Who is Sahithi Radha Winner of International Young Eco-Hero Award E-Waste Initiative

Sahithi Radha, a 16-year-old environmental leader from Hyderabad, India, has been awarded 3rd Place in the 13-16 year old category of the prestigious Action For Nature (AFN) International Young Eco-Hero Award for her exceptional work with E-CYCL (E-Waste Recycling).

A student at The Future Kids School and an AP Scholar, Sahithi stands among three Indian students who have made it to the top 10 young achievers. The other two are Tejas Pugalia from Maharashtra and Licypriya Kangujam from Manipur. All three will recieve their awards on August 24.

E-CYCL is a student-led initiative that addresses the pressing issue of electronic waste in India. Drawing from her experience as a UN National Environmental Program Ambassador, Sahithi and her team of volunteers have educated thousands of people about the dangers of e-waste and advocated for sustainable solutions. To date, E-CYCL has facilitated the recycling of over 10,000 kilograms of e-waste and has provided support to 50 sanitation workers.

Beyond recycling, Sahithi is actively working towards policy reforms to address child labor in the sanitation sector, where children are exposed to harmful toxins and often denied an education.

Her dedication to environmental justice has garnered international recognition, awards, and support from TheWorldAround, Meta Open Arts, UNESCO, and various global corporations. Sahithi's determination and resilience have allowed her to overcome challenges and turn obstacles into opportunities for change. Her passion for environmental education has led to the creation of a network of 150 green ambassadors across four major Indian cities, reaching hundreds of young people with awareness sessions.

"Faced with various challenges, from climate change to social justice issues, it is crucial for young people to channel their passion into avenues that promote positive change," says Sahithi. "Mere impassioned feelings are not enough; we must be intentional about where we direct that passion. Only then can we leverage the vitality of our generation to create a lasting impact." E-CYCL's impactful work was recently featured in a documentary at the Guggenheim Museum in New York for Earth Day, further amplifying the importance of their cause.