Hailing from the vibrant city of Chandigarh and pursuing studies at the esteemed Chandigarh Engineering College in Mohali, Punjab, a brilliant 20-year-old student in the field of Information Technology has not only distinguished themselves academically but has also left an indelible mark on the world of innovation. Through their remarkable ingenuity, this young mind has birthed a series of ingenious devices, earning them several patents and garnering attention far and wide. The latest accolade to adorn their journey is securing a coveted spot among the elite top 10 finalists for the prestigious USD 100,000 Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2023. The announcement, fittingly made on a Wednesday, marks yet another significant stride in their quest to revolutionize the technological landscape. As the world watches with bated breath, this finalist stands as a testament to the boundless potential that the realm of academia holds, and their presence among the finalists is a nod to their dedication, brilliance, and unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter future.
Emerging from a staggering pool of almost 4,000 applications spanning 122 countries, Ravinder Bishnoi shines as a beacon of brilliance, vying for the coveted annual accolade bestowed upon a student who has transcended the realms of learning to leave an indelible mark on both education and society at large. Among the plethora of innovations that adorn his remarkable journey is the ingenious “Vehicle Horn Control Assembly.” This patented creation serves as a potent tool in combatting the blaring menace of noise pollution, ingeniously curbing the unnecessary honking near hospitals, schools, and residential enclaves.
In addition to this groundbreaking achievement, Bishnoi’s inventive prowess extends to the realm of two-wheeler bike safety. His patented “Assembly for Retraction of Side Stand” tackles the all-too-common issue of forgetting to retract the side stand, a potentially perilous problem. The fusion of technology and practicality underscores his commitment to creating solutions that genuinely enhance daily life.
Heather Hatlo Porter, the Head of Chegg.org and Chief Communications Officer of edtech giant Chegg, effused her admiration, saying, “Your commitment, creativity, and resilience are truly inspiring.” She aptly captures the essence of Bishnoi’s journey, acknowledging that this honour not only celebrates his achievements but serves as a testament to the transformative path he is forging for the collective future. The Global Student Prize, Porter highlights, isn’t merely a platform; it’s a conduit for extraordinary students worldwide to unite, share narratives, forge connections, and engage with educational influencers and visionaries that transcend the classroom.
Bishnoi’s ascent to brilliance is rooted in a determination that surmount technological barriers. In an era when smartphones and the internet had yet to be accessible commodities (circa 2012-2013), he made his way to a humble cyber cafe. There, he embraced the world of robotics, electronics, and design—a testament to his tenacious pursuit of knowledge. From those modest beginnings, he propelled himself into a trajectory of innovation, birthing not only robots and exoskeletons but also portable water and air filters, all aimed at alleviating the plight of those in need.
Yet Bishnoi’s impact is not limited to his own endeavours. He extends his generosity by empowering others like him to safeguard their intellectual treasures. Through enlightening lectures on Intellectual Property (IP) rights and guiding fellow innovators through the labyrinthine process of patent filing, he cultivates a community that thrives on knowledge sharing.
This year, Bishnoi’s star continued to ascend as he represented his brainchild startup, KieKie Private Limited, at the illustrious G20 summit’s Startup 20 Engagement Group in Gangtok, Sikkim. This global stage became a canvas for him to paint his entrepreneurial journey, each stroke an embodiment of resilience and innovation. Even a rendezvous with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during National Technology Week couldn’t overshadow the brilliance that Bishnoi radiates.
Sunny Varkey, the visionary founder of the Varkey Foundation, and partner of the esteemed student prize, bestowed warm congratulations, noting, “Your story illustrates the crucial role education plays in building a better tomorrow for everyone.” Varkey eloquently encapsulates the profound truth that education, as embodied by Bishnoi’s odyssey, is the compass guiding humanity through its greatest challenges. From the darkest corners of conflict to the pressing concerns of climate change and inequality, Bishnoi’s journey is a testament to education’s power to transform and uplift.
As the anticipation builds, Ravinder Bishnoi stands poised to contend with a diverse cohort of exceptional minds from across the globe. Representing a dynamic mix of nations including Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Chile, Ghana, Malaysia, Romania, and the US, these students compose the prestigious top 10 finalists for the Global Student Prize Academy. Awaiting the unveiling of the ultimate victor later this year, the academy’s discerning decision promises to spotlight the transformative brilliance that each finalist embodies.
Meanwhile, a fresh wind of opportunity sweeps across the landscape of educational empowerment. The Chegg.org Impact Fund operated through the Tides Foundation, has unveiled plans to inaugurate the groundbreaking Chegg Changemaker Fund. This visionary fund seeks to nurture the aspirations of not just the top 10, but the broader community of 50 Global Student Prize finalists, spanning the program’s inception in 2021. This bold initiative particularly targets participants of the Chegg Changemakers program, aiming to bolster their impact-driven endeavours through substantial financial support.
Heather Hatlo Porter, the driving force behind Chegg.org, expressed enthusiastic anticipation: “As so many of these students are already doing such exceptional things for their communities and the wider world, we are thrilled to announce the Chegg Changemaker Fund, to help further their remarkable work so they make an even bigger difference.” With an unwavering commitment to catalyzing tangible change, this fund promises to elevate these remarkable changemakers, amplifying their capacity to reshape the world.
In addition to financial backing, a novel dimension of mentorship takes centre stage. The recently introduced Changemakers Mentor Program stands as a testament to Chegg’s holistic approach to nurturing transformative potential. The program, tailored for the elite group of 50 finalists, grants them the invaluable opportunity to be paired with a dedicated Chegg staff member. This mentorship is intricately calibrated, drawing upon shared educational backgrounds, skill sets, and passions. With guidance and insights flowing, this mentorship stands as a beacon illuminating pathways for even greater innovation and impact.
At its core, the Global Student Prize is an emblem of inclusivity and opportunity. Open annually to students worldwide, the prize paints an expansive canvas that welcomes those aged 16 and above, regardless of their geographical location or educational format. Whether enrolled in traditional academic institutions, partaking in skill-building programs, or navigating the virtual corridors of online courses, all these avenues converge to celebrate the potential of brilliant minds to change the world for the better. This global showcase of talent underscores the belief that innovation knows no bounds, transcending barriers to unleash the potential of a new generation.
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