Cover Story Of Trailblazer Arushi Bansal

Personal Journey

In a vibrant nation teeming with potential, Arushi Bansal from Surat stands out as a beacon of inspiration and change. As a trailblazer in her community, Arushi represents the vibrant spirit of India’s youth, wholeheartedly engaging in education, social service, and leadership.  In the October issue of Youth Incorporated, we take a look at the journey of Arushi’s personal and overall achievements that will grab the attention of those who believe in the power of young people to shape the future. From refurbishing old mobile phones to distributing them to students in tribal areas, Arushi is dedicated to ensuring that quality education is accessible to all, regardless of caste, religion, or background.

As the founder and president of the TVIS Explorers Club, Arushi has built an engaging platform for students in grades XI and XII. Her innovative approach not only equips students with practical experience through commercial and industrial field trips but also builds a culture of exploration and growth.

Arushi a persuasive advocate has also taken the reins as Captain of her school debate team, showcasing her oratory skills and critical thinking in numerous inter-school competitions from 2020 to 2024. Her leadership in these arenas highlights her commitment to excellence and her unwavering dedication to honing the talents of those around her.

She is a positive force that represents the spirit of youth empowerment and community service in India today. Her work with Udaan further amplifies her impact, as she tirelessly advocates for the welfare of slum children in Surat, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to dream and succeed.  As she continues her journey, she inspires countless others to join her in creating a brighter and inclusive future. Her initiatives  focus on creating opportunities for young people to improve skills that are crucial for personal and professional growth.

Educational Journey & Achievements

Education plays a vital role in shaping a successful future, and for Arushi, her time at Tapti Valley International School has sparked a commitment to giving back to society, particularly through initiatives supporting the education of tribal children. Currently excelling in her Senior Secondary education, she is pursuing a Diploma in Science with an expected GPA exceeding 90%. Her coursework includes English, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physical Education, highlighting her diverse interests. Previously, she completed her Secondary Schooling under the CBSE, achieving an impressive cumulative score.

From splashing in the pool to becoming a key member of the State Swimming Team, Arushi’s journey reflects her grit and determination. Through rigorous training, she has turned her passion for swimming into a powerful force. Her commitment to intellectual growth is evident in her achievements with Trinity College London. A well-rounded individual, she excels in both academics and extracurricular activities. Additionally, as a member of the Friends of Tribal Society, she plays a vital role in providing education to children in over 50,000 rural areas.

From 2015 to 2022, she pursued and completed various programs that enhanced her skills and expanded her creative and communicative abilities. Whether it was in speech, drama, or performance arts, these accomplishments illustrate her dedication to personal and intellectual development. Arushi embodies a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a never-give-up attitude, qualities that propelled her to delve into her passion for science. Her research project highlights her dedication and intellectual curiosity in chemistry and medicine.

Alongside her academic endeavors, Arushi was introduced to the captivating world of Kuchipudi dance at a young age by her family. The elegance, storytelling, and rich cultural heritage of this classical dance form immediately enchanted her. This deep admiration and passion for dance ultimately led her to achieve a Visharad certification in Kuchipudi, solidifying her status as a scholar-practitioner in this timeless art form.

Interview Session

Please share your experience at Tapti Valley International School and how it has shaped your academic interests?

My experience at Tapti Valley International School was incredibly formative. The school’s emphasis on a well-rounded education, combined with its support for student initiatives, helped shape my academic interests. I was encouraged to pursue my passion for science, which led to my interest in the research area of “Synthesis of Organic Drug Moiety.” The environment at Tapti Valley also nurtured my desire to give back to society, as reflected in my project to support tribal children’s education. This initiative allowed me to contribute meaningfully and deepened my understanding of the challenges that these underprivileged communities face in their lives.

How has your journey transformed from a swimmer to becoming a core member of the State Swimming Team?

My journey in swimming started as a personal challenge, and over time it became a passion. Through rigorous training, discipline, and persistence, I was able to move from a recreational swimmer to a core member of the State Swimming Team. This transformation was a result of setting clear goals, improving my technique, and pushing myself beyond my limits. Competing at the state level taught me resilience and focus, qualities that I carry into other areas of my life as well.

What drew you to the research topic “Synthesis of Organic Drug Moiety,” and what have been some of your key findings so far?

I was drawn to the research topic “Synthesis of Organic Drug Moiety” because of my deep interest in chemistry and its applications in medicine. The ability to create molecules that can potentially impact health and treat diseases fascinated me. So far, my key findings have been in understanding the synthesis process and identifying specific compounds that can act as potential drug candidate. This research has opened my eyes to the vast possibilities and impact in the field ofpharmaceuticals.

You are a certified Kuchipudi dancer, what started your passion for dance or why did you not opt for dance as a career choice?

My passion for Kuchipudi began at a young age when I was introduced to it by my family. I was captivated by the elegance, storytelling, and cultural depth of the dance form. While I love dance, I didn’t pursue it as a career because my academic interests, particularly in science, took precedence. However, dance remains a significant part of my life, and it’s a way for me to stay connected to my cultural roots.

How has your training in Kuchipudi influenced your appreciation for arts and culture?

Kuchipudi has given me a profound appreciation for India’s rich cultural heritage. Through this classical dance form, I have learned discipline, expression, and the importance of preserving traditions. It has also taught me to appreciate the nuances of various art forms, not just dance, and how they contribute to the cultural fabric of society.

Please share a memorable experience from your time with the Friends of Tribal Society and and how it influenced your views on education?

One memorable experience was visiting a village where the program was active and seeing the joy on the faces of children who were getting an education for the first time. It reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of education.

How did your grandfather’s involvement with “Friends of Tribal Society” and their “One Teacher One School” program shape your perspective? 

My grandfather’s involvement with the Friends of Tribal Society has deeply influenced my understanding of education’s power to transform lives. The “One Teacher One School” program, which provides primary education in tribal areas, showed me how much impact a single dedicated teacher can have on a child’s future. I admire how the initiative reaches the most remote areas and offers children a chance at a better life through education, despite the challenges they face.

Please elaborate on your project aimed at providing secondary education to tribal children? You spoke about recording lessons in local languages and distributing smartphones. Could you emphasize more on it?

The project I initiated involved recording secondary school subject lessons in local languages to bridge the gap between urban and rural education. We streamed these lessons to groups of volunteers working with the Udaan. In addition, we collected smartphones that were no longer in use, refurbished them, and distributed them to students in tribal areas. This allowed students to access quality educational content remotely, giving them a chance to continue their education beyond the primary level.

In your opinion, does discrimination against girls’ education rights still exist in India, and what steps can society take to address this issue?

Unfortunately, discrimination against girls’ education still exists in some parts of India. To address this, we need stronger policies, community awareness programs, and more role models to show that educating girls is key to societal progress.

Can you share your goals and aspirations for the future?

My primary goal is to continue working on projects that provide access to education for underprivileged children. I also want to further my research in the field of organic chemistry and contribute to advancements in healthcare. Ultimately, I aspire to make a meaningful difference both in science and in society, where education is a right, not a privilege, for every child.

If there is one message you could give to young teens, what would it be?

Being a teen myself, my message would be to believe in the power of your dreams and take action to make them a reality. You may face challenges, but resilience, hard work, and empathy can lead you to incredible accomplishments. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and give back to the community along the way.

With your background in science and your leadership experiences, where do you see yourself in the next five years?

In the next five years, I see myself continuing my journey in scientific research, possibly pursuing a higher degree in chemistry or biotechnology. At the same time, I hope to expand my efforts in educational outreach, using technology to make education accessible to more children in rural areas. I want to be a leader who can balance both scientific innovation and social responsibility.

Rapid Fire:

Q: Describe yourself in three words.

A: Determination, courage & will-power.

Q: Your biggest inspiration/role model?

A: Sir Ratan Tata.

Q: What’s your favorite type of cuisine?

A: Italian cuisine.

Q: Would you rather dance or swim?

A: Dance.

Q: Are you more of a bookworm or a binge-watcher?

A: Binge-watcher.

Q: What is your dream job?

A: Work in the field of Biotechnology.