Adarsh Shenoy is perched precariously on the edge of his seat, his fingers moving deftly across a blue controller, a look of rapt determination on his face, as he blasts through the final level of his favorite video game. The Irvington High student admits his soft spot for video games, stating with a quick smile, “I think my video games just might be, maybe, my most prized possessions.” Lying casually on his desk aside a large monitor are a glorious pair of headphones in Adarsh’s favorite iridescent blue; aside from gaming and watching the occasional YouTube video, Adarsh has a penchant for music, from classic 90’s rock to week-old pop numbers, something that he has used to brighten up many PRAGNYA meetings. His unique collections span wildly different genres, artists and eras, but thinks quietly before deciding on the catchy 80’s hit, “Sweet Dreams,” as an all-time favorite. Adarsh speaks on how music acts not only as a release for him but as a medium of self-expression, even titling his life as a song: ‘Exploring the Varieties’ - for the importance that learning and exploration hold for him.
Adarsh explained that one adventure he hopes to embark on is global travel: “When I grow up, I’d like to visit new countries and cities and villages around the world!” At the top of his sightseeing bucket list sit bustling, eclectic NYC alongside the cultural cosmopolitan hub of Tokyo, both of which Adarsh finds fascinating for their unique contributions to technology and digital media. Inspired by Albert Einstein, Adarsh hopes to drive scientific and digital creation, adding that “I think I maybe want to go into technology and work with computers.” As for right now, in the present, the Big Bang Theory fan is prioritizing his happiness and breezily describes himself in a hashtag as #thoughtful&intelligent&happy. He enjoys spending time with his family and his PRAGNYA friends, with his favorite memory being, “The Valentines Day PRAGNYA party... I was called up to the stage to welcome everyone with a speech, and everyone liked it and clapped for me. I made some cards, had some pizza and danced to some good music.”
PRAGNYA co-founder, Kavita Sreedhar reflects on Adarsh’s contributions and impact on the family: “I love Adarsh for being so thorough and diligent in what he does. For example, he came to our Health 360 event and I had asked him to make notes of what the speakers said, and Adarsh furiously took notes and wrote page after page of points while attending this event that lasted several hours. I was so touched by his sincerity and work ethic. Furthermore, I am so proud of him for being someone who is leading a developmentally oriented life-case in point being the Gratitude Gala-where I was recounting proud and poignant moments about each Ally. There sat Adarsh, who, out of the blue, fought his fear of crowds and his anxiety to come up to express his gratitude to PRAGNYA, Kishan, and myself in front of an audience of over 400 people. I wanted to cry.”
Ally Semira Arora recalls her favorite memories at PRAGNYA and sums up perfectly Adarsh’s impact on everyone he meets: “heartwarming.” Within his 2 years at PRAGNYA, Adarsh has not only grown himself but has fostered happiness and thoughtfulness all around him. Thank you, Adarsh!!