young achievers

Once torn between expectations and ambition, Surbhi Gandhi chose to build a life on her own terms. Today, the chartered accountant is also a yoga trainer, content creator, and founder of the wellness brand Pro-Firo, inspiring thousands to chase their dreams.

From wooden spoons in a school canteen to sold-out eco-friendly tote bags, ‘Pahal’ is a reminder that meaningful change can begin early. Led by four teenage girls in Ghaziabad, this startup is turning small, everyday choices into a movement against plastic waste.

On her 10th birthday, Aanvi Suvarna traded celebration for challenge, swimming 17 km from Atal Setu to the Gateway of India at dawn, proving bravery doesn’t wait for age.

For nearly 30 years, IIT Bombay’s ‘Eureka!’ has been helping young innovators turn campus ideas into thriving startups. Run entirely by students, this business-model competition connects founders with mentors, investors, and the lessons no classroom can teach.

Pharmacy students from Mohan Babu University, led by mentors Dr V Kiran, Dr J Venkateswara Rao, and student leader R Badrinath Reddy, are empowering Andhra Pradesh’s Nagaiah Gari Palli village through sustainable bamboo salt production, creating new livelihoods beyond farming.

From the frozen Zanskar River to deadlifting 85 kg, 12-year-old Samya Maulik is breaking the mold. Her journey isn’t just about physical feats—it’s about the quiet determination and everyday sacrifices that have led her to achieve what many adults might consider impossible. Her parents are with her every step of the way.

From a judo champion in Chhattisgarh to a Sufi singer in Kashmir, the 2024 Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar celebrated 17 extraordinary young achievers. Here are their inspiring stories!