’s Cube.
Instead of giving up, I worked harder to overcome this obstacle. Through practice and developing my own techniques, I’ve been able to adapt and excel at solving a variety of cubes, including 2×2, 3×3, 5×5, 6×6, and 7×7.
My personal best for solving the 3×3 cube stands at an impressive 8 seconds. But my goal doesn’t end there. I aspire to be in the top 10 nationally and compete alongside participants with normal vision. It’s not just about overcoming my colour blindness; it’s about proving that no limitation, no matter how big, should stand in the way of pursuing your dreams.
Music has always been a significant part of my life, and it brings me a sense of joy and peace. Singing, especially Sufi music, is something that resonates deeply with me. The soulful melodies and profound lyrics of Sufi music have always been a source of comfort, and I enjoy expressing myself through this form of art. It’s not just about the music itself but the emotions it evokes and the connection it creates with my inner self.
Over the years, I’ve explored various musical instruments in an attempt to expand my musical horizons. I tried learning the harmonium, guitar, and tabla, but none of these instruments seemed to spark a lasting interest in me. Despite my efforts, I couldn’t quite connect with them the way I had hoped.
However, recently, I started learning the flute, and I’ve discovered a newfound passion. The flute not only excites me musically but also holds a deep cultural and spiritual significance. Shree Krishna, who is our God, played the flute, and this connection has made the instrument even more meaningful to me.
Music, for me, is not just a hobby – it’s a way to connect with myself, my culture, and the world around me.
Trekking through the Himalayas has been a life-changing adventure for me. From the spiritual serenity of Rishikesh to the hidden beauty of Tirthan Valley, and the challenge of conquering the Kedarkanta peak, each trek has deepened my love for the mountains.
The Kedarkanta trek, with its snow-covered trails and breathtaking summit views, was a true test of endurance. Now, my ultimate goal is to reach Everest Base Camp – standing at the foot of the world’s highest peak is a dream that fuels my passion for trekking.
Each trek has taught me valuable lessons about resilience and the beauty of nature. For anyone planning a trek, I say: embrace the journey, push your limits, and let the mountains inspire you.
