BOSTON—INDIA New England News, one of the nation’s largest Indian-American news and video magazines serving the South Asian community, announced the winners of its 20-Under-20 Stars for 2025.
The 20-Under-20 Stars were selected based on their achievements, extracurricular activities, entrepreneurship, and participation in community service, as well as exceptional skills in writing, arts and music, among other factors. These winners will be celebrated with a breakfast award ceremony on September 21, 2025. To buy tickets, please click here.
Here are INDIA New England’s ’20 Under 20′ for 2025:
- Akshara Agrawal
- Sai Bezawada
- Sabah Chatiwala
- Jinen Gandhi
- Anya Gupta & Zubin Gupta
- Avyukt Iyer
- Deeya Khamesra
- Parth Kole
- Sarada Koppana
- Vani Mittal
- Aanika Mohta
- Bhumika Prem
- Aryan Sethi
- Neil Shah
- Urja Sharma
- Rohan Krishan Sharma
- Janani Shanmugam
- Raghav Shrivastava
- Manas Waghe
- Rohan Yadav
Akshara Agrawal
11th grade
Burlington High School
Burlington, MA
Akshara Agrawal, a proud resident and student in Burlington, MA, exemplifies the values of compassion, cultural pride, and academic excellence. A junior in high school, she is deeply rooted in her community and takes great pride in the vibrant heritage and diverse traditions that surround her.
Akshara has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence and student leadership. Throughout middle school, she maintained a place on the honor roll every term, and her performance was further recognized with the prestigious Letter of Distinction. Her passion for civic engagement and community building seamlessly extended into high school, where she has been an active member of the Student Council since freshman year. Through this role, Akshara has helped plan school-wide events, promote student interests, and contribute meaningfully to shaping a positive school culture. Beyond governance and academics, Akshara is a proud member of both the National Honor Society, and her school’s competitive Robotics Team, Devil Botz.
A lover of sports and physical activity, Akshara has participated in a wide range of athletic pursuits, including swimming, soccer, skiing, gymnastics, and tennis. Currently, she channels her passion for movement and teaching as a gymnastics coach at Beyond Gymnastics, Burlington, working with children aged 3 to 13. Her coaching responsibilities include teaching foundational gymnastics skills, encouraging physical confidence, and fostering a supportive environment for young athletes.
Akshara’s spirit of service extends deep into the local and Indian American community: she is a volunteer for multiple community organizations, including most notably Shishu Bharati School, Indian Americans for Burlington (IAB), and Memorial Summer School. At Shishu Bharati School, Akshara has contributed as a teaching assistant, instructing 4th and 8th-grade Hindi language classes as well as 3rd-grade Indian culture classes. Her responsibilities included correcting homework, creating engaging educational games, and aiding in classroom management. For IAB, Akshara has been an enthusiastic volunteer, especially during IAB’s annual Diwali festival, where she helped organize and run games, participated in emceeing, and supported various cultural segments. And at Memorial School in Burlington, Akshara worked with teachers during the summer session, helping 3rd-grade students from various local elementary schools with reading and math. Her role showcased her reliability, patience, and love for education. Akshara also volunteers at Hindi Manch, India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB), LearnQuest Academy of Music, and Dharma Center of America.
Sai Bezawada
Chelmsford High School
Chelmsford, MA
Sai Bezawada is an exceptional student whose many achievements are all driven by his exemplary dedication and leadership. Elected by his grade as Senior Class Treasurer, he actively contributes to school and community. In addition, he is also the President of the South Asian Student Association (SASA), through which he plans school-wide events to celebrate cultural diversity. Sai’s strong academic performance can be seen through his grades and his membership in both the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society.
While he shares the same enthusiasm for studies, Sai also shares an enthusiasm for service, where he volunteers at town events —like the Chelmsford Fall Fest and the famous Fourth of July Parade— and assists in school clubs in any fashion, volunteering with the Ecology Club by planting trees, organizing the Paul Center’s Christmas festivities since freshman year, and organizing site-logistics for the annual 24-Hour Relay.
Sai’s entrepreneurial skills were exhibited as a co-founder of Telepark, which won the TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) Boston competition in 2023-2024. Then, his team was the only team to win three awards at TYE Globals. He now gives back to the program by being a co-director for the 2024-2025 TYE cohort and significantly improving their ideas and business knowledge. Off campus, Sai gives his all to the gym and excels athletically on two competitive cricket leagues, and on his school soccer and volleyball teams. With his reputation for work ethic, being approachable, and being a team player, Sai makes a lasting impression wherever he is.
Sabah Chatiwala
11th grade
Westford Academy
Westford, MA
Caring for the community, especially the underserved from her own community, Sabah Chatiwala has set an example for others to follow. Excelling in academics, business activities, robotics, sports comes naturally to Sabah, but what sets her apart is her desire to leverage her talent to make her community a better place.
Throughout high school, Sabah has challenged herself both inside and outside of the classroom, further developing herself along the way. She has consistently been on the high honor roll every quarter, taken all honors classes, and several AP courses, culminating in her Academic Achievement Awards as well as being a member of the National Honor Society. In the face of budget cuts in the town of Westford and not getting to take the courses she wanted, Sabah persevered and self-studied both AP Government and AP Psychology. Furthering this theme, over the summer, she took a Quantum Mechanics course where she learned more about subjects she was passionate about, demonstrating her love of learning.
Outside of the classroom, Sabah had explored her interests through extracurricular activities, including robotics, DECA, and participation in the Conrad Challenge. She has been a member of her local FRC robotics team for the last two years, working on the mechanical team to learn how to design and build subsystems of the robot to tackle the yearly challenge that she faces. Furthermore, she has developed her business knowledge as well as public speaking skills as one of the officers of her school’s DECA chapter, qualifying for ICDC in 2024.
Regarding teamwork, Sabah collaborated with four other students from different schools to build a product that addresses a real-world STEM issue. In 2025, the group submitted a design to build a database that would maximize solar panel efficiency by tracking when the optimal opportunity to upgrade was for current owners and mitigate panel wastage by offering second-hand panels to customers who shied away from panel installation due to their hefty costs. In working with a group of others and applying the knowledge she gained from robotics and DECA, Sabah was able to put her skills into practice, and her team ultimately won the Conrad Innovators Award.
This year, Sabah continued her sister’s legacy by hosting Chaat Masala, a fundraiser dedicated to raising money for Saheli, a non-profit organization that supports victims of domestic violence. When she learned that the event would not be run by the Human Rights Club, the group that had initially started it, she took charge, despite having only one month to organize it. Sabah and her friends were able to pull off Chaat Masala as a success for its fourth annual event. Not only did they raise money for charity, but they also created a sense of community among the junior class. 25 members of the junior class came together for a group dance and practiced for hours on end at Sabah’s house. When the time came for the event, the sense of unity among these kids was unmatched.
Furthermore, Sabah is an elected member of the Student Senate, where she has worked diligently in the past year to help the group organize a financial literacy fair for her high school’s graduating seniors. From countless meetings and assembling all the props, Sabah has contributed to a meaningful experience that will educate the graduating class on important information in the real world. She was reelected for this position and will continue to make this fair a tradition at Westford Academy next year.
Sabah, passionate about STEM, wants to become a chemical engineer. She is a member of her local FRC robotics team, where she has learned important steps of the engineering process. By learning to design subsystems on the robot and testing her prototypes, she has gained firsthand experience in the field of engineering. This summer, she will participate in the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Challenge at MIT’s Beaver Works, hoping to further her engineering knowledge and gain more experience before applying to college.
Jinen Gandhi
11th grade
Academy for Science and Design, Nashua (ASD)
Nashua, NH
Jinen Gandhi is not only academically accomplished and hardworking with accomplishments at state and national level, especially with STEM; but conscientious and compassionate in working with others. He is a key volunteer at Shishubharati Nashua, and part of the administration. He sends out the newsletter on time and schedule, has helped revamp the digital language curriculum and key role on student registration. He got the Presidential Volunteer Appreciation Gold Medal in 2024 for his services to the community.
Jinen is an excellent role model and mentor to younger students, teaching coding, Karate, 3-D printing and robotics. He worked with IIT AGNE to organize a 3-D printing workshop for middle school students, including structuring the curriculum and working with the students, which AGNE is using it as an template for future classes.
Academically, Jinen is a student with highest honors at ASD, which is the magnet school for gifted students interested in STEM in New Hampshire. He is a member of the National Honor Society, state, and regional champion in Science Bowl, honor with distinction in Biology bowl, winning team in Mathcounts state and regional championships. In robotics, he leads Team Tesseract in the FIRST league, which is the New Hampshire state champion and went to the global (world) championships in Houston in April 2024. He is a third-degree black belt in Karate, as a student of Eric Menard for more than a decade.
Jinen is pursuing a medical career and has been working as a volunteer and shadowing physicians at hospitals in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He has done medical research at the New Hampshire Academy of Sciences on antihistamine exposure on and Tufts Medical Center on pulmonary hypoxia induced hypertension. He has an ongoing project at his high school on using 3-D printing and biofabrication of pancreatic cells on a sheet as a treatment for Diabetes-1.
Anya Gupta & Zubin Gupta
11th grade
Lexington High School
Lexington, MA
Anya Gupta, who will soon begin her senior year at Lexington High School, is widely recognized as an exceptional student and a catalyst for change. Her academic achievements in mathematics, science, and computer science have garnered her a range of honors, including induction into the National Honor Society, repeated appearances on the honor roll, and the prestigious AP Scholar with Distinction designation. Anya has made a notable impact within the STEM community. As a co-founder of LexCode, she has played a key role in introducing programming—such as Java, Python, and HTML/JS/CSS—to 32 middle schoolers. Motivated by a deep commitment to educational equity, Anya also co-founded The Twynphony Hopes Foundation alongside her twin brother, Zubin Gupta. Through this non-profit, she has collaborated with over 20 organizations, successfully raising $6,000 to support various charitable initiatives. She also dedicates her time each week volunteering at Food Link.
Anya’s passion for service extends to her leadership as Youth Co-president of Vision-Aid, where she continues to champion and support vital causes. Anya’s dedication to volunteerism has been celebrated with distinguished accolades, including the President’s Volunteer Service Award and Sewa International’s Youth Impact Award. Beyond her academic and philanthropic pursuits, Anya is a third-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate and also mentors younger students at her dojo, exemplifying both leadership and mentorship. Through these diverse experiences, she has honed her skills in fundraising, social entrepreneurship, strategic collaborations, publicity, and media outreach. Anya’s blend of scholastic excellence, creative problem-solving, and steadfast commitment to social impact sets her apart as an outstanding candidate for this award. Her leadership and service have made a meaningful difference in her community, and she continues to inspire others through her impressive accomplishments.
Zubin, soon to begin his final year at Lexington High School, is recognized for his vibrant energy and impressive achievements. Excelling in mathematics, science, and computer science, Zubin has earned numerous distinctions, including repeated honor roll placements, induction into the National Honor Society, and the prestigious AP Scholar with Distinction honor. Zubin’s influence reaches far beyond his academic pursuits. As co-founder of LexCode, a coding club at Clarke Middle School, he introduces younger students to programming languages like Java, Python, and HTML/JS/CSS. His enthusiasm for learning is mirrored by his passion for martial arts; holding a third-degree black belt in karate, Zubin mentors junior students at his dojo, sharing both skills and discipline.
Zubin channels his creativity as a member of the band Twynphony Rocks, but his strongest dedication lies in service. Alongside his twin sister, Anya Gupta, he co-founded The Twynphony Hopes Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on advancing educational equity. Together, they have raised more than $6,000 to support other charitable organizations. Zubin’s leadership is evident in his roles across multiple organizations. He serves as Youth Co-president on the Vision-Aid board and has acted as an Ekal Youth Leader for Ekal Vidyalaya, where he organized their annual math competition. In addition, he regularly volunteers at Food Link. His commitment to community service has been honored with awards such as the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award and Sewa International’s Youth Impact Award. Known for his fundraising skills, networking abilities, and dedication to meaningful causes, Zubin has become a vital contributor to the non-profit sector. His leadership, drive, and genuine desire to create positive change continue to inspire those around him to make a difference in their own communities.
Zubin is a trailblazer in multiple fields, whether it be in academics, running his non-profit or extracurriculars. He is a true leader, founding a non-profit called The Twynphony Hopes Foundation, leading a coding club, running karate classes as a third degree black belt or participating in research and internships as a high schooler. Most notably, Zubin has made tangible difference to his community through his charity and his roles as Youth President of Vision-Aid and Youth Leader of EKAL.
Avyukt Iyer
Sharon High School
Sharon, MA
Avyukt Iyer is an accomplished student at Sharon High School whose leadership towards education inequality, community service, social justice, entrepreneurship, and athletics has created meaningful impact. Apart from his rigorous coursework, Avyukt is a member of the National Honor Society, where he contributes to the larger community and helps middle schoolers fulfil their entrepreneurial spirit by organizing workshops and ‘shark-tank’ style competitions. He founded and captains the Sharon High Badminton Team, guiding them to their first ever state finals appearance and a 2nd place finish while mentoring teammates and promoting a collaborative team culture.
Avyukt also interned with Brown University’s Swearer Center for Civic Engagement, where he helped Brown University engage with local small businesses through local partnership strategy and conducting community outreach programs. His commitment to community service also extends to basic needs. Through Cradles to Crayons, he served on the Teen Leadership Council and led donation drives to support children facing clothing insecurity across Massachusetts. He identified and solved issues with low-quality donations by improving donor communication and clarifying item guidelines—raising both the efficiency and dignity of the distribution process. In the Boy Scouts of America, Avyukt has served as a Senior Patrol Leader, where he has led weekly meetings, coordinated service projects like cleanups and drives, and mentored younger scouts as they move through the program.
Avyukt has contributed to national and international efforts to improve educational equity. At Brown University’s National Student Support Accelerator, he created tutor databases, standardized learning tools, and helped develop a national glossary used by tutoring organizations. This helped provide access to high-quality education to children in the under-served communities. At Payir Trust in rural India, he created science and math curriculum and trained tutors to help deliver high-quality education in underserved areas. He also teaches SAT math through Schoolhouse.org to children from economically challenging backgrounds. He teaches programming at Code Ninjas, where he teaches younger children how to problem-solve and help build their self-confidence. In every one of these roles, he focuses on improving access to high-quality education, elevating students’ confidence and making instructional systems easier to use.
Avyukt’s leadership in entrepreneurship is reflected in his work with TiE Boston’s Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) program. As a TYE participant, he was the CFO of a startup to help people learn new languages. Based on his performance, he was invited back as Alumni Co-Director, where he helps run program operations, supports student teams, and mentors participants on business planning, market research, and presentation strategy. His experiential approach to guiding students helped them gain confidence and produce real results, and he plays a central role in outreach and recruitment for each new cohort.
Avyukt is a nationally ranked badminton player, competing in elite-level Junior USA Badminton tournaments across thecountry. He is ranked in the top 50 nationally in both singles and doubles. He is also Vice President of the Massachusetts Badminton Association Youth Chapter, where he organizes tournaments and community outreach efforts to expand youth participation in the sport. In addition, he holds a black belt in karate and served as a mentor in his dojo, helping younger students with technique, discipline, and competition preparation.
What sets Avyukt apart is his consistency across every role. He leads without needing the spotlight, mentors without being asked, and delivers results by staying focused on the purpose and the impact it has on people. Through everything, he has continued to lead by helping others succeed, and he’s earned the trust of teammates, peers, educators, and professional mentors alike.
Deeya Khamesra
11th grade
Lexington High School
Lexington, MA
Deeya Khamesra is a multi-talented rising junior at Lexington High School who demonstrates strong leadership qualities, outstanding drive, and dedication to serving her community. Khamesra is described by her mentor as having “proven work ethic and dedication” in her nomination. Driven by immense curiosity, she challenges herself academically and maintains an impressive GPA, earning a place on the honor roll. Khamesra is an active member and leader of many activities such as TYE, dance, Shishu Bharati, and the Lexington Education Foundation. Additionally, she is the vice-president of the Girls Who Invest club, an Editor of the school newspaper, and a Cabinet Member of the South Asian Student Association.
Khamesra’s passion for entrepreneurship and business was sparked through the TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) program, where she co-founded and was Chief Operating Officer of Tunology, a music therapy startup. She returned to the 2024-2025 program as a co-director where she gained meaningful experience and mentored teams, such as Inventrack, in launching their entrepreneurial projects. She earned her second-degree black belt in 2024 at Elite Freestyle Karate. After 9 years of training, she works part-time as a junior instructor, passionate about teaching students the importance of discipline and self-defense. Khamesra has also been awarded multiple medals in mixed martial arts competitions for kata and board breaking. As a dancer since 1st grade, she has competed and placed in many dance competitions, choreographed, and is a member of Lexington High School’s Bollywood Dance team.
At school, Deeya leads the Girls Who Invest club, where weekly meetings are organized to teach students about personal finance and entrepreneurship. She coordinates inspiring guest speakers, manages social media, and promotes financial literacy, especially among young women. She has been a member of Girls Who Invest since 2023 and was recognized as the highest-scoring member of the club for the National Personal Finance Challenge. On the Editorial Board of The Musket, Lexington High School’s newspaper, she holds meetings, teaches layout design, and completes monthly issues. She was also promoted to Cabinet member of the South Asian Student Association, reflecting her commitment to her cultural roots.
Khamesra is also a very driven and committed volunteer. She is a Lexington Education Foundation (LEF) student ambassador in which she goes to events and speaks about LEF’s mission, promotes teacher awards, and works closely with the LEF leaders. She volunteers at a non–profit whose mission is to connect Ukrainians with English speakers to build a foundation of English fluency and foster an empathetic connection. Additionally, Khamesra volunteers as an assistant teacher at Shishu Bharati, a nonprofit focused on promoting Indian languages and culture. Through Shishu Bharati’s Leadership Initiatives for Teens program, she founded the school mascot and merchandise store, raising over $930 and creating an influential impact on over 500 community members. She also served as an assistant teacher at Lexplorations, a local summer camp, where she was an assistant teacher in a public speaking course for elementary and middle schoolers. For the past three years, she has been on the organizing committee for Lexington’s Holi Festival of Colors, which draws over 900 attendees and celebrates South Asian culture through performances, food, games, and color throwing. Deeya has also volunteered for the Lexington Parents Association, Ekal Vidyalaya, EKAM USA, and Vision Aid.
Due to her dedication, Khamesra was awarded the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, and an English Department Award in her freshman year for her exceptional growth mindset. In her free time, she enjoys sketching and painting, with her work featured on the BCAT TV network. Whether it’s leading a club, launching a project, or supporting her community, Khamesra brings leadership, creativity, problem-solving, and heart to her work. In the future, Deeya aspires to combine her passions for biology and entrepreneurship to create a lasting impact.
Parth Kole
12th grade
Fusion Academy Burlington
Lexington, MA
Parth Kole is an exceptional high school senior whose achievements represent a rare synthesis of academic rigor, interdisciplinary innovation, artistic expression, and civic-minded leadership. A resident of Lexington, Massachusetts, Parth attends Fusion Academy in Burlington while being dual-enrolled at Middlesex Community College, an academic trajectory that demonstrates not only intellectual maturity but a proactive commitment to expanding his learning horizons beyond conventional boundaries. He has multilingual fluency in English, Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, and is proficient in Spanish. In an increasingly interconnected world, Parth’s ability to think and communicate across languages and perspectives uniquely positions him to lead in transnational, multicultural contexts. Parth’s interests lie in applied technology and artificial intelligence and he hopes to pursue computer science in the future.
During a prestigious WPI summer program, he developed LawGPT, an innovative AI chatbot designed to act as a legal assistant—an initiative combining machine learning with a social mission. Additionally, he explored the applications of AI in business, data science, and digital art. Parth’s selection and participation in Inspirit AI, a program affiliated with Stanford and MIT, further deepened his exposure to cutting-edge research. There, he created an AI-powered pneumonia detection model, addressing real-world healthcare challenges with technical sophistication and purpose.
Parth’s entrepreneurial instincts extend beyond the lab and classroom into community-centered design. As a contributor to ChiRP! (Children’s Room Project) for the Cary Memorial Library, Parth played a key role in conceptualizing and creating the ChiRP! website. The project not only earned the “Best Website Idea” award in a local civic tech competition but also showcased Parth’s ability to align design thinking and coding expertise with a tangible social impact. His capacity to translate abstract ideas into actionable community solutions sets him apart as both a technologist and a civic innovator.
Parth also holds several leadership roles through volunteer initiatives. One example is his co-presidency of Lexington’s Money and Sense Club, he spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing financial literacy among his peers, an often overlooked but essential life skill. Through workshops and peer education, Parth helped clarify concepts like budgeting, investing, and saving, empowering young people to make informed financial decisions in their daily lives. He is also regular volunteer at the Lexington Food Pantry, providing critical support to families in need. His leadership in school-based outreach programs on bullying and substance abuse prevention through programs like SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and the LPS Prevention Program speaks to his commitment to fostering safe, healthy learning environments. Parth’s global impact is exemplified through his work with the SHER Organization, where he contributed to a school-building project in Satara, India, a testament to his enduring commitment to educational equity and international development.
Parth Kole stands at the intersection of intellect, innovation, culture, and compassion. His portfolio of achievements paints the portrait of a young leader who not only excels across disciplines but does so with humility, purpose, and a clear sense of service. Whether building AI tools for public good or dedicating time to local and global causes, Parth embodies the values of resilience, creativity, and ethical leadership.
Sarada Koppana
12th grade
Chelmsford High School
Chelmsford, MA
Sarada Koppana is a rising high school senior, passionate about making a difference in healthcare and business. She is a dedicated worker in her academics, with a rigorous course load of STEM subjects, as well as in her extracurricular activities.
Sarada has been a classical Kuchipudi dancer for almost a decade now, improving in her skill and helping others do the same as well. Through her position as Communications Chair in her dance school’s competitive team, SKN Tarang, Sarada works behind the scenes to organize productions and guides more than a dozen other talented girls through performances. She has also collaborated with her fellow board members to successfully organize an annual Garba, an Indian dance festival, to raise funds for their team. This grit carries through all her other leadership roles as well, such as being the Secretary of her school’s HOSA club and board member of the Peer Mentor Program. Her collaborative skills are impressive and shine through well in her many leadership roles. She is also a long-standing member of the Red Cross and Interact Rotary Organizations, giving back to the community by helping to organize monthly food pantries and local blood drives. As a volunteer at Lawrence General Hospital for more than two years, Sarada has also helped patients feel more at home in the hospital through the Patient Activity Program. She wishes to continue on this path in her education as she hopes to pursue a degree in medicine and business to become a working member of the healthcare field eventually.
Outside of school, Sarada is part of a startup business called TelePark, an efficient parking solution for urban mobility problems impacting thousands every day. Her team was built through their shared experience in the TiE Young Entrepreneurs program, where she placed first regionally and won multiple awards at the global TYE competition. Working consistently on this project has developed Sarada’s creative and entrepreneurial mindset, which makes her adept at problem-solving as well.
Vani Mittal
11th grade
Acton Boxborough Regional High School
Acton, MA
Vani’s accomplishments in the field of entrepreneurship, leadership and volunteering are numerous. She is a member of the National Honors Society and is the Founder & CEO, TelePark (a startup born out of TYE Boston to ease street parking in the city of Boston and beyond).
Vani was featured on Boston Fox 25 and Channel 7 News for launching her startup, and for securing $10K as seed investment, and was also feature in a “Women Who Win” article and in the “Girls Who Win” book (Amazon), a women’s media platform bringing interviews and tips on creating diversity, inclusion, and equity.
In 2024, Vani won 1st place and $10,000 in the Fetch’s Defeat the Odds Pitch Entrepreneurship Competition. She has also received the 2024 TYE Global Business Pitch Competition’s “Best Elevator Pitch; Best Execution; Best Teamwork” awards.
Vani was selected as Acton High School’s Delegate for MassSTAR Leadership Conference in 2024 and as Acton High School’s Delegate for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference in 2023. She has also received the Presidential Gold Medal Volunteer Service Award (ABRHS, MA) and the US Congressional Award: Silver Medal (2nd highest youth civilian award in US). The Congressional Award recognizes initiative, service, and achievement in America’s youth. She also qualified and applied for the CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL (highest youth honor in the USA) having completed 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development and 200 hours of physical fitness.
Vani is the current Secretary of the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) at Acton Memorial Library, where she works to improve teen experiences in Acton Library, organize teen events, and plan programs. She is also Spectrum School Newspaper’s Chief Layout Editor and Publicity & Finance Manager.
Vani leads the AB Student for Equity & Justice Club, to social justice problems in the community to make it feel safer and more inclusive for everyone; attend social justice conferences around Massachusetts. She is also a Board Member of the AB Student Activities Fund where she manages social media and outreach to spread awareness about ABSAF, raising funds to help school activities, event volunteering, and attending board meetings to discuss sales, budgets, and finances.
Aanika Mohta
Incoming Freshman
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Aanika Mohta is tenacious, driven by her uncanny fervor to accomplish her goals. She does not hesitate to prioritize what is most important to her and remains undeterred in the face of setbacks. Aanika is an adaptable problem solver who seeks unique solutions to challenges. Throughout her Upper School experience, Aanika’s teachers refer to her as a “thoughtful leader” who is “insightful, reflective, and kind.”
Aanika’s love of learning and multitude of interests drive her success in school. Outside of academics, Aanika is committed to her Indian heritage and giving back to her community, using any free time she has to become immersed in her culture.
Aanika strives for academic excellence. Aanika has sought many of our most challenging courses including: AP European History, AP Macroeconomics, AP Calculus AB, AP Latin, AP Physics 1, and AP English Literature and Composition. Aanika’s favorite class at BB&N was The Makings of the Middle East. This course was the catalyst for her interest in the social sciences, specifically Political Science, History, Economics, and International Relations.
Her teacher commented “In seminars and class discussions, Aanika is a measured contributor, yet her words were always well thought out and impactful. She strikes the right balance between persuasive arguments and attentive listening. Aanika is a considerate and humble classmate. Her academic voice and analytical reasoning are strong.”
A better question to ask when speaking of Aanika’s extracurricular involvement is: what hasn’t she done? Aanika is an active member of the BB&N school community due to her involvement in peer counseling, peer tutoring, student admissions board (SAB) and the South Asian Student Association, among others. Aanika was selected for these highly coveted roles due to the maturity and trust she earned from adults. She was also selected as an admissions reader on the SAB for our incoming students.
Aanika is a leader in communities outside of BB&N as well. She is the creator of the HAPPIE series which brings in speakers in disciplines ranging from History, Anthropologie, Political Science, Philosophy, International Relations and Economics (see here). Aanika is also commissioner for the Global Education Benchmark Group, a group that facilitates conversations with students around the globe on a variety of current issues. Aanika spent her Junior year as an administrative intern at the Newton Community Farm. In this role, Aanika researched and executed projects such as researching farm tools and writing two analyses about fundraising for nonprofits. To further explore her interest in law, politics and international studies, Aanika pursued an internship with an immigration attorney this past summer. This experience affirmed Aanika’s passion for these subjects; she is eager to explore them further in college. To stay connected with her culture, Aanika enjoys dancing Bharatanatyam and is an instructor at the Vidyanjali School of Dance. Aanika has also established the Enliven Initiative where she brings multicultural performances to her local senior center. Moreover, Aanika is also an active member of the Indian American Youth Group, and IfNet.
Bhumika Prem
11th grade
Phillips Exeter Academy
Stratham, NH
Bhumika Prem has made significant community service contributions, demonstrating a commitment to healthcare, education, and cultural exchange. She has spent the past few years using every opportunity she could find, or create, to bring together her love for science, storytelling, advocacy, and community.
With a passion for sharing her voice and public speaking, Bhumika became the youngest speaker at TEDxPortsmouth at the age of 14, where she shared her experience as the daughter of legal immigrants and shed light on what it’s like to grow up navigating the U.S. immigration system in limbo. Since then, she has led workshops at the Asian American Footsteps Conference and spoken at events like CreativeMornings and NO to Patterns LIVE about identity, race, and belonging. She also coachs speakers for TEDxPhillipsExeterAcademy, the school’s fully student-run TEDx event.
Beyond public speaking, Bhumika is deeply passionate about science and medicine. As a bioinformatics intern at UNH’s Hubbard Center for Genome Studies, she worked on genomic sequencing, antimicrobial resistance analysis, and is currently lead author on a forthcoming research paper. At Portsmouth Regional Hospital, she volunteer in the Emergency Department and shadow surgeons, gaining firsthand experience in patient care and complex medical environments.
At school, Bhumika holds leadership roles across campus. She is President of Harkness Meets Health, a peer education group focused on wellness initiatives; co-head of the Hindu Society; founder of a STEAM club focused on integrating art into science; and co-head of both the Exeter Research Club and student-led coding outreach programs like the Junior Computer Programming and Robotics for Kids clubs. She also serves as a day student representative on Student Council.
Off campus, Bhumika has served as a peer counselor and squad leader for the prestigious FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program, and as Director of Global Operations for The Back to Bach Project, helping make arts education accessible worldwide. She has also been a volunteer with the ENGin program for four years now, where she’s built meaningful cross-cultural relationships by mentoring Ukrainian youth in English and cultural exchange.
In 2023, Bhumika was named the NH Tech Student of the Year. What matters most to her is the impact of her work, whether it’s helping someone tell their story, mentoring a young coder, or advocating for equity in health, education, and STEAM.
Aryan Sethi
12th grade
Lexington High School
Lexington, MA
Aryan Sethi moved to the United States in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic from Canada and he started middle school in Lexington, MA online when he first moved. At that time, the greatest concern of his family was how would he make friends in this new country. In less than five years he ended up making friends not only in his town, but all over the world thanks to his grit and passion for debating.
At the age of 17, Aryan has already managed to leave a mark on the national debate circuit. He is currently ranked the number 1 Public Forum Debater in Massachusetts and is one of the most decorated debaters in the history of Lexington High School with a Premier Distinction from the National Speech and Debate Association awarded to him. This distinction is the highest honor awarded to a student debater by NSDA. Aryan recently placed 5th at the NCFL Grand Nationals in Chicago and he made it to the top 22 teams in the world at the Tournament of Champions in Kentucky. In the past three years he has been to multiple debate tournaments across the country and has won multiple speaker awards. He has advanced to elimination rounds at Yale, Harvard, Princeton, Pennsbury and many other prestigious tournaments. His debate journey is very inspiring and is a reflection of his hard work and drive to understand the world, critical thinking and engaging with clarity and purpose. Aryan is very deserving of this nomination because at this age also he does not like to keep his success to himself. He has shown commitment and strong desire to contribute to the community he is a part of.
Over the past three years, Aryan has accumulated more than 300 community service hours. He spent two summers volunteering at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington. His time at Lahey was divided between spending time in the lobby as a patient greeter and central supply department. While the former helped him connect with patients and welcome them with a smile, the latter introduced him to the logistics of the hospital. Aryan also volunteered at Hayden community and Sports Center where as a junior camp leader he helped coordinate fun and learning for young children. He is also a regular volunteer at Indian Association of Lexington events and loves being part of cultural events organized by them.
Aryan has a close-knit group of friends and besides having fun, has enriched their lives in very meaningful ways. He has a friend with Tourette’s Syndrome. Aryan advocated for his cause and shared his perspective at the State Assembly. He addressed the state legislators and gave a speech about Tourette’s Syndrome Awareness Day. He spoke about the importance of having awareness for a syndrome which affects millions of people. He played a key role in getting it passed, which is why now June 7th starting from this year in Massachusetts will be known as Tourette’s Syndrome Awareness Day.
Neil Shah
Sharon High School
Sharon, MA
Neil Shah is a standout student at Sharon High School with a passion for business, leadership, and service that shines through every initiative he takes on. As Chairman of TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) Global, he helped lead the organization’s international youth conference in California, and now serves as a TYE Boston Alumni Circle Intern, where he continues to support youth entrepreneurs by organizing events and sharing growth opportunities.
Neil co-founded The Brave Heroes Foundation, a nonprofit supporting pediatric cancer patients and families, and has led multiple care kit drives and awareness workshops to make a meaningful difference in their lives. A three-time Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and current Life Scout on his way to earning Eagle, Neil brings his values of responsibility and empathy into everything he does. In DECA, Neil placed 8th nationally in the Finance Operations Research event and launched a Written Event Incubator to mentor peers and grow his chapter’s success. He’s also the Lead Sensei at Code Ninjas, mentoring younger students in coding and problem-solving, and works as a Business Development Intern at Keva Health, helping small and mid-sized clinics adopt remote patient monitoring tools.
Urja Sharma
12th grade
Chelmsford High School
Chelmsford, MA
At just 17 years old, Urja Sharma exemplifies the power of passion, purpose, and perseverance. A high-achieving student at Chelmsford High School with a remarkable. 4.15 GPA, Urja is already carving a path defined by academic excellence, cultural leadership, creative expression, and fearless exploration. Urja’s intellectual strength is reflected in her rigorous academic track, which includes multiple AP and honors courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and a near-perfect 1590 SAT score. A proud member of four National Honor Societies, she thrives in demanding environments and never stops seeking opportunities to learn, lead, and contribute.
Beyond academics, Urja brings a rich cultural and creative perspective to everything she does. A practitioner of Madhubani art since elementary school, she has nurtured her love for this traditional Indian art form for over a decade. Her work has been publicly recognized — earning 3rd place in the 87th Regional Exhibition of Art and Craft and gracing the cover of the Massachusetts Music Educators Journal. Her creativity also finds voice in music, where she studies Indian classical vocal and piano, performing annually with grace and dedication.
As the CEO of her business pitch team for the TYE Boston entrepreneurship competition, Urja led her peers through an eight-month innovation challenge with confidence and clarity. She mentors younger students in FIRST Lego League Robotics, supports local cultural programming through Hindi Manch, and educates children about Indian traditions at the Boston Children’s Museum. An adventurer at heart, Urja is also a certified Junior Open Water Scuba Diver and an excellent swimmer, having completed dives in the stunning waters of Punta Cana and Mexico. Her curiosity about the world is not just academic – it’s experiential, immersive, and fearless. With fluency in English, Hindi, and Spanish, a Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy (in Spanish), and hands-on experience in early education and digital marketing, Urja blends intellect, empathy, and initiative in everything she touches. Whether she’s painting intricate designs rooted in tradition, guiding a robotics team, pitching a startup idea, or diving into the ocean’s depths, Urja brings focus, creativity, and heart.
In her senior year at high school, Urja is looking forward to additional AP level courses and is aiming to obtain the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy in Hindi. She is also coordinating with couple of her friends in launching a volunteer program that will help senior citizens with day-to-day technical challenges they face while using their phones and computer devices. Urja Sharma is not only preparing to lead, she already is. She stands as a model of what’s possible when talent meets dedication and curiosity meets courage. Her story is one of balance: between culture and innovation, intellect and imagination, community and self-growth.
Rohan Krishan Sharma
11th Grade
Masconomet Regional High School
Boxford, MA
Whether it is getting a perfect score in NMSQT or building his website to experiment with neumorphism, or excelling in ABRSM exams in Piano, Rohan Krishnan Sharma strives for perfection and achieves it.
Rohan values his education and strives to challenge himself by taking the highest-level honors and AP courses he can, both within his fields of interest and in exploration of new areas. He has been on the high honor roll since the beginning of high school, is in the top one percent of class rankings, and is an NMSQT semifinalist. He has a knack for mathematics and sciences, achieving the top score in his school at the national Ashdown Chemistry Examination Contest. He independently studies art and music, as well as going beyond what he learns in class, outside of school.
Rohan has been a student of Taekwondo for four years and is a valued member of his local martial arts school. He excels at learning forms and techniques, and he passes them on to younger students. He volunteers at tournaments to help them test their skills, holding boards for breaking and assisting with setup and cleanup. Rohan has a talent for music; he can play a variety of instruments, from classical Indian instruments such as the harmonium, dholak, and morsing, to Western ones like the piano and drums. He has participated in numerous state competitions, including the Massachusetts Music Teachers Association competition. He has also performed at renowned venues like the Shalin Liu Performance Center, providing entertainment to an audience of hundreds, as well as at local events like the Topsfield Fair, where he strengthened his community involvement. He has received Grade 5 certification with distinction from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). Rohan works with his piano teacher to arrange local recitals of over twenty pianists each. He encourages younger and less experienced piano students during the recitals by accompanying their songs. He also volunteers to play music at religious events.
Rohan tutors challenging math and science courses, including Honors Precalculus and AP Chemistry, helping students better understand concepts through tailored lessons and review. He is also a member of his school’s science team and math team, serving as captain and achieving top scores. He guides them in state competitions and helps their members expand their knowledge, exceeding their expectations.
Rohan wants to focus his career on computer science, though he has an interest in engineering as well. He enjoys creating projects using what he learns both at school and through self-study. He creates multiplayer games to enjoy with his friends, updating them with new features based on their feedback and learning to develop user-friendly applications in the process. He has also built a personal blog website, which he uses to experiment with unique web design concepts, such as neumorphism. In the physical world, he creates assemblable CAD builds, including an original board game concept. Rohan finds programming and design to be both an outlet for creativity and a means to make a positive impact on people’s lives, and he hopes to spread joy, knowledge, and cultural awareness in his career. Currently, he is developing an app for learning classical Hindustani musical scales.
Janani Shanmugam
11th grade
Andover High School
Andover, MA
At just 17, Janani Shanmugam exemplifies the rare blend of intellectual rigor, leadership, and compassion that defines tomorrow’s changemakers. A high-achieving student with a 3.9 GPA at Andover High School, she has already published research in AI ethics, developed impactful technology for neurodiverse youth, and served as a summer intern at Northwestern University and MIT’s Beaver Works. Her app for special needs employment access and mental wellness initiatives for underprivileged children in India reflect her deep commitment to equity and inclusion.
Janani leads by example — whether as Lieutenant Governor for Key Club, Fundraising Director for DECA, or a youth counselor running STEM programs for 60+ elementary students. She is a published researcher, state-level DECA finalist, and competitive classical dancer with 8 years of training and awards. Beyond academics, Janani invests in real-world change — from cybersecurity simulations to organizing community service at scale. Her accomplishments demonstrate maturity beyond her years, with a future-forward focus on technology, ethics, and service. She stands out not only for what she has achieved but for how she uplifts others along the way.
Raghav Shrivastava
11th grade
Lexington High School
Lexington, MA
Three characteristics that define Raghav Shrivastava are brilliance, creativity, and a commitment to giving back to the community. At just 16 years old, Raghav has demonstrated all of these qualities to their fullest extent. He is a student at Lexington High School, where he strives for academic excellence, challenging himself with AP and honors classes while maintaining an unweighted GPA of 3.9. However, academics are just one part of who Raghav is—and they play only a small role in the bigger picture of his character.
With Raghav’s academic brilliance in school, he also has a carved out a career path of which he works towards every single day. Raghav is interested in Law, and has participated in many extracurricular activities to build that passion. First, he is an active member of his school’s Varsity Mock Trial team for 2 years. Through this club, he has participated in many tournaments, like the MA Apple Blossom Mock Trial Tournament, and even the official state tournament, MassBar, where in the first round of trials, he earned a perfect score of 10 as a Cross-Examination Attorney. Furthermore, he participated in the 2024 Harvard Undergraduate Mock Trial Angela R. Mathew High School Seminar Program, where he learned a lot about Mock Trial and improved his skills, he is now using all these skills to volunteer to teach Mock Trial to middle schoolers during the summer as part of the club. Raghav will also be founding a new club at his High School which will be called the “Verdict Club,” a law related club of which he will become the president along with his other friends as Vice-Presidents. Finally, during the summer of 2025, Raghav is shadowing multiple different District Court Judges to experience what it is like in a true in-court scenario.
Furthermore, along with Law, Raghav also has a developed passion for Geography of which started at a very young age. Raghav took a test and qualified for the National Geography Bee in 2025, and he will be attending the International Geography Bee in Vienna, Austria in 2026. Raghav’s creativity shines through his long-standing dedication to music. He has been playing the trumpet for over six years, performing in school bands, local ensembles, and now as a member of his school’s Jazz Band, where he explores musicality through improvisation and complex pieces.
Beyond school, Raghav has used his trumpet skills to give back. He has earned over 70+ volunteer hours performing in a parade band, bringing music to community events in Lexington, where he has played during events like Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. He also contributed his talents to the Samvedna fundraiser in 2024, where he used his trumpet skills to help raise funds and awareness for autistic youth through live performance. Furthermore, Raghav channels his creativity through sports, like volleyball, of which he plays for a club and for his school team. And finally, Raghav has volunteered and works for the Munroe Center for the Arts, a local arts center where he works as a counselor for a summer camp program which teaches kids K-5 about the arts.
Raghav has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to serving others through a wide range of leadership and volunteer roles. He has been a dedicated member of Boy Scouts for over five years and is currently on the path to achieving the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Through Scouting, he has participated in numerous service projects and events that have directly benefited the Lexington, MA community. At school, Raghav was elected as a class senator and serves as an active member of the Student Council, where he helps plan and organize events that strengthen school spirit and support both the student body and the wider community. Raghav also serves on the Lexington Youth Commission (LYC)—a town-appointed organization focused on addressing challenges faced by local youth. Through the LYC, he has contributed to several initiatives and community events, earning significant service hours while helping create a more inclusive and supportive environment for his peers. In addition, Raghav has been involved with the Hindi Manch, a New England-based nonprofit, for over ten years. He has participated in countless cultural events and service activities aimed at supporting and celebrating the Indian American community across the region.
Manas Waghe
College Sophomore
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
Worcester, MA
At the age of 18, Manas Waghe is creating a path that marries cutting-edge innovation with social mission, in the intersection of data, engineering, and public service. A sophomore at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), double-majoring in Computer Science and Mathematical Sciences and with a spotless 4.0 GPA, Manas is the personification of what it means to be intellectually driven and civically engaged — using his skills not just to address problems, but to do good for others. Whether he’s building machine-learning pipelines to mimic investment strategies or analyzing taxpayer data for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Manas combines technical skills with a passion for achieving meaningful outcomes.
Manas’s summer Data Analyst internship with the Department of Revenue created over 5,000 actionable leads to help support state compliance. His dashboards, built with Python and SQL, continue to inform policymaking and reduce review time by 20-fold. But for Manas, it’s not just speed or efficiency — it’s transparency, fairness, and public trust in technology. Within his campus community, Manas has already begun shaping the future of financial technology. As part of WPI’s Investment Association, he collaborated with a student team to develop a machine learning-driven equity prediction model using supervised learning algorithms such as logistic regression and random forests. From preprocessing historical data to evaluating models with cross-validation, Manas’s work has laid the foundation for quantitative investment strategies that bridge theory and practice.
A native of India and now based in Greater Boston, Manas brings a multicultural lens to his leadership. He spends his time on cultural non-profits like Hindi Manch, Shadaj, and Indians of Lexington, and works to preserve and celebrate South Asian heritage in communities. He was also the treasurer for a non-profit group dedicated to promoting high-achieving South Asian students who are attempting to navigate life in America, discovering a platform to share resources, build confidence, and maintain identity.
Rohan Yadav
12th Grade
Winchester High School
Winchester, MA
As captain of the varsity cross country team, Rohan Yadav leads with quiet determination and steady commitment. His journey in athletics began as a personal commitment to improving his health and fitness—a goal he pursued with remarkable self-discipline. Through months of dedicated training, Rohan has gained physical endurance and mental resilience that now defines his approach to challenges on and off the field. Whether pushing through grueling workouts or encouraging teammates after a tough race, he’s someone who shows up with focus and consistency. He has trained and competed in numerous 5K and 10K races across Massachusetts, balancing the mental and physical demands of distance running. He also excels in track and field and volleyball—both at the school and club level and maintains high academic grades, showcasing his ability to juggle multiple responsibilities while giving his best in every arena. His time management juggling several demanding sports, and willingness to mentor younger teammates reflect a natural leadership style that earns respect.
Beyond athletics, Rohan is equally engaged in entrepreneurship and innovation. As part of the TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) program—a selective initiative designed to give high school students hands-on experience in launching startups—Rohan was nominated by his team to serve as CEO of Physio Connect, a student-led startup focused on making physical and mental therapy more digitally accessible to athletes and students. Under his leadership, the project evolved from an initial idea into a structured business model, combining creativity, teamwork, and a real understanding of user needs. This experience deepened Rohan’s interest in both business and health tech, while highlighting his ability to guide a team through complex, real-world challenges. Rohan also completed an internship at North Shore Steel Inc., where he gained hands-on exposure to engineering fundamentals like welding, material handling, and basic accounting. This practical experience gave him a clearer sense of how technical knowledge and business operations intersect—something he’s eager to explore further in college.
What truly distinguishes Rohan is his commitment to community and culture. He actively volunteers with organizations such as Saheli, Hindi Manch, and LearnQuest, helping to support underserved communities and promote cultural understanding. Whether organizing local events or helping out during Town Day with his track team, he does it with authenticity. Rohan is also a keen chef- for him, food isn’t just nourishment—it’s a way to connect people, celebrate culture, and express identity. He runs a personal food blog called Plated by Rohan, where he shares his unique dishes with a cultural twist. Cooking isn’t just a hobby for him—it shows off his creativity and eye for detail. Rohan is someone who blends leadership, curiosity, and compassion in ways that make a real difference—on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.
