“Hello! My name is Varshini and I am studying in class 4 at Pragathi Central School. I am into various activities like Kung fu, Classical Dance(Kuchipudi), Health and wellness awareness and environmental initiatives ever since my growing up years.

My father, Vasanth, is a lifestyle coach and he was the one who motivated me and my brother to take part in sustainable development activities from a young age. I started to participate in these activities when I was 4 years old. Every week, we would conduct plastic cleanup drives, seedball plantations, and sapling plantations across various parts of the town through my father’s community organisation Hyderabad Kites.

I have also adopted a few sustainable lifestyle practices such as the usage of earthen clay water bottles, jute bags and pre-loved clothes. Even my teachers appreciate my activities and I try to create awareness in my school and surrounding areas regarding nature conservation. I am also involved in lake cleanup drives along with my father.

One of my main motives is to encourage people to use plastic alternatives. Plastic pollution on land poses a threat to plants, animals as well as humans. I have learnt that many sea turtles and other marine animals die every year because they get strangled in bags or mistake them for food. It’s disheartening to see these creatures struggle because of our negligence. Not only that, but it also pollutes the water in the lakes and rivers. Therefore, it’s high time everyone realises the threat we are causing to the environment and take necessary actions for a sustainable future.”