, MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2019 06 ND

ANNIVER SARY the power of2 2 2 YOUNG SUPER 1 ACHIEVERS Pune’s front-runners are young, dynamic 6 and dramatically altering the future-scape of the city, and beyond. On HT’s second anniversary, we celebrate the Punekars of tomorrow, delivering today. These are HT’s ‘30 Under 30’ super-achievers

n the occasion of our secondanni- HELPING DESERVING versary, Hindustan Times, Pune, 4 5 brings to the fore 30 of our city’s STUDENTS FIND A FOOTHOLD super-achievers, all under the age of O 30. Independentin thought and 3 KULDEEP AMBEKAR,28 unconventional in attitude, they are driv- President, Students Helping Hand ing their careers with zeal and passion. From composing soulful music to breaking Who: new grounds in forensic accounting; from Kuldeep is studying law at MMC (Marathwada Mitra climbing up the world sports rankings, to College). He heads an NGO called “Students Helping embarkingon promising careers in the Hand” and works for the welfare of students from civil services… It’s an inspiring mix of tal- the drought-affected areas of Marathwada and ent, perseverance and passion. Vidarbha . The NGO provides two meals daily to approximately 800 students across Pune, free of cost. My inspiration: BUILDING TRUST USING Not any individual, but many people, including my family members, friends and social workers. Many TECHNOLOGY books have inspired me. My vision: 1 PRASHANT SURANA,23 Co-founder, Snapper future tech According to our survey, there are at least 3,200 students in Pune from the drought-affected areas Who: of Marathwada and Vidarbha. I want to make them A serial entrepreneur in artificial intelligence and independent and see them employed. 10 11 12 blockchain, Prashant believes that we are in the I unwind: “blockchain age” and blockchain brings trust to the Internet. Through his Snapper and blockchain By reading. I love to narrate poems on social issues ventures, he is seeking to disrupt the status quo of from daily walks of life. the Internet. “We are enablers, creators and adopt- My idol: ers, pushing the human race forward,”he says. I had grown up reading and learning about Ma- My Inspiration: hatma Gandhi and BR Ambedkar. Whatever they I am inspired by the possibilities that are present on have done is stupendous. I want to become like Internet in ways to “trust” using blockchain. them. My Vision: Breakthrough moment: For the first time in history, money was made open My struggle in Pune without a single rupee in my source with bitcoin and blockchain, says Prashant, pocket. That inspired me to work for students from adding that his vision is to build trust using drought-hit areas. technology. What next? Breakthrough moment: To work for underprivileged students in every part The day Snapper was established and, from a firm, it of . We want to provide these students became my “family”. not only meals, but also hostel facility, library and all the things related to their education. What’s next? What I like about Kuldeep? Solving trust problems using blockchain. “Educating while we are innovating” and also, creating oppor- Over the years he has taken up many issues which tunities for everyone. are justified demands of students like parking problem of students, then providing free meals to What I like about Prashant? these students. This certainly creates a positive Prashant has definitely got this right. Snapper is on social impact on students. the right side of the technology curve and the fact - Prafulla Pawar, registrar, Savitribai Phule Pune that he is starting so early means that he will be University. looking at the future of technology as well as his own company and should be able to synchronise the two well. Blockchain is an enabler and he will have BRINGING ROBOTICS INTO to get the technology right as well as need domain expertise. The timing is perfect.” EVERYDAY LIFE - Vishwas Mahajan, serial entrepreneur 4 VIVEK SHOME,17 team captain, ‘Olympics of Robotics’ FOR THE LOVE OF THEATRE held in Mexico City AND FILMS Who: Having just completed Class 12 from St Mary’s 2 PARNA PETHE,29 School, Pune, Vivek’s team won two gold medals - Actor, co-founder, Natak Company, Kaan The Clara Barton Award for Helping Hands, and the Drushti Mansa Musa Award for Fundraising at the Global Robotics event in Mexico City in 2018. Besides, he Parna Pethe rose to fame with Marathi films like has initiated a community service project, ‘VIRIDE’, Rama Madhav and Faster Fene. As a student at under which volunteers clean up and map the trails Fergusson College, she always believed in creating a of the hills of Pune. He is a passionate debater and a balance between passion and academics. A topper tech enthusiast. in academics, she did her Master’s in Clinical Psy- chology while continuing to act in plays. The success My inspiration: of her role in Rama Madhav brought in more acting The way in which Reliance Jio has spread across the 13 14 offers and this soon became her profession. nation and provided inexpensive Internet access to My inspiration: millions. This has inspired me to work on disruptive technologies that bring change to the masses. People from different spheres who work hard, study hard, who are passionate and love their work inspire Iunwind: me a lot. I am motivated by those who show With an early morning trek up Vetal tekdi; swim- dedication and love for whatever work they do. ming or playing the piano. My Vision: My idol: Currently, I want to work as an actor in theatre/tele- Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, Tesla, and PayPal. vision/films. Also, I want to study Psychology. In He is a successful engineer and entrepreneur. future, I want to start a counselling centre. Breakthrough moment: My idol: Receiving a Lego Robotics Kit at the age of 12. I Actor Nimmy Raphael, who runs a repertory in spent days building and programming robots with Puducherry called Adishakti, is my inspiration. I love my new kit. It allowed me to enter the world of the work of Smita Patil and Nutan. I love and respect Computer Science and Robotics, and helped build the passion and ideology with which Sumitra Bhave my creative skills. works even today at the age of 75. The vision of my What’s next? father Atul Pethe and Mohit Takalkar inspire me. I’m headed to the United States for my undergradu- Breakthrough moment: ate studies and will be majoring in Computer There are many and they keep happening even now. Science at the University of California, Davis, where I There was a time when I was in Fergusson College, have been awarded the Provost scholarship. we used to be extremely active with our college and My vision: experimental theatre groups Aasakta and Natak Company. That phase where we were extremely To create a startup and inexpensive, interactive charged about experimental theatre was a break- technologies to spread Stem (Science,Technology, MAKING CREATIVE CHOICES My inspiration: audience on the opening night, sitting in seats they through moment for me. Engineering and Mathematics) across the world. FOR A PERFECT FUTURE My family and friends inspire me to try and reach had paid for, and responding to something that was What’s next? What I like about Vivek? my full potential every time I work on something. so ‘me’. VIRAJAS KULKARNI,27 I am acting in Mohit Takalkar s film Medium Spicy. Vivek was responsible for driving the robot design 5 My idol: What’s next?: Alok Rajwade’s film Ashleel Udyog Mitra Mandal is and engineering activities with his teammates. His Actor and founder, Theatron Entertainment Charlie Chaplin. A true auteur and his command over I’m working hard on my directorial debut. I’ve ready for release. It is our home production. I am initiatives in constructing the robot resulted in a Who: recently wrapped up a web series with my friend also hosting a reality show for television for the first high performing and capable machine that was all aspects of film-making. He wrote, directed, Actor-writer and director Virajas Kulkarni’s starred in, helped edit and composed music for all of Jeet Ashok, which featured Abhijeet Khandkekar, time and performing my play Amar Photo Studio. recognised and appreciated by the First Global Spruha Joshi, Shivraj Waichal, and Shivani Rangole. organisers. Vivek was also at the forefront of our theatre company is known for plays such as his films, and the combined result has been the What I like about Parna: Mickey, Anathema, Bhanvar, 202 Elina, So What, enviable repertoire of films that I always find myself The series combines the appeal of popular enter- fundraising activities, identifying corporates that tainment, but is presented in a way never before She is an empathetic human being. And, that is might be interested in sponsoring us, reaching out The case of Mistaken Identity and Incognito@56, going back to. among others. He wrote the script for Mrinal seen in the Marathi web space. what reflects in her work. She is one of the most to them, and following up until we got the funds. Breakthrough moment: sensitive co-actors I have worked with. I love this Due to Vivek and his team’s efforts, we were able to Kulkarni’s Ti & Ti, and starred in Hostel Days and I unwind: There’s nothing like a good book to quality of her. raise more than $25,000 in a few weeks’ time. Madhuri. He is also looking forth to his directorial When I wrote and directed my first play, ‘Anathema’, cleanse your creative choices. I also like to take a lot debut. He is the son of senior actor-director I considered for the first time that I could actually do of naps, because in my line of work, you never know - Suvrat Joshi, versatile actor and National School - Sumesh Jaiswal, technical director at Symantec Mrinal Kulkarni. something that I liked as a profession. Watching the when you’ll need to stay up a lot. So, sleep when- of Drama alumnus Software, mentor for Team India, FIRST Global hindustantimes 07

PUNE’S 30 UNDER 30 - PART 1

3 strengths and weaknesses. Despite his success and She heads the technology and due diligence FIBA Asia Cup. stardom, he is constantly working towards becom- practice of Riskpro Management Consulting Private What’s next: ing better. Limited, a company that she co-founded. Prior to FIBA Asia cup, Indonesia in August. Breakthrough moment: this, Apurva had founded Fraudexpress, a startup in which was merged into Riskpro. My Vision: The lead in my first Marathi show. Sharing screen space with Subodh Bhave and several senior actors An independent director at Quickheal Technologies To make the game better for women in India. Limited, India’s biggest information security is a wonderful experience. I still do not feel like I What I like about Shireen: have arrived or achieved anything yet. I still have a company and Minda Rinder, a leading multinational very long way to go. automobile component company, Apurva is a joint “Shireen is playing basketball at the highest level for venture partner at Crowe Horwath. the last 10 years. It’s a commendable achievement What’s next? It was through her initiative that NSE (National itself. Lone Maharashtra warrior. For this she has To explore similar work in other regional languages. I Stock Exchange) Academy launched certificate really worked hard on her skills and fitness levels. want to be able to experiment with languages and courses to qualify as Banking Forensic Accountant, From her first international tournament in 2009 to mediums. Insurance Fraud Professional and Certified Stock 2019, she has drastically changed. She has become a mature player.” What I like about Gayatri? Market Frauds Professional. Through Fraudexpress, she designed diploma and certification courses for - Suvarna Limaye, mother-cum-coach She is kind-hearted, enthusiastic, always challeng- the University of Solapur in Forensic Accounting, 7 ing herself. She is a dear friend and good actor. Fraud Risk Management, E-commerce Management - Subodh Bhave, leading Marathi actor and Supply Chain Management. DREAMING BIG AND AIMING What’s next? HIGH CREATING SPACES AND To reach out to the masses and the common man PROJECTS THAT ARE ETHICAL and create awareness about forensic accounting 13 ANKITA RAINA,26 tools. “I have a global aim to establish myself in India’s No. 1 women’s tennis player three continents,”says Apurva. 8 POOJA KRISHNAKUMAR,24 Who: 7 What I liked about Apurva? Co-founder, Almaarii, a queer visibility “She is very intelligent, articulate and extremely India’s No 1 ranked women’s tennis player with a project hardworking. She is well informed and brings bronze in women’s singles in the Asian Games, 2018, silver in women’s doubles in the Indoor Asian Who: unique insights to business. She is a rare talent.” Pradeep Tewari, CEO, Body&Structure Domain, Uno Games, 2017; gold in singles and mixed doubles in Pooja Krishnakumar is a restless activist, always Minda Group. the South Asian Games 2016; besides three gold thinking of new ideas and projects to work on. medals in singles, doubles & team event at the Pooja is the co-founder of Almaarii and The Queer National Games, 2015. Has represented India in Question, both queer initiatives as well as The Circle, WORKING TO MAKE FASHION Federation Cup for the last 7 years. a mental health support group. Almaarii will become My inspiration: a beautiful collaboration of all kinds of people ALL INCLUSIVE bringing together all kinds of stories and stressing My mother, Lalita Raina, is my inspiration. Her hard on the fact that all of them are valid. PRATIKSHA SINGH,26 work, sacrifice and perseverance always inspires me 10 and motivates me. She’s never given up, even in Plus size model My inspiration: tough times and has been a great source of I’ve always been inspired by my uncle who has Who: strength. The India Armed Forces, whenever I’m in a 9 always stood up for whatever is right and has also A plus size/curve model and an untiring advocate of pressure situation or have fear towards anything. I inspired me to do my PhD. I’m also extremely body positivity, Pratiksha graduated from Symbio- think of them because they are the ones at the inspired by Frida Kahlo, Arundhati Roy and Irom sis Institute of Design, Pune and has worked as an border all the time not knowing what is going to Sharmila, among others. Anyone and everyone who assistant fashion designer for two brands in Pune happen the next moment. Definitely, our situation is stands for someone other than themselves is and Dubai. She started working as a freelance plus not about life and death and so there’s nothing to definitely someone I look up to. size model at the age of 19 with an e-commerce be scared about. I have immense respect for them I unwind: brand online and participated in numerous other and dedicate all my achievements to the Indian shoots(for brands such as Half.Full.Curve, Rangtara, Armed Forces. By keeping myself updated with the latest shows; design Fabric) and fashion shows (Lakme Fashion by painting and definitely by going out for a good My idol: Week, Pune Fashion Week) over the years. meal once in a while. Serena Williams. Dreaming big and believing that She has worked as a designer at AAVVA fashion My idol: they will come true is one of the important lessons (high-end couture apparel) in Dubai and made I’ve learnt from her. Her fighting spirit is like no one I don’t believe in the concept of idols, because it couple of designs that were a part of their A/W 2018 else’s and that’s something I try to adapt on court. dehumanises a person and puts them on a pedestal. collection and S/S-2019 collection. I’m always inspired by fellow activists, young My Vision: My inspiration: people, entrepreneurs. I want to be a medal contender at the 2020 Olym- Clothing and accessories. Breakthrough moment: pics. Also my aim is to break into the top 100 I unwind: ranking. A series of moments here and there when I kept creating projects and joined spaces that are ethically By watching a good movie with friends or family I unwind: standing for the good in the world; and my realisa- after a busy week of work. Swimming, practising By reading books and listening to music. dance, travelling, and reading. tion that this is my calling. What I like about Ankita: My idol: What’s next? Her performance, ranking and game all have My PhD in a subject of my liking and do enough People with different, wonderful qualities. In definitely improved. Many times, maybe two things academic research to be able to create work to modelling, international curve models Denise Bidot go up and one remains the same, but from January influence policy research. Also, to work at the and Deepti Gujral for making me realise that it’s 2019 there is a complete improvement in all aspects, grassroots. possible to be humble/nice to everyone no matter her performances against top player has also gone what. What I like about Pooja? up. We are still working on her serve accuracy and Breakthrough moment: after third week of July we are looking at working Pooja is one of the most enterprising and passionate on her strength. individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Around 2016, when my life was changing completely Their work ethic is something to learn from, and the andIrealisedhowmuchIloveddesigningand - Hemant Bendrey,coach ideas they have to offer are nothing short of modelling. extraordinary. What’s next: REACHING FOR THE STARS... - Teenasai Balamu, popular singer-songwriter I want to dedicate myself to designing and trying to AND THE MEDALS make clothing I design, more inclusive in all ways SPREADING THE MESSAGE OF possible. In modelling, I really wish I could do UTKARSH KALE,24 something about agencies not hiring plus size 14 PEACE ONE STEP AT A TIME models in India. Wrestler My Vision: Who: NITIN SONAWANE,28 8 To work with the thought of fashion for all and Started wrestling at the age of eight and winning Peace activist fashion that is inclusive. the gold at the 2017 Commonwealth Wrestling 2 Championship has been my biggest achievement so Who: What I like about Pratiksha? 3 far. I also won gold in the Senior National Wrestling 1 After working for six months in engineering, Nitin She has a clear portrayal of self expression, a bold Championship,2017.InlasttwoyearsIhavecom- quit his job to undertake a Gandhian crusade statement of beliefs. I am amused at the way she pletely focused on training. 7 against the caste system and to promote religious puts forth her personality and opinions very 8 My inspiration: 6 harmony. After working for 18 months in the artistically. country, he decided to travel around the world to My parents Vaishali and Pandharinath Kale 4 5 -Chiquita Proenca, fashion designer 9 commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of My idol: Mahatma Gandhi. He has travelled to 29 counties in the last 32 months and delivered talks on Gandhi Coach Kaka Pawar and NCP leader Sharad Pawar 10 11 12 and non-violence at universities and colleges. A JOURNEY OF BOLD CHOICES AND GREAT WORK I unwind: My inspiration: With friends and shopping. Spending time with 13 15 other wrestlers also helps me relax. Mahatma Gandhi and Gautam Buddha. SIDDHARTH CHANDEKAR,27 11 My breakthrough moment: My idol: Actor During the 2016 Rio Olympic trials in New Delhi In my teenage years, I hated Mahatma Gandhi. Who: 14 Luckily, I read his autobiography ‘The Story of My when, at age 21, I had to face Amit Kumar, one of the Experiments with Truth’.It was an eye-opener for When Siddharth Chandekar made his television top contenders at that time. Everyone thought I me. debut a decade ago, he chose the completely would go down easily against the experienced off-beat character of Neil Agnihotri in the show wrestler, but as the bout began I overcame him. This My breakthrough moment: Agnihotra. After that, the Gulabjaam actor made his gave me lot of confidence and determination. 1. Prashant Surana, 2. Parna Pethe, film debut with the political drama, Zenda (2010). During my journeys, I face two types of challenges: What next: 3. Kuldeep Ambekar, 4. Vivek Shome, physical and mental. In Uganda, I almost gave up my Today, he is making news for his role in Nagesh 5. Virajas Kulkarni, 6. Gayatri Datar, padyatra due to an injury. In Kampala, I met a very Kukunoor’s City of Dreams and ’s Preparations for the upcoming tournaments which 7. Pooja Krishnakumar, 15 nice Indian community which helped and put me Jeevlaga. The actor has juggled theatre, films, will help me in the selection trails for the 2020 Tokyo 8. Nitin Sonawane, 9. Apurva Pradeep Joshi, back on the road. television and web with elan over the past few Olympics. years. 10. Pratiksha Singh, 11. Siddharth Chandekar, I unwind: My Vision: Breakthrough moment: 12. Shireen Limaye, 13. Ankita Raina The outdoor camps help me connect with my inner I want to win an Olympic medal for India. 14. Utkarsh Kale 15. Saiprasad Nimbalkar self and it gives me a moment of freedom which Siddharth is glad that he has been cast in some What I like about Utkarsh: doesn’t bind me to anything physical or emotional. great films and shows. However, his breakthrough Vipassana meditation develops mindfulness. moment came with his first television show Agni- He is training under me for the last seven years and I HT Photos: Sanket Wankhade, Shankar hotra. He followed that with some bold choices that have seen a lot of improvement in him. I hope he What’s next? Narayan, Rahul Raut, Ravindra Joshi, worked in his favour. wins a medal in the world championship and My next destination is Europe and I am very excited winning a medal in Olympics is our main aim. Milind Saurkar and Pratham Gokhale My Vision: about it. My journey will end in Pakistan next year – Kaka Pawar,coach and I will return to India and work on social environ- To strengthen his capabilities in theatre as theatre is ment. the core muscle of acting. “It is never easy to strengthen it, but you have to do it. But once you My vision: MUSIC, NATURE AND have achieved that, you lose your inhibitions to To create sustainable communities with minimum perform and the reality is portrayed,”he says. EVERYTHING MATURE impact on the environment and on animals. To share What I like about Siddharth: my experiences and to see a change in society. SAIPRASAD NIMBALKAR,29 “He is a close friend. Our off-screen bond and 15 What I like about Nitin? Music composer equation reflects well on-screen, making it ex- He started his journey on November 2016 from Bapu tremely fun and challenging to work.” Who: Kuti, Sevagram Ashram in Wardha and cycled to -Priya Bapat, leading Hindi and Marathi actor Has composed music for films such as Lagna many parts of the country to spread peace among Mubarak, Ti & Ti, Maaza Agadbam and many more. the people. He aims to complete his journey on October 2, 2019, to mark the 150th birth anniversary My inspiration: of Mahatma Gandhi. A GAME BETTER, AND NOT Mother nature inspires me. - Kumar Saptarshi, eminent social worker and ever you get the time. JUST FOR WOMEN My vision: GOING BEYOND LANGUAGE chairman, Gandhi Smarak Samiti. A clean and a pollution-free future. To spread as My vision: SHIREEN LIMAYE,26 AND BORDERS 12 much love and work towards a content world. I’m a lazy person, deep down. And the way I’ve Professional basketball player always motivated myself is to promise myself that CREATING AWARENESS ON I unwind: GAYATRI DATAR,24 Who: the harder I work, the more lavish relaxation periods 6 FORENSIC ACCOUNTING Through music and by going to serene places such I get later. My vision of a perfect future is to sit back Actor Has represented India from under-16 category to as city outskirts or hill stations. and relax after a job well done. senior women’s category. Shireen was part of the Who: APURVA PRADEEP JOSHI,30 Breakthrough moment: Indian women’s basketball team at the 2018 Com- What I like about Virajas: A theatre actor, Gayatri moved to television a year 9 Financial fraud investigator monwealth Games, and also member of the team The song “once more laav (30-60-90)” on YouTube ago. She is now the leading lady on one of the most Virajas is one of the most creative minds I have met Who: which participated in the Asian Games at Jakarta. has become a bit of a cult right now and has crossed and worked with. Apart from being a fabulous popular Marathi television shows, Tula Pahate Re, some 6.3 million views. The song took me and Among India’s youngest certified forensic account- My inspiration: artiste, he is also a beautiful soul as a friend. He is with senior actor Subodh Bhave. Piyush places. ing professionals and certified fraud examiner, very choosy when it comes to close friends, and it’s My Inspiration: My mother, Suvarna Limaye my privilege to be in his close circle. Apurva is a Chartered Accountant and a certified What I like about Saiprasad? Shah Rukh Khan. His acting and personality. I really anti-money laundering expert, bank forensic Breakthrough moment: - Suraj Parasnis, theatre director He is kind-hearted and extremely talented. admire the fact that he is honest about his accountant and vigilance and investigation expert. When I shot the winning basket for India in the 2017 - Gaurav Burse, lead singer, RudraXsha HINDUSTAN TIMES, PUNE TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019 04 ND

ANNIVER SARY the power of2 2 2

YOUNG SUPER 1 ACHIEVERS Artist to entrepreneur, professor to singer: The second part of our special series, ‘30 under 30’, has stars blazing across a range of fields. They dream big and work hard to achieve their goals. Pune’s young achievers believe in nothing but being the best 5 6

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he second part of our ‘30 under 30’ writes lyrics for TV commercials. go-getters features ambitious and My inspiration strong individuals paving their path of success with skill, confidence and Real people, real events and real breakthroughs. creativity. On the occasion of HT’s Strong, independent women around me who work T hard and play hard, and balance mental, emotional second anniversary, meet our second set of super-achievers. and financial health. Designer Priyanka Khanna, fitness blogger Protima Tiwary, actor Suchitra Pillai and singer Manasi Scott. In music, I’m always inspired by what I go through in my own life. TROUBLE SHOOTER WITH A Iunwind 8 DIFFERENCE By playing frisbee in the park, or some other game with a friend. Walking my dog Bestie on the beach. AARON ASHWIN MURUGAN,29 1 Breakthrough moment Application engineer Happens every morning when I get out of bed and Who make a very conscious decision to continue doing Aaron works in a niche area, providing high-end what I love, despite knowing that it might get technical expertise in the field of Static Structural, difficult, and I might face challenges. Steady-State Thermal and MultiPhysics Finite My vision Element Analysis Simulations to organisations It’s an exciting time to be alive, because taking the across domains. chance to truly be who you are is more rewarding These include labs under the DRDO (Defence than ever before. Research and Development Organisation), ISRO What I like about Kamakshi (Indian Space Research Organisation), CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), manufacturing From the first time I saw her, her energy was firms, IITs, universities and colleges. He has set many magical. Her zest for life, her upbringing, her benchmarks and proof of concept for organisations genuine affection for those she interacts with and in these domains. giving up herself for someone she loves are some things that strike you straightaway. And she sings, He joined Entuple Technologies as an application and that’s the icing on the cake. engineer after completing his MSc in Automotive Engineering from Coventry University, UK. -Suchitra Pillai, actor Big moment My realisation that knowledge sharing is as impor- AIMING TO MAKEA 10 13 tant as creating something new. TRANSPARENT SOCIETY What I like about Aaron What I liked about the training imparted by Aaron 4 TRUPTI DHODMISE-NAVATRE,30 was the way of explaining with bit-by-bit explana- Union Public Service Commission, 2018 tion. topper (All India Rank 16; 1st in Maharashtra). - Manvendra Sharma, defence laboratory, Jodhpur Who Trupti owes her success to stability gained from her WORKING TOWARDS SOCIAL marriage and job itself. She envisions herself as a CHANGE FOR DEVELOPMENT happy soul, enjoying every moment of her life. My inspiration SAURABH PAWAR,27 Many people, personalities, institutions and nature 2 inspire me to go ahead in life. An opportunity to All India rank number 3 in Union Public work for the society motivates me. Service Commission Combined Geologist and Geoscientist Exam, 2018 My idol Who My mother. She has been doing exceptionally well in all the sectors she has to deal with - job, household Gold medallist Saurabh is a geologist by profession, or societal responsibilities. I learnt from her to look an athlete and a writer by passion. He is a profes- positively towards adversities and overcome it sional American football player and has published a through learning. research monograph on “Reservoir Properties of Campanian Sandstone, Sillakkudi Formation, Breakthrough moment 11 12 Cauvery Basin.” The four-year work experience at L&T helped me to My inspiration explore my potential and evoked a desire to work in the administration. Geologists Gaurav Marathe, Girija Sontakke, Mayuresh Pore and Prasanna Datrange have always What’s next? been there as my mentors and inspired me to grow I see myself fulfilling my job responsibilities with and travel forward in life. 100% conviction. I wish to be an active civil servant My idol to make the administration more efficient, trans- parent, just and citizen-centric. My parents: Suchitra and Shirish Pawar, and brother Kaustubh My vision My vision Giving my 100% to what I do. Professionally, I want to excel in the field of public administration. In the Inspiring people towards social change for develop- personal sphere, I want to enjoy life the way I have ment of the nation. been doing till now. I unwind What I like about Trupti? By playing outdoor games like football, kabaddi, I have been witnessing her integrity and dedication and badminton; by listening to music and watching towards her work and studies. Her strive to attain web series. excellence in each area is a key to her achievements. What’s next? -Sudhakar R Navatre, director, RMS Fuel India Pvt I want to work at the Polar regions to find more Ltd mineral and energy resources for a sustainable future. To represent country again at an interna- tional level in sports. BRINGINGFRESHNESS What I like about Saurabh? TO THE FIELD Saurabh is a very unique human being who I have seen in my life. He is a benchmark of resilience and 5 RUCHAINAMDAR,27 unconditional love. He lives life emotionally. He is Actor who shot to fame with Criminal Justice passionate towards all aspects of his life. Who -Gaurav Marathe, assistant professor, Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi Rucha Inamdar made her Marathi film debut HT Photos: Sanket Wankhade, Shankar Narayan, opposite Swapnil Joshi in Bhikari (2017). Although a Rahul Raut, Ravindra Joshi, Milind Saurkar and newcomer in the regional film industry, Rucha has Pratham Gokhale ZEST FOR LIFE, MUSIC films such as Children Of War (2014) and Under The Same Sun (2015) to her credit. She will be seen AND ARTS opposite Shivraj Waichal in Saleel Kulkarni’s debut directorial Wedding Cha Shinema. She recently shot KAMAKSHI RAI,27 to fame for her role in Criminal Justice. 3 disruptive innovations. Playback singer, songwriter and actor Breakthrough moment Sanotion Private Limited set up in association with ADDRESSING PROBLEMS World Toilet Organisation, Singapore. Iunwind Who Playing the character of Avni in Tigmanshu Dhulia’s WITH SIMPLE SOLUTIONS SquatEase is a recipient of the Swachh Bharat With long drives. Kamakshi Rai is a playback singer, songwriter and Criminal Justice. Her portrayal of a strong sister who Innovation Award 2018 presented by Prime Minister actor. She made her debut in music in 2015 as is out to seek justice for her brother earned her My idol critical and commercial success. SATYAJIT MITTAL,26 Narendra Modi. He was also listed in the Forbes 30 runner-up in season 1 of The Stage, India’s only 6 As a product designer, I have always idolised Industrial designer and founder-director, under 30 Asia list this year. English music talent hunt. Kamakshi’s What’s next? German designer Dieter Rams. His unobtrusive playback debut took place in 2019 with the film Sanotion Private Limited (SquatEase) My inspiration To do good work where I enjoy the process. approach and belief in “less but better” design has “Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota,”which won several Who I wanted to address problems with simple solutions. generated a timeless quality in his products and has international awards and critical appreciation. A What I like about Rucha? Satyajit is the creator of SquatEase, a redesigned I believe we can find inspiration in the tiniest of influenced the design of many products. I often multifaceted performer, she played the lead in She is eager to experiment and learn. She was platform that elevates the footrest of Indian toilets things. People around me, specially my family and refer to his book “As little design as possible” which Wizcraft’s Bollywood-themed musical theatre exceptional in her character as Pari in my debut at a certain angle to make it easier for users to squat friends, inspire me a lot. talks about his 10 principles of good design. production “Balle Balle” and in Rahul Da Cunha, Bugs on. He hopes his invention will improve the hygiene directorial Wedding Cha Shinema. Breakthrough moment Bhargava and Nadir Khan’s “Sing India Sing.” and sanitation in many developing communities in My vision Featured as Vh1 India’s “Artist You Oughta Know” in –Dr Saleel Kulkarni, music composer, director, India. A product and experience designer-turned- To design products that improve lives. Just like Winning the iF Public Value Student Design Award in 2016, Kamakshi also sings, records voice-overs, and writer entrepreneur, he is the founder and director at SquatEase, I want to serve the underserved through Germany for SquatEase showed me the potential in hindustantimes 05

PUNE’S 30 UNDER 30 - PART 2

First-generation entrepreneur and a roboticist who gets his sense of achievement when he opens the believes music was always in her blood. She has 3 is shaping and leading one of the best technology world of stars and planets to people, using a signed records with Universal Records and was also companies in India. Amol has completed his Bache- telescope. He is currently pursuing a BSc in Physics a participant in Stage, a musical reality show. She lors in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineer- at Fergusson College (autonomous), Pune where he also lent her voice to Shraddha Kapoor in Half ing from College of Engineering, Pune (COEP). fascinates and inspires students about Astronomy Girlfriend Amol has rich experience of designing and manufac- and Astrophysics through various events and My inspiration activities of Astro Club. He was honoured with an turing complex and task-specific industrial robots Music inspires me. I feel the way to reach out to and systems. He is the recipient of National Entre- “International Ambassador Award for Excellent Encouragement” for his work and abilities to inspire maximum people is through music and words. It is a preneurship Award, Youth Inspiration Award and driving force. Also, people inspire me; their feed- India’s 40 under 40 startup entrepreneurs award. and motivate students in astronomy in Interna- tional Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition. back, messages, all of it inspires me to do better and My inspiration more. My inspiration Vision to take technologies to masses inspires me. My vision The desire to make people aware of Astronomy and Vision for the future Astrophysics inspires me. To motivate children to To become a global superstar. I want people to Looking forward to a challenging, fulfilling and reach the stars. I hail from a place where Astronomy know where I come from and make my country satisfying life. Life’s journey is more important than is commonly confused with Astrology and Astro- proud. the destination. physics is an unknown subject. And this unaware- Breakthrough moment ness is seen across the country. The dedicated How do I relax or unwind efforts of my head of department, Raka V Dabhade, When I participated for The Stage and overcame my Reading has been one of my favourite ways to instilled in me a desire to carry forward her legacy. I stage fright and nervousness. unwind. As famously said, “A reader lives a thousand consider it my responsibility to generate awareness What I like about Anushqa? about Astronomy. lives before he dies. A person who never reads lives She is extremely talented and has an exciting only one”.I occasionally go for swimming, trekking Vision for the future journey ahead. We are proud to be associated with to beautiful locations with close ones. Sometimes, a her. walk in the pleasant neighbourhood works like a I look forward to a future where all are working 7 charm. Also, many a times, a cup of tea and music together to make this world a better place to live. -Devraj Sanyal, Universal Music Group India really does fix everything. And I see myself contributing to this goal using Astronomy as a tool for global development. My idols How do I relax or unwind DESIRETOINNOVATE My parents Ashok Gulhane and Shobha Gulhane are my pillars of strength and my guide. They gave me I love to explore the streets of Pune and mountains KARAN KULKARNI,30 the courage to battle the obstacles in life. They have of Sahyadri. Nature teaches us a lot of things. I often 13 Music composer made me understand what life is about and how to go for overnight stay at colleagues’ home and do find that ray of happiness in difficult situations. I skygazing. I often watch movies, sketch, write, bike Who riding and visit ancient holy places. have observed them taking life head-on and Karan is well-known for composing music for films making progress in spite of all the challenges life My idol like Shahid, Peddlers, Happy Journey and the threw at them. I’ve grown up idolising Stephen Hawking. He was background score for the Vidya Balan-starrer Our mentors Sanjay Inamdar and Anil Sahasrabudhe the one who ignited the spark for stars when I was ‘Tumhari Sulu’ and Manoj Bajpai-starrer ‘Aligarh’. played a pivotal role in shaping my thoughts and in primary school by a TV show “Into the Universe He has also worked on Sacred Games. Karan’s latest character. They have showered me with love, with Stephen Hawking”.He not only introduced me project was ‘Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota’ where he has support and guidance. to the universe, but also inspired me by showing composed music for all the songs. My breakthrough moment that nothing can stop you from achieving your dreams and goals if you have a strong will and a My inspiration Being a startup leader puts you through challenging humorous heart. The sea. The human need for constant exploration situations each day. You tend to get new experien- and the desire to innovate. ces day in and day out. Many of them could be My breakthrough moment tagged as breakthrough moments. I believe, you I think it happened when I volunteered for exhibi- Iunwind emergeabetterpersoneverytimeyoupassa tions in Astro Club and Jeevidha, a NGO for nature Through meditation. It helps me become more breakthrough moment. Some of the most impor- lovers. When you explain things from your heart aware of my stress and I begin noticing it from a tant life lessons came from breakthrough moments. and when you put every bit of your energy in your distance. Another breakthrough moment is just round the work, things become phenomenal. Watching your My vision 9 corner. Hoping to make the most out of it. I thank words, actions, ambition create an actual change. It my friends Pratik Deshmukh, Ajit Pawar and Krunal makes you realise that you can actually bring a To work towards innovation in the music industry Dhobe for being there when I needed the most. change to this world for good. What I like about Karan? They have been supporting me since more than a decade. What’s next? When he says ‘I think I got something that you might like’.I am ready to be mind-blown rather What’s next? After receiving the international award, I’m working hard to prove my mettle in academics and pursue immediately. Take the organisation to new heights. Fulfil personal research. I’m also looking forward to the new -Vasan Bala, director, Mard Ko Dard Nahi and professional aspirations. session of Astro Club as, along with my colleagues, I Hota What I like about Amol? have planned a few interesting activities and events. The Robolab team of Amol and other partners are COEP alumni and Robolab team has been mentored What I like about Bhavesh? JUGGLING BETWEEN by Bhau right from its initial days. And we have seen He is one of the brilliant students of our college. Our THEATREANDFILMS him focused and his team’s seriousness to serve the college is holding a lot of activities for the past 20 education institutes of the country in the high-end years, mainly because the Astrophysics Club. We are PARTH BHALERAO,20 technology lab support. I look forward to seeing proud that Bhavesh has received the award and I 14 actor them provide the necessary support to the Indian wish him all the best for the future. educational institutes. Who: -Ravindra Pardeshi, principal, Fergusson College 14 -Vijay Talele, CEO, Bhau Institute of Innovation, At 18, Parth Bhalerao was pretty certain of how he Entrepreneurship and Leadership at COEP wanted his career to shape. The Boyz (2017) actor is RAIDINGHER WAY TO now extremely cautious of the projects he picks. While he decides on his own, he also relies on the IN SEARCH OF A HUMAN AND SUCCESS opinion of his parents. He is presently studying BA philosophy at Sir Parashurambhau College Pune. RATIONAL WORLD SAYALI KERIPALE,24 My inspiration: 10 Kabbadi player 8 PRIYANKAPALSHETKAR,23 Films with a social message or complete entertain- Entrepreneur and co-founder, Almameal Who: ers inspire him. “People pay and come to watch Media Private Limited Has represented Maharashtra and the country. She films, I don’t want to burden them with more was felicitated with the Shiv Chhatrapati award. problems. So, I believe in spreading joy and happi- Who ness through my films. But as a responsible citizen, Priyanka is a young entrepreneur running a home- Breakthrough moment: spreading awareness is also important, hence at made food startup named Almameal. At Almameal, When my father told me to play kabbadi and took times I pick socially relevant films too,”he says. she works as a technology head and is a full-stack me to the ground. Breakthrough moment: developer herself. She was among the 100 women Iunwind: selected in the women startup programme orga- At the age of 14, Parth worked with superstar nised by department of science and technology By spending time with my family and friends or Amitabh Bachchan in the film Bhootnath. “I met (DST) with NS Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial watching a movie and TV. him last year on his birthday. I do drop him messa- Learning (NSRCEL),IIMBengaluruandhasbeena What next: ges and he too conveys that I should meet him Harvard Crossroads Emerging Leader in 2018. whenever I visit . He is very genuine and Just want to enjoy my game. simple. I look forward to working with him again,” My inspiration My vision: he says. My mom is my inspiration. She is a taskmaster and What I like about Parth? 15 has always motivated me to never settle for To win the Arjuna award. anything, but what’s the best for me. The second What I like about Sayali? He is hardworking and extremely fun to work with. person is my co-founder, Pratik Rokade. His passion Since her school days, Sayali was a very impressive -Sumant Shinde, co-actor and film producer and optimism push me to take on difficult challen- player. She is always ready to learn and, as a coach, ges at Almameal every day. you always like player who show interest in training. Vision for the future Her raiding skills always appealed me the most. DESIGNS ON HIM 2 I want to live in a world where people act more 1 3 - Shailaja Jain,coach TANAY BOTHARA,23 human and rational. If I talk about my own life, I 15 want to be busy and happy doing whatever I do. Winner of Asia Young Designer Awards 5 My idol A BLEND OF EDUCATION AND Who 4 7 CREATIVITY 6 I do not idolise anybody in particular. It’s usually A student of Padmabhushan Vasantdada Patil stories that inspire me and make me admire that College of Architecture, Tanay designed play spaces 8 person at that instant. VISHRUTI RANJAN,17 for children of war-torn Syria and won the Nippon’s 11 Asia Young Designer Award 2019 in Singapore in 9 My breakthrough moment ISC All India rank 3 in Class 12 examinations March, 2019. The day I decided to quit my job and start Almam- Who 10 He beat 8,500 students from 14 countries to win the eal. It has been the most difficult decision of my life 14 Brilliant in academics, Vishruti Ranjan, a Class 12 award. “We had to design something for the 13 15 till date. But I am glad I did it because I wouldn’t 11 student from St Mary’s Junior College, stood 3rd in children of war-torn regions like Syria…So, even in a have been able to experience and learn so much in the Indian School Certificate (ISC) Class 12 exams war ravaged country like Syria, children would make such little time. held by The Council for Indian School Certificate 12 play spaces out of damaged buildings or base- What’s next? Examinations (CISCE). She scored 99.5 per cent, ments,”said Tanay after winning the award with a securing 398 marks out of 400 in the science stream. I have always wanted to contribute to the education $10,000 cash prize. space not in the conventional sense, but more like in My inspiration My inspiration the awareness sense. I am working on a concept The people around me who’ve always helped me to The works of Tadao Ando and Cyril Lancelin. 1. Aaron Ashwin Murugan, 2. Saurabh Pawar, which will help students make better decisions learn from my mistakes and mend my ways. about what they would want to pursue as a career Iunwind 3. Kamakshi Rai, 4. Trupti Dhodmise, My idol 5. Rucha Inamdar, 6. Satyajit Mittal, and give them access to relevant information on By watching movies, listening to music and through their fingertips. 7. Amol_Gulhane, 8. Priyanka Palshetkar, Dr Brian May, the legendary member of the rock travel I am happiest watching sunsets while band ‘Queen’ and a PhD in Astrophysics. Stark 9. Bhavesh Rajpoot, 10. Sayali Keripale, What I like about Priyanka? listening to the old blues and jazz. contrast? Maybe. Hugely inspiring? Yes! This shows 11. Vishruti Ranjan, 12. Anushka Shahaney, Priyanka and her team are working on a new that one can do whatever one wants to do as long Breakthrough moment 13. Karan Kulkarni, 14. Parth Bhalerao concept which they are trying to introduce in the as you put in your heart and soul in the effort. Winning the Nippon Paint Asia’s Young Designer 15. Tanay Bothara market. They are trying to help the homemakers of (AYDA) 2018-19 India, which is an untapped market. They are being My vision tapped for their expertise in providing good food A unified goal that includes scientific development What’s next? which is very useful for bachelors and the migrant beyond boundaries, change in the way we treat the AspartoftheAYDAAward,Ihavebeenofferedto population looking for homemade food.” environment and animal welfare. attend the Design Discovery Programme at Harvard -Vijay Talele,CEO, Bhau Institute of Innovation, What I like about Vishruti? University, sponsored by Nippon Paint. I am looking my then class project at MIT Institute of Design, generation is giving it a thought and helping the Entrepreneurship and Leadership at COEP forward to that. Pune. There have been a series of breakthrough government make Swachh Bharat a successful A vibrant and vivacious girl, her performance has moments right from receiving the Nidhi Prayas initiative. A Pune youth working in this field is been consistently good. She was able to balance this My vision prototype grant; the Swachh Bharat Innovation commendable. AIMINGFOR THESTARS with an active participation in community service. To collaborate with architects, photographers and Award and launch of SquatEase at the Kumbh Mela -Dnyaneshwar Molak, head, PMC solid waste -Sujata Mallic Kumar, principal, St Mary’s Junior artists around the globe. Take up multiple projects, with over 5000+ installations in 2019. with a single devotion: to positively impact in my management department BHAVESHRAJPOOT,20 College What’s next? 9 own small ways, as many lives as I can. Third-year bachelor of science student from What I like about Tanay? To take SquatEase on a larger scale across the Fergusson College, Pune country. AIMINGFOR A FULFILLING MUSIC IS HER SOUL AND LIFE His mission was giving happiness. He cannot create Astronomy influencer; founder-head, public a new city for them (children of Syria) with a What I like about Satyajit? AND SATISFYING LIFE outreach department of Astro Club FC; ambassador ANUSHQA Disneyland, but his humanitarian approach is (Pune, India) at International Astronomy and 12 Considering water scarcity, it is important to have (ANUSHKHASHAHANEY),23 centred on what he can do to make children smile AMOL ASHOKGULHANE,28 Astrophysics Competition good designs of toilets which will need less water. 7 Singer and performer and better their lives. By doing minor changes in traditional toilets if new Co-founder and chief executive officer, Who generation is coming with new designs it is good. Robolab Technologies Pvt Ltd Who - Paul Tange, chairman, Tange Associates Asia, a Being an astronomy influencer, Bhavesh Rajpoot judge at the competition. Toilet issue was neglected in India, but the new Who Coming from a family of musicians, Anushqa