Shruti bags Teen Hero award

Kathmandu, Sept. 2

Shruti Tiwari, 18, an Environment Activist from Dhanusha, has won the title of Glocal Teen Hero Nepal 2023.

Shruti was selected from among the top six finalists of the competition - Aryan Sigdel (17, Educator and Activist from Tanahun); Atith Adhikari (17, Social Entrepreneur from Banke); Madhav Khanal (18, Writer from Lamjung); Nirajan Rimal (18, Science Enthusiast from Kathmandu); and Preeti Pantha (18, Social Activist from Gulmi).

Organised by Glocal Pvt. Ltd with the support of the Golchha Group the other day, the award aims to identify and honor outstanding teenagers whose creativity, commitment, experience, and strong leadership have helped them achieve success in life.

Shruti is actively engaged in various social and environmental initiatives, demonstrating her dedication to creating positive change in society. As an advocate for children's rights, she has raised awareness about child marriages and abuse, partnering with organizations like Ekikrit Child Club to intervene in cases and safeguard children's futures, reads a note issued by the organisers.

She has taken part in impactful campaigns like the 'Plastic man’ campaign to reduce single-use plastic consumption. Additionally, she has led a successful tree-planting endeavour with organisations like Save the Children and WWF Nepal, making a positive impact on the environment.

Shruti has motivated over 20 Dalit and Janjati girls by sharing her personal journey of transformation. She also encouraged them to stand up for themselves and take active roles in society. Her efforts received international recognition, with BBC UK interviewing her for her outstanding work.

"Through active engagement and collaboration with various organisations and communities, she has been able to make a meaningful difference by stopping 12 child marriages and three child abuse and leave a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and society as a whole," read the statement issued by the organisers.

Announcing the winner, Asish Thakur, Chairman and Executive Director of Glocal, said that the initiation, passion and unique perspectives of the young talents bring a breath of fresh air to their endeavours.

The final six teenagers were selected from a pool of 681 applications from across the nation.

The applicants had demonstrated their skills and expertise, and made an impact in their society in areas like education, social activism, entrepreneurship, technology, innovation, and health.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 3 September 2023.