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

Child Winner of the Global Child Prodigy Award: Bhakti Venkatesh Hegde

Some journeys begin loudly, while others unfold quietly through purpose and persistence. Bhakti Venkatesh Hegde’s journey belongs to the latter. Recognised as a Child Winner of the Global Child Prodigy Award 2025, Bhakti represents a generation of young changemakers who lead with empathy, creativity, and action.

From a young age, Bhakti showed a deep awareness of the world around her. While many children observed environmental challenges from a distance, she felt compelled to act. Images of pollution, waste, and climate imbalance sparked not fear, but responsibility. She understood early on that change does not always require authority or age—only intent and consistency.

A Purpose Rooted in Sustainability

Bhakti’s work began with small but meaningful steps. She organised local clean-up initiatives, encouraged recycling within her community, and explored creative ways to reduce waste. However, a defining moment came when she noticed a growing collection of discarded tin lids from recycling drives. Instead of seeing waste, she saw potential.

This insight led to the creation of her upcycling initiative, Little Eco Footprints, where discarded materials were transformed into eco-friendly and functional products. From fridge magnets and greeting cards to reusable bags made from old T-shirts, Bhakti blended sustainability with creativity. Importantly, proceeds from her work were directed toward humanitarian and educational causes, reinforcing her belief that impact matters more than recognition.

Leadership Through Action and Creativity

Beyond environmental activism, Bhakti is a multifaceted young leader. She is a writer, dancer, and storyteller who uses art as a tool for awareness. Through workshops, pop-up stalls, and school outreach programs, she has educated peers and adults alike on sustainable living. Her initiatives have mobilised communities to recycle e-waste, plastics, cartridges, and even mobile phones.

Moreover, Bhakti’s compassion extends beyond environmental causes. From donating her hair to support cancer patients to teaching children how to repurpose everyday items, her actions consistently reflect kindness and responsibility. She does not seek applause; instead, she seeks progress.

Impact Beyond Awards

Although Bhakti has received recognition from various institutions and social platforms, she views awards as milestones rather than destinations. For her, true achievement lies in shifting mindsets and inspiring others to begin their own journeys. Her efforts have influenced communities across India and beyond, creating a ripple effect of awareness and action.

Peers and educators often credit Bhakti’s initiatives as motivation for launching their own sustainability projects. This growing influence highlights the power of youth leadership when guided by values and purpose.

A Global Honour with Lasting Meaning

Being named a Child Winner of the Global Child Prodigy Award 2025 is a defining moment for Bhakti Venkatesh Hegde. The recognition celebrates not only her achievements but also her unwavering belief that small actions, when driven by care, can create global change.

For Bhakti, this honour reinforces a lifelong commitment to do more, dream bigger, and continue empowering young minds. Her story is a reminder that leadership does not wait for adulthood—and that one child, guided by empathy and courage, can inspire the world.