Manya, a 14-year-old from India, has emerged as a young environmental leader committed to protecting children’s right to a clean and safe future. Inspired by her late grandmother’s teachings of kindness and resilience, and guided by her parents’ support, she channels her love for writing, sustainability, and advocacy into meaningful action. Manya founded Sunshine Magazine, a youth-led platform on children’s rights and sustainability, and has authored books to inspire young readers to take responsibility for the planet.

Her activism spans schools, communities, and public spaces through eco-awareness workshops, solo clean-up drives, sapling distributions, and Project Grandma’s Green Weave, which repurposes sarees into eco-friendly bags. With over 10,000 people reached offline and thousands more online through YouTube, social media, and webinars, Manya has inspired children to see themselves as changemakers in climate action. Her leadership demonstrates that young voices are powerful forces in building a more just, sustainable world.