Aarav Vijai is a young man leading change by merging art and technology. As a founder of Kensho Foundation, NGO 바카라“ where creativity meets service, his efforts were recently recognized with the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award by Outlook magazine. He is recognised as a resilient young man, age 16, who turned his personal adversity into a mission to empower children especially those surviving with disabilities and medical challenges 바카라“ his story is an example to resilience, innovation, and the impact of giving back.
A Life-Altering Experience
Prior to COVID-19, an unexpected turn in his life led to a series of leg fractures leaving him wheelchair-bound for six months. The sudden shift from an active lifestyle to being dependent on others was both emotionally and physically taxing and being confined to a wheelchair felt like the world had shrunk around him.
However, what seemed like a setback soon turned into a revelation.
During those difficult months, Aarav experienced the daily struggles faced by differently-abled folks, particularly children. The challenges gave way to the realization that a sense of helplessness was bound to develop in such circumstances. This newfound perspective planted the seed of change in Aarav바카라™s mind, to affect lives beyond his own.
Turning Passion into Purpose
During the long recovery hours, he rediscovered his childhood 바카라˜sketching바카라™ passion. He began sketching portraits of Indian leaders and historical personalities바카라”people who faced significant challenges and contributed to change. While he immersed himself in these sketches, an idea began to take shape바카라”what if he could use his art to contribute to a cause?
What better occasion to begin than our 75th Independence?
Thus, the idea was born for the initiative of 바카라œSketches for a Cause바카라 - the goal was simple yet powerful: convert his artwork into products that could be sold to raise funds for children in need. As guided by the many great lives he바카라™d read about, the path to change is never easy. The lockdown posed various challenges바카라”unavailability of local outlets and resources. However, he remained steadfast, and soon, found a badge manufacturer online from Delhi. With his assistance, Aarav produced his first badge of clip-on badges, making it his first foray into social entrepreneurship!
Changing Lives, One Sketch at a Time
Crafting products and raising funds were the initial steps in the journey. Inspired by the tireless work of caregivers like Pushpa Didi, he decided to direct his contributions toward the education and medical needs of the children at Desire society, an NGO for HIV-affected underserved children in Mumbai.
His outreach efforts online through , social media & offline via school events, participation in fairs and exhibitions grew rapidly. From a single product of badges to multiple items like mugs, t-shirts, writing pads, keychains, and other utility/stationery items 바카라”each sale contributing to the welfare of the afflicted. To date, while collaborating with designers, printers, retail outlets, NGOs, event organisers etc., Aarav has managed to raise INR 1 lakh - bringing tangible support and hope to the lives of underprivileged children.
Innovation and Empathy: A Vision for Change
Aarav바카라™s determination to better lives sparked a keen interest in assistive technology. Being passionate about robotics & AI, he began pondering how technological innovation could help the differently-abled folks live independently, easing their emotional and physical burdens. This curiosity led to the development of 바카라œFacial Recognition-based Robotic Feeder Arm바카라.
The robotic arm would be of assistance in 바카라˜feeding a patient through facial recognition by detecting movements and facial expressions바카라™. While, still in the development stage, reflects Aarav바카라™s commitment to using technology for social impact. His own experience of being bedridden has helped him to develop empathy and think about those in need, constantly. His vision goes beyond charity바카라”he aims to create sustainable, long-term solutions that empower the differently-abled to lead fuller lives.
Recognition and Achievements
Aarav바카라™s work has not gone unnoticed. His passion and impact have earned him recognition, reinforcing his belief in the power of social entrepreneurship. He has been honored by Vibgyor High School바카라™s Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Principal for his artistic and social initiatives. He got featured in Robin Age magazine바카라™s 바카라œSchool Heroes,바카라 recognizing young changemakers.
At the prestigious 바카라˜BAL-DISHA바카라™ exhibition at Nehru Centre Art Gallery, Mumbai, Aarav바카라™s artwork was personally acknowledged by Smt. Nina Rege, Asst. Director. His school proudly showcased his achievements on their official Instagram pages across all branches in India. He got felicitated by the government as he received the 바카라˜letter of appreciation바카라™ from Ms. Vidya Thakur, MLA of Goregaon, Mumbai & was also named one of Talerang바카라™s 25 Under 25, an award celebrating young leaders shaping the future through innovation and social impact.
Further, being recognized as the 바카라œYoung Entrepreneur of the Year바카라 by Outlook magazine, highlights his growing role in social entrepreneurship.
A Vision for the Future
For Aarav at age 16, social entrepreneurship is not just about short-term charity; it바카라™s about creating sustainable change. His mission #SketchesForACause is more than a hashtag바카라”reflects his belief in using passion and creativity to drive positive change.
Beyond fundraising, Aarav dreams of scaling up his assistive technology projects, and collaborating with experts to develop practical solutions that enhance accessibility for people with disabilities.
Aarav바카라™s journey shows how challenges can lead to new opportunities and how leadership starts with a commitment to service. As he explores new avenues in social entrepreneurship, he believes his work has just begun.
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