The terrific trio - Rahul Mishra, Mangesh Hadawale & Ankit Fadia

It’s a proud moment for three young Mumbaikars — designer Rahul Mishra, film-maker Mangesh Hadawale and computer whiz Ankit Fadia. The trio is among eight winners, who have won a national youth icon award for brilliant contribution in their respective fields of work.

However, what comes as a pleasant surprise is that earlier most youth icon awards were given to society big-wigs. So this twist in the event is definitely a welcome change.

Designer Rahul Mishra most recently made waves with his Spring/Summer collection at the Lakmé Fashion Week. Coming from a humble background, he has fought his way into the fashion circuit. He says, “It feels great. I did not have the support of my father and if by telling my story I can influence at least one person, I would consider myself successful.”

Rahul is hopeful that his winning this award will also shed some light on the fashion industry, which, he says, ‘people associate with nothing more than glamour’.

Computer whiz, Ankit Fadia, 23, was offered his first job at the age of 13 by Chip India Magazine after he hacked into their website. “When I started off, there were no hackers in India. I saw this as an opportunity and pushed myself in this field,” says Ankit.

Over the years, he has developed the field of ethical hacking and has opened up the subject in India by writing over 16 books on the topic. So developed are Ankit’s skills as a hacker, that the US and the Indian government appointed him to help trace emails post the terror attacks. Ankit is also working with universities across the city to formulate a course on the subject and will shortly start his own magazine.

He says, “When I started, hacking was considered a disreputable profession. But I made it work for me. People should not be afraid of pursuing what others may perceive as an ‘unconventional’ profession.”

While the entire country is going gaga over Aamir Khan’s directorial debut Taare Zameen Par going as the official entry for Oscars, Mangesh Hadawale the director of Tingya is one quiet winner. Based on his own experiences of being a farmer’s son, Tingya has got rave reviews despite being shot on a peanut budget.

“I did not expect such a huge response while making the film. I only knew that I am making a movie with an honest intention. Like every director’s first movie, Tingya is my personal expression. In India where the lower-middle class even fears to dream, winning this award is truly an overwhelming feeling for me,” he says.