Niharika Nair, a Grade 12 student of Ekya Schools, presented her initiative, Project Tribali, to the Honourable President of India, Smt. Draupadi Murmu, at the 1M1B National Young Changemakers Showcase, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 24th December 2024. The event brought together young changemakers from across the country to share their work with senior officials and dignitaries, and Niharika was among the select few chosen to present their projects.
Project Tribali, founded by Niharika, is a youth-led initiative aimed at empowering indigenous communities across India. The project is built on three core pillars: ensuring access to fundamental rights, creating income-generation opportunities, and preserving cultural heritage. Since its inception, the initiative has impacted over 10,000 people in various regions of the country, addressing critical issues such as education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, and the preservation of indigenous traditions.
Niharika’s work has also gained international recognition. She presented Project Tribali at the 7th 1M1B Activate Impact Summit held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. During her visit, she was invited to the Indian Embassy, where she met Mrs. Ruchira Kamboj, the former Permanent Representative of India to the UN. She also participated in the UN Civil Societies Conference 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, as a 1M1B Youth Advisor, contributing to discussions on sustainable development and community empowerment.
She was also featured in the MG Changemakers series, a collaboration with The Better India, which highlights individuals driving change in their communities. Speaking about this recognition, she expressed her gratitude for being included in the series alongside accomplished changemakers. She described the feature as a valuable opportunity to bring attention to her cause, saying, “After all, it’s not just a story, it’s a movement to build a better tomorrow.”
Speaking about her experience at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Niharika described it as an opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by indigenous communities and the importance of youth-led initiatives in addressing them. She emphasized the need for continued efforts to create sustainable solutions for marginalized communities.
Ekya Schools, through its programs such as Service Learning Programs and Global Citizenship Initiatives, provides students with platforms to engage in meaningful projects and develop leadership skills. These initiatives encourage students like Niharika to take action and contribute to solving real-world challenges.