Solving the world’s problems requires us to integrate perspectives from young minds who can come up with novel solutions that seasoned thinkers often miss. With the future at stake, it’s imperative that age-related barriers are removed to allow participation of all in shaping the world. Here are 5 stellar examples of how the young can bring about significant change.
Anisha Bhatia, 14
Menstruation in modern India is still a matter of taboo. Many people, including women, know little about the biological facts, and there’s much ground to be covered to dispel the myths surrounding it. Anisha, who hails from Mumbai, is the Communications Head at The Period Society. As part of the non-profit, which is primarily youth-led, she is working towards ending the stigma around menstruation in the country through education and advocacy.
Soumya Ranjan Biswal, 24
Waste disposal is a major issue in India as the waste we generate ends up in the rivers and, ultimately, the ocean. Beaches are littered with plastic and other debris that interferes with the lifecycle of turtles that lay eggs in the sand. Biswal, who is actively involved in conservation activities, has organised close to 230 beach clean-up events to date. He works with the government and NGOs with youth volunteers to restore wildlife and spread awareness across Odisha.
Anushka Prakash, 17
While there are plenty of opportunities for children in cities, technology is yet to deliver its best to the rural side of the country. However, the gap is filled by many with the vision to make education accessible to all children. Anusha, a class 11 student, created an AI teaching bot that functions like a mentor. The project is also free and open-source to enable personalisation by schools across rural India.
Neha Shivaji Naikwade, 27
A mechanical engineer by training, Neha is an environment-oriented data scientist. She helped launch 140 green startups with her technical skills, and she’s the co-founder of Parvaah– a youth collective focused on zero-waste initiatives.
Garvita Gulhati, 16
After learning that more than 14 million litres of water go to waste across the country every year, Garvita had an idea to solve the problem. She started a youth-led organisation that worked towards water conservation. Her startup, Why Waste?, has worked with more than 5 lakh restaurants to save over 6 million litres of water.
Young changemakers are key to putting impactful initiatives in motion that ensure the future is a better place for all. More young people should learn the act of giving back to society as their actions today will eventually become the world they will inhabit.
