Nord Anglia Education
WRITTEN BY
Nord Anglia
27 May, 2025

Chyavan Karthikeya Batlanki: NAISAK’s Inspirational Leader, Innovator, Musician, and Global Changemaker

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At NAISAK, few students shine as brightly as Chyavan Karthikeya Batlanki — a gifted musician, innovative thinker, dedicated leader, and passionate global citizen. Known for his delicate fingers creating magic on the keyboard in almost every major school event, Chyavan’s extraordinary talents have taken him from the stage to the forefront of cutting-edge innovation at MIT and beyond.

Musical Excellence and Juilliard Leadership at NAISAK

 Chyavan has been a featured performer in numerous school events, including the acclaimed “Sky Full of Stars” Juilliard concert held at NAISAK, where he captivated audiences with his keyboard skills. His performances have been recognized both internally and in Qatar’s national newspapers, highlighting his exceptional contribution to the school’s performing arts community.
As one of NAISAK’s newly appointed Juilliard Student Leaders, Chyavan helps inspire fellow students and foster creativity across music, movement, and drama programs. Ms. Laura Opperman, Head of Performing Arts and Regional Juilliard Lead in the Middle East, said:
“I am so proud of Kartikeya for being a Juilliard leader and for consistently going above and beyond by offering extra performances at school. Achieving his Grade 8 in ABRSM is a fantastic milestone, showcasing his dedication and talent.”

Champion Innovator: First Place Winner at the MIT Challenge

 Chyavan’s intellectual curiosity and problem-solving skills earned him 1st Place in the prestigious MIT Challenge, a global initiative that encourages students to develop innovative projects using artificial intelligence (AI).
The MIT Challenge, a collaboration between Nord Anglia Education and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, pushes students to integrate STEM, AI, and creativity. Chyavan’s groundbreaking AI-powered invention impressed judges with its clarity and innovation.
Mr. Elliot Sarkodie-Addo, MIT Lead at NAISAK, praised Chyavan’s exceptional work:
“His ability to explain complex AI concepts and prototype inventions was phenomenal. Chyavan exemplifies how students can use AI as a creative tool to solve real-world problems.”

Leadership and Service: Building Bridges Locally and Globally

 As Head Boy and a Year 9 Global Campus Student Leader Ambassador, Chyavan embodies leadership and community spirit. Selected to participate in the World Children’s Day Teacher Takeover, he demonstrated maturity and responsibility beyond his years.
Chyavan’s passion for service took him on a life-changing expedition to Tanzania, where he worked alongside Nord Anglia students from around the world to build classrooms, construct a goat shed, and install solar-powered lighting for local communities.
Reflecting on the challenges and lessons learned, Chyavan shared:
“The work was tougher than expected — mixing cement and carrying bricks in the heat tested us physically and mentally. But with teamwork and encouragement, we turned exhaustion into determination.”
This experience deepened his understanding of global citizenship, gratitude, and sustainable development.

Young Entrepreneur and Real-World Business Experience

 In addition to his academic and creative achievements, Chyavan was a winner of the 2024 Young Entrepreneur of the Year (YEY) Award, gaining hands-on work experience at a prominent Qatar business and a staple in the Al Khor community, Bloom Learning Center. This immersive placement enhanced his entrepreneurial skills and understanding of customer service, innovation, and business management. 
The real world experience came in handy when Chyavan’s team won various awards in Model United Nations Conferences (MUN) and 1st place twice in a row in the school’s debate club. Chyavan stated: “It was amazing to work with my team and achieve this win! I just wanted to provide support and give the best arguments in each round.” 

Athleticism and Volunteering: Balancing Excellence in All Areas

 Chyavan is also a dedicated athlete and a committed MOVE 24 and MOVE 25 volunteer, showing that discipline and teamwork extend beyond the classroom. His participation in sports complements his leadership roles and community engagement, making him a well-rounded role model at NAISAK.
During NAISAK’s Sports Week, Chyavan demonstrated remarkable athleticism and sportsmanship, earning a gold medal in the High Jump and securing a bronze medal in the 100-meter sprint. Competing alongside students from Early Years to Secondary, he showcased his dedication and competitive spirit in a range of track and field events. His outstanding performances contributed to an exciting and memorable week of athletic competition, reflecting his commitment not only to excellence in academics and arts but also to physical fitness and teamwork.

Upcoming Global Opportunities: MIT Visit and UNICEF Youth Summit

 Looking ahead, Chyavan is set to visit MIT and Harvard this summer for further innovation-focused experiences and will represent NAISAK at the UNICEF Youth Summit, continuing his journey as a global changemaker and inspiring others to pursue excellence.

Teacher Testimonials: Support and Recognition

 Mr. Elliot Sarkodie-Addo, MIT Lead at NAISAK, remarks:
“Chyavan is a modern learner and leader who embodies curiosity, creativity, resilience, and compassion. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and the example he sets for his peers.”
Ms. Laura Opperman, Head of Performing Arts, adds:
“He is a well-rounded student with a grounded approach, and I have no doubt he will find great success in everything he pursues. Keep shining, Kartikeya!”

Why Chyavan Karthikeya Batlanki is a Role Model for All NAISAK Students

 From performing on stage and innovating with AI to leading service projects and excelling in sports, Chyavan exemplifies NAISAK’s core values of creativity, leadership, and global citizenship. His journey—widely featured in both school newsletters and national media—motivates students across Qatar to aim higher, work harder, and lead with heart.
We are proud to celebrate Chyavan’s achievements and look forward to his future contributions on the world stage. To have a strong well-rounded education like Chyavan, visit NAISAK’s top rated school curriculum and facilities in Al Khor today!