Young Achievers

When Vihaan Agarwal’s asthma worsened, he and his brother Nav began connecting the dots between waste burning and the air they breathed. They started by segregating waste at home, a step that grew into 'OneStepGreener', now helping cities manage waste better.

A girl from a small Andhra village tossed a ball for fun and eight years later stood on the World Cup podium. Shree Charani’s rise, fuelled by family, grit and quiet courage, is a reminder that talent and relentless belief can rewrite a life and inspire millions.

A chance conversation with a waste collector changed how 20-year-old Karan saw Delhi’s recycling chain. What followed became ‘Finobadi’, a system that has processed 450 tonnes of waste, planted 3,318 trees and created steady, dignified income for more than 70 workers.

On a January evening at IIT Bombay’s E-Cell event, Sheena and Karan Khurana walked onto a stage with a frozen espresso shot and 10 minutes to tell Zenma Coffee’s story. What followed brought belief, mentorship and a turning point for the startup she built with her brother Karan.

Sakshi Rawat, a 22-year-old from Uttarakhand, takes an unexpected step into village leadership. Her journey unfolds with determination, fresh ideas and a resolve that begins to shift the rhythm of her community.

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.

At 29, Girija, who lives with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, has turned her challenges into art, earning a living and inspiring countless others with her creations.

During an experiential learning project, 13-year-old Haasini taught English at a government school and saw how children learn when classrooms feel playful, safe, and expressive. Her Children’s Day letter calls for listening to students as India shapes the future of education.

15-year-old Khushboo Jain writes a heartfelt letter addressing education leaders, sharing her journey from a shy small-town girl to a young innovator mentoring students across India.

When 17-year-old football coach Raghav Rai noticed malnourished children in Delhi’s bastis, he decided to act. With help from a local NGO and a gardening expert, he launched ‘Gardens of Hope’ — turning terraces into lush kitchen gardens that now feed 42 families fresh, organic produce.