Ananya Manikandan, Shyam Manikandan

Ananya Manikandan (15) and Shyam Manikandan (14), are from India, living in the United Arab Emirates. Ananya Manikandan and Shyam Manikandan saw two challenges affecting young people around them: environmental damage and the silent pressure of stress and anxiety. They noticed plastic waste in everyday spaces while many students struggled with academic pressure and had few safe places to talk about their feelings. They decided to turn their concerns into action.

The siblings have led recycling drives, clean-ups, tree planting, waste segregation and collection campaigns for paper, plastic, clothing and stationery. Their efforts have helped recycle 4,000 kg of paper, 300 kg of plastic and 22,000 plastic bottles. They have also organized eco-bricking and cloth-bag workshops, reaching more than 1,000 students, parents and community members, including children of determination.

Their Sustainable Squad campaign reached thousands online through quizzes, contests and educational content. Together, their environmental and creative advocacy has reached nearly 10,000 people in person and more than 50,000 digitally. By combining hands-on action with creative communication, Ananya and Shyam are helping young people take part in building healthier, more sustainable communities.