(Aug 4, 2023) In the Christmas of 2021, five-year-old Moksha Roy wrote a heartfelt letter to Santa Claus, asking for two plastic-free presents so that there is less plastic pollution on the planet. “Plastics are super bad for the planet and us. So please, please make my wishes come true,” she wrote. That was the beginning of the sustainability champion’s tryst with Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), also known as ‘Global Goals’.
Now, at the age of seven, Moksha Roy stands tall as the youngest sustainability advocate, spreading hope, awareness, and inspiration for a greener and more sustainable future. Her efforts have not only gained recognition from her community but also earned her the prestigious UK PM’s ‘Point of Light’ award, acknowledging her extraordinary dedication to sustainability.
Moksha Roy
Moksha was exposed to UNSDGs at a young age by her Indian immigrant parents. The Hertfordshire residents are scientists, authors, and philanthropists who founded the Centre for Big Synergy (CBS) a civil service initiative associated with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Shocked to learn from her parents that not only children but many adults were unaware of the SDG goals, Moksha showed interest in spreading awareness and inspire action at the tender age.
Her determination has led to the integration of SDGs-related knowledge into the curriculum of British schools when she wrote to the Prime Minister of UK in 2021. She simultaneously wrote to leaders of 193 countries to make necessary policy changes to include the global SDG goals in their nations’ school curriculum. She was thrilled to receive responses from government officials, leaders, and representatives of 22 countries, including the UK, Canada, Germany, and Norway. “I felt happy to have support of so many leaders, some of whom took action to make policy changes,” she said in an interview.
With a YouTube channel as one on her platforms, Moksha continues to raise awareness about environmental issues, including microplastic pollution, about which she aims to educate a billion children and their families through the ‘Microplastic Free 2023’ campaign. Accompanied by her parents, she has also worked in underprivileged schools in India to further the cause and has raised funds for World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and UNICEF UK. Apart from being the recipient of the Points of Honour award this year, the youngster received British Citizen Youth Award (BCyA) in 2022.
Youngest sustainability advocate
The milestones that Moksha has achieved gives her the impetus to keep moving ahead. The biggest of all milestones was when the UK Secretary for State for Education not only acknowledged her letter but also considered it as a part of the Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy for Education and Children’s Services. “We shared the first version of the strategy in 2021. We will think about your helpful idea as we continue to work on the final version,” he had replied.
Her efforts have led to mindful practices in classrooms including her own. “My favourite part of spreading awareness is when I get to see people making changes even if they are really small ones. I like seeing many of friends giving up harmful products like glitter altogether. Instead, they are using natural materials for arts and crafts,” she remarked.
Compassionate leader
Moksha’s compassion has extended to different domains. Her dedication to underprivileged children was evident when for her birthday gift, she requested friends and family to donate to UNICEF UK, raising £350 for the organisation. She has even motivated her friends to do the same and is happy to see that they are following her footsteps to support children in need.
“Did you know that in an average in the UK people spend about £150 on birthday gifts for children. Imagine if only thousand people give up their birthday gifts for a charity every month, then over £2 million pounds can be raised in just one year, and together we can stop so many plastic gifts going into the landfills,” she said.
The mindful youngster has adopted an eco-conscious lifestyle, minimising the use of plastic toys and actively recycling and donating items to less fortunate children. Gardening is her passion, as she creates a safe habitat for insects in her garden. Her compassion is not just limited to plants, insects and birds but wildlife too.
The little warrior has fundraised for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to protect penguins, polar bears, snow leopards, and their habitats.
Using creativity for change
Moksha’s creative talents shine through her talent for art and writing, which she uses as mediums to convey powerful messages about the environment. One of her works, an owl family made from recycled materials, earned her a prize in the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds‘ Wild Art 2021 competition.
Moksha Roy
In a world where every little action counts, Moksha serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that age is no barrier to making a positive impact on our planet. “By Just planting trees and switching off lights we cannot solve the big problems that the planet is facing today, she says adding, “Every child can become a ‘Global Goals Superhero’ by caring for the planet in everything they do. Children can start introducing the 170 actions to their parents that the UN has suggested. If every family can make simple changes, we can make a real difference. Many hands make the work lighter,” she remarked.
With her boundless energy and passion, Moksha Roy is inspiring millions to join the cause and work towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Praggnanandhaa with his mother, Nagalaksmi and sister, gradmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu[/caption]
Photo courtesy: ChessBase India[/caption]
