Arpit Dhupar: Saving environment by turning rice stubble into biodegradable packaging
Compiled by: Team GI Youth
(February 8, 2024) Each year, Delhi/NCR greets the sunrise under a heavy smog blanket, pushing the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) into the alarming red zone. This concerning situation is a result of the burning of crop residues in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana, which contributes to 26 percent of the capital’s air pollution. This led IIT grads Arpit Dhupar and Anand Bodh to form Dharaksha – a startup that specialises in converting rice stubble into biodegradable packaging. Started in 2019, the deep-tech startup uses a biotechnology process to produce packaging material capable of biodegrading within 60 days under standard soil conditions.
Arpit Dhupar
It all began when an innocent drawing from his nephew made Arpit think hard. A typical scenery painting had all the elements – the sun, the mountains, the sky, and birds – but the sky was coloured grey as opposed to the blue that took him aback. “We shouldn’t live in a world where we have to explain to kids that the sky should be painted blue. It should be a given,” the Forbes 30 Under 30 said in an interview. The painting gave him some food for thought, and he began building a startup that could help keep the skies blue.
It was during his sabbatical from work that he travelled through the remote villages of Punjab and Haryana to understand the grim issue of stubble burning. Upon his interactions with locals, he found that farmers were keen to get rid of the leftover crop as it was of no use to them. Due to high moisture, they can’t be used for fuel as well. So he came up with the idea of using baler machines to compress and stack the stubble and began working on Dharaksha with Anand Bodh. To solve the stubble-burning crisis, he decided to use mushrooms to degrade the stubble, which led him to conceive a biodegradable material like thermocol. Arpit realised that harvesting mushrooms on the stubble gave strength to the structure. “This wasn’t a waste material but could be a usable one. Through bio fabrication, we could use the stubble waste to create a material similar to thermocol, but one that was biodegradable,” he added.
Upon some research, he found that thermocol is worse than plastic, and burning it releases toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and about 90 different hazardous chemicals. “It’s shocking how little conversation there is around this material.” Explaining the process, he says that once the stubble makes it to the factory, it’s sterilised and the mushroom culture is added. “The mycelium grows, forming a sort of interlocked structure that holds the material in place. This makes it strong, so no resin needs to be added. The mix is then put into the oven, where the mushrooms are neutralised,” he elaborated.
This led to the making of a packaging material that’s flameproof and can endure high moisture conditions. Interestingly, each piece of material produced helps prevent 250 tonnes of thermocol from making it into landfills. “We have formed internal software and processes which enables us to keep track of each unit produced from Day 0 till the end of its life cycle. Each unit produced holds a separate identity in our systems. We manufacture 20,000 pieces per month currently and are scaling up 5x in the next few months,” said Anand, adding that companies like Dabur, V-Guard, Pernod Ricard, Nestle, Fyllo, Gourmet Jars are their customers.
“I started the venture with the aim of making the skies blue. I feel satisfied that we are making a difference,” he added.
(October 17, 2023) "It doesn't feel real. It's probably not going to set in for a while. But man, that was a lot of good golf, and that was some of the most fun I've ever had in my life." 2023 has been a strong year for Californian golfer Sahith Theegala, who captured his first PGA Tour victory in September at the Fortinet Championship. He finished 21-under 267 at Silverado Resort's North Course in in Napa, California, as friends and family cheered him on from the stands. "Just the support I have is mind blowing. I got to bed at night these last few days and i'm like, I can't believe how many people are cheering for me and rooting for me," Sahith told Golf Week USA. "I can definitely hear my dad," he smiled. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sahith Reddy Theegala (@srtheegala) Theegala's father, Muralidharan Theegala, has always been his number one fan, escorting him daily to practice all through his childhood. At the time, only the reasonably-priced municipal golf courses were within reach financially, and Theegala and his parents were determined to do whatever it took. Every evening when it was
Theegala's father, Muralidharan Theegala, has always been his number one fan, escorting him daily to practice all through his childhood. At the time, only the reasonably-priced municipal golf courses were within reach financially, and Theegala and his parents were determined to do whatever it took. Every evening when it was time to leave his beloved golf course for the day, Sahith Theegala would burst into tears, begging begging to stay a little longer. He went on to win the Junior World Championships at the age of six. Now in his senior year at Pepperdine University, the Indian-origin golfer also has four collegiate titles and the Australian Master of the Amateurs under his belt. In 2020, he also won the Haskins Award, the Ben Hogan Award and the Jack Nicklaus Award. He is the fifth player ever to win all the Player of the Year honours. In the American golf scene, dominated by whites, Sahith Theegala stands out, also because Indian-American sports stars don't come around too often.
Inspiring Through Adversity
Theegala is an inspiration for more reasons than being a prodigy. The 24-year-old suffers from scoliosis, which is an abnormal curvature of the spine - one shoulder is visibly higher than the other. He works with his chiropractor and although it doesn't cause him pain, it does account for a "pretty big bend to the right," and an unorthodox swing. Despite this significant setback, the Global Indian went on to become one of the best golfers at Pepperdine University and is loved for his infectious enthusiasm, both on and off the greens.
Born and raised in LA, the son of Karuna and Muralidhar Theegala, Sahith maintains a strong connection to his Indian roots. He lives at home with his parents, for one. In February 2022, when he lost out to Scottie Scheffler at the very last moment, he won more fans than he could have hoped when, according to Golf Digest, he teared up and sobbed on his mother's shoulder, as his dad stood by saying, "It's okay." Sahith's father, Muralidhar, moved to the US from Hyderabad in 1987, to attend graduate school and the family still goes back to India as often as they can.
The Indian-American golfer's childhood was spent on municipal golf courses, which charge a modest $30 for a round. The courses aren't well-maintained but it was all his middle-class family could afford - and they were keen to nurture their son's talent. "My dad, even though he never plays golf, he's the one that taught me the game pretty much," he told PGATOUR.com.
"We weren't in the greatest financial situation when I was a kid and we had no experience with sports at all, so my father spearheaded the whole mission to college and professional golf... He put everything that he could into me." Despite their financial constraints, Theegala's parents spent their savings on buying him equipment, paying course fees, for a trainer, travel costs and the litany of expenses that came with his passion.
Determined not to let his scoliosis stand in his way, Theegala would spend days out on dusty golf courses, adapting "his putting stroke by tilting his head to the right so he could see the appropriate line from the gall to hole," according to the New York Times.
In 2015, Theegala graduated with honours from high school in California and had won a number of golf awards by that time. "I'd say I was a pretty good golfer," he said, in the interview with PGATOUR.com. He made it to Pepperdine University in California, which is ranked in the top 10 in men's golf among US Universitites. "At Pepperdine, I went from average to slightly good to what I felt like was ready to be a decent professional golfer."
An emotional @SRTheegala is consoled by mom and dad after coming up 1 shot short of a playoff @WMPhoenixOpen.
His winning streak in 2019 came to an abrupt pause after a wrist injury. He bounced back, though, making his professional debut in June 2020, somewhat unconventionally. Theegala might not have imagined starting out with the Outlaw Tour but gave a stellar performance nonetheless. The pandemic dealt a heavy blow, when the Pepperdine campus closed and Theegala had to return home. Although that season ended prematurely, Sahith's team ranked first in the country.
His family is always in the stands as he plays, cheering him on. And his fan base is always growing. "I'm an introvert by nature," he told NYT. "You hear about the best performers in the world - singers and dancers - who are really big introverts. But it's different when you get on the stage. When I'm in the act of playing golf, I don't even think about people watching."
Theegala is, however, always aware of being an Indian American, of the fact that it means he is viewed differently by default. He's also playing a sport that has never really welcomed non-white players. "I'm definitely proud of my Indian heritage and I hope I'm inspiring other Indian Americans and people in India to know they can compete in sports," he says. "It's obviously not the main purpose of being out there but it's an ancillary effect of what we're doing and I'm all for it."
(February 22, 2023) When Prakrithi Suresh was barely two years old, her parents were overjoyed to hear her humming the Carnatic song she had heard her father practice. Carnatic music had been in her family for generations, starting with her paternal grandfather. They were trained vocalists although none had pursued it as a career. Prakrithi’s hereditary inclinations were celebrated and encouraged by her parents and when she was three-and-a-half years old, she began her training. [caption id="attachment_27731" align="aligncenter" width="722"] Prakrithi Suresh[/caption] Now fifteen, this Sharjah-based vocalist is a known face in UAE’s musical circuit, with many stage performances to her credit. Not only is she a gifted singer, she is also a talented Bharatanatyam dancer who has been training under the best gurus in UAE since she was four. While there are invitations for conferences and participation in music fests round the year, Prakrithi connects her gift of singing and dancing with spirituality. “I sing and dance just for the spiritual connection. My sole goal is to spread divinity, and to make everybody realise that it’s the ultimate supreme that all of us has to surrender to,” the young artist says in an interview with Global Indian. “My parents
e there are invitations for conferences and participation in music fests round the year, Prakrithi connects her gift of singing and dancing with spirituality. “I sing and dance just for the spiritual connection. My sole goal is to spread divinity, and to make everybody realise that it’s the ultimate supreme that all of us has to surrender to,” the young artist says in an interview with Global Indian.
“My parents have been very supportive and have never pressurised me about academics,” remarks Prakrithi, crediting them for her achievements so far.
Making a name
At the UAE’s national Margazhi fest 2019, Prakrithi bagged the overall champion award for excelling in all six categories of Carnatic vocal competitions. In 2020 she came second in an International Carnatic dance and music competition, which saw participation from around the world.
[caption id="attachment_27735" align="aligncenter" width="724"] Prakrithi Suresh with childrens’ book author Elisabetta Dami[/caption]
She has also received the Geronimo Stilton Foundation's medallion from its founder, the childrens’ book author Elisabetta Dami, at the Sharjah International Book Fair, for upholding the legacy of Indian traditional art forms even while living abroad.
The musical journey
Having begun her Carnatic vocal training as a toddler, the teenager is grateful to have trained under some of the best gurus in India and the UAE. She started learning formally from her guru, Palakkad Rajesh Kesav, and went on to learn from Dr Amruta Sankaranarayanan, who is the daughter and disciple of Padma Bhusan, Sangeetha Kalanithi T V Sankaranarayanan.
The fifteen-year-old is now receiving advanced training from Dr Maithli Krishnan, professor of music, SRC College Trichy. As they are in different countries, the guru and shishya connect with each other online.
The talented disciple is also a teacher to two four-year-old pupils who have started learning Carnatic vocals from her.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgXvAuGr0uw
The teen vocalist’s portfolio comprises an impressive collection of music videos on her YouTube channel. The aesthetically-shot videos have been shot by her musically-inclined engineer father.
“I do not have any motive of earning money from my performances, nor do I want to spend money on creating music videos and that’s why my father films them,” she says. Her innocent smile hides great maturity.
Prakrithi’s mother, who worked as a scientist before her daughter was born, has played a great role in evoking the sense of divinity in Carnatic vocal and Bharatanatyam for the teenager. “I am spiritually inclined and do not perform for fame,” she says, adding, “It’s my mother who tells me how I can do better if I am spiritually connected to my art.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUzCqqc6LDw
The path of Bharatanatyam
Whether it is Carnatic music or Bharatanatyam, Prakrithi finds tranquillity and peace in both. While Carnatic music is a way of seeking enlightenment, Bharatanatyam is sadhana for her.
“Bharatanatyam is like uniting the soul with the absolute soul,” she says, adding, “Coming from a spiritual country like India, where the realization of consciousness or spirit has been the supreme goal of life, it is no wonder that the oldest dance form of the country, Bharatanatyam is nothing but a form of Sadhana.”
Prakrithi had started basic training of the dance form in 2013 under her guruSahadevan of Kalakshetra, Sharjah who is the discipline of Rukmini Devi Arundale. Currently she is honing her skills under guru Girish Kumar, the disciple of Kalamandalam Chandrika who is the disciple of the veteran actress Vaijayantimala.
Apart from performing in various events in UAE and in functions organised by the Indian consulate of Dubai and Indian Association Sharjah; the youngster has performed in two Natyanjali’s in India as well.
On a different note…
A student of Sharjah’s Amity Private School, when Prakrithi is not busy studying or practicing, she can be found playing musical notes on her guitar or keyboard. “I have taught myself to sing English songs and play western instruments,” she shares.
Looking forward to soon start her high school, the artistic teenager has already decided her professional path. “I want to become a veterinary doctor, quite opposite to what people would think,” she smiles.
(May 19, 2023) On a regular Sunday, ten-year-old Prasiddhi Singh accompanies her parents to the local market in Chengalpattu to procure fresh produce. But the young environmentalist has her own agenda - she picks up saplings from the nearby nursery to plant them. It's this quest to save the Mother Earth that has made her plant over one lakh trees till now. It was the devastating after-effects of cyclone Vardah in 2016 that inspired this little eco-warrior to literally get her hands dirty, and get on the task of enhancing the green cover. She believes one person is enough to bring about the change, and that's what she is doing. "Ever seen a bird or squirrel swipe a credit card for food? Or an animal pay for clothes? Only humans pay for our existence on this planet. The reason many (might) give is advancement. But what kind of advancement is this?” laments Prasiddhi Singh, a ten-year-old environmentalist whose efforts to create a greener planet start with a call to action. Prasiddhi speaks about plausible solutions to climate change that she began by nurturing numerous fruit forests. Today, her initiatives and NGO have won many accolades and awards. The Diana Awardee
s. The Diana Awardee and the youngest recipient of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2021, her intrinsic connect with nature is remarkable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCo9iLzKx-E
The eco-warrior from Tamil Nadu who began her “green activist” journey at the age of just four, has several micro forests to her credit, and has planted over 1 lakh trees till now. “Each of us can make a significant contribution. But we need to try to create change. I have been close to nature since I was two, and I always knew that I had to do something for the planet,” Prasiddhi tells Global Indian.
The little eco-warrior is on a mission - to keep planting trees to enhance biodiversity and to keep spreading awareness. Being the youngest delegate at the G20 Youth 20 Consultation, she calls the experience "a melting pot of ideas, knowledge, and passion. As the youngest speaker among an esteemed group of experts, I felt both honoured and humbled to be included in such a prestigious lineup."
A nature lover
The Mumbai-born Prasiddhi was only 21 days old when she shifted to Tamil Nadu after her father, who is an automotive engineer at Mahindra & Mahindra, transferred to Chengalpattu. The new surroundings were the perfect catalyst in helping her form an unconditional bond with nature. “Since I was two, I have drawn inspiration from nature. The trees taught me to never give up, and grow in any condition. The bees taught me the meaning of collaboration, and from the sea, I learnt to celebrate all phenomenon - high tide or low tide,” says the student at Mahindra World School.
The nature enthusiast started planting saplings after witnessing the devastating loss of tree cover in the 2016 Vardah cyclone. “So many trees were uprooted, and it felt like they were crying. It made me sad. I knew I had to do something,” she recalls. So, she rolled up her sleeves, and got her hands dirty, literally. At age four, she participated in plantation drives around her neighbourhood, engaged with NGOs and like-minded folk. Having planted over 20 fruit forests that are located in Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Puducherry, Kanyakumari and Chennai, the fruit tree forests bear mangoes, amlas, jamuns, guavas, jackfruits and custard apples.
Stepping up for a cause
Giving nature a chance to breathe again, the little girl with big ideas started the Prasiddhi Forest Foundation in 2018 in Chengalpattu with an intent to increase green cover, nurture biodiversity and make recycling a way of life. “I formed an unconditional bond with nature and this has helped me understand my power. Like a 4 mm seed grows into a 100 feet tall tree, I know that I should never underestimate my power even if I am just a child. I can make a significant contribution in creating an impact,” says the TedX speaker.
How she funds these initiatives give you a hint of her resourcefulness. Prasiddhi has formed an eco-army of individuals who source funds – Selling bookmarks, pencils and grow kits, Singh has also done it all. “During the pandemic, I raised funds by taking online webinars and sessions on how to become an impact creator. The prize money I received from Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar was donated to my NGO. I contribute every single penny I receive,” enthuses Prasiddhi.
The girl who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi when she won the award is also a deep thinker. “They say with great power comes great responsibility. The award made me more conscious about my responsibility. Prime Minister Narendra Modiji made me take three sankalpas (promises). Be regular in whatever tasks I do and persevere, keep my promise of working for the nation and be humble,” says the youngest fruit forest creator.
Having received the highest civilian award for children is no mean feat, and she is already an impact creator. “Trees never eat their fruits or rivers don’t drink their water. Nature has made me understand the meaning of service,” says the Class 5 girl with a vision that takes one aback.
An environmentalist with a cause
Her G3 project - Generate your oxygen, grow your food and gift the community, she hopes will help create a sustainable environment by connecting with people through online or offline sessions, and providing eco kits to help them connect with nature.
Prasiddhi, who loves to skate, do yoga, doodle and cycle, has also represented the country at the Harvard World Model United Nations. “It was inspiring as I was the youngest keynote speaker. It made me realise that people want to create an impact by contributing to society but at times, they don't know what to do. The new generation is aware and feels responsible. Today, we just form 25 percent of the population but we are 100 percent of the future. Our actions matter,” Singh believes.
Prasiddhi, who found her biggest cheerleaders in her guru Swami Niranjananda Saraswati and her maternal grandfather, is deeply inspired by Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women as it helped her understand the need to stand up for change. “I learnt that despite struggles and challenges, these women brought (about) change. I realised that I don't need to be a grown-up to make a change,” adds the daughter who was influenced by stories about her parents’ childhood amidst nature.
She is interested in the four S' - Soil, Sustainability, Spirituality and Space. Soil, she says, is beneath us and is a basis of life. "It is essential. I don't just want to protect trees, I want to understand them too," she says, adding that the spiritual aspect includes understanding oneself in order to change the world. "Sustainability means living our lives in an eco-friendly way and Space includes protecting Mother Earth."
Today, Prasiddhi wants everyone to take small steps towards creating a healthy planet. “The murmurs of discontent of the motherland have gone unnoticed for a while but now we have to address reality. The world is undergoing a climate crisis. Rather than looking up to the government and leaders, we should focus on the actions we can take to make a change. It can be as simple and small as - saving water, planting trees, or saving electricity. Every action counts and can create an impact,” she signs off.
(November 16, 2024) In the hushed halls of the Bavarian Open in 2022, fourteen-year-old Shreyas Royal was about to make history. Across nine games, he played with the skill of a seasoned grandmaster, carefully outsmarting his opponents and securing seven points. This wasn’t just any win—he became the youngest player in the United Kingdom to reach a grandmaster-level performance. For Britain, a country with a deep chess tradition and competitive scene, seeing such young talent was rare. By the end of the tournament, Shreyas Royal’s name wasn’t just another entry; it was the headline, marking the arrival of a fresh new talent. [caption id="attachment_40404" align="aligncenter" width="657"] Shreyas Royal[/caption] Bengaluru to London: A Journey Begins Yet Shreyas' journey to the chessboard was far from ordinary. Born in Bengaluru in 2009, he moved to the United Kingdom with his family at the age of three when his father, Jitendra Singh, accepted a job as an IT project manager. They settled in South-East London, in the lively, multicultural neighbourhood of Woolwich. Shreyas was still a toddler, curious about the world around him, and showed an impressive memory. It was here, thousands of miles from India - the birthplace of chess- that his father
y, multicultural neighbourhood of Woolwich. Shreyas was still a toddler, curious about the world around him, and showed an impressive memory.
It was here, thousands of miles from India - the birthplace of chess- that his father introduced him to the game as a way to channel his young son's sharp mind. "It took me some time, but I was curious," Shreyas recalls, describing those first tentative steps. It wasn't until he started winning matches against other children at school that something inside him clicked. "And that got me hooked."
[caption id="attachment_40405" align="aligncenter" width="428"] A young Shreyas[/caption]
Discovering Chess
By six, his parents had signed him up at a local chess club in East Ham, where he trained under the guidance of a private coach. From then, chess became more than a hobby — it was the beginning of his journey into competitive arenas across Europe. His first taste of international success came in Greece, where he clinched silver at the European Schools Chess Championship. His skill and tenacity set him apart early on, winning him multiple awards, and soon, the young player from Woolwich was recognised as one of the country’s brightest prospects. Chris Ward, a British chess grandmaster, went as far as to say Shreyas was "the best prospect the country has ever seen."
The Biggest Challenge
But for all his success, life in the UK presented its own set of challenges. In 2018, the family faced the prospect of returning to India as his father's work visa neared expiration. The requirement? An income of £120,000 a year — far beyond his father’s reach. For a brief period, it seemed that Shreyas's chess journey might be cut short. However, the English Chess Federation, along with supporters in the political community, appealed to then-Home Secretary Sajid Javid, citing Shreyas's potential as an exceptional talent. Javid himself acknowledged, "The UK is a country that fosters world-class talent, and Shreyas is one of the most gifted chess players in his generation."
This was a turning point. The visa extension not only allowed Shreyas Royal to continue his journey but freed his family from an uncertain future, giving him the stability he needed to continue on his chess journey.
The Mind of a Chess Prodigy: Strategy and Preparation
From that point, Shreyas intensified his focus, opting for homeschooling to accommodate his training and tournament schedules. His strategy preparation became more methodical, studying opponents' strengths, weaknesses, and past games. "I check to see what openings he has struggled against in the past and also look at some of his statistics, how well he has fared against weaker opponents,” Shreyas explained. "Aiming for any type of an advantage with white and equality with black out of the opening are also very vital goals." The discipline, patience, and hours of practice were part of the foundation that helped him succeed at the Bavarian Open and beyond.
Shreyas's story is closely tied to the Indian community in the UK—a group that has maintained its cultural roots while contributing to many areas of British society. This community has played an important role in enriching the UK’s cultural and professional landscape. Shreyas represents this blend of Indian heritage and British identity, bringing pride to both. As the child of Indian immigrants, he comes from a tradition that values hard work, education, and resilience—qualities that clearly influence his approach to chess and life.
A Love for the Game Beyond Titles
Shreyas is now focused on achieving new goals. He dreams of becoming one of the world’s top 10 players and hopes to win the world championship by the time he's 21. However, his passion for chess isn’t just about the titles. "For me, it's not so much about the money," he said. "It's about having fun playing chess. I just enjoy it," said the Global Indian. This genuine love for the game keeps him coming back to the chessboard every single day.
Looking ahead, Shreyas understands there’s still a lot to learn. “It is a very fascinating game in which I feel I have a lot more to learn,” he says, reflecting his humility despite his achievements. For now, the young grandmaster-in-the-making stays focused on training and competing, fueled by the same curiosity that first drew him to the game.
At just 18, Australia based Rhea Werner is proving that age is no barrier to impact. With roots spanning Indian, Malaysian, and German heritage, she has channelled her multicultural perspective into powerful advocacy for mental health and eating disorder awareness. Rhea’s journey is one of courage, empathy, and vision—turning personal insights into transformative global initiatives that prioritize cultural inclusivity and sustainability. From leading groundbreaking youth campaigns to presenting her ideas on international platforms, Rhea has emerged as a trailblazer. Her efforts have earned her some of the world’s most prestigious accolades: the 2024 Diana Award, the 2023 Most Influential Asian-Australian title, and the 2022 Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year honour. Recently she was also selected to attend the Yale Young Global Scholars Program as one of four Australians out of 600 participants. [caption id="attachment_40981" align="aligncenter" width="516"] Rhea with the Australia Day Award 2022[/caption] Now poised to begin her next chapter at Harvard University—where she will major in economics and philosophy while pursuing a master’s in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies—Rhea remains dedicated to integrating diversity into healthcare and education systems. With recognition from esteemed institutions like the Australian Olympic Committee, she is serving as an inspiration for young
versity—where she will major in economics and philosophy while pursuing a master’s in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies—Rhea remains dedicated to integrating diversity into healthcare and education systems. With recognition from esteemed institutions like the Australian Olympic Committee, she is serving as an inspiration for young changemakers.
The catalyst: A lockdown realization
The 262-day Melbourne lockdown—the longest in the world—served as a turning point in Rhea’s life. “I witnessed firsthand how my peers struggled immensely with eating disorders, seemingly fading behind their screens as the isolation took its toll,” she tells Global Indian. What struck her most was the prolonged wait for treatment—up to four months—despite eating disorders having the highest mortality rate of any mental health condition.
This realization spurred her to action. “It was heartbreaking to see how our public health system was failing young people, focusing solely on retrospective treatment rather than proactive prevention. This gap in care made me realize the urgent need for systemic change,” Rhea explains. Thus began her journey of youth-led initiatives.
[caption id="attachment_40983" align="aligncenter" width="478"] Rhea at the Yale Young Global Scholars Programme[/caption]
She established Eudaimonia, a platform dedicated to addressing the systemic shortcomings she observed. By combining education and policy, the initiative focused on proactive prevention. “It’s about building a public health system that doesn’t wait for young people to fall into crisis but actively works to prevent that crisis from ever occurring,” she asserts.
The Harvard STRIPED Initiative
At just 15 years old, Rhea Werner got selected for the Harvard STRIPED Initiative, which proved to be the cornerstone of her advocacy. Being selected for the online programme meant waking up at 1 a.m. to accommodate time zone differences between the United States and Australia. The Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders (STRIPED) is a programme of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, designed to cultivate novel insights and strategies for prevention of eating disorders. It introduces trainees to transdisciplinary perspectives, methodologies, and theories and provide them with opportunities to join crosscutting collaborative teams.
As part of the STRIPED cohort, Rhea led the development of online youth surveys in Massachusetts and New York, which later influenced 10 nationwide legislative actions to ban diet pills linked to eating disorders.
[caption id="attachment_40984" align="aligncenter" width="744"] Rhea Werner at the Australia and New Zealand Eating Disorder Conference as the only youth presenter[/caption]
While doing her international work, Rhea recognizing a lack of youth-led initiatives in Australia – the country she calls home, and founded the Embrace Collective Youth Initiative, collaborating with luminaries like Taryn Brumfitt, the 2023 Australian of the Year, and researchers at Melbourne University.
Pioneering change in Australia
One of Rhea’s most impactful achievements has been authoring the first-ever youth-focused, culturally attuned eating disorder education module. This module got later integrated into the Western Australian curriculum, impacting over 450,000 children. “Collaborating with Harvard to create this module ensures solutions are ingrained and sustainable, tackling the root causes rather than just the symptoms,” she notes.
Rhea’s advocacy extended further when she influenced the National Eating Disorder Strategy, securing $55 million in federal policies to support culturally and linguistically diverse youth. This included integrating Asian and First Nations perspectives into the Royal Children’s Hospital, in Australia impacting thousands of people.
The youngster’s focus on cultural inclusivity doesn’t stop at policy. She ensured that educational materials reflected diverse backgrounds, enabling students from all walks of life to feel represented. “This effort is about more than education; it’s about giving young people a sense of belonging and understanding,” she says.
Youth empowerment and the body image summit
As head of the national Embrace youth team, Rhea Werner has collaborated with the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) to adapt health and education policies, addressing the harmful effects of Body Mass Index (BMI) practices on students. She has also led one of the world’s first body image summit, supported by a $50,000 VicHealth grant, which convened over 100 youth from across Australia.
The summit marked a significant step forward, uniting young voices to tackle body image issues. “Bringing together youth from different backgrounds helped highlight the universal nature of these challenges while fostering innovative solutions,” Rhea explains.
A global voice: From the United Nations to rural Asia
Rhea’s impact transcends borders. Invited by the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth, she presented her work at the 2023 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum, reaching 40,000 people. She has also made efforts to extend her education modules to rural India and Malaysia through local nonprofits addressing regional issues such as colourism’s impact on body image.
In rural communities, Rhea’s initiatives have led to enriching 790 educators and students, bridging gaps in understanding and creating dialogue around inclusivity. “Driving regional education about colourism has been deeply rewarding, knowing it can shift perceptions and empower youth to embrace their identities,” she shares.
Roots that shape a vision
Born in Germany to an Indian mother and a German father, Rhea’s upbringing was a rich blend of cultural traditions. She spent the first eight years of her life in Germany before relocating to Australia with her parents. “Growing up, my parents were deeply committed to giving me a holistic cultural upbringing. They never wanted me to feel like I had to choose between identifying as Indian or German. Instead, they celebrated both aspects of my heritage equally,” Rhea reflects.
[caption id="attachment_40986" align="aligncenter" width="658"] Rhea Werner with her parents[/caption]
Her multicultural heritage became the foundation of her advocacy. “My Indian heritage, in particular, has had a profound influence on my worldview and my work. It allowed me to integrate perspectives from my heritage and ensure that young people from various backgrounds could see themselves reflected in these resources,” she shares. This unique perspective has driven her to embed cultural diversity into national strategies and education systems.
Rhea’s childhood was steeped in traditions that shaped her outlook. From celebrating Diwali and performing pujas to observing Christmas and Nikolaustag, her family’s inclusive approach helped her embrace diversity. “Knowing that my heritage not only shapes who I am but also inspires meaningful change in others’ lives has been incredibly fulfilling,” she says.
The backbone of balance
Balancing academics, activism, and personal life is no easy feat, but Rhea credits rowing as her anchor. “During the season, we are training up to 30 hours a week alongside school. Rowing has enhanced my immense appreciation for discipline and structure,” she shares. This disciplined approach allows her to manage her initiatives while excelling academically.
She also emphasizes the importance of collaboration. “I’m fortunate to have an incredible team of volunteers who share my passion for creating change. It’s not just about what I can achieve but about taking forward a collective vision where everyone feels empowered to make a difference,” she states.
[caption id="attachment_40988" align="aligncenter" width="546"] Rhea at the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA)'s National Summit[/caption]
Its all about creating change…
Rhea Werner’s aspirations extend to working in finance, focusing on healthcare and agriculture, upon completion of her studies at Harvard. “Through this, I hope to develop and support companies pioneering proactive healthcare and agricultural approaches. I also hope to further reconnect with my Indian roots by working in India,” Rhea envisions.
The most rewarding aspect of Rhea’s work lies in its ripple effect. “Knowing that these efforts inspire others to start their own initiatives and drive meaningful change makes every challenge worthwhile,” she signs off.
Prakrithi Suresh with childrens’ book author Elisabetta Dami[/caption]
Prasiddhi Singh[/caption]
A young Shreyas[/caption]
Rhea at the Yale Young Global Scholars Programme[/caption]
Rhea Werner at the Australia and New Zealand Eating Disorder Conference as the only youth presenter[/caption]
Rhea Werner with her parents[/caption]
Rhea at the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA)'s National Summit[/caption]