Anshu Malika Roja Selvamani, daughter of former minister and actress Roja, is overshadowing her famous mother and equally popular filmmaker father, Selvamani.
The 20-year-old was just awarded the Global Entrepreneurs Award in the Social Impact Category at the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Lagos, Nigeria.
The latest award is yet another accolade for the youngster’s valuable and diversified work.
The multifaceted Anshu’s journey to becoming a role model
Anshu Malika has long been recognized for her diverse abilities as an author, coder, marathon runner, and social entrepreneur.
Anshu, who started coding at the age of 7, wrote a research paper on ‘Face Recognition Bot Using Deep Learning’ at the age of 17, and it was published in the International Journal of Research. She joined Indiana University in Bloomington to study Computer Science, reportedly with a 10 GPA, equivalent to 95 percent in 12th grade.
It comes as no surprise that she has been impactful with her work in technology.
She established initiatives like ‘Transforming Life with Coding’ to teach others how to solve real-life problems through programming. She lent her experience at ‘Code Connect Namibia,’ organized by The African Connection, to provide youth with coding skills.
Anshu Selvamani’s journey into social entrepreneurship was marked by her early entry into literature with ‘The Flame in My Heart,’ a collection of poems, short stories, and quotes that garnered attention for its poignant insights into personal struggles and societal issues.
Her work has also touched on women’s empowerment, a theme close to her heart, evidenced by her previous recognitions like the Aaj ki Womaniya Award and her advocacy through various platforms where she shares her experiences and insights.
The Global Entrepreneurs Award
The Global Entrepreneurship Festival evaluates candidates on various parameters such as innovation, impact, sustainability, and scalability of their initiatives.
Anshu Malika’s recognition in the Social Impact Category is a testament to her holistic approach to entrepreneurship, where profits are seen as a means to amplify positive social outcomes rather than an end in themselves.
Accepting her award, Anshu said she believed in the power of technology and storytelling as tools for bringing about social change.
Anshu also met with other social entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers, discussing potential partnerships that could lead to broader implementations of her initiatives across Africa and beyond.
She also engaged in a discussion on shaping culture and building economies through arts, sports, and entertainment, along with popular Nigerian dancer and businesswoman Kaffy.
Speaking to Deccan Mirror, Anshu said, ‘When I started my initiative, I never imagined it picking up in a completely different territory. We are operating in three countries in Africa, and seeing what kind of impact we had makes me so proud of all that our team has accomplished. It was like a dream to win this global recognition at one-of-a-kind entrepreneurship festival among many dignitaries and reputed entrepreneurs. I am just feeling so grateful for all we’ve been able to do in 2024 and the recognition we received.’
The award brings her international acclaim and opens doors for further collaborations and initiatives towards global social impact. Anshu Roja Selvamani plans to use the platform to expand her projects, particularly those focused on educational and health disparities.
