At just 12 years old, Mohammed from Delhi, India, has become a passionate advocate for the preservation of Bhojpuri. Mocked and punished for speaking his mother tongue, Shoaib turned his pain into purpose, determined to fight for the recognition of Bhojpuri as a legitimate written and spoken language. Without support from his parents, he has leaned on his brother, peers, and mentors to continue his mission, working to break the stigma around Bhojpuri and restore pride in its cultural heritage. His vision was strengthened by his involvement at The Footpath School, where he learned the power of education and changemaking.

Shoaib’s achievements include co-writing a Bhojpuri grammar book for children, founding the International Institute for Bhojpuri Learning and Development (IIBLD), and creating the Young Bodhi Fellowship for children under 18 to explore Bhojpuri’s academic and cultural value. He has partnered with schools and universities to introduce Bhojpuri curricula, trained teachers, and taught children what their schools do not provide—reading and writing in their mother tongue. Through workshops, reading circles, and public campaigns, Shoaib has already reached more than 5,000 people, ensuring Bhojpuri is celebrated rather than silenced.