TISHYA CHANDOK – Shaping Tomorrow: The Journey of a Young Changemaker – A Vidyakiran Awardee

In an age where young voices are rising to shape the future, few embody the spirit of leadership, excellence, and empathy quite like this exceptional student whose achievements span across academics, sports, entrepreneurship, oration, and social advocacy. A state-level badminton player with an enviable track record, this student has consistently excelled at every level of competition. With five consecutive zonal medals and accolades in CBSE Cluster Tournaments, her commitment to the sport is as fierce as her smashes. Her journey began with inter-class and inter-house victories and culminated in state championship appearances in the U17 category—a testament to both perseverance and passion.

An avid orator, her command over language and articulation has led to numerous debate victories and awards. From being crowned Best Delegate at Lotus Valley International School MUN 2024 to winning Best Debater at BVPS with a cash prize and placing third at the GPSC Capex Debate hosted by DPS Noida, their rhetorical skill is widely recognized. Additionally, hosting a one-hour radio segment on 94.3 Radio One showcased their flair for public speaking beyond the classroom. As co-founder and CEO of CigCreate Ltd., she has turned environmental concerns into entrepreneurial opportunities. Their startup, which recycles cigarette butts into eco-friendly mats, earned them a spot representing India at the JA Asia Pacific Company of the Year Programme in Japan (March 2025), where they clinched second place. The same project won them the Shark Tank competition at LVIS Noida, along with seed funding from the Ministry of Culture—a rare feat for a school student.

A natural leader, her trajectory in the student council began as junior captain of Shanti House (2021), later rising to vice president (2024-25) and now president (2025-26) of the entire student council. Her leadership is not just symbolic but impactful, guiding peers across various domains of school life. Her work extends well beyond the school gates. As president of Project Saksham, she champions inclusion for individuals with intellectual and physical challenges—a cause she’s nurtured since Grade 7. Recognized nationally, she has spoken at NCERT’s round table on education policy, hosted human rights sessions with activist Harish Iyer, and been featured on DD India News. Their involvement spans initiatives like Flawless Flaws (for acid attack survivors), Breaking Barriers (LGBTQIA+ rights), and Outlive Yourself (organ donation advocacy). Her outstanding work earned her the Silver Medallion at Pramerica Emerging Visionaries and a place among India’s Top 20 Under 20 for educating underprivileged students during the pandemic.

Her global exposure includes participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Junior Journalists Summer Camp in China, exchange programs in France and Uzbekistan, and multiple appearances on international media platforms. Her global outlook is matched by her local action—a rare blend in youth leadership. Creativity is another feather in their cap. An All-India Rank 4 winner in the Katha Writing Utsav, their poem Story of Covid-19 was published in an e-book. As a musician, she plays both the guitar and ukulele, contributing as a lyricist, singer, and instrumentalist in award-winning national music competitions like Itihaas Anveshan. Her theater journey includes participating in numerous Nukkad Nataks across prestigious schools, even representing their school at a national theater fest at Chitkara University. She also placed at inter-school competitions in declamation, debate, and turncoat formats, consistently bringing laurels to their institution. Her resume is bolstered by meaningful internships and affiliations: a two-week internship at the Keshav Suri Foundation, a year-long program with NOTTO, and recognition as a WWF Plastic Tide Turner by the United Nations and the Indian Government. Whether it’s attending youth summits or curating advocacy content, their civic engagement is both deep and broad.

From badminton courts to debate podiums, from business boardrooms to advocacy campaigns, this student’s story is not just about winning accolades—it’s about creating impact. She represents a new generation of changemakers who lead with empathy, think globally, and act boldly. The future is in good hands—and it starts with students like her.