Five Students From India Make It To Prestigious Global Student Prize 2023 Shortlist

From a pool of 3,851 applications spanning 122 countries, 50 young talents from India have been recognized for their exceptional impact on learning, their peers' lives, and society at large.

5 Indian students make it to Global Student Prize 2023 shortlist. ( Image Source :Getty )

Five outstanding students studying in India have achieved a remarkable feat by securing their spots in the esteemed top 50 shortlist for the prestigious USD 100,000 Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2023. From a pool of 3,851 applications spanning 122 countries, these young talents have been recognized for their exceptional impact on learning, their peers' lives, and society at large, as reported by PTI.

Hailing from diverse regions across India, the exceptional finalists include Namya Joshi, a 16-year-old scholar at Sat Paul Mittal School in Ludhiana, Punjab; Vinisha Umashankar, a 16-year-old standout at SKP Vanitha International School in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu; Gladson Vaghela, a 25-year-old medical prodigy at Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society Medical College in Gandhinagar, Gujarat; Padmaksh Khandelwal, a 17-year-old computer science enthusiast at Sir Padampat Singhania School in Kota, Rajasthan; and Ravinder Bishnoi, a 20-year-old information technology whiz at Chandigarh Engineering College, Landran, Mohali, Punjab.

“Chegg not only celebrates your achievements but also the endless possibilities that exist when young minds are driven by a passion for change,” Heather Hatlo Porter, Head of Chegg.org and Chief Communications Officer of Chegg.

“The top 50 Global Student Prize finalists deserve the opportunity to have their stories told and have their voices heard. Their dreams, wisdom, and inventive spirit will illuminate a more hopeful future for everyone,” she said.

Joshi, acclaimed as the “Top Tech Savvy Student in India” and a global teacher at the age of 16, got hooked on Minecraft, realising that it can also be used as an education tool. She went on to create a virtual library of lessons in Minecraft, now numbering around 500 which are available on her YouTube channel and website.

Vinisha Umashankar, a 16-year-old artist, TEDx speaker, and innovator, has created waves with her virtual library of lessons in Minecraft. With an impressive collection of around 500 lessons available on her YouTube channel and website, she has made learning an interactive and enjoyable experience. Her favorite subjects, math, and science, fuel her curiosity and passion for innovation, leading her to invent the award-winning "Solar Ironing Cart" and a power-saving "Smart Ceiling Fan" at just 12 years old. Her journey in science and innovation competitions has garnered international, national, and state awards.

Gladson Vaghela, a dedicated medical student, is a vocal advocate for healthcare equity and accessibility for all. Engaging in healthcare outreach programs for underserved communities, he actively contributes to making quality healthcare accessible worldwide. His initiative in creating a global mental healthcare service providers' database for over 150 countries demonstrates his commitment to improving mental health support. Additionally, as a Youth Advisor to YuWaah (Generation Unlimited) at UNICEF India, he plays a vital role in shaping youth empowerment initiatives.

Padmaksh Khandelwal's work revolves around student suicide prevention and anti-poaching activism. Recognizing the importance of mental health in academic settings, he has been actively involved in initiatives that promote well-being and support struggling students. Additionally, his contribution to launching the Mogya Education Program's homeschooling model has brought education to children through the support of NGO Tiger Watch, making a significant impact in the lives of underprivileged students.

Ravinder Bishnoi's journey began with curiosity at a cyber cafe, where he delved into robotics, electronics, design, and various engineering domains. Over the past decade, he has impressed with his creations of devices, robots, exoskeletons, portable water, and air filters, all geared towards aiding those in need. His innovative spirit has led to real-world solutions that benefit disadvantaged communities.

The Varkey Foundation partnered with Chegg.org to launch the annual Global Student Prize in 2021 as a sister award to its annual USD 1 million Global Teacher Prize.

The intention was to create a new platform that shines a light on the efforts of extraordinary students everywhere. The prize is open to all students who are at least 16 years old and enrolled in an academic institution or training and skills program. Part-time students as well as students enrolled in online courses are also eligible for the prize.

“As time runs out to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is more important than ever to prioritise education so we can face the future with confidence,” said Sunny Varkey, the Kerala-born founder of the Varkey Foundation.

The top 10 finalists of this year's Global Student Prize are expected to be announced by next month.

The winner, who will be announced later in the year, will be chosen from the top 10 finalists by the Global Student Prize Academy, made up of prominent individuals.