Meet Khushal Davesar, a 17-year-old programming prodigy from Amritsar, Punjab. More than just a self-taught coder, Khushal has quickly recognized the power of community-building and collaboration, pursuing both with a drive that defies his age. His passion and relentless work ethic are bringing him closer to his ultimate goal of studying at a U.S.-based university.
Khushal’s commitment to programming, research, and teaching has led to numerous opportunities and accolades, positioning him as an emerging figure in the tech community.
We sat down with Khushal to dive into his journey, explore his achievements, and learn more about CodeX, his non-profit platform that is empowering students across India and beyond to learn programming for free.
The Spark of Passion: Khushal Davesar’s Journey from Curiosity to Coding
Answering the question of what sparked his passion for programming and set the course for his growth, Khushal credits his parents’ sacrifices and his fascination with technology.
”Growing up in a middle-class Indian family, I witnessed firsthand the sacrifices my parents made to ensure I received a good education,” Khushal shared with LAFFAZ. “From an early age, I was captivated by technology and curious about how it shaped the world around us. However, it was only during the lockdown that I found the time and space to truly dive into this passion.”
Despite being young, and initially lacking resources and direction, Khushal’s unwavering perseverance led him forward.
“With no roadmap or mentor, I relied solely on free online resources to learn programming,” he explained. “The journey wasn’t easy. I struggled to find direction and often felt lost. But through perseverance, I slowly transitioned from basic web development to building complex projects and even freelancing. Each challenge taught me something new, and I gained valuable experience along the way.”
A Key Turning Point: Competitions and Community-Building
A foundational step in Khushal’s growth was his participation in school-level competitions, hackathons, and workshops. As he grew more confident in his skills, these events became a catalyst for his personal and professional development.
“As I grew more confident, I started participating in competitions, hackathons, and workshops. Representing my school,” Khushal Recalled. “I won multiple awards in programming and entrepreneurship. These victories sparked curiosity among my peers, many of whom began approaching me for guidance. They wanted to learn but often lacked the motivation to navigate this journey alone.”
These achievements not only boosted Khushal’s confidence but also inspired him to think beyond his personal growth. The experience led him to a powerful realization about the importance of community-building and collaboration – values that ultimately drove him to create CodeX.
“Reflecting on my own journey, I realized how essential community and collaboration are,” he said. “I had started programming alongside online friends who pushed me to excel, and I wanted to create the same environment for others. That’s how CodeX was born – a platform where students could learn programming and technology for free,”
CodeX: Expanding Access and Building a Community
To kickstart his non-profit CodeX, Khushal collaborated with various NGOs to reach underprivileged students and extended his platform’s reach across his hometown, several Indian states, and even internationally.
“Through CodeX, I connected with local NGOs and reached out to underprivileged students from my city, across India, and even abroad,” Khushal shared.
Over time, Khushal transformed CodeX from a learning platform into a vibrant community of more than 1,800 students, organizing hackathons, workshops, and events both online and offline.
“We hosted hackathons, workshops, and events, creating a thriving community where students learned not only programming but also skills like graphic design, robotics, and more,” he said. “To date, I’ve taught over 1,800 students through CodeX, helping them acquire skills and build meaningful connections.”
Awards and Achievements
In April 2024, Khushal was selected as one of just 80 students worldwide for the prestigious LaunchX Entrepreneurship Program 2024 at the University of Michigan, United States. Although passport issues prevented him from attending the program in person, Khushal participated virtually, describing the experience as transformative. For his dedication, he was awarded full financial aid to prepare for the program.
Shortly after, in May 2024, Khushal was accepted into the Young Technology Scholars Program (YTS) 2024 of Plaksha University, Mohali, Punjab with a 100 percent scholarship. The program brought together young innovators from across the globe, allowing Khushal to collaborate on projects in diverse fields such as Biology, Neuroscience, Programming, and Electronics.
“At YTS, I had the opportunity to work with talented peers from around the world, exploring cutting-edge topics,” Khushal told LAFFAZ. “It was an incredible environment to expand my knowledge and skills.”
During his time at YTS, Khushal conducted medical research and developed WISSH, a smart home system that integrates real-time weather data.
Reflecting on the experience, he added, “Working with top professors from IITs and leading U.S. universities was an unforgettable experience. It gave me the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical innovations.”
In September, Khushal, along with a team of 7-8 fellow students, helped organize CodeDay Delhi at IIT Delhi, an event that welcomed 350 beginner-level students. Khushal played a key role in teaching essential coding skills, managing event logistics, and securing sponsorships. The event not only provided students with the tools to begin their coding journeys but also fostered collaboration among attendees, empowering them to take their first steps in the world of programming.
In addition, Khushal has earned several notable accolades, including:
- Winner, AI-Driven Future of India in 2030 by DAV College Managing Committee
- Silver Position, Young Entrepreneurship Challenge 2023 & 2024 (Best Pitcher Award)
- Finalist, Youth Ideathon (Top 100 out of 55,000 participants)
- Winner, Ratan Tata Award for Excellence in Business and Entrepreneurship at DAV International School
- Winner, Techno Mela 2022 for building a website in under 60 minutes
These achievements underscore Khushal’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, further establishing his presence in the tech and business communities.
Research and Work Experience
In March, Khushal served as a Web & Outreach Intern at the New Delhi Space Society, where he was responsible for managing the organization’s website and enhancing its digital outreach.
During this time, Khushal also worked for a Ranchi, Jharkhan-based mental health care company ReEngineering Emotions, where he assisted with social media management by applying design thinking and planning for effective implementation.
“I incorporated psychology to convey emotions through posts, sharing our ideology with the world,” Khushal explained. “Additionally, I worked closely with the team, motivating them and fostering a positive environment to drive the company’s vision forward.”
His innovative approach not only strengthened the company’s online presence but also helped it connect with a wider audience, promoting mental health awareness on a broader scale.
In June, Khushal worked on a project he considers one of the highlights of his career, TapGull. In this project, he designed and marketed NFC (Near-Field Communication) networking cards, which he sold to over 400 customers, generating more than $2,000 in sales.
Besides this, Khushal has conducted in-depth research on the Evolution of the Indian Digital Payment Ecosystem and its global impact. His study explored how India’s digital payment model has set new benchmarks for financial inclusion and technological innovation, positioning the country as a leader in the global fintech landscape.
Upcoming Plans
Looking ahead to both personal and professional growth, Khushal shared that he will be attending the Youth Founders Summit (YFS) Global 2024 in Singapore next month. The summit includes a 5-day YFS Bootcamp, followed by a mentorship program lasting up to 6 months. Khushal is one of only 80 students selected worldwide for this prestigious opportunity.
“This December, I’ll be joining the Youth Founders Summit in Singapore, an exclusive event with just 80 students from around the world,” Khushal shared enthusiastically. “It’s an exciting step toward my dream of studying at a U.S. university. I aspire to pursue my bachelor’s degree at a U.S. university, deepening my knowledge surrounded by like-minded peers and inspiring professors. I aim to connect Artificial Intelligence with real-life use cases,”
Reflecting on his journey, Khushal added, “My path has been one of perseverance, community, and continuous learning. I’m eager to continue exploring, traveling, creating, and turning my dreams of entrepreneurship into reality while making a meaningful social impact through technology.”
Editor’s Note
At LAFFAZ Media, while we celebrate innovative entrepreneurs and startups, we also believe in highlighting young talents like Khushal Davesar. At just 17, he has made remarkable strides in the domains of programming and technology, driven by relentless hard work, continuous learning, and perseverance. With his expertise, he is poised to drive technological advancements that could transform sectors such as education, business, and government. As a young thought leader, Khushal serves as an inspiration to students worldwide, shaping a future powered by innovation.
His work reflects a deep understanding of how technology can improve efficiency, accessibility, and impact, offering new ways to engage with and transform traditional practices. He represents the next generation of innovators who are using technology not just for personal advancement, but to solve real-world problems. Moreover, Khushal’s ability to think critically and collaborate with others places him at the forefront of a wave of student-led change, inspiring peers to leverage their talents for societal benefit.
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