On June 22, 2023, we had the privilege of coming together for our 43rd leadership conversation, a gathering that held a special significance as we paid tribute to our beloved Late Chief Mentor, Dr. R.K. Pachauri. The purpose of this heartfelt conversation was to delve into the world of community-led projects, guided by the wisdom and insights of Heer Desai, a 15-year-old from India who possesses an unwavering passion for driving social change.

When asked to define what leadership meant to her, Heer eloquently expressed the essence of true leadership: the art of working harmoniously with a team to achieve a shared goal. She emphasized the power of translating a vision into reality and the importance of walking alongside her team, fostering collaboration and unity. Curiosity piqued, we eagerly inquired about Heer’s projects and her most significant achievements thus far. With an unwavering dedication to public speaking and social changemaking, Heer embarked on her journey by establishing “Emblems of Earth” and organizing workshops for students within their schools. Even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, she adapted swiftly, transitioning to online workshops where concepts became even more intricate as the students grew. Moreover, Heer’s experimentation with bioplastics showcased her innovative spirit and commitment to finding sustainable solutions.

As the conversation unfolded, the significance of community-based projects came into focus. Heer highlighted the vital role of garnering support, as the more allies one has, the greater the potential for creating transformative change. It became evident that most of Heer’s projects centered around engaging and empowering the youth and younger generations, recognizing their immense capacity to shape a better future. We discussed the challenges she encountered on her path. Heer candidly shared that self-confidence proved to be a recurring obstacle, as she grappled with the belief that her actions could genuinely make a positive impact. Conquering self-doubt became a personal triumph for her. Within the workshops, challenges presented themselves in the form of curating the right information, selecting trustworthy sources, adhering to time limits, and ensuring a captivating and interactive experience for the participants.

In the spirit of mentorship, we sought Heer’s guidance for aspiring youth leaders who aspire to make a difference in the environmental realm. Her advice was both profound and practical. She urged them to start with the ideas they already possess, emphasizing the value of starting small and using each experience as a stepping stone for personal and collective growth. By pursuing their passions and identifying environmental issues they wish to tackle, they could fuel their drive and ignite change. Heer stressed the significance of teamwork, urging these aspiring leaders to build a strong community around them, fostering collaboration and amplifying their impact. Importantly, she encouraged them to embark on this journey out of genuine passion, not merely because they feel obligated to do so. She reminded them not to fear failure but rather embrace it as a catalyst for growth and learning.

In the presence of Heer Desai, we witnessed the embodiment of youthful determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to creating a better world. Her words reverberated within us, inspiring us to reflect on our own leadership journeys and the profound impact we can collectively have when we unite with a shared vision. In the end, we carry with us the lessons learned from Heer, the young changemaker, reminding us that age knows no boundaries when it comes to making a difference, propelling us towards purposeful action and transformation, as we continue our own journeys of leadership and social change.

About the guest:

Heer Desai, is a 15 year old from India passionate about social changemaking. She has worked towards spreading environmental awareness through my multiple projects that she led or contributed to. Most of her projects involved the contribution of the youth community which in my opinion lays a very crucial foundation in combating all environmental problems that we face today. She is also a passionate reader, public speaker and someone who thoroughly enjoys music.