Aarya Chavda: A Youthful Catalyst for Change in Heritage and Environment Conservation

At just 15 years old, Aarya Chavda has already emerged as an ardent and zealous reformer, making a profound impact in the fields of art, literature, and social change. Her journey as an Author, Illustrator, Speaker, Heritage and Environment Crusader began at the tender age of 6, where she showcased exceptional talents and unwavering passion for making a difference. Aarya’s remarkable achievements transcend her age, as she dedicates herself to fundraising for underprivileged cancer patients by donating art proceeds and book sales.

A Passionate Literary Journey

Aarya’s literary accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. Author of 11 books, through her books on India’s diverse cultural heritage, she earned the distinction of being the youngest Indian to represent her country not once but twice at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, first at the age of 9 and then at 12. Her writings encompass a wide range of topics that resonate with today’s world, including heritage preservation, climate crisis, girl child education, children’s rights, and duties. She eloquently imparts messages of peace, non-violence, and equality while celebrating the ideologies and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.

Global Impact and Recognition – https://aaryachavda.com/books/

The books authored by Aarya are supported by various organizations, including UNESCO, United Nations, Govt of Gujarat, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, and the Ahmedabad World Heritage City Trust. Notably, seven of her books have been patronage and co-published under the auspices of UNESCO and made available on prestigious digital platforms like the UNESCO Digital Library and UNESCO Global Citizenship Education (GCED). Through these channels, readers of all ages worldwide have access to Aarya’s empowering works, encouraging them to find their voice and advocate for positive change in pursuit of a peaceful and sustainable future.

Beyond the Written Word

Aarya’s impact extends far beyond her literary achievements. Apart from setting her benchmark with national and international organizations, till date, she has been felicitated and recognized for her exemplary work by more than 14 Indian Embassies, across the world.

At the age of 9, she had the honor of sharing stage with Director-General of UNESCO, Ms. Audrey Azoulay while presenting her work at “The Opening Ceremony of the 43rd World Heritage Committee” in Baku, Azerbaijan, where she represented India and shared her narratives from her book, “Ahmedabad, my city, my heritage” in front of 2500 diplomats from 180 countries.

https://aaryachavda.com/43rd-world-heritage-convention-baku-2019/

At the age of 10, Aarya’s work caught the attention of UNESCO World Heritage Centre Paris, which invited her to advocate the worldwide campaign “Share our Heritage” “Little Artists Exhibition” to engage children globally in appreciating cultural diversity during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this campaign, children from 55 countries shared global cultural diversity. It was a rare opportunity given to Aarya to bring positive message of hope and to engage children to enhance their understanding of global cultural diversity during difficult times of COVID- 19.
https://aaryachavda.com/worldwide-campaign/

Her voice reached even higher echelons of influence when, at just 11 years old, she addressed students from over 350+ colleges and 75+ universities across India as the Guest of Honor at the ‘Environment Youth Forum 2021.’ Subsequently, at the age of 12, Aarya became the youngest parliamentarian at the ‘National Environmental Youth Parliament 2022,’ where she delivered a compelling speech on environmental issues which was presided by Hon’ble Lok Sabha Speaker in the Parliament of India.

In September 2023, Aarya achieved a significant milestone in being the youngest change maker to be honored with prestigious ‘Global Gandhi Award 2023’ and ‘Leadership Award’ in the esteemed presence of Members of Parliament, Mayors and Assembly Members of London, during the ‘International Conclave’ held at The House of Commons, British Parliament and City Hall London, UK. The event at The House of Commons at British Parliament commenced with launch of her 10th book ‘Coming Together’ and her 9 minute speech on environment which emphasized on innovative solutions and transformative initiatives that will contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Prestigious Recognitions and Awards –
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• Presented work on cultural heritage at UNESCO office Geneva, Switzerland. 2018
• Presented work on cultural heritage at UNESCO World Headquarters Paris 2019
• Advocated for cultural heritage at UNESCO 43rd World Heritage Committee, Baku, Azerbaijan, 2019
• Work recognized by UNESCO Director General, Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Baku, Azerbaijan, 2019
• Work recognized at Indian Embassy, Dan Hague, Netherlands, 2019
• Work recognized at Indian Embassy, Baku, Azerbaijan, 2019
• Work recognized at Indian Embassy, Paris, 2019
• Work recognized at UNESCO New Delhi, 2019
• Work recognized at United Nations New Delhi, 2019
• Advocated for worldwide campaign of UNESCO ‘Share our Heritage’ ‘Little Artist Exhibition’, 2020
• Book Launch by Mayor of Ahmedabad at Mayor office, Ahmedabad, 2020
• Guest of Honor and Speaker at National Environment Youth Forum, 2021
• Book Launch by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat at CMO, Gandhinagar, 2021
• Guest Speaker at UNICEF Young Changemaker Talk Series, 2021
• ‘Sant Eshwar Samman’, Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, 2021
• Work recognized at UNESCO New Delhi, 2021
• Work recognized by Chief of Social Policy for UNICEF India Ms. Hyun Hee Ban at UNICEF Field Office, Gandhinagar, 2021
• Work recognized by Hon’ble Minister of Education of India Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Ahmedabad, 2022
• Speaker and UNICEF Gujarat Representative at ‘Kanya Mahotsav’ – UNICEF India, 2022
• ‘Champions of Change Award’, Bhopal, 2022
• Youngest Parliamentarian at National Environment Youth Parliament, Parliament of India, New Delhi, 2022
• ‘Greenpreneur Convention & Awards’, Ahmedabad, 2022
• Guest Speaker at UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers – 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024
• Represented India at UNESCO World Headquarters Paris, 2022
• Work recognized at Indian Embassy, Paris, 2022
• Work recognized at India at UNESCO (Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO, Paris), 2022
• Work recognized at Indian Embassy, Vienna, Austria, 2022
• Felicitation by Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar at Upa-Rashtrapati Bhawan, 2022
• Work recognized by Hon’ble Minister of Environment and Climate Change of India Shri Ashwini Choubey, New Delhi, 2022
• Work recognized by Hon’ble Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, Parliament office, New Delhi, 2022
• Work recognized by UNICEF India Representative Ms. Cynthia McCaffrey at UNICEF Field Office, Gandhinagar, 2022
• ‘Giving Economy Award- 2023’ SPJIMR, Mumbai, 2023
• Guest Speaker at G20-Y20 Summit for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction, Baroda, 2023
• ‘Impactful Author’s Award’ 2023
• Guest Speaker at UNICEF Climate Champions Meet, 2023
• Greenpreneur – Changemaker of India awards, 2023
• Work recognized at Indian Consulate, Milan, Italy, 2023
• ‘Global Gandhi Award-2023’ at The House of Commons, British Parliament, London, UK
• Guest Speaker at ‘International Conclave 2023’ at The House of Commons, British Parliament, London, UK. Represented India as the youngest changemaker to the Indian Diaspora, Mayors, Assembly Members, and Councillors of UK
• ‘Leadership Award 2023’ at City Hall, London, UK
• Guest Speaker at City Hall, London, UK. Represented India as the youngest changemaker to the Indian Diaspora, Assembly Members, and Councillors of UK
• Work recognized at Indian Embassy, London, UK, 2023
• Work recognized at The Nehru Centre, London, UK, 2023
• Youngest plenary speaker to provoke the preamble as ‘Voice from the Future’ at UNESCO Naples Conference on Cultural Heritage in 21st century at Naples, Italy, Nov 2023
• Moderated UNICEF event and presented her work and interacted with UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, David Beckham, during his maiden visit in Ahmedabad, India (2023)
• ‘Young Change Maker Award 2024’ at Amrut Mahotsav at Kadi University, Gujarat, 2023
• Youngest Speaker at the EDU Talks organized by The AIGU- Italian Youth Association for UNESCO in association with the Italian National Commission for UNESCO, Feb 2024
• ‘Excellence Award’ for outstanding work by Gujarat Child Protection Unit (GCPU), March 2024
• ‘Atulya Varso Award 2024’ for exemplary work on cultural heritage, April 2024
• Work recognized at Indian Embassy, Dubai, UAE, May 2024
• Represented India at the World Youth Festival & MIACO in Russia, Moscow. Represented children from 44 countries as part of the ‘Movement of the Firsts’ MIACO program and interacted with Hon’ble Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Mr. Dimitry Chernyshenko. June 2024
• Work recognized at Indian Embassy, Russia, Moscow, June 2024
• Youngest Guest Speaker at the UNESCO Young Professionals Forum. The Forum being an integral part of the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, in the framework of UNESCO World Heritage Education Program. July 2024
• Aarya presented her 11th book “We are One” to Director General of UNESCO, Ms. Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Assistant Director General for Culture, Mr. Ernesto Ottone R and UNESCO Director, World Heritage, Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi
• Youngest Advocate of cultural heritage featured as “Voice from the Future” in UNESCO World Heritage Magazine in July edition 2024

A Visionary for a Better Future –
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Aarya Chavda’s relentless pursuit of change and sustainability is driven by her belief that every action, no matter how small, is a significant step forward. As a driven and independent youth, she demonstrates her exceptional dedication and commitment through her public awareness campaigns on ‘Preservation of Cultural Heritage’ and ‘Sustainable living- Caring for Climate’.” Her inspiring journey has seen her deliver over 150 + presentations in government and private schools, institutions, and organizations on national and international platforms. Her approach promotes participation and inclusion, encouraging the youth to take charge of ownership of ideas to understand their needs and perspectives to bring in substantial change in the society. Aarya actively collaborates with various entities, including World Heritage Volunteers Programs, Environment Youth Forums, National Environment Youth Parliament, UNESCO, and UNICEF, among others, to engage with today’s youth.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Aarya advocates for sustainability with unwavering grit and determination. Her vision is to unite children from across the world, transcending religious, regional, and racial boundaries, to create a better future for humanity and the planet. Aarya’s mission is to collaborate with schools, institutions, and organizations to inspire her generation to become responsible global citizens, working together for a brighter tomorrow.

MISSION
https://aaryachavda.com/community-impacts/

Her unwavering mission revolves around forging partnerships with numerous schools, institutions, and organizations to engage the youth of her generation. Together, they hold the power to transcend national boundaries, set aside differences.

As young individuals, they possess immense potential to be catalysts of change, capable of reshaping the course of our collective destiny. By becoming more eco-conscious, they actively contribute to preserving the invaluable cultural heritage and safeguarding Mother Earth.

Through her campaigns on “preservation of cultural heritage”, and “sustainable living caring for climate” along with her books, she actively strives to raise awareness and views this endeavor as a stepping stone to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, transcending barriers of religion, region, and race.

Her unwavering belief lies in the principle that ‘Sustainability is the key to a better future.’ With this guiding ethos, she envisions a world where the youth stand united, empowered, and committed to nurturing a sustainable tomorrow for the well-being of all.

“We as children, have a unique chance to change the course & put the world on track. We are a part of the generation of change, where we don’t just talk about change-

“WE CAUSE CHANGE.” -Aarya

As a youthful catalyst for change in heritage and environment conservation, Aarya Chavda proves that age is no barrier to making a significant impact on the world. Her dedication, passion, and inspiring leadership serve as a beacon of hope for the future generation, encouraging them to stand up and be the change they wish to see in the world.