Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ In a celebration of global youth activism and humanitarianism, two young Indian innovators, Uday Bhatia and Manasi Gupta, were honored with the prestigious Diana Legacy Awards. The awards, bestowed by the Diana Award charity in memory of Princess Diana, recognize exceptional young individuals making a significant impact through social action and humanitarian work.
Uday Bhatia, the visionary founder of Uday Electric, and Manasi Gupta, the passionate advocate behind Huesofthemind Foundation, were among the 20 recipients honored at a ceremony held at London’s Science Museum, where they received their awards from Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, himself.
At just 18 years old, Uday Bhatia embarked on a mission to address the issue of frequent power cuts plaguing his community in Uttar Pradesh. Witnessing how these power outages hindered children’s ability to study, he developed the groundbreaking Outage Guard bulb—a low-cost solution providing uninterrupted lighting for up to 10 hours during power cuts. Through his innovative invention, Bhatia has empowered over 950 families, enhancing their educational and employment opportunities.
Expressing his gratitude upon receiving the Diana Legacy Award, Bhatia emphasized the importance of social innovation in effecting positive change. Inspired by his late grandmother’s encouragement to be a changemaker, he envisions expanding his impact to ensure access to reliable energy worldwide, one bulb at a time.
Meanwhile, Manasi Gupta’s relentless advocacy for mental health has touched the lives of thousands globally. Through her non-profit organization, Huesofthemind Foundation, Gupta has conducted over 100 sessions, fostering mental health awareness and support networks. Her collaborative efforts with stakeholders have yielded innovative campaigns and projects, empowering individuals to prioritize their mental well-being.
Recognized for her exceptional contributions during the pandemic, Gupta remains committed to destigmatizing conversations around mental health in India. Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s words, she harnesses the power of communities and expressive arts to drive meaningful change.
Both Bhatia and Gupta joined a cohort of young changemakers from diverse backgrounds and countries, united by their dedication to social impact. Their recognition at the Diana Legacy Awards underscores the transformative potential of youth-driven initiatives in addressing pressing global challenges.
Even Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, made a virtual appearance from his California home to engage with the award recipients, highlighting the significance of their contributions to creating a more compassionate and equitable world.
As India’s young innovators continue to lead the charge for positive change, their achievements serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of Princess Diana and the transformative power of youth activism on the global stage.
