From Competitions to Contributions: Mithra Rajaram champions climate action

(February 15, 2024) A resident of Mudichur in southern Chennai, which is known for its frequent floods, Mithra Rajaram has had close encounters with nature’s fury. Growing up amidst such challenges deeply influenced the mind of this 15-year-old. When the pandemic struck, she saw it as a chance to ‘pause, reflect, and act for nature.’

Mithra is the winner of the British Council Climate Action Video Making Competition. Her winning entry was showcased at prestigious events like UNCOP26 and COY16 and is also a British Council resource for teaching. Additionally, the teenager emerged a winner at Enterprise Adventure, an international event focusing on youth entrepreneurship, organised by the UK-based charity ‘Teach a Man to Fish’. These two wins led Mithra to venture into social entrepreneurship. Her organisation, ‘N2 – Nurture The Nature,’ reflects her commitment to making a positive impact on the environment. For her volunteering and climate action efforts Mithra has received the WE Volunteer grant, by WE Schools, a non- profit charity organisation in the UK.

Mithra Rajaram

The British Council climate action video

In 2021 Mithra learned about a video competition being organised by the British Council, and decided to participate. “I didn’t have high- end electronic equipment or any knowledge about a tech platform that would help in creating an impressive video. But still, I tried my best to deliver my message for climate action,” Mithra tells Global Indian. To her great delight, the video that she co-created with two fellow nature enthusiasts was selected as one of the top ten videos in the global competition.

“In their official statement, the British Council stated, ‘Selected from more than 200 entries across the world, these ten videos demonstrate both the width and depth of the climate issues surrounding schools, and feasible solutions for teachers and students to tackle climate change impact’,” Mithra shares.

That win served as a catalyst, helping her recognise the power of educational videos to convey a message to society. The youngster went on to make several such videos to drive in her point. “In the next 10-20 years, we are going to witness significant development and technological transformation. However, alongside these advancements, the planet is facing increasing temperatures and alarming signs of environmental degradation, such as sudden floods and declines in biodiversity,” she remarks. “It is important that we take action now to build a sustainable future. As a responsible Indian youth, I believe it’s my duty to contribute towards shaping a safer future,” she tells.

Winning at ‘Teach a Man to Fish’ event

Continuing with her winning streak, Mithra became the winner at the international event, Enterprise Adventure, conducted by the UK-based charity organisation ‘Teach a Man to Fish.’ Talking about Enterprise Adventure, Mithra says, “It’s a platform for youngsters to learn about businesses, curate their own, plan and launch them.” She participated in the category of developing a social enterprise, where young people aged 13 to 19 from countries like Nigeria, Zambia, Pakistan, and the UAE had also competed. Mithra was 14-years-old when she bagged the first prize.

In the world of social entrepreneurship

With victories in two global competitions Mithra established her organisation,  ‘N2- Nurture The Nature’. “N2 was founded in 2022, attracting many passionate young students eager to make a difference in nature through their skills,” she explains. “We have organised awareness programmes, training sessions, and mentoring workshops for students.” In an extension of N2, Mithra initiated ‘Catalyst Academy’ during the same period, with the goal of educating people about the transformative potential of 21st-century skills in addressing real-world issues. “It’s an emerging social enterprise aimed at engaging and inspiring more children,” she adds.

She has also started ‘The MYE Foundation’ with the purpose to promote public speaking and youth entrepreneurship. The young activist has earned recognition as the the best delegate in several national and international Model United Nations simulations for voicing out global issues, and drafting effective resolutions.

Mithra Rajaram with the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Thiru R.N.Ravi at the Raj Bhavan, as a part of ‘Meet and Greet with Student Achievers’ event

Motivating students who are older than her

Mithra is not just engaged in awareness programmes but is also an innovator who innovated the concept of percolation pits for restoring groundwater, integrated with a system of greywater management with herbal solutions. For this innovative concept she was honoured at SRM College of Engineering, Kattankulathur and St. Joseph College of Engineering, Chennai.

Mithra has also addressed the MBA students at Thiagarajar School of Management, Madurai upon being invited by a professor.  “It was an amazing experience to share my experiences with students older than me. They genuinely liked my presentation, and the true measure of its success was when many of them approached me afterward, saying, “Your achievements at such a young age inspire us to aim higher.”

Mithra Rajaram after interaction with MBA students at Thiagarajar School Of Management (TSM) Madurai

Recently Mithra also gave a talk at a government school as part of the ‘Chennaiyin Climate Champions’ programme. Recognising the impact of her endeavours, even her school, Shree Niketan Patasala, facilitated online connections for the 10th-grade student with youngsters from Egypt, Ukraine, and Brazil. “I trained them, and together we explored various topics, exchanging ideas rooted in our respective countries’ environments,” she shares.

Making a difference through writing

Mithra uses all mediums to drive in her message. She has published 15 articles in Times of India centred around environment and bringing change. The young writer’s story revolving around climate got featured in ‘Futurity’ a magazine of IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language). “I was invited to write my thoughts on climate action as one of the youngest authors by IATEFL,” she says. Mithra is also the author of ‘The Eco- Read’, a book for young minds to explore ways for getting involved in climate actions and become changemakers.

Striding ahead

“I want to pursue engineering to discover and unlock the potential of building a climate-resilient India,” remarks the young enthusiast, who draws inspiration from various sources. “I can’t pinpoint one individual. My inspiration comes from everywhere, whether it’s a movie I watch or the passion of Virat Kohli and the calmness of MS Dhoni in cricket. Even at home, my optimistic mother is a source of inspiration,” she remarks.

Mithra Rajaram at her school’s annual day function receiving the General Proficiency award from chief guest, IPS Aravindhan

Balancing studies, exams, and events becomes challenging at times, but for Mithra, her love for learning and nature keeps her going. “Prioritising tasks based on daily requirements helps me maintain balance,” she says. With six years of Bharatanatyam training under her belt, Mithra enjoys dancing, listening to music, and engaging in arts and crafts. “With proper planning and wise time management, 24 hours is more than enough,” she signs off.

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