What do you get when you put a group of prodigies together on stage, including a badminton sensation making headlines, a musical genius who bagged a national award at the age of 10, and a science innovator redefining cancer detection? Not a team of superheroes from the world of comic books, but not far from it either.The second edition of The Times of India’s #Unstopabble21 — presented by Reliance Foundation, and with the Uttarakhand govt as state partner — an initiative to recognise and award 21 young talents across the country, saw the coming together of winners aged from five to 21. Each name — traversing the diverse worlds of science, sports, and music — was chosen from hundreds of nominations received by a panel of eminent jury, including author Chetan Bhagat, eminent scientist Govindan Rangarajan, Carnatic vocalist Sudha Ragunathan, and entrepreneur Rohan Verma.Union minister of communications Jyotiraditya Scindia, the chief guest for the event, lauded the young guns. “You’re representative of the huge talent board of a 35 crore GenZ population across the length and breadth of our country… and the capability of our amrit peedhi . You are living in a period where, in many ways, you all are driving the wave, setting the pace and rewriting the playbook… for the Bharat that is to come,” Scindia said. Drawing upon the exhilarating story of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian on the ISS, Scindia also underscored how small nudges in life can take the dreams of young minds into a new orbit.The minister, who didn’t let a cold prevent him from attending the event, also emphasised the importance of building a strong mind and body, and being rooted in spirituality. He underlined the need for moving away from “FaceTime to real time”, stating that “too many among this young generation are using the dabbas (mobile phones) as a substitute for maintaining relationships. There’s nothing that can replace pressing a hand, hugging someone, or speaking eye to eye to someone.”
Such awards are not just a recognition of the hard work put in by the winners from a very young age, but also the sacrifices made by their parents,’ said Saurabh Bahuguna (R), minister of skill development and employment, Uttara- khand, who was guest of honour at the event. ‘The power of youth today is such that they can be our conscience keepers and remind us about our values,’ said Nupur Bahl, the head of skilling at Reliance Foundation
Saurabh Bahuguna, Uttarakhand animal husbandry minister and a former professional golfer, pointed out how “lucky” today’s youth were to have a sea of opportunities before them. “When I was playing golf and representing the country, I didn’t have these many opportunities like you have today,” he said. “I had a coach who used to tell me that the future doesn’t belong to the one who is talented, or lucky. It belongs to the one who is ready to put in hard work and is ready to be consistent.”As the winners were felicitated on stage, the message was loud and clear: the future is here, young, and now. Singer Sooryagayathri mesmerised the audience with her voice. Uthara Unnikrishnan performed a fusion of her song ‘Azhage’ with the Michael Jackson hit ‘Bille Jean’. For the final act, flautist Anirban Roy and drummer Steven Samuel Devassy teamed up for a jugalbandi , the last strains of which lingered long after the curtains closed.
Sports
Vaibhav Suryavanshi | 14, Tajpur
Vaibhav Suryavanshi
His performance for Rajasthan Royals made him the youngest sensation in IPL history. During the 2025 IPL mega auction, Vaibhav, 13 then, became the youngest cricketer ever shortlisted. He debuted against Lucknow Super Giants, smashing a six off the very first delivery he faced. Over seven matches, Vaibhav racked up 252 runs at an average of 36 and a strike rate of 206.5. On April 28, the cricketer from Bihar became the youngest to score a century in men’s T20 cricket and also registered the fastest hundred by an Indian in IPL history.Anmol Kharb | 18, Faridabad
Anmol kharb
Anmol played a pivotal role in India’s historic gold medal at the 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships. Coupled with her recent international title wins, she has firmly been placed on the sport’s radar as a rising ace.Born in 2007, in Haryana, she began training at the Sunrise Shuttlers Academy under coach Kusumm Singh, a former national player. By 12, she had claimed the U17 All-India Ranking title and was selected for the Khelo India scheme. She went on to win the singles and doubles U17 national titles in 2020. Her real breakthrough came in 2023, when she won the senior national championship in Guwahati. Last year, she won consecutive women’s singles titles at the Belgian International and the Polish International.Tanvi Patri | 14, Bengaluru
Tanvi Patri
When Tanvi first picked up a badminton racquet eight years ago, she was a hesitant sixyear-old in China. Today, at 14, she is one of India’s brightest junior prospects — having clinched the Asian U15 singles title in Chengdu last year. Born in 2010, Tanvi’s introduction to badminton came after the family relocated to China in 2016. Tanvi won her first U8 title in 2018. The next year, she claimed eight titles across U9, U10, and U11 categories. After her family returned to India, she joined Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in Bengaluru. “I want to bring laurels to my country in the Olympics,” she said.
My dream is to win anOlympics gold medal for thecountry. This award will motivateme to work harder towards that goal
Tanvi Patri
Esha Singh | 20, Hyderabad
Esha singh
Esha picked up a pistol at nine in 2014. By 13, she became the national champion. Specialising in the 10m and 25m air pistol events, she has won medals at the International Shooting Sport Federation Junior World Cup, Asian junior and airgun championships, and the 2019 Asian Championship in Doha. In 2022, she won four medals at the Hangzhou Asian Games in the senior category. Esha bagged gold in the 25m pistol team event and silver in the 25m individual, 10m individual, and 10m team events. At the Paris Olympics, Esha finished in 18th. And in April 2025, she won silver in the 25m air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Buenos Aires — her first.Dhinidhi Desinghu | 15, Bengaluru
Dhinidhi Desinghu
Last year, she became the youngest member of the Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics, competing in the women’s 200m freestyle. Her Olympic debut may have lasted four heats, but for Dhinidhi, it was a moment years in the making. She was also the youngest in the Indian swimming squad in the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. In 2023, she became the youngest swimmer to win seven gold medals in a single edition of the National Games, held in Goa. At the 2025 National Games, she bagged 11 medals — nine gold, one silver, and one bronze — and was declared “Best Athlete” of the tournament.
To be chosen for thisrecognition from such alarge pool of youngsters feelsincredible, and makes me proud ofall the hard work I have put in
Dhinidhi Desinghu
Performing arts
Sooryagayathri 19, Vatakara
.
It all began nearly a decade ago when a video surfaced on YouTube, directed and produced by musician Kuldeep M Pai, featuring a rendition of ‘Ganesha Pancharatnam’— a devotional piece, with an unexpected twist. The voice rendering it wasn’t that of an experienced vocalist, but belonged to a nine-year-old girl.Now 19, Sooryagayathri has performed at hundreds of venues worldwide — including the US, UK, Australia, Singapore, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, and South Africa. She held 29 concerts in the US alone over the past two months.She lives a quiet, lowprofile life in Purameri, a village near Vatakara. She is often called ‘Junior MS’— in a nod to classical music great M S Subbalakshmi. Instead of reality shows and competitions, it’s live shows that appeal more to Sooryagayathri. The turning point for Sooryagayathri came when Kuldeep M Pai was looking for a child artiste to record the ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ for an ad. He uploaded her recording to his YouTube channel and since then, Sooryagayathri has continued to inspire millions with her soulful voice.Steven Samuel Devassy 19, Chennai
.
Music runs in Steven’s veins. His talent for drumming was noticed at five with perfect rhythms on school desks. He was soon enrolled in classes — and gifted his first drum kit by his uncle, acclaimed musician Stephen Devassy. By six, he was performing with Sivamani, and at 10, became the youngest to clear Trinity College London’s Grade VII in drums.Encouraged by his father, he also recorded gospel songs that went viral, inspiring him to study Indian and Western classical music. His online fusion experiments, blending drums with Indian instruments, drew praise from senior musicians.Now 19, Steven has released his own album in Tamil, Hindi, and English and was among 12 chosen by A R Rahman for his Indian classical band ‘Jhalaa’.Switching from humanities to sound engineering, Steven dreams of composing for films, performing on international stages, and one day winning a Grammy.Uthara Unnikrishnan 20, Chennai
.
It was during a Golu celebration at singer Saindhavi’s house when a young girl sang a song that left a lasting impression. So much so that when music director G V Prakash Kumar was looking for a fresh voice, Saindhavi remembered that moment. The little girl was Uthara Unnikrishnan. The song that followed — ‘Azhage’ from the 2015 film Saivam — became a defining debut for her. Uthara was 10 when she recorded it, earning her the National Film Award for best female playback singer.The daughter of renowned Carnatic vocalist P Unnikrishnan and Bharatanatyam dancer Priya Unnikrishnan grew up immersed in the arts. Seeing her love for music, her parents enrolled her in Carnatic music classes at five. Later, her classical base gave her the confidence to explore other genres — Hindustani classical, playback, and Western styles like pop, rock, and jazz, many of which she taught herself simply by listening. Her most recent work includes the title track ‘Kanavellam’ for the upcoming film ‘3BHK’, slated to release on July 4.Anirban Roy | 15, Kolkata
.
He is perhaps Bengal’s only child prodigy who’s had Bollywood celebs dancing to his tune — quite literally. He first surprised his parents by playing the flute at his home when he was just four and a half. His father would teach his sister, unaware that the child spontaneously started learning to play. When he turned six, a video of Anirban performing at a Saraswati Puja concert at Pt Tejendra Narayan Majumder’s residence went viral.Now 15, the star performer on the ‘Hunarbaaz Desh Ki Shan’ talent show has earned monikers like ‘Kanha’ and ‘Gopal’ for his melodious recitals. He has performed jugalbandis with Hema Malini, Madhuri Dixit Nene, and Ustad Taufiq Qureshi. A student of his father, Lokenath Roy, Anirban made his public debut at five during Pt Tanmoy Bose’s ‘Kal Ke Kalakar’ programme.Apart from being the the youngest recipient of the Bharat Ratna Dr M S Subhalakshmi Fellowship in music, he has also won the Naad Brahma Award (2017), Master Mohan Award (2018), Byju’s Young Genius Trophy (2021), Sama Bala Puraskar, Asian African Iconic Brand Award, and the Kalki Gaurav Award (2022). He has also played internationally — at the closing ceremony of the Shanghai International Film Festival and the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 opening.Fine arts and humanitiesJiya Doshi | 17, Mumbai
When Jiya Doshi’s mother exhausted their stock of storybooks, she came up with a novel way of creating new bedtime stories. She’d revisit old tales, prompting Jiya to imagine new twists. “She’d ask, ‘What happens next?’ and I’d help build the plot,” Jiya recalls. That early game shaped her love for writing — a passion she’s nurtured since she was five. Jiya has authored three books: two novels and a poetry collection, squeezing writing into her study breaks and scribbling ideas in textbook margins during class.
This award is going to be oneof my favourite memories
Jiya Dosh
Jiya also recites her poems on social media. Among her accolades is the International Exceller Under 18 Writers Awards and Golden Book Awards 2025. But writing will be just one half of her future. “I want to study medicine or biochemistry and heal people,” she says. “But I also want to write poetry — because poetry heals too.”Samarth Chitta | 13, B’luru
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” For most kids, it’s a query that can spark confusion, hesitation, maybe even a nervous shrug. But Samarth Chitta did something different. He turned it into content for millions of kids like himself, all seeking clarity in a world full of endless possibilities.“It started when I was four. With my parents’ help, I launched a YouTube channel,” he said. When Covid-19 lockdown hit, Samarth’s news show found a new format: podcasts and he soon zeroed in on one segment. “Kids like me are curious about a thousand careers. So, I thought, why not interview professionals from different backgrounds. That helps us understand what different jobs really look like behind the scenes.” Samarth is also an author, with two books out and a third in progress.Anvi Vishesh Agrawal 5, Bhubaneswar
When she walked onto a TEDx stage in Gurgaon this Jan to speak on ‘Creativity is a Superpower’, she didn’t just win the room, she made history, becoming the youngest female TEDx speaker, an achievement recognised by Guinness World Records. “I was excited, scared, and happy,” said the class 1 student. “I was worried what people would say about my speech, whether they would clap or not. Happy because I was giving a speech before so many grown-ups.”
I am so happy. My heart isjumping. My next aim is tohave the Pradhan Mantri BalPursukar Award and many Guinnessrecords
Anvi Vishesh Agrawal
Before her TEDx debut, Anvi was already expressing herself — in colour, music, and words. Her artistic journey began before she could read. At just two, she entered the record books for having created over 72 paintings. By three, her artwork had already been showcased in exhibitions across Mumbai, Gurgaon, and Dubai. Her creativity does not stop at the canvas. She is also a budding author and pianist. Before she turned five, she became the youngest author of a bilingual book — ‘Little Girl’s Big Emotions’ — published in English and Spanish.Austin Ajit | 12, Bengaluru
He’s a naturalist, activist, and author of 11 books on animals and conservation. His first, ‘Grandma and Austin’s Plant Kingdom’, was published when he was eight, earning him recognition as the youngest author of fiction on plants and farming. “I’ve always loved nature — all parts of it, even insects,” says Austin, who is homeschooled through Wolsey Hall Oxford.Keen to make conservation engaging, he turned facts into entertaining stories. Recently back from a dragonfly workshop in Mangaluru, he’s planning one on butterflies next. His book earnings help care for a rescued sloth bear through Wildlife SOS. Austin hopes to be a professional naturalist and inspire others to love and protect nature.
Science
Mayank Pandhari | 20, Bengaluru
This undergrad student is researching on cancer cells — tracking protein expression across cell lines and examining how matrix stiffness may influence protein localisation tied to cancer metabolism. He’s won a gold medal at the 2022 International Biology Olympiad held in Armenia and secured an All-India Rank of 64 in the KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana) fellowship, gaining admission into IISc’s competitive BSc (Research) programme in Biology. As Wet Lab Coordinator for the IISc team at the 2023 International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition in Paris, Mayank led experimental efforts to design a possible mRNA-based therapy for endometriosis — a condition that affects millions of women worldwide.Krisha Janaswamy | 19, Mumbai
For over a year now, Krisha, an Mbbs student , has been developing a self-test kit that could revolutionise how gynaecological disorders, and potentially cervical cancer, are diagnosed in India. Her innovation is a compact device that uses an enzyme-coated strip to measure lactate levels in vaginal fluid. “Lactate is a novel biomarker that can signal gynaecological infections or malignancy,” says Krisha, adding that the kit screens for several conditions often underdiagnosed due to stigma, inaccessibility, and lack of awareness. The device is tailored for post-menopausal and geriatric women, including those who are bedridden. Already patent-filed, the project was named one of the top five innovations at IIT Bombay’s TechFest and is now heading toward clinical trials, regulatory approvals.Anirudh Nautiyal | 20, Vadodara
Inspired by a Hollywood film based on war, Anirudh built a robotic arm that mimics human hand movements and makes bomb disposal faster and safer. He assembled a state-of-the-art robotic arm that could be controlled remotely via a flex sensor glove worn on one hand. It mirrors the user’s hand movements in real time. “After eight months of work, I developed the robotic arm and named it VENOM,” said Nautiyal. The innovation even caught the attention of PM Modi earlier this year. “I focused on the technical aspects, while the financial support came from my parents.” The budding tech innovator is now working on another project — an anti-drone system that can be mounted on moving vehicles. “The system I’m developing will detect and neutralise drones mid-air,” Nautiyal said.Aditya Kumar Jha | 15, Mumbai
He has developed an AI-driven diagnostic tool aimed at detecting liver disease in its early stages. The idea struck when he was 13 in Raipur, after learning his close friend’s father was battling severe liver illness. “I wanted to help families like my friend’s,” he says. His diagnostic device uses a paper strip that tests urine samples for chemical markers, with AI assessing disease risk. Though no one in his family works in science — his father is in private service and his mother a homemaker — they’ve always backed his passion. Aditya is now attending a prestigious summer programme in Boston, collaborating with young innovators from around the world.
Social activism
Saiyam Mazumdar 17, Guwahati
His journey into wildlife conservation began when he was 10. He has since saved over 1,800 animals, becoming one of Assam’s most inspiring young conservationists. Growing up in Pandu in Guwahati, he says, “Rescuing animals became the purpose of my life.” He’s been bitten multiple times, but says the pain only deepened his resolve. He learned how to administer injections and saline to the wounded. He developed a fascination for snakes and began rescuing them with makeshift tools. He’s recieved the PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar — the country’s highest civilian honour for children. His efforts also include active involvement with ‘Green Earth Guardians’, where he mentors the youth in awareness campaigns, clean-up drives, and conservation projects across Assam and beyond.In Jan, Saiyam added a new milestone to his journey — summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, and hoisting the Indian flag. He plans to climb Mt Elbrus in Russia this Aug.Anoushka Jolly | 15, Delhi
Anoushka Jolly
When Anoushka was in third grade, she was bullied by her classmates. She found herself doing chores no child should be forced into — tying shoelaces, cleaning plates — simply to avoid ridicule. “There were moments when I was helping them with their shoes or plates,” she recalls. “After a lot of struggle, my parents noticed something was off. They helped me find my voice.”With their support, the bullying stopped. But she wondered, “What about the children who don’t have someone to turn to?” In 2018, when she was nine, she launched AntiBullying Squad, a blog where victims could anonymously share their stories. But she realised that solutions and support were also crucial.In 2021, Anoushka developed a mobile app called ‘Kavach’, designed to allow anonymous reporting, realtime support, and educational resources for schools and students. Her efforts gained national recognition when she received investment at a Rs 50 lakh valuation in Shark Tank India, 2021. And in 2023, she was awarded the PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for her contribution.
Entrepreneurship
Vaibhav Shokeen | 21, Delhi
Vaibhav Shokeen
He goes wherever data takes him. From monitoring air pollution in Delhi to joining an international research team fighting parasitic disease in Africa, Vaibhav loves solving challenges with numbers.A computer science student, he says, “The sad reality with technology is that those who need it most have least access. I want to change that.”Last summer, he worked with international researchers developing a low-cost diagnostic tool for schistosomiasis, a chronic infection in parts of Africa. “I was the only undergrad with a computer science background. My role was to design a machine learning module to aid detection,” says Vaibhav, who will travel to Nigeria in July to implement his system with grant support.Back home, he contributed to a Delhi project creating temperature-controlled bricks to reduce AC power use and pollution. Looking ahead, Vaibhav hopes to tackle rural computer literacy. “Many govt staff lack even basic tech skills like Excel or PPTs. I want to develop a module to deliver technical education at the grassroots,” he adds.Ridhhaan Jaiin | 11, Pune
When most children in Pune are tucked into bed with a story, Ridhhaan Jaiin is likely crafting one of his own. The 11-year-old author and budding publisher made his debut in Dec 2021 with ‘Once Upon In My Mind’, a collection of stories penned when he was eight. Since then, the book has sold over 1,000 copies. “Storytelling started early for him,” says his father. “Most parents read their kids bedtime stories, but Ridhhaan was the one narrating them to us.”When Covid-19 hit, the Jaiins encouraged their son to pen down his imagination. Later, his principal urged his parents to get them published. Since then, he has written many books. But writing isn’t where Ridhhaan’s journey ends. In 2022, he co-founded RidhzWorld Publishing with his parents to help other kids become published authors. Now, over 25 child authors have published their work through RidhzWorld.
