When Divaa Uthkarsha’s younger brother was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she was only 13, and the impact of that moment would shape the course of her life. Divaa began to notice something even more frightening than the disease itself: a system where thousands of children lacked access to life-saving insulin, care, and awareness. What started as a personal heartbreak became a determined call to action.

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At just 13, Divaa founded Project Surya, named after her brother, to fight the healthcare inequity faced by children living with Type 1 Diabetes in underserved communities. Since then, the student-led initiative has grown into a global movement operating across five countries. Project Surya has impacted over 450,000 lives, supported 2,100 children, distributed 8,000 vials of insulin, and built a network of more than 120 youth volunteers. Through medical camps, digital awareness, research, and direct care efforts, the project challenges both social stigma and systemic neglect.

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Divaa’s journey from caregiver to changemaker has earned her both national and international acclaim. She is one of the Top 10 Global Finalists for the Chegg.org Global Student Prize, selected from over 11,000 applicants worldwide, and a recipient of the Diana Award, one of the highest honors for young people creating social impact. Her work has been featured by major media platforms such as CNN-News18, Femina, and The Times of India, and she has been invited to speak at global stages including the United Nations Headquarters in New York.Beyond the numbers and awards, Divaa is driven by a clear belief that empathy, when backed by action, can transform lives. She co-authored Asia’s first youth-led PubMed-indexed paper on community health worker interventions for childhood diabetes and continues to advocate for healthcare systems that center dignity, accessibility, and lived experience. Divaa is on a mission to make access to quality health care a human right once again and not just a privilege for the affluent.

Nandini is a young scientist with an important goal: to build a future where everyone has food on their table. She is best known for her independent research utilizing CRISPR gene editing in rice to improve crop yield in the face of climate change. At a time when food security and global warming are pressing concerns, her work stands out not only for its innovation but for its immediate applications.

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Driven by an urgency to act on climate issues, Nandini began studying advanced scientific disciplines in 9th grade. She enrolled in university-level courses in bioinformatics, scientific writing, and genetics, laying the groundwork for the research she would then pursue. What began as a personal interest evolved into an internationally acclaimed project that has earned world-wide recognition.

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She has presented her work at some of the world’s most prestigious science competitions, including the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and the Taiwan International Science Fair (TISF), where she was one of two students chosen to represent the United States. At TISF, she earned first place in the Plant Sciences category, distinguishing herself among hundreds of global participants. Her research has also garnered media attention, with feature profiles in outlets such as Yahoo Tech, Microsoft Network, and Science News Magazine.

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In addition to her research, Nandini is deeply passionate about science education and outreach. She teaches courses on advanced topics in molecular biology to learners of all ages, breaking down complex scientific concepts into engaging, accessible conversations. She also speaks at schools and public events to promote student-led research, providing mentorship and support to young scientists as they begin their own journeys in research.

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Nandini is committed not only to scientific discovery but to scientific accessibility. She advocates for youth involvement in climate science and believes that young minds hold the key to the world’s most critical discoveries.

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As she continues her academic journey at Johns Hopkins University and expands her work in the life sciences, Nandini remains focused on solutions that bridge innovation and equity. She is dedicated to making science accessible and advancing sustainable solutions to secure a better future for new generations.

Thaaragai Aarathana is a young environmental activist and scuba diver from Chennai, often called the Ocean's Little Girl" and also" Little Mermaid of Chennai's East coast" uses her platform to give talks at schools, colleges, and community events to educate people about the importance of marine life and the need to reduce plastic usage. she has been involved in ocean and beach cleanups since a very young age, she has used her skills to bring attention to her cause. She has completed several long distance swims to raise awareness about ocean pollution,  through her under water clean ups and under water events like under water dance, swim, chess, Vikram lander, ect .. and featured in various media outlets, bringing her message to a wider audience. she have collected over 5000 kg of plastic waste from bottom of the ocean. Thaagarai work is a powerful example of how young people can make a significant impact on global issues like environmental conservation.

Sebastião Mendonça is a 19-year-old tech innovator and social impact leader from Portugal, using robotics and space tech to reimagine how we protect and restore nature.

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He’s the co-founder and CTO of Trovador, a robotics-for-reforestation startup developing autonomous legged robots that plant trees in steep, fire-damaged terrain, restoring land once considered unrecoverable. The project’s impact quickly gained global attention, with its founding duo becoming the youngest ever recognized with the Leadership in Robotics for Sustainability award and invited to present Trovador in over 10 countries across 4 continents.

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Alongside the robot, Sebastião designed a satellite-guided tool that maps post-fire zones where reforestation will have the greatest ecological impact, helping land managers prioritize limited resources and make the most of every euro and every seed. The project also ranked in the top 1% of ~7,000 global participants in the Non-Trivial Research Fellowship. This dual approach – from microsite to macro-map – reflects Sebastião’s belief that restoring nature demands both precision and perspective.

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His journey into STEM and space began early, earning medals in Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, and also Philosophy Olympiads. He went on to represent Portugal and Europe in international competitions, even leading a global team at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. At just 17, he became one of the few people to ever float in zero gravity, after winning a national astronaut-style selection program that culminated in a parabolic flight alongside astronauts from the European Space Agency (ESA).

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Since then, he’s worked on satellite-ground communication systems for a satellite monitoring Portugal’s coastal waters, and took part in a rocket launch campaign with ESA in the Arctic, launching a rocket to study flight dynamics and atmospheric conditions – reaffirming the power of space technology to solve problems here on Earth.

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But his work doesn’t stop at code or circuitry. For the past four years, Sebastião has been leading educational and social impact programs in Lisbon, focusing on young people from underserved backgrounds. Through a volunteer-run initiative, he organized monthly activities to spark curiosity and confidence, from telescope nights and robotics workshops to philosophy circles and tree-planting days… So far, these programs have reached hundreds of students, helping them explore new worlds, both outside and within.

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Behind every robot and satellite is one of those kids, the kind who got lost folding carefully crafted paper planes and exploring every hillside, tree, and trail their country had to offer. Sebastião’s work is his answer to that wonder – a way to ensure the world stays just as full of it.

• Palak Chauhan is a 16-year-old Western classical pianist hailing from Chennai, India. She began her musical journey at the age of 5, displaying an extraordinary passion for the piano. She is currently a student at the KM Music Conservatory, where she is mentored by virtuoso pianist Dr. Surojeet Chatterji, an alumnus of the Moscow Conservatory. Palak is presently preparing for her LTCL diploma in piano performance from Trinity College London.

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• Palak stands out as one of India’s most promising young artists, widely recognized for her refined musicality, expressive depth, and exceptional poise on stage. She has performed at renowned venues such as the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Grand Concert Hall at the Vietnam National Academy of Music, New York University (Abu Dhabi), and NCPA, among others.

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• She has won top honors in over 25 international piano competitions across the USA, UK, Italy, Austria, Canada, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the UAE. A few of her notable achievements include:

a) 3rd Prize – Vietnam International Piano Competition and Festival, Hanoi (2025)
b) 1st Prize – Four Notes International Piano Competition, Abu Dhabi (2024 & 2021)
c) Gold Certificate & Excellent Interpretation Award – Manchester International Music Competition, Manchester (2023)
d) Silver Certificate – London Young Musician, London (2023)
e) 1st Prize – Vivaldi International Music Competition, UK (2023)
f) Platinum Certificate & Outstanding Musicality Prize – Franz Schubert International Music Competition,UK (2023)
g) Bronze Medal – Quebec International Music Competition, Canada (2021)
h) Bronze Medal – North American Virtuoso International Music Competition, North America (2021)
i) Gold Certificate – Appassionato Quebec Youth Music Festival, Canada (2021)
j) Silver Medal – Global International Music Competition, Canada (2021)
k) 3rd Prize – Medici International Music Competition, London (2021)
l) Gold Medal – Grand Maestro International Music Competition, Canada (2021)
m) Ranked among Top 10 Junior Pianists – 1st World Piano E-Competition Napolinova, Italy (2020)
n) 2nd Prize – BTHVN2020 – 250 Years of Beethoven, Goethe-Institut, South Asia (2020)
o) Outstanding Performer – Putra International Piano Competition, Malaysia (2020)
p) Top Scorer – ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music), London (2019)

• Beyond competitions, Palak has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Global Kids Achievers Award, The Child Prodigy Award, National Icon Award, Rotary Best Youth Artist Award, and the IWA Music Award.

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• Palak has had the honour of performing for some of the world’s most distinguished personalities, including the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu; legendary composer Mr. Andrew Lloyd Webber; and global music icon Ed Sheeran. She also had the opportunity to perform for international stars such as the Jonas Brothers and Sting at an exclusive gathering hosted by Mr. Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India.

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• In 2023, she was invited to perform a solo concert at the Raphael Court of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London for the unveiling of a sculptural piano by Edelweiss Pianos. The event was attended by several UK dignitaries, including Rt Hon Lucy Frazer (Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport), Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office), and legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, along with esteemed families such as the Hindujas, Jindals, and Mittals.

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• In June 2025, Palak had the distinct honour of performing on a piano gifted by Dr. A.R. Rahman to Nagaland, at its unveiling ceremony during the TaFMA Excellence Awards, in the presence of the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Neiphiu Rio.

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• She has also performed for U.S. Ambassador Mr. Eric Garcetti; Consul General Ms. Judith Ravin; Mr. Chris Hodges of the U.S. Embassy; and Consul General Mr. Taga Masayuki of the Japanese Embassy, Padma Bhushan Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, Mr. Kentaro Kawai (President of Kawai Pianos), Mrs. Meenakshi Lekhi (Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture of India), philanthropist Mrs. Sudha Murty, and Mr. Mohit Chauhan (Cultural Envoy of Mongolia to India).

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• One of the most defining moments in her journey came when world-renowned pianist Mr. Lang Lang recognized her performance and shared it on his Instagram account during the Piano Day 2020 celebrations—bringing her talent to the attention of the global piano community.

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• Palak has been featured in leading publications such as The Times of India, Hindustan Times, Hello India Magazine, The Telegraph, and Rajasthan Patrika. International platforms like Serenade Magazine and the World Online Music Competitions Organization (WOMCO) have also spotlighted her work.

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• She was also invited to address over 2,000 students at the Birla Group’s Ashok Hall Schools at Kala Mandir. Since 2019, Palak has been associated with the Nagaland Brillante Piano Festival as its youngest featured artist. She is also a TEDx speaker.

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• Notably, Palak is not just a performer but a conscientious artist committed to uplifting others through music. As part of her work with Teach For India, she teaches music to underprivileged children in a government school in Chennai. Palak was also a part of The Circle Labs: Reinventing Schools Starter Program where she built an after school Music Program which will help the students to explore and learn Music for schools associated with the The Circle.

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• Among her most cherished recognitions is the repeated appreciation she has received from Dr. A.R. Rahman, who has shared her performances on social media—further affirming her place among India’s finest emerging talents.

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• Palak is now preparing to release her debut album, Across 88, featuring original piano compositions—one of which is already streaming—marking her formal entry into the world of recorded music.

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• With discipline rooted in the Russian school of piano training and a heart attuned to Indian culture, Palak bridges East and West with every note she plays. With a global vision, she aspires to become India’s first internationally renowned lady concert pianist and to represent the nation on the world’s grandest musical stages.