Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveRajiv Sharma: Recycling temple flower waste to make biodegradable air fresheners

Rajiv Sharma: Recycling temple flower waste to make biodegradable air fresheners

Compiled by: Team GI Youth

(April 27, 2024) It was in 2022 that Rajiv Sharma, a Jamshedpur resident, found himself in a hospital after a few serious bouts of vomiting, nausea, and headaches. Upon investigation, he found the reason behind his sudden illness – the recently introduced air fresheners at his home. Not many know but air fresheners have adverse health effects including migraine headaches, asthma attacks, breathing difficulties, earache, and mucosal symptoms. The news left him shocked but equally motivated him to come up with a solution that was eco-friendly and had no side effects on his health. That’s when he began crafting air fresheners using temple flower waste and wood.

Rajiv Sharma

“There are many poisonous chemicals in air fresheners. All you need to do is read the ingredient list behind any air freshener. It’s not safe for children (mentioned in the packaging) and animals to inhale. I wanted to make a freshener which was safe for the environment as well as humans and animals,” he said in an interview. With the help of his college professors at the National Institute of Design, Andhra Pradesh, he perfected the product, and 20 prototypes later, he founded ALVE air fresheners. So far, has recycled 1,500 kg of temple flower waste.

Rajiv calls the use of natural ingredients, its sustainable design allowing for composting after use, and integration of smart technology as the USP of the product. In just a few months, they have sold over 850 air fresheners.

How it’s done

Explaining the process, he initially began with crafting natural fragrances from flower waste which he collected from a nearby temple. He gathered jasmine and roses, air-dried the petals, crushed them into powder with a mixer, and later blended them with coconut husk waste. He kept the mixture for air drying for a few days for the fragrance to be prepared. Rajiv then housed this essence in a glass bottle and fashioned an outer casing from wood, culminating in his homemade, environmentally-conscious fragrance.

It was his mom who was his soundboard when he was using all permutations and combinations to create the air freshener initially. But when his professors learnt about his innovation, they were more than happy to lend their support and guidance. “They said that this needs to be given to a bigger audience and is the need of the hour. They helped me perfect it with the help of machines in the college,” he added.

Available in 15 distinct fragrances that are tailored for homes, offices, and cars, they also come with smart technology. Armed with smart sensors, the air fresheners autonomously activate and deactivate upon detecting an individual’s presence. Moreover, it seamlessly integrates with Google Assistant for added convenience.

Reducing floral waste

In this short span, Rajiv has partnered with 30 temples in Jamshedpur for floral waste and collects over 3 kg of floral waste each day from every temple. “We use nature’s intelligence in retaining the fragrances. Chemical fresheners use LPG to retain the fragrance. We use natural ingredients for that with no chemicals. We do not use any heat, water vapour or chemicals to diffuse our fragrances. We use our own Air Diffusion Technology with sensors to diffuse aroma evenly in the surroundings,” he added.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ALVE GREEN SOLUTIONS (@alveindia)

Rajiv has plans to expand ALVE and make it a part of every household. “I want to create products that not only meet human needs but also leave a positive imprint on our planet. Our vision at ALVE is to inspire a world where fresh, clean air is not a luxury but a sustainable standard,” he added.

A champion of sustainability

Rajiv’s innovative approach to air fresheners not only enhances the olfactory experience but also champions environmental sustainability. By repurposing temple waste into fragrant solutions, he not only provides an effective product but also contributes to waste reduction efforts. With each unit sold, Sharma’s impact extends beyond mere freshness, reaching into the realms of eco-consciousness and community engagement.

His dedication to merging technology with eco-friendly practices not only benefits individuals by improving air quality but also serves as a model for how small-scale innovations can make significant contributions to both public health and environmental conservation. Rajiv Sharma’s endeavor exemplifies the transformative power of innovation in fostering a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

Follow ALVE Green Solution on Instagram
You can buy the product here

Name*

Email*

Name*

Email*

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Published on 26, Apr 2024

Share with

ALSO READ

Decoding finance: How content creator Sharan Hegde is simplifying money matters for all

(February 23, 2024) When he first started making YouTube videos about managing one's finances and investing money, Sharan B Hegde's vision was to impart the knowledge he had gained over the years. Over the years, however, this 28-year-old established his name in the digital space by explaining new, complex terms such as blockchain, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and the metaverse, the result being that he has 1.6 million followers on Instagram, 300k+ YouTube subscribers, and over 65k followers on LinkedIn. "I never realised that my videos would become so popular, I was working as a management consultant for PWC, and during the pandemic ended up having a lot of time on my hands and that's when I began making the content. I create engaging personal finance content with a blend of comedic flavour and cosplay on Instagram and YouTube. I also write down highly action-oriented posts on LinkedIn and Twitter for those who prefer to read it instead," said the content creator, who recently made it to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sharan Hegde (@financewithsharan) Not just a content creator, Sharan is also the founder of The 1% Club. "It

to read it instead," said the content creator, who recently made it to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sharan Hegde (@financewithsharan)

Not just a content creator, Sharan is also the founder of The 1% Club. "It is an exclusive members-only community to help people achieve financial independence and become the top one percent. I believe that financial independence is a superpower to never be controlled by money, and less than one percent of the people can achieve it in their lifetime. Even Kaun Banega Crorepati winners end up bankrupt. Clearly, there is a massive need for us to learn what our schools never taught us and my platform is the solution to this problem," the Global Indian expressed.

Starting young

Born in Mangaluru to a well-off family, Sharan's interest in personal finance and investment began from when he was just a little boy. "My mother taught me and my sister Shreya about the monthly budget of the family, and the opportunity cost of everything that was bought for the house. Whenever my dad would take me to a toy store, he used to say, ‘You can’t buy anything more than Rs 100'. They made me understand the value of money. Every time I asked for money, they made me think about whether I needed it," the content creator shared. In fact, for birthdays and special events, Sharan received money from his grandparents, but he never used it. By the time he turned 18, the total had grown to an impressive Rs 50,000. "Money has been a very big motivator for me since childhood to be the best version of myself,” he added.

A bright student, Sharan pursued a mechanical engineering degree from Bengaluru, and it was here that it first occurred to him that he should make a career in the finances. Shared the content creator, "I was a part of the academic club at my college, and I could manage the funds better than most of the lot. We actually saved a lot and were able to afford many equipment. Eventually, I was promoted to be the Chief Financial Officer of the club. Interestingly, managing the money and strategising how to invest or spend it wasn't really 'work' for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it. So, I decided to pursue a career in that field." Thus, the content creator started his corporate career at KPMG India as a Management Consultant.

Focussing on finance

During the pandemic, Sharan discovered that even those who didn't lose their jobs were worried about maintaining their finances. And that gave him the thought to start his own channel to impart the knowledge he has acquired over the years. "It’s so important to learn about maintaining finances - and how to invest or spend it - it’s such an essential life skill. But when I researched, I found that the content available online back then was so dull that most people were not going to watch it. Schools are not teaching it, and people are not gonna learn about it even after they start working, and sometimes not even after that," the content creator said.

And thus in December 2020, he started making engaging YouTube videos on his channel, 'Finance with Sharan'. "Initially, I thought that a few hundred might watch it, but the reach and speed of the channel really surprised me. Eventually, I started making witty and enlightening Instagram reels and they took off almost immediately," he shared.

Currently focussed on his organization, Sharan aims to better other people's lives by spreading financial knowledge. "My mission to spread financial literacy and make it fun for others saw growth in leaps and bounds. Over the last three years, I have realised that there is a need to make finance simple and effective, and that is exactly what I am here to do," said the content creator, adding, "There are so many people who are better than you, the world is a tough place and sometimes even if you put all your hard work into it, you might still not come first and that is difficult to accept."

Follow Sharan Hegde on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube

Reading Time: 5 mins

Uday Bhatia: Diana Awardee helping illuminate households in rural India

(July 19, 2023) It was in the spring break of 2022 that the then 16-year-old Uday Bhatia embarked on a school project. His destination was the village of Bichpuri in Uttar Pradesh, where he aimed to mentor 30 students on financial literacy and ways to earn a sustainable livelihood. Little did he know that this endeavour would profoundly impact the lives of the village residents. It all began when his students turned up without homework the following day. When inquired, he learned about the frequent power outages plaguing the area, lasting between 6 to 8 hours each day, making it impossible for the students to finish their assignments. "The only alternative they had was kerosene lamps, which I found was harmful due to the release of carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide. Additionally, they posed risks of respiratory problems and eye irritation," Uday tells Global Indian. Motivated by the discovery, Uday delved into research and found that an inverter costs ₹10,000, the amount equivalent to the average income of many households in the village. This pushed him to find a low-cost solution, which he did with an emergency inverter bulb capable of providing 10 hours of power backup. The ground-breaking invention,

emergency inverter bulb capable of providing 10 hours of power backup. The ground-breaking invention, that has illuminated 5000 households till now in five states, earned him the Diana Award 2023.

[caption id="attachment_32012" align="aligncenter" width="547"] Uday Bhatia is the founder of Uday Electric[/caption]

A low-cost solution for power outages

Initially, he had no sense of direction but only a strong will to find a low-cost solution for people of Bichpuri. This led him to comb through reams of information and explore varied options like solar panels and hydropower before zeroing in on power storage system - a technology he describes simple yet complex. "I started using a lithium-ion rechargeable cell. How the bulb works is that when it's connected to a power source, the energy gets stored in the cell. During a power outage, the stored energy from the cell powers the bulb, ensuring it continues to glow," reveals Uday, who reached the solution after working on seven-eight prototypes.

However, one problem still loomed large - the limited backup time of three hours. That's when he tapped into his expertise in computer science to devise a solution. Leveraging his skills, he developed a pulse width modulation technique in conjunction with dynamic lumen technology. By implementing this approach, he found a way to extend the backup duration. "The algorithm enables one to adjust the bulb's brightness according to their requirement. The lower the brightness, the longer the backup. For instance, if someone desires a brightness level of 9 watts, they could adjust the bulb's settings from 12 watts to 9 watts, thereby granting them the freedom to control the brightness and the backup duration," says Uday who is happy that his technology caters to people across all demographics.

“For a longer backup, we decrease the brightness of the bulb. The algorithm helps the user have an optimum level of brightness based on his needs. If someone needs a 9-watt brightness, they can move it from 12 watts to 9 watts, thus giving them the freedom to control the brightness and the backup," adds Uday who is happy that his technology caters to people across all demographics. "In Uttar Pradesh, people are using it at a lower brightness, while in the Himalayas, since a new hydropower plant has come up, people are using it at a higher brightness."

The beginning of Uday Electric

It was after 24 prototypes that Uday arrived at the 10-hour backup. However, the journey over the past year has been nothing short of captivating for Uday. It all began with his humble experiments conducted on his terrace, eventually culminating in the establishment of Uday Electric in June 2022. The brand name was chosen as a blend of Uday's luminous technology and a personal touch, inspired by the meaning of his name, which signifies the rising of the sun. "I thought people in the villages would easily connect with it."

The dire situation in Bichpuri served as a catalyst for Uday's journey into sustainable energy solutions, leading to the birth of Uday Electric. Their tagline, "Bijli gul fir bhi ujaala full," encapsulates their mission. The initial six months were dedicated to intensive research and development, and later they organised their first donation drive in Kabadi Bazar in Dehradun, followed by another collaboration with the Aasra Foundation.

Uday was only 16 when he started Uday Electric, and for the most part has been the sole army behind the work, apart from an outsourcing company that helps with manufacturing. But now he plans to get an in-house team into place and start full-fledged manufacturing.

Creating brand value

Being a teenager, age did play a spoiler, however, the entrepreneur recognises the significance of brand value as a crucial stepping stone for any business. "In order to gain trust, we would offer one-year warranty for our bulbs, surpassing the standard six-month warranty provided by others. Though we were a loss-reading company initially, we distributed free bulbs to retailers for testing purposes." His resilience proved instrumental in navigating the challenges, ultimately illuminating 5000 households across Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Rajasthan, Haryana and Kerala. As a novice, he pursued three strategies - cold calling retailers in different markets to gauge demand, advertising on platforms like India Mart and conducting on-location surveys in places like Manesar industrial area and Kabadi Bazaar in Dehradun.

Uday firmly justifies the price of ₹250 for his bulbs, emphasising that he is not in direct competition with other bulbs on the market but rather with expensive power storage systems. "You either buy an inverter which costs a lot in comparison to the price of the bulb." At the onset, he bootstrapped the business, starting with an initial investment of ₹17,000 from which he produced the first 100 bulbs. "Initially, we started with the profit-making incentive and later used the sales reserves to do donation drives, since we wanted to check the consumer response first."

Making an impact

In a short span, Uday Electric has made a significant and positive impact on the lives of individuals in rural India. His vision as a value creator is to ensure that every household in rural areas has access to sufficient lighting. "And in places where electricity is yet to reach, I want to illuminate them with the help of renewable energy," he says, adding, "Uday Electric is not just a bulb but I see ourselves getting into renewable energy soon."

Uday recently received the prestigious Diana Award 2023, and while he is grateful for the recognition, he believes that the true validation for his work lies in the number of households he has illuminated. Since third grade, he was keen to run a business, as he was inspired by his dad and uncle, both entrepreneurs. "Uday Electric is my second venture, my first venture was an edtech marketplace for finding a tutor called FindOurTutor.com that I started during the pandemic," says the teenager who wants to do a double major in economics and computer science.

Uday loves to gym, run and swim in his free time, and is keen to take Uday Electric to new heights in the near future. He advises youngsters "to put your best foot forward and never give up. That's how you make a successful business."

Follow Uday Bhatia on LinkedIn

Reading Time: 6 min

Neeraj Chopra: First Indian to win gold at World Athletics Championships

(Aug 29, 2023) Rewards and accolades never seem to stop raining down on Neeraj Chopra. He has made India proud once again with a gold in World Athletics Championships 2023 at Budapest, Hungary. A master at scripting history, the 25-year-old athlete is the first Indian to win a gold in the World Athletics Championships since it started in 1983 - exactly 40 years ago. It's a historic win for India. Neeraj Chopra was conferred a Padma Shri in January 2022, and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021. He also received Arjuna award back in 2018. The Indian Army offered him a direct appointment as a Junior Commissioned Officer Subedar (JCO) in the Rajputana Rifles in 2016 when he was just 18. Indian Army does not appoint fresh recruits to such a position but looking at his South Asian Games performance that year and also looking at his future potential, they made this coveted appointment. [caption id="attachment_32764" align="aligncenter" width="659"] Neeraj Chopra[/caption] Neeraj has several eclectic firsts to his credit. He is the first Asian track and field athlete to win a gold in Olympics 2020, and also the first track and field athlete from India to win at the IAAF World U20 Championships

eraj-Chopra.jpg" alt="Indian Athletes | Neeraj Chopra | Global Indian" width="659" height="433" /> Neeraj Chopra[/caption]

Neeraj has several eclectic firsts to his credit. He is the first Asian track and field athlete to win a gold in Olympics 2020, and also the first track and field athlete from India to win at the IAAF World U20 Championships in 2016. His world under-20 record throw of 86.48 m made him the first Indian athlete to achieve a world record.

Neeraj is one of the only two Indians to have won an individual Olympic gold medal (Abhinav Bindra is the other). The talented athlete had set ablaze the Olympic scene as the youngest-ever Indian Olympic gold medallist in an individual event and the only one to have won gold in his Olympic debut. He represented India in 2018 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games and claimed gold in both. Global Indian turns the spotlight on the journey of the super athlete.

“When the desire for success does not let you sleep, when there is nothing better than hard work, when you do not get tired after working continuously, understand that you are going to create a new history of success.” - Neeraj Chopra

[caption id="attachment_32773" align="aligncenter" width="685"] Neeraj after winning gold[/caption]

Struggles with childhood obesity

Looking at him now, it’s hard to believe that the track and field athlete and reigning Olympic champion in Javelin throw struggled with childhood obesity. This Khandra village boy of Haryana was often teased by children. Addressing his son’s ordeals of getting bullied for weight, Neeraj’s farmer father enrolled him in a gymnasium at Madlauda, a Haryana province.

Neeraj, later enrolled in a gym in Panipat and made physical activity an integral part of his life as he did not want to be an object of fun for the village boys anymore. While playing at Shivaji stadium at Panipat, Neeraj came across javelin throwers and began participating in the game The rest is history!

Learning ancient art from modern platform

There is archaeological evidence that javelins were already in use by the last phase of the lower Paleolithic age that dates back to about 300,000 years ago. Indian Mythology talks about extensive use of this great weapon. This powerful weapon is known to be the favourite of Kartikeya (son of Shiva and Parvati and elder brother of Ganesh), known as the Hindu God of war. History is also replete with use of javelin as a powerful weapon in warfare spanning centuries. Interestingly javelin started trending in India only after Neeraj Chopra created history with it in the Olympics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4wUBsLkgW0

As part of its promotional campaigns YouTube has been flashing Neeraj Chopra’s tryst with Javelin stressing on the fact that it was the platform that helped the village athlete in picking up tips and tricks of the game. Neeraj has affirmed that he attempted to copy the style of Czech javelin champion Jan Zelezny while watching the YouTube videos of his performances.

Parent’s and Panipat’s role in preparing the Olympian

He mentioned in an interview:

“In the village that I grew up; no one did athletics. For a lot of my life, I didn’t even know what a javelin was.”

Having discovered the game by chance, Chopra had started visiting Panipat Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre where his talent was recognised by the local coach. He helped him hone his skills and win some local competitions as well. Motivated by winning a bronze in a district championship, Neeraj persuaded his parents to allow him to shift to Panipat from the village to pursue the techniques of the game. That move was quite unconventional for the place that he hailed from and considering the fact that Neeraj was just 13 at that time.

[caption id="attachment_26049" align="aligncenter" width="765"] Neeraj Chopra with his parents on their first flight[/caption]

However, adding wings to the young athlete’s dreams was the best decision of his parents. Life unfolded beautifully, later. For starter, the youngster participated in National Junior Athletics Championships in Lucknow after rigorous training in Panipat and won gold there.

“My village still does not have a playground. Whenever I stay there, I need to practice on the road,” he informed. His flight from such humble backgrounds to reaching the sky in international sporting events is inspiring for millions of Indians and similar to living in a dream for his parents who hardly have exposure to the world outside their province.

Sharing one of the most fulfilling moments of his life, Neeraj Chopra tweeted:

"A small dream of mine came true today as I was able to take my parents on their first flight.”

International beginnings and army induction

Neeraj’s first international competition was in 2013 in Ukraine. He went on to win his first international medal in 2014 at the Youth Olympics Qualification games in Bangkok. By 2016 he started training under the Australian Coach, late Gary Calvert. Neeraj’s performances started improving in international games thereafter.

[caption id="attachment_26051" align="aligncenter" width="622"] Neeraj Chopra with late Bipin Rawat, former Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army[/caption]

Impressed with his performance at the South Asian Games and looking at his future potential, the Indian Army offered him a direct appointment as a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) in the Rajputana Rifles in 2016. He was inducted as Naib Subedar, a rank that is usually not granted immediately to athletes recruited as non-commissioned officers (NCO).

Continuing with high voltage performances

June 14, 2022 marked the high voltage return of Neeraj Chopra in the javelin turf after 311 days of the historic Olympics gold achievement. He finished a close second (winning silver) at Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland, competing with world and Olympic champions like Oliver Helander, Johannes Vetter, Anderson Peters, and Julian Weber.

What was glorious about his second-placed finish is that the athlete had participated in a competition after close to a year since his Olympics win. Also, Neeraj unleashed 89.30m while the first-placed Oliver Helander of Finland with his personal best was not too far at 89.93m. Cherry on top was that Neeraj marked a new national record to his name with the 89.30 m throw which turned out to be his personal best. However, Neeraj was prowling for more. Just five days after this achievement his tiger moves crowned India with gold at the Kuortane Games in Finland.

Talking about the sudden interest of youngsters in the game, he mentioned:

“I see so much potential for Indians with the javelin. To succeed you need strength and speed, and Indian kids have that. I think, more and more, they'll see what we’re achieving and will become inspired to pick up a javelin themselves.” - Neeraj Chopra

There is certainly more to come from the Olympian in the coming days. India is looking forward to celebrate all his victories!

Follow Neeraj Chopra on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Reading Time: 5 mins

Anjali Sharma: Leading the fight for climate justice in Australia

(October 8, 2024) "At the age of 16, I sued the government of Australia. I was the lead litigant in the Sharma and Minister for the Environment Class Action, which took the then Environment Minister Susan Lee to court, arguing that she owed, and was breaching, a duty of care to young people to protect us from the impacts of climate change," were Anjali Sharma's opening words at TEDxYouth Sydney. Now at the age of 19, as she is balancing her second year of law studies at the Australian National University in Canberra, her fight for climate justice is far from over. Far from the typical university experience, Anjali is at the forefront of a fight that could reshape how Australia tackles climate change. Her current mission? Rallying support for the Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity Bill 2023. This proposed amendment aims to make the government responsible for the long-term effects of its climate decisions, especially those involving fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. For Anjali, it's not just about changing a law—it's a personal mission to make sure future generations have a healthy planet to live on. [caption id="attachment_39795" align="aligncenter" width="584"] Anjali Sharma[/caption] From childhood in

ll wp-image-39795" src="https://www.globalindian.com/youth/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/anjali1.webp" alt="Anjali Sharma | Global Indian" width="584" height="389" /> Anjali Sharma[/caption]

From childhood in India to climate crusader in Australia

But before Anjali Sharma became the poised and passionate advocate addressing large crowds and challenging ministers, she was a baby cradled in her mother's arms, moving from India to Australia at just ten months old. Born in India — a country she recognises as being on the frontline of climate change — her family emigrated to Melbourne, where she grew up as part of the thriving Indian diaspora - which is Australia's second largest and fastest growing overseas group. From a young age, Anjali saw the clear differences between the landscapes of India and Australia. However, it was only later that she realised how climate change made the inequalities between these two places even worse.

Anjali's path to activism wasn't sparked by a single dramatic event, instead it was a slow realisation. It all began when Anjali was 12 and visited India and felt guilty seeing how vulnerable her family and neighbors in Lucknow were to the harsh realities of climate change, like severe storms, extreme heat, and crumbling buildings. She felt it was unfair that she was safe when other's weren't. The trip ignited a sense of responsibility in her. However, she soon realised that she wasn't safe in Australia too after the 2019-20 bushfire left millions feeling anxious and unsettled. "There's not a single person, especially in the east of the country, who wasn’t touched by that. We still talk about seeing the sky orange for days, the thick blanket of smoke which made it so hard to go outside and just breathe," the Global Indian said in an interview. This led her to take more tangible action, setting the stage for her later lawsuit against the Australian government.

A personal journey: The awakening of a young activist

At 16, she took an extraordinary step when Anjali, along with seven other teens, sued the Federal Environment Minister in a landmark case that argued the government had a duty of care to protect young people from the risks of climate change. The Federal Court initially sided with Anjali and her group, stating that the Environment Minister had a duty to protect younger generations. However, this victory was short-lived because the government appealed the decision and overturned it in 2022. It was a hard blow for Sharma, but she didn’t let it stop her. "On one hand, we're urged to be the change we want to see in the world, but when it comes to advocacy, we're put in a box," she said in TedTalk.

Instead of letting her frustration hold her back, Anjali Sharma focused on more advocacy work, this time aiming at changing laws. She has been working hard to promote the Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity Bill 2023, which seeks to fix gaps in climate policy. This bill ensures that future decisions about coal, oil, and gas exploration consider the health and well-being of young Australians and future generations. Despite facing many challenges in Parliament, Anjali remains determined to see the bill succeed.

Legislative change: Fighting for future generations

Anjali's story is a strong example of climate activism, which means raising awareness and urging governments, companies, and communities to take quick and meaningful actions against climate change. At its core, climate activism aims to address the urgent need for changes in how societies interact with the environment, especially in how they take and use natural resources. It calls for big changes to ensure a sustainable future for everyone. "Young people need to know that you don't need to be the perfect activist…firstly, be aware of the injustice of the issue, and then be willing to use the skills that you already have to make a difference," she added.

For Anjali, climate activism is a way to deal with the overwhelming worry that many young people have about the future. This feeling, known as climate anxiety, is common among today’s youth. A 2020 study found that 78 percent of Australians aged 10 to 24 are very concerned about climate change, and this feeling is shared by teens worldwide. However, her activism offers hope for both herself and others. Her courage to take action against the odds proves that young people can truly make a difference.

For Sharma, climate activism has been a way to confront the overwhelming anxiety that many young people feel about the future. Known as climate anxiety, this chronic fear of environmental disaster is widespread among today's youth. In fact, a 2020 study found that 78% of Australians aged 10-24 are deeply concerned about climate change, a sentiment echoed by teens around the world. Yet, Sharma’s activism is a source of hope, both for herself and for others. Her ability to stand up and take action against the odds shows that even young people can make a difference.

Anjali Sharma is part of a growing group of young Indian diaspora activists in Australia. The Indian community, connected to one of the most climate-affected areas in the world, offers a unique viewpoint in the global climate movement. Many of these young activists, including Sharma, feel a responsibility not only to their new home but also to their homeland, which is still suffering from the severe effects of climate change. This dual sense of belonging and duty is fueling a new wave of activism that crosses borders and cultures.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pjcv_7LNKqQ

As Anjali Sharma continues her fight for climate justice, she carries the hopes of her peers and the legacy of her ancestors. She is a shining example of the power of youth activism, showing that age doesn’t stop anyone from making real, lasting change. Her journey, from her childhood in Lucknow to her groundbreaking legal battles in Australia, serves as an inspiring reminder that the future is not something to fear—it’s something worth fighting for.

As Anjali Sharma continues her fight for climate justice, she carries the hopes of her peers and the weight of her ancestors’ legacy. She embodies the power of youth activism, proving that age doesn’t limit one’s ability to create real, lasting change. Her journey, from her early years in Lucknow to her groundbreaking legal battles in Australia, serves as an inspiring reminder that the future is not something to fear—it is something to fight for.

Follow Anjali Sharma on LinkedIn

Mission Kashmir: Teen kickboxer Tajamul Islam brings the winds of positivity to the valley

(February 19, 2022) If ever under attack, Tajamul Islam can defend herself confidently. The 14-year-old gold-winning kickboxer lands powerful punches, delivers deadly kicks, and knee strikes to take down adversaries. With nerves of steel, her long and short range striking techniques, replete with offensive and defensive movements, stun onlookers. The Kashmiri teen kickboxer’s combat skills are incredible. In short, Tajamul is a born fighter. People used to tell me that girls have to get married, their only place is in the kitchen and not in sports like kickboxing. I felt they were (being) stupid. - Tajamul Islam Kickboxing her way into winning tournament after tournament, Tajamul made India proud after winning the Under-14 World Kickboxing Championship in Cairo in 2021. This was the second time she'd won a gold. “I am now training hard to win gold at the Olympics. I am just 14 now, and will be participating in world championships for the next few years,” smiles Tajamul, speaking exclusively to Global Indian. Children from all over Kashmir have taken to kickboxing because of her. [caption id="attachment_11038" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Tajamul after her win in Egypt[/caption] The first Kashmiri girl kickboxer As the first Kashmiri girl to have represented India

over Kashmir have taken to kickboxing because of her.

[caption id="attachment_11038" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Tajamul after her win in Egypt[/caption]

The first Kashmiri girl kickboxer

As the first Kashmiri girl to have represented India and won a gold in 2021, she competed with players from 90 countries. She played four bouts then — two against players from the host country, while her third and fourth were with opponents from France and Argentina, respectively. “My rival was quick in her moves, but I kept my cool, and that led me to victory,” informs the two-time gold medallist, who wore the national flag on her shoulders after winning the championship in Egypt. It was a proud moment for India. As many as 30 players from India participated in various age/weight categories in the mega event.

Born in Tarkpora, a remote village in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district in December 2008, Tajamul was just five when she took a shine to kickboxing. Her first introduction to the sport was when a kickboxing match was organised at school. Thereafter, she watched a few matches on TV, this propelled her interest. One day, while walking back home, she spotted a few youngsters practicing boxing at a local academy and that was the beginning of her kickboxing tryst. “I was instantly drawn to the sport. Like all other sports personalities, I too dreamt of appearing on TV one day. Eventually, I did,” giggles the cartoon-loving teen kickboxer.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSjdZpus2Vw[/embed]

Initially, her father Ghulam Mohammed Lone did not give in to his daughter’s kickboxing plea as she was just five. “I pleaded, and even asked my mother to convince him. Finally, he gave me the go-ahead,” recounts the recipient of the Young Achievers Award, 2021. The third of five siblings, her father is a businessman.

Staying on course, despite ridicule

Being a girl, and trying kickboxing was tough. A highly conservative society meant many played spoilsport. Yet Tajamul dedicatedly followed her heart into kickboxing at Ali Sports Academy in Bandipora, under Faisal Ali Dar, a Kashmiri martial arts coach. “People used to tell me that girls have to get married, their only place is in the kitchen and not in sports like kickboxing,” recounts the eighth grader from Army Goodwill School in Bandipora. “I felt they were (being) stupid,” quips the champ. A firm believer in the girls-can-do-better-than-boys mantra, she threw all negativity to the winds. Today, she has silenced her critics aptly.

[caption id="attachment_11039" align="aligncenter" width="453"] Tajamul with Major General Sanjiv Singh[/caption]

Grit and hard work saw the teen kickboxer bag her first gold at a state level kickboxing championship (sub-junior category) in Jammu (2015). The same year, she won another gold in the national kickboxing championship (sub-junior category) in New Delhi. In 2016, she won gold at the World Kickboxing championship in Italy. “I have worked hard to reach where I am today. I am flooded with requests from parents, including those who used to ridicule me, to train their daughters,” smiles the teenager, who is also the brand ambassador of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao -- a Government of India campaign.

Giving the valley hope

Growing up in the picturesque Kashmir valley, Tajamul’s entire focus is on kickboxing. The valley, which often witnesses violent protests, terror attacks, and border skirmishes, has not dampened her dreams. “If I ever come under attack, I can fight and take down at least five people,” laughs the champ. She credits her coaches Faisal Ali, a Padma Shri awardee and VS Rawat, a kickboxing coach of the Indian team, for training her, and aiding her victories.

When practice makes perfect

A stickler for routine, this teen kickboxer's practice begins at 5 am. Two hours later, its school, and then by evening, she is ready for another couple of hours of practice. She also finds time to coach and mentor budding kickboxers at the academy.

“Many girls ask me how I manage the tough routine. I just tell them to focus on the game, put in the hard work and set goals,” advises the teenager.

The kickboxing sensation from Kashmir is undoubtedly an inspiration for many girls in the valley. Having launched Haider Sports Academy along with her father in 2019, hundreds of children aspire to become Tajamul Islam. “They saw what I could achieve, now parents want their children to make a career in sports,” she says proudly.

She laments that Bandipora does not have an indoor stadium, saying, “Kashmir can produce great sportspersons as there is great talent here but the government has to provide facilities.” Tajamul was also congratulated by Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha, J&K, on her win last year. Adding sports infrastructure will help Kashmiris be physically and mentally fit, thus overcoming the negativities plaguing the valley, including drug addiction, she believes.

Break bones, and heal them too

Kickboxing apart, she wants to eventually become an orthopaedic surgeon. “I will continue kickboxing but also work towards becoming a doctor. I want to ensure that when I break my opponents' bones, I can heal them as well,” she giggles. A huge fan of boxers Mary Kom and Lovlina Borgohain, she loves reading, music, and travelling. “I want to represent India and win a gold in the Olympics,” says the kickboxing sensation, who strengthens her core with a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins.

Follow Tajamul Islam on Instagram

Reading Time: 8 mins