We asked the children, “What’s bothering you?” and what we received were over 150 young voices sharing powerful thoughts, personal experiences and ideas for a better world.
Through Champak Champions: What’s Bothering Me? children spoke about everything from single-use plastic, littering and education to autism, emotional well-being, screen time and what it truly means to be a good human being.
And their words stayed with us.
One participant called the creation of synthetic plastic a “massive design flaw.” Another reminded us that while phones connect us to the whole world, we may be “getting disconnected from ourselves.”
There were powerful calls to embrace neurodivergence, uphold ethics and morality, and think beyond academic success. As one young participant put it, “I want everyone to learn how to succeed as a human being.”
The winning entries reflected the incredible range of issues children care about. From plastic pollution and littering to the lack of libraries in villages and the pressure of comparing children, every voice brought a new perspective to the conversation.
Champak Champions was more than a competition. It was a chance for children to speak about what they see, what they feel and what they believe needs to change.
Because when so many children speak up, they have something worth listening to.
And Now, Meet Our Young Champions!
After hearing over 150 powerful voices, our jury selected the entries that stood out for their ideas, expression, originality and the impact of their message.
Winners
Winner — Grades 4 & 5
Atharvv M. S. — Plastic Pollution
“Sometimes we think it's just one plastic wrapper, but millions of people think that. What about marine life?”
Runner-Up — Grades 4 & 5
Shrashti — The Lack of Libraries in Villages
“Let's make a shared library concept in villages so that no one is denied the joy of reading.”
Winner — Grades 6 & 7
Jenil Desai — Littering & Cleanliness
“India doesn't become clean when someone takes responsibility. India becomes clean when everyone does.”
Runner-Up — Grades 6 & 7
Vidhit Dipak Gadhave — Comparison of Children
“Don't compare children. Discover them, encourage them and believe in them.”
Special Recognition Awards
Most Original Idea — Shreyan Parag Khangan
“I would alter the creation of synthetic plastic as it is a massive design flaw.”
Best Speaker — Aadhya Nirav Thakkar
“Today we are connected to the whole world, but are getting disconnected from ourselves.”
Most Heartfelt Message — Diya Desai
“Our world becomes more vibrant when we embrace neurodivergence.”
Future Leader Award — Anant Nadkarni
“We must uphold the ideals of ethics and morality, and sacrifice just a bit of individuality in the interest of humanity.”
Creative Visionary Award — Jaksh Krunal Shah
“I want everyone to learn how to succeed as a human being.”
Congratulations, Champions!
Congratulations to all our winners and to every young Champion who spoke up, shared their thoughts and reminded us that big ideas can come from young minds.
