Seven-year-old Moksha Roy, one of the world’s youngest sustainability advocates who has been campaigning since she was just three, has been honoured with the UK Prime Minister’s Points of Light award.
Roy, from Hertfordshire, started volunteering for a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative against microplastic pollution which was supported by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the UN task force.
The British Indian schoolgirl continues to educate young people about sustainability in the UK via her school and to thousands of children around the world through radio, press and online platforms. Moksha volunteers for several sustainability campaigns, while hoping to inspire others to do the same, such as raising funds to help children in need for UNICEF, by volunteering to educate over one billion children and their families about microplastic pollution and how to prevent it, including to children in 24,000 UK schools and colleges.
Moksha said: “I am very happy to receive the Points of Light award. I hope both children and adults get to understand that caring for the planet and its people and making small changes to everyday life should not be just for a few.
“It is just like brushing our teeth. We brush our teeth to care for it and avoid pain; similarly we can take care of the planet not for anyone else, but just us, to be safe. Each and every one of us can do small things in their own lives, work and community to combat the big challenges such as climate change, pollution, poverty and inequality. It is only when everyone starts taking positive actions, can we have a safer planet and a sustainable future.”
Moksha’s parents, Dr Ragini G. Roy and Dr Sourav Roy, added: “This is a crucial point in the history of the world given the devastating impact of climate change around us.
“What Moksha is doing shows us that even the youngest in society has as important a role in creating a tangible impact when it comes to acting on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We support her efforts in creating a fair, safe and sustainable world for everyone.”
Moksha has also assisted in educational sessions conducted by CBS for deprived schoolchildren in India and has provided messages at events, including at COP27.
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With reference to her Downing Street recognition recently, UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden CBE said: “Moksha has set an excellent example in her work championing UN SDGs. She has gone to significant lengths to have these included in the school curriculum and has been in communication with leaders all over the world to encourage them to consider this. She feels strongly that education and individual action is crucial for fighting climate change, and her passion should serve as inspiration to others.
“She has also worked hard to make changes in her local community. Many of her friends and family no longer ask for birthday gifts, but instead ask for donations to charity. Her school no longer uses plastic glitter/confetti or plastic art supplies – this is a testament to her strong beliefs and ability to change those around her to create a better world.”
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The UK PM’s Points of Light awards recognise outstanding people in Britain whose service is making a difference in their communities.
*Info: Moksha Roy
