How can today’s Youth face the uncertain world while staying true to their values? How can Youth lead by example, by “Being The Change”? What practices or inner cultivation help nurture resilience and conviction to operate from their natural self?  

Join us as we explore these questions from the lens of Maitreyee Gehlot and Gaus Sayyad - two youths with fascinating journeys! Maitreyee, on one end is completing her degree in Psychology online from University of Chicago and on the other end working on creating a “Self-Learning / Homeschooling” platform in Indore, through Asmakan. Gaus grew up at an orphanage, called Maher Ashram, completed his education, got an MBA degree and has gone on to receive multiple awards for his service work! 

Maitreyee was brought up in Minnesota, US and moved to India when she was about 15 years old. Until 8th she attended regular school and after that transitioned into 'homeschooling'. Soon after, along with her mother she co-founded Asmakam, a Self Led Open Learning Space where they facilitate self learning for teens and youth. Later, she decided to get a college degree and went to University of Chicago to pursue a degree in Psychology. After a year, she decided she wants to come back to India and serve her family and community through Asmakam and hence she is continuing her degree online. Passionate about cooking, she started a creative food tech startup, CutFoo, which focuses on connecting people through food - like an Airbnb version of restaurants! In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking and listening to music.    

Five Questions for Maitreyee

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· What Makes You Come Alive?

Helping children and youth take charge of their own learning, cooking yummy and healthy meals for my loved ones and trying to pay forward all the kindness I’ve received!

·  Pivotal turning point in your life

When I started my journey as a self-learner. I truly believe the path I took led me to becoming the independent, compassionate and open-minded individual I am today.

·  An Act of Kindness You'll Never Forget

When a complete stranger genuinely listened to me and held my hand as I was going through a tough time.

·  One Thing On Your Bucket List

Travelling the world!

·  One-line Message for the World

Be kind. Not only to other’s but to yourself as well.

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Gaus Sayyad Born on the streets of Pune, Gaus' childhood story is like the millions born in urban poverty. Put to work at the raw age of 6 years to keep the home fires burning, Gaus took up odd jobs at a nearby garage, at a food stall, and such. And yet, his curiosity to learn was intense. Gaus would drop by into the classroom of a nearby school even though he was not formally admitted (3 Idiots style)! The happy ending of Gaus' story of the white school uniform shirt is legendary and sad at the same time, just to think of all those 5-year-olds who can't go to school as they do not have a proper uniform.

Fate intervened with Sister Lucy Kurien taking Gaus to Maher Ashram. Gaus' stay at Maher nourished the child in him. He got to know what it feels to sit inside one (and not merely to clean cars). Gaus went on to graduate in Commerce and complete his MBA. Gaus has grown up to be a confident youth also stayed at Rashtrapati Bhavan for an award, among the many he has received! Gaus speaks regularly on various public fora – after two years at an IT company, he decided to rejoin Maher in a leadership role and now works as an ambassador for Maher and the children like him.

Karan Shah will be the dialogue moderator. He is a recent graduate from Pennsylvania State University in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics. He enjoys being outdoors in nature, trekking, and playing sports like basketball and football. He is one of the core volunteers behind Awakin Talks. At a young age, his commitment to volunteerism and self observation through Vipassana meditation is an inspiration to many who have seen him closely.