Young Innovators Tackle India’s Social Challenges In IPA Essay Contest

India-West Staff Reporter

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA) has announced the winners of its 6th Annual Youth Essay Competition, recognizing young thinkers for their innovative solutions to pressing issues in India. The competition, themed #FutureByYou, invites students to research challenges facing India and propose actionable solutions.

This year’s high school winner, Aneesh Gupta, addressed the widespread issue of unregistered births in India. “Making sure that a child’s birth is registered might not seem like a big deal, but it is actually one of the most transformative acts that you can do to ensure a child’s future,” Gupta said. He plans to donate his $1,000 prize to CRY America, an organization that supports birth registration initiatives.

Middle school winner Eesha Kondapalli focused on the devastating impact of rabies, especially on children in rural and underserved areas. Drawing inspiration from India’s large stray dog population, she emphasized the need for community-based vaccination programs like the SARAH model in Sikkim, which partners NGOs with local communities and government organizations to vaccinate dogs. Kondapalli will donate her $1,000 award to the Stray Animal Foundation of India.

The winning essays were selected for their originality, relevance, and practical solutions. A record number of students from across the U.S. participated in this year’s competition. Both Gupta and Kondapalli will present their essays at the Indian diaspora and IPA Philanthropy Summit on October 2 at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, with the session moderated by writer, director, and performing artist Isheeta Ganguly.

The IPA’s Youth Essay Competition aims to engage young people in philanthropy and underscore the power of writing as a tool for social change.