At an age when most children are still discovering their interests, Aryann Khokha has already become a name synonymous with youth leadership and purpose-driven innovation. Recognised as one of India’s youngest changemakers, Aryann has dedicated himself to empowering underprivileged children through education, safety awareness, and creative learning initiatives. His work is guided by a belief that every child, regardless of background, deserves access to opportunities that help them grow with confidence and curiosity.

I chose to write about Aryann because he represents a rare blend of compassion and action — a young mind taking real steps to make education meaningful for those who are often left behind. In a time when education systems worldwide are struggling to be more inclusive, Aryann’s journey is proof that change doesn’t always have to come from policymakers; it can also begin with empathy, vision, and initiative. His story matters because it shows how India’s youth are not waiting for tomorrow to make a difference — they are building it today.

The rise of a young education changemaker

Recently honoured with the “Young Education Changemaker” award at the GEA – Global Excellence Awards 2025, Aryann Khokha has become a symbol of youth-driven social impact in education. His journey began with a simple question — “How can we make learning safer, smarter, and more accessible for every child?” That question became the foundation of his initiatives — from his ENalanda Foundation, which promotes inclusive learning models, to the Dronashala Safe Kids Programme, which focuses on digital safety, life skills, and emotional well-being for children.

What stands out about Aryann’s work is its practicality. Instead of limiting himself to theory or advocacy, he has built hands-on programmes that address real problems faced by children from low-income communities — lack of access, low confidence, and safety vulnerabilities. By combining technology with empathy, Aryann’s approach to learning is not just about grades or exams but about developing life-ready children.

Empowering through ENalanda Foundation

Aryann’s flagship initiative, the ENalanda Foundation, is designed around the idea of “learning without barriers.” It runs community-based learning hubs that help children from marginalised backgrounds access digital tools, books, and mentorship support. The foundation also collaborates with local schools and NGOs to bring structured training in STEM education, emotional intelligence, and creativity.

Under ENalanda’s umbrella, students are encouraged to not only learn but also to think. Aryann believes that education should nurture curiosity rather than conformity — a principle reflected in every workshop and camp his foundation organises. Over the years, the programme has reached hundreds of children across multiple states, fostering both knowledge and confidence among participants.

Dronashala Safe Kids: Teaching safety in a digital world

With children spending more time online, digital safety has become an urgent concern — especially for those with limited awareness or supervision. Aryann’s Dronashala Safe Kids programme was launched to tackle this issue head-on. It teaches children essential safety skills such as identifying online risks, recognising cyberbullying, understanding consent, and reporting abuse.

But the initiative doesn’t stop there. Dronashala also focuses on offline safety, including workshops on self-defence, first aid, and emotional awareness. By blending digital literacy with life skills, Aryann has built a holistic framework that empowers children to feel safe both in classrooms and on screens.

In collaboration with teachers, psychologists, and child welfare experts, the programme has conducted awareness drives and interactive sessions in both urban and rural schools — making safety education not just an add-on, but a fundamental part of learning.

A changemaker with compassion and courage

What makes Aryann’s work exceptional is not just his innovation, but his empathy-driven leadership. Despite his young age, he has displayed a maturity that comes from observing social inequalities up close and choosing to act instead of waiting for someone else to fix them.

He often says that empowerment begins with listening — to children, to parents, and to teachers. His initiatives reflect that approach, creating safe spaces where children feel heard, respected, and inspired to grow. Aryann’s journey is also a message to young people everywhere: that age is no barrier to making a difference if the cause comes from the heart.

Recognition and impact

The Global Excellence Awards 2025 recognition is only one of many milestones in Aryann’s growing list of achievements. His work has been acknowledged by educators, NGOs, and policymakers alike for its originality and measurable outcomes. Through ENalanda and Dronashala, he has impacted the lives of hundreds of children and families, particularly in underprivileged communities.

His model has also inspired collaborations with like-minded organisations focusing on child welfare, mental health, and inclusive learning. More importantly, his initiatives have sparked a wider conversation about how India’s education system can evolve to prioritise both safety and emotional growth, alongside academics.

The message behind the movement

Aryann’s mission is rooted in one powerful belief — that every child has limitless potential if given the right environment. He envisions a future where education is not a privilege, but a shared responsibility. He sees technology not as a replacement for teachers but as a bridge that can connect learning to every child, regardless of geography or background.

He has also been vocal about the need to equip children with 21st-century life skills — from digital literacy to emotional resilience — to prepare them for a rapidly changing world. His message to students is simple: “Education should not just make you employable; it should make you empowered.”