Volunteerism, Profession, and Family: Getting Candid with Nihshank Upadhyay.
Nihshank, the founder of Gambit Enclave has enlisted four principles, within the core values for this solution-driven ecosystem.
Peace and Partnership –Partnerships across the regional, national and global levels to promote peace.
Working for a cause–The shared vision of equitable development for people across the globe. The ecosystem works in close proximity with the aims and missions of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
Promoting Inclusivity – Gambit Enclave is committed to debunk the stereotypes and provide equal access to knowledge, opportunities, and resources without any bias or discrimination.
Integrity and Justice–The organization are centered on uncompromising adherence to ethical principles and a justice-based value system.
Nihshank thanked volunteers across the country, who devote themselves to different social causes, constantly acting as change-makers within the country. Volunteers set the benchmark for the constant progress that society needs to undertake. The ecosystem provides volunteers with an opportunity to conduct both online and offline campaigns for issues they would like to work on. “As long as it’s within the ambit of 17 SDGs, we are supportive of both the cause and the individual.” Well, the idea sure sounds like social entrepreneurship is at work! Bill Drayton rightly points out that “there is nothing more powerful than a new idea in the hands of a social entrepreneur.”
Nihshank’s most commonly used bio reads that “He is the winner of the Independent Indian Icon 2021 and a budding entrepreneur and lawyer. His journey started from becoming the top 5 seeds in the U-7 state championship conducted by Dibyendu Barua( 2nd Indian to become a gm). He continued his set of remarkable performances and championship victories at national events including Meerut, Ahmednagar, Chandigarh, and Haryana. Alongside chess, Nihshank made a mark in Karate under the All India Seishinkai Shito Ryu Federation. He had already dominated the interstate and district tournaments and finally won the Calcutta State championship in 2013. Nihshank began his impressive run in public speaking events at the age of 12. Mock courts, Panel discussions, and Model United Nation events became his forte. His accomplishments include special mentions, high commendations, best Speakers, and executive winning more than 110+ events across reputed institutions of the world. Some of these names include IIM Calcutta, IISER, Youth of India (Special Accreditation of 2020 United Nation Conferences), and the World’s Largest Youth Run Organization (aiming to bring the world closer in the Indian way!). His work ethic was lauded by the former Lt. Governor of Delhi and he secured his set of experiences with Mayank and Maneka Gandhi in 2021. He is currently nominated for being the top 100 GKAA young achievers in the world. The poetic touch of the youngster is nothing short of commendable. He was invited to Rashtriya Kavi Sangam in 2021 and bagged the best poet at ‘the biggest online National Fest’ in India. Corona Warrior 2020 and Achiever of the year 2021 are just added feathers to the cap of this 18-year-old”. “I don’t mind this bio being used, I think it tries to sum up things perfectly. It’s a bit outdated though,” – Nihshank added. “I am happy about the opportunities that press releases, give. It’s a great way of reaching out to the people, for your mission and objectives”. Through this, Nihshank invites youngsters throughout the country to make the most of the opportunities available.
While answering the question on facing criticism, or receiving support from people Nihshank stated that the best way to keep going is to show up and continue to put in your best. Everything else is temporary. Nothing in the world can beat your mindset. Most of the battles are won and lost in there. One of the key reasons why Gambit Enclave promotes unconventional career choices is because we want people to live up to their dreams. Nihshank has often been thankful for the support he has received from his family and especially his mom. “For all the wealth or happiness in the world, mom will still be irreplaceable”- believes Nihshank”. “She believes in me, more than I believe in myself. That faith and warmth, it’s simply a mother-son thing”.
With this final press release, Nihshank also took the opportunity to highlight a token of thanks to his mentors and people who constantly inspire him. It involves riveting names including that of the Prime Minister of the country, Narendra Modi. He added the names of Mayank, Maneka Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor alongside Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Every icon is an inspiration in their rights, it’s just that I have either got the opportunity to learn from some of these people or have studied their lives closely”. As for the legal fraternity Nihshank mentioned that he has found immense support from most of his professors at Jindal Global Law School. Beyond the college, he mentioned the names of Narayan Keida, S.K, Singhi, Hemant Daswani, and Saswat Mohanty. While working with different organizations, he is currently doing a workshop with Narayan Kedia, or Narayan Sir as he calls him. “Don’t tell them I missed my workshop classes for the eco-system, Nihshank added on a lighter note.” If we were to take more names then the list would be endless but he did express his gratitude to almost all the people who have supported him to date. Nihshank is currently nominated for the Education Icon Awards from India and has already been declared a child prodigy in 2021.
