Five Indian youths to receive 2023 International Young Eco-Hero Award

NEW YORK — Seventeen young environmental activists, including five from India, have been chosen to receive the prestigious 2023 International Young Eco-Hero Award. These remarkable individuals are being recognised for their innovative efforts in addressing the world’s most critical environmental challenges.

Administered by the US-based non-profit organisation, Action For Nature, these awards are aimed at celebrating the accomplishments of individuals aged eight to 16 who have demonstrated a strong commitment to raising awareness about environmental issues and devising creative solutions for tackling complex environmental problems.

Hailing from diverse backgrounds, the five International Young Eco-Hero awardees from India include Eiha Dixit from Meerut, Manya Harsha from Bengaluru, Nirvaan Somany, Mannat Kaur from New Delhi, and Karnav Rastogi from Mumbai. These young trailblazers have exhibited remarkable dedication and ingenuity in their endeavours.

Adding to the list of honorees are Indian Americans who have made substantial contributions to the field of environmental conservation. Among them are Satvika Iyer from California, Rahul Vijayan and Anushka Godambe from Texas, and Nitya Jakka from Illinois.

Beryl Kay, the president of Action for Nature, expressed her admiration for these young activists, noting, “From bustling metropolises to remote villages, these young luminaries are sparking a green revolution that knows no bounds. Their ingenious projects are tangible, impactful solutions that are leaving indelible marks on their communities and the world.”

The first-place winner of the 2023 International Young Eco-Hero Award, nine-year-old Eiha Dixit, has been dedicated to safeguarding the environment since the tender age of four. Her notable accomplishment includes growing over 20,000 saplings and establishing mini forests, parks, and green belts in Meerut. Eiha has also established a plant bank at her residence, utilizing plants donated by individuals who could no longer care for them.

At just 12 years old, Manya Harsha from Bengaluru has engaged in a multitude of activities, including walkathons, sapling planting, distributing seed balls, and organizing clean-up drives. Her outstanding efforts have led to the distribution of over 5,000 sustainable bags, the planting of 3,500 saplings, and the dispersal of 3,000 seed bombs.

Sixteen-year-old Nirvaan Somani has demonstrated a unique approach by repurposing used jeans into washable and insulating sleeping bags for the homeless. This initiative not only aids in reducing landfill waste but also offers enhanced protection from harsh weather conditions. To date, Nirvaan has collected 6,000 pairs of jeans and distributed 800 sleeping bags.

Satvika Iyer, a 15-year-old from Milpitas, California, has collaborated with various organisations and her school district to implement a permanent plant-based menu featuring meat-free alternatives and salad bars.

Mannat Kaur, 15, from New Delhi, has ingeniously designed a system to collect, filter, and reuse greywater from households for non-potable purposes. Her innovation addresses water conservation and sustainability.

Karnav Rastogi, 13, from Mumbai, has undertaken an educational initiative through his books titled “Kartik, Daddy & Plastic: A journey about beating plastic pollution” and “Kartik, Mixie & Monster: A journey about ocean pollution.” Through these books, he educates young people about the impact of plastic pollution and climate change.

Rahul Vijayan, 16, hailing from Pearland, Texas, has introduced on-site hydroponic farming, an efficient water-based gardening technique suitable for urban environments. He actively educates elementary and middle school students about sustainable gardening practices.

Sixteen-year-old Nitya Jakka, based in Naperville, Illinois, has developed a website and sensor system to address food waste concerns by improving climate-controlled transportation and storage.

Anushka Godambe, 16, from Austin, Texas, founded “Plants in Classrooms,” a program that nurtures a love for gardening in K-12 students by teaching them how to care for a classroom plant, fostering values of practice, patience, and teamwork.

The 2023 International Young Eco-Hero Award ceremony will take place virtually on August 26 via a Zoom Webinar, anchored in San Francisco. This event provides a platform for the winners to showcase their remarkable work to a global audience.

Throughout the current year, Action For Nature has celebrated and recognised the achievements of 339 Eco-Heroes from 27 countries and 32 US states. The selection of winners is carried out by an independent panel of judges, consisting of experts in environmental science, biology, and education.

Disclaimer: The above article has been edited by Eastern Mirror using inputs from agencies.