Chirag Bhansali: Empowering Digital Swadeshi with Swadeshi Tech

Chirag Bhansali, a 16-year-old student hailing from Delhi Public School in Noida, found himself profoundly moved by a viral video by Sonam Wangchuk, the visionary engineer, innovator, and education reformer. Wangchuk’s passionate call to boycott Chinese goods struck a chord with Chirag, sparking a mission that would lead to the creation of Swadeshi Tech.

Wangchuk’s impactful message, made even more famous by inspiring Aamir Khan’s character in the Bollywood film “3 Idiots” (2009), set the stage for Chirag’s entrepreneurial journey. Posted on May 28, 2020, Wangchuk’s video resonated deeply with Indians, foreshadowing the subsequent ban on 59 Chinese apps by the Indian government. Chirag’s innovative spirit was kindled by the video’s call for change, driving him to devise a solution to promote Indian alternatives.

A Young Tech Prodigy:

At just 16 years old, Chirag Bhansali possesses a remarkable proficiency in coding and web development, skills he acquired through online resources like Udemy and YouTube. His journey into the world of technology began when he built his school’s website in the seventh grade. Progressing from this initial foray, Chirag went on to create an app for book exchanges. His dedication was recognized when he became the runner-up at the Adobe Creativity Challenge 2019 for product designers and participated in Google Code-In 2019 for developers.

Inception of Swadeshi Tech:

Chirag’s response to Wangchuk’s call to action took shape in the form of Swadeshi Tech, a platform designed to help users discover alternatives to Chinese apps and products. This unique initiative, conceived in the weeks following Wangchuk’s video, was officially launched on June 12, 2020. Swadeshi Tech provides a digital haven for users seeking to embrace local alternatives and contribute to the burgeoning “digital swadeshi revolution.”

Empowering User Choice:

With the ethos of “web-first” in mind, Chirag and his friend Arghya Shubhshiv, a 14-year-old student from DPS, embarked on the development of Swadeshi Tech. The platform’s barebones design hosts two primary sections: Apps and Products. Users are invited to explore a comprehensive range of non-Chinese alternatives across 17 app categories, ranging from Social and Chat to Video Editing and Photo Editing.

Catapulting to Success:

Swadeshi Tech quickly garnered attention and users, with Chirag’s strategic outreach efforts paying off. His engagement with prominent figures, including Sonam Wangchuk himself, helped elevate Swadeshi Tech’s profile. Following the Indian government’s ban on Chinese apps, Swadeshi Tech experienced a monumental surge, attracting 50,000 new users overnight. The platform has since registered over 1.2 lakh unique users and 1.5 lakh sessions in less than a week.

Beyond Apps: Expanding Horizons

While Swadeshi Tech’s app section fulfills a crucial role in user acquisition, its “Products” section holds the promise of future monetization. This section, currently focused on electronics and consumer durables, spotlights non-Chinese alternatives for leading brands. As the demand for indigenous products grows, Swadeshi Tech plans to incorporate affiliate links to major e-commerce platforms, thereby generating revenue to support its noble cause.

A Noble Cause and Future Aspirations:

Chirag Bhansali’s vision extends beyond technological innovation. The teenager is committed to donating Swadeshi Tech’s earnings to the Indian Army, a gesture aimed at supporting the dedicated personnel stationed at the Indo-China border. With minimal operational costs and a clear mission, Chirag and Arghya are determined to make a meaningful impact while furthering the cause of “digital swadeshi.”

In Conclusion

Chirag Bhansali’s journey exemplifies the power of youthful determination and innovation. His creation, Swadeshi Tech, not only serves as a beacon for those seeking alternatives to Chinese apps but also showcases the potential for young minds to ignite change and contribute to a larger societal movement. As India embraces the call for “atmanirbhar” solutions, Chirag Bhansali stands as a shining example of how technology, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy can intersect to create a brighter future.