top of page
Writer's pictureAjiva Talks

Interview with Aarna Wadhawan

Updated: May 19


Aarna Wadhawan

Aarna Wadhawan, often referred to as the 'Nature's daughter,' is a remarkable individual who has made significant contributions to environmental conservation, social activism, and youth empowerment. Her dedication to the environment and her impressive efforts have earned her recognition and admiration worldwide.

One of Aarna's notable achievements is her role in building a small Environmentalist Army. With this group, she has managed to plant approximately 8000 trees, a feat that showcases her commitment to preserving the natural world. Aarna's passion for environmentalism has led her to not only take action herself but also inspire others to join her cause.

Aarna is not just an environmentalist; she is also a social activist who advocates for important causes. Her involvement with organizations like GirlUp India highlights her commitment to gender equality and empowering young girls and women. Aarna's dedication to these causes shows her multi-faceted approach to making the world a better place for all.

Furthermore, Aarna's accomplishments have led her to become a TEDx speaker, where she shares her insights and experiences with a global audience. Her ability to convey her passion for environmental conservation and social justice through public speaking inspires and motivates people from all walks of life.

A testament to her dedication to environmental advocacy, Aarna was recognized as an Earth Prize Scholar in 2022. This accolade is a testament to her exceptional contributions to the field of environmental conservation and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the planet.

Aarna Wadhawan's influence extends beyond her local community, as she serves as a Youth Board member for the Earth Prize in Geneva, Switzerland. This prestigious position allows her to collaborate with international organizations and further her mission to protect and preserve the environment on a global scale.

In summary, Aarna Wadhawan is an extraordinary individual who embodies the spirit of environmentalism, social activism, and youth leadership. Her work in planting trees, her dedication to gender equality, her inspiring speeches, and her recognition as an Earth Prize Scholar make her a powerful force for positive change in the world. Aarna's impact reaches far and wide, and she serves as a role model for those who aspire to make a difference in their communities and beyond.


1. Can you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to become an environmentalist and social activist?

> My journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many people were losing their lives due to a shortage of oxygen. Despite my young age and lack of medical expertise, I felt compelled to contribute in some way. It struck me that planting trees could be a meaningful solution, as they are known to provide essential oxygen to our environment. This realization inspired me to embark on a path of becoming an environmentalist and a social activist, driven by the desire to make a positive impact on our world.


2. You're often referred to as "Nature's daughter." What does this title mean to you, and how does it reflect your connection to the environment?

> As I began planting trees for a noble cause, people affectionately started referring to me as "Prakriti ki beti," which translates to "Nature's Daughter." My dedication to this mission also inspired many of my friends to join me in planting trees in their own surroundings. This collective effort led to an influx of young enthusiasts, not just from India but also from various countries worldwide, who actively participated in this movement.


3. Building an "Environmentalist Army" is a unique initiative. Can you share more about it and the impact it has had on your environmental efforts?

> So far, I've collaborated with my fellow environmentalists to plant 8,000 trees. Establishing an environmentalist community was a challenging endeavor, as many initially dismissed my concerns about the planet's well-being, often attributing my age and suggesting I should concentrate on my studies. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that the cause of environmental preservation transcends age boundaries.

We all acknowledge that without individual efforts to protect our environment, combating pollution and ensuring a sustainable oxygen supply will remain elusive. Through simple adjustments in our daily routines, such as segregating household waste, opting for cloth bags when shopping, or repurposing used milk packets to create eco-bricks, we can effectively recycle waste and assume responsibility as conscientious citizens in safeguarding our environment. Our beloved Mother Earth is in dire need of our assistance, and her suffering is a shared burden. Let's unite in our efforts to preserve her and secure our collective future.


4. You've successfully planted around 8000 trees. What are some of the challenges you've faced in this endeavor, and how do you motivate others to join you in tree planting?

> So far I have planted 8000 trees along with my environmentalist army. Building an environmentalist army was not easy. People never use to consider my concern to save planet earth . They always use to tell me that you are too young. You should concentrate on your studies. There are people assigned by government to do these things but they don’t realise that cause does not have an age. We all know unless an until the effort to save our environment is not initiated by each and every person , we cannot eradicate pollution and provide oxygen . Even if change bit of our lifestyles like segregation of household waste or using cloth bags for shopping or collecting used milk packets to make Eco bricks, we can recycle waste products and be a responsible citizen in saving the environment. Our Mother Earth needs us . Save her. If she dies we all will die.


5. As a TEDx speaker, what are the key messages or ideas you aim to convey to your audience, and how do you hope to inspire them through your talks?

> I've had the privilege of conducting numerous awareness programs in colleges and schools, including two TEDx talks. These experiences have shown me that students often express the desire to be part of our tree-planting campaign, but they sometimes hesitate, wondering what difference they can make individually.

I want to emphasize that the power of change doesn't lie solely in large groups or organizations. It's the collective effort of individuals, especially young people like us, that can truly make a significant impact on our environment. Each one of us has the potential to be a driving force for change, right in our own states or countries.

Let's not underestimate the influence we possess as youth. By taking small, sustainable actions in our daily lives, we can collectively save the Earth. When we join hands and work together, the impact multiplies, and our commitment to the environment becomes a force to be reckoned with.

So, let's not wait for someone else to take the lead. Let's become the change-makers we wish to see in the world. Together, we can keep saving our environment, one step at a time, and inspire others to do the same. The future of our planet is in our hands, and by working together, we can create a greener, healthier world for all.


6. Being recognized as an Earth Prize Scholar in 2022 is a significant achievement. Could you tell us more about this recognition and what it means for your work as an environmentalist?

>In 2022, I was honored as an Earth Prize Scholar for my invention of a portable solar-powered UV lamp, which I generously provided to sterilize operation theaters in remote area hospitals facing electricity supply challenges. My innovative solution helps ensure a safe and sterile environment for crucial hospital procedures in areas where access to a reliable power source is limited or unreliable. The Earth Prize acknowledged and celebrated my commitment to making a positive impact on the world.


7. You are a Youth Board member in Geneva, Switzerland, for the Earth Prize. How does this role contribute to your mission, and what are your goals in this position?

> After their Earth prize scholar in 2022, I was honored to be a as one of the youth board members in 2023 of The Earth prize Geneva Switzerland. I am also voluntarily working with WWF India and U Report India. They have featured me on their social media handles.

This is many be because they are liking my effort to save the environment and this could not have been possible without my environmentalist army of children . We are relentlessly working towards saving our environment. Now senior citizens have also started appreciating me and started joining me. Environment minister of India ( Mr Bhupender Yadav )appreciated me of National youth day. Recently Mr. Shombi Sharp and Harnaz Sandhu also liked my efforts at an event organised Girl up India. I also bagged first position in Future Tech Olympiad organized by CBSE and IBM for my Ecosteria ( portable solar powered UV Lamp)


8. You're also involved in supporting gender equality through GirlUp India. How do you connect environmental activism with gender equality, and what impact do you hope to make in this area?

> I am a strong advocate for gender equality and an active member of GirlUp. Our mission involves visiting underserved communities to provide biodegradable pads to women who cannot afford them. During these visits, I have witnessed numerous girls being unable to attend school due to cultural expectations that confine them to household chores, causing them to miss out on their education. To address this issue, my GirlUp team and I dedicate our Tuesdays and Fridays after school hours to teach these young girls, ensuring they receive fundamental education.

Furthermore, we use these opportunities to raise awareness about the climate crisis and the vital role they can play in preserving the environment. We emphasize that their efforts can make a significant impact in environmental conservation.


9. Could you share some of your most memorable experiences or projects related to environmental and social activism?

> I visited Maharaja College in Jaipur to deliver a motivational speech and raise awareness about the climate crisis. It was an all-boys college, and at the beginning, some students were attentive while others doubted my abilities because of my age. However, by the end of my speech, I had managed to capture everyone's attention and applause, and they enthusiastically joined me in a Swachhta Abhiyan (cleanliness drive). This experience made me realize that when we are determined to achieve a goal, no obstacle can hinder us. It's a matter of putting in that extra effort to make a difference.


10. What advice would you give to young individuals who want to make a positive impact on the environment and society, following in your footsteps?

> There is no substitute for our one and only planet. Earth has generously provided for us, and now it's our responsibility to protect her when she's in peril.

"Protect the Earth to secure your own future. There is no alternative planet”



Comments


bottom of page