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s/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-14-120419.jpg" alt="Indian climate activists | Mithra Rajaram | Global Indian " width="395" height="697" /> Mithra Rajaram[/caption]

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.

https://youtu.be/BvdJjO4jeAA?si=2vJm0DaHeOHxxSi1

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Urw31gBxmVk

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.

[caption id="attachment_35807" align="aligncenter" width="916"] 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[/caption]

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."

[caption id="attachment_35809" align="aligncenter" width="843"] Mithra Rajaram after interaction with MBA students at Thiagarajar School Of Management (TSM) Madurai[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_35808" align="aligncenter" width="788"] Mithra Rajaram at her school's annual day function receiving the General Proficiency award from chief guest, IPS Aravindhan[/caption]

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.

• Follow Mithra Rajaram on LinkedIn 

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atur teenager had held two practice sessions of non-stop 126 hours of dancing before making the official attempt. “Due to strong practice, I was familiar with all the changes in my mind and body, so I was calm and composed until the end,” Shrusti said.

The youngster showcased the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India in her five-day-long performance.

Perseverance and record-breaking performance

Srushti’s remarkable journey as a dancer and record-breaker exemplifies her unyielding determination, passion, and patriotism.

From a young age, she displayed extraordinary talent and a profound admiration for Indian culture. Her aspiration to represent her country through dance motivated her to take on the formidable challenge of surpassing the record for the longest dance marathon. “I wanted to promote Indian culture,” the teen said.

To prepare herself physically, mentally, and spiritually for the dance marathon, she had been following an intense training regimen. Her daily routine included up to four hours of guided meditation, six hours of dance practice, and three hours of additional exercises.

 As part of her preparation, she slept at 10 in the night and woke up at three in the morning every day for 15 months.

Finding support 

It was under the guidance of her grandfather and the unwavering support of her parents that Srushti embarked on a rigorous training regimen, diligently preparing her mind and body for the awe-inspiring achievement that awaited her.

Her parents, Sudhir and Sanjivani Jagtap, who are both teachers, played a pivotal role in her journey. Looking at the extraordinary talent of their daughter, they had fostered the virtue of hard work since a young age so that she does well in what she loves the most.

Her grandfather, Baban Mane, also has a crucial role to play in the youngster’s feat. He taught her Yoga Nidra (Yogic sleep), a form of guided meditation, which helped Srushti to develop exceptional control over her mind and body. “It gave me control over sleep,” she said.

[caption id="attachment_31191" align="aligncenter" width="842"] Jampacked auditorium where people thronged to see her achieve the feat[/caption]

Years of training

Born in 2007, the teenager’s feat is the result of years of training combined with the support and encouragement of a nurturing family.

Shrusti has been dancing since a young age and has won many awards and accolades along the way including the Asia Book of Records for 24 hours nonstop Lavani (folk dance of Maharashtra) in 2021.

During the official dance marathon where she shattered the record, she captivated the audience with Kathak dance performances. Though the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as Shrusti was coming closer to her goal, there were moments when she felt exhausted. To keep her refreshed, her parents sprayed water on her face during the event from time to time.

“As per our guidelines for ‘longest marathon’ records, the participant is permitted a five-minute rest break for every continuous hour of activity. These rest breaks can be accumulated if not taken. They were the only times Srushti could sleep or use the bathroom during the attempt,” the GWR website mentioned.

The youngster used to take rest breaks at midnights using the time to nap or talk to her parents to refresh her mind.

Besides coffee, she did not take any stimulants to stay awake. “Coconut water and chocolates also helped me to stay fresh,” she remarked.

[caption id="attachment_31190" align="aligncenter" width="793"] Shrusti has won several awards and accolades since childhood for her dance performances[/caption]

Triumph over challenges

The dance marathon presented its fair share of challenges, especially on the final day, when the continuous dancing took its toll on Srushti's body. The physical and mental exhaustion became more evident. However, she persevered, maintaining an unwavering focus on her goal.

It was a mentally and physically demanding feat, nonetheless the dancer’s extensive practice and thorough preparation enabled her to stay composed and calm until the very end.

A student at Podar International School, Latur, Srushti Sudhir Jagtap peacefully slept for one whole day after achieving her goal.

• Follow Shrusti Sudhir Jagtap on Instagram