Bhakti Venkatesh Hegde: A Young Voice Leading the Way in Sustainability

BHAKTI VENKATESH HEGDE

When curiosity meets compassion, action begins to bloom. For Bhakti Venkatesh Hegde, a young ecospiritualist, her sustainability journey began as a personal reflection during a global crisis. Inspired by images of environmental degradation and life in a rapidly changing world, she saw nature not as a distant cause—but as a call to act. From organizing clean-up campaigns in her city to creatively repurposing waste into beautiful and functional products, Bhakti planted the first seeds of what would become a powerful movement toward conscious living.

The turning point came when Bhakti noticed a growing pile of tin lids from her recycling efforts. That pile became her palette. With imagination and intent, she transformed them into eco-friendly fridge magnets—igniting her upcycling initiative, “Little Eco Footprints.” From greeting cards made of bread tags to tote bags crafted with care, her work is as artistic as it is impactful. What makes her efforts stand out is the heart behind them: proceeds from every product support humanitarian causes and educational efforts.

Bhakti’s commitment grew through hands-on activism and community engagement. She’s led environmental drives that have mobilized thousands—recycling e-waste, plastics, cartridges, and even mobile phones. Her pop-up stalls and workshops have reached wide audiences, promoting sustainable habits while raising funds to support underprivileged communities. Alongside her environmental advocacy, she’s a talented writer, dancer, and actor—balancing creativity and compassion. From donating hair for cancer patients to teaching schoolchildren how to turn T-shirts into reusable bags, Bhakti brings people together with purpose. Her journey is not just a campaign—it’s a quiet revolution rooted in empathy, driven by hope, and sustained by belief.

Each day, Bhakti lives her values. School hours are followed by crafting sustainable goods, organizing materials for her campaigns, or updating her website where she shares her creative writing. She’s equally passionate about bharatanatyam, drama, and storytelling. Her room isn’t just a workspace—it’s a mini studio of expression. Between studies, stage rehearsals, and product creation, Bhakti finds joy in weaving action with awareness. Her days are full, yet every moment reflects a deep-rooted commitment to change through creativity and education.

What Bhakti has achieved through her initiatives cannot be measured by awards alone—though she has received significant appreciation from environmental platforms, educational institutions, and social forums. Her true achievement lies in the impact: shifting mindsets, inspiring peers, and creating tangible environmental benefits. From India to the UAE, her campaigns have touched communities, schools, and families. Her entrepreneurial energy has inspired others to begin their own journeys. A classmate once credited Bhakti’s pop-up stall as the reason she launched her own sustainable business. That ripple effect, Bhakti believes, is the real reward of her work.

Being named a Global Child Prodigy Awardee 2025 was a moment of joy, disbelief, and deep gratitude for Bhakti. It’s not just an award—it’s recognition of years of small actions with big heart. She sees it as a responsibility to do more, dream bigger, and continue empowering young minds. For Bhakti, this honor reaffirms that with courage, creativity, and care, change can begin with one child—and echo across the world.

“Purpose fuels passion. When you believe in your cause, every effort becomes a step toward change.”