Aarya Chavda Introduction
Ardent and zealous reformer of change, 12-year-old Aarya Chavda began her journey as an author, illustrator, speaker, heritage and environment crusader, at the age of 6. Since then, she has been fundraising for a cause by donating her art and book proceeds for the welfare of underprivileged cancer patients. Author of 8 books, she pens down her thoughts and voices her words by raising awareness on relevant topics such as heritage preservation, current climate crisis, girl child education and children’s fundamental rights and duties, while leaving the message of peace, non-violence and equality, by depicting the ideologies and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. Her books have been patronage and published by UNESCO New Delhi, introduced by United Nations India and published in digital platforms like UNESCO Digital library and UNESCO Global Citizenship Education (GCED). Through these platforms, her books are read by readers of all age worldwide. Her books empower readers to find their voice and use it to speak out for change, so that they can enhance their understanding for a peaceful and sustainable future. A fervent believer of, “Small actions lead to big changes”, Aarya demonstrates her commitment through her public awareness campaign on ‘Preservation of Cultural Heritage’ and ‘Sustainable living- Caring for Climate’, by taking talks in schools, private and government institutions. Her lectures attract wide attention of students ranging from Grade 1 till University level. The key idea of her initiative is to motivate and create a movement among the youth across religion, region and race, to enhance their capabilities, by becoming more responsible towards preserving our heritage and protecting our environment. Since past 4 years, she is proudly representing the cultural heritage of India on National and International platforms. To name a few, Aarya’s work on cultural heritage and her books are recognized and appreciated by Hon.Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, Hon. Union Cultural Minister Sri Prahlad Singh Patel, Hon. Union Environment Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar, and Former Governor of Gujarat Shri O P Kohli. Her work on heritage preservation is also supported wholeheartedly by Education Minister of Gujarat, Ahmedabad District Collector, Hon. Mayor and Municipal Commissioner of Ahmedabad, who appreciate her commitment in ‘Preservation of Cultural heritage’ at this young age. Since past 2 years Aarya is presenting her work on cultural heritage at UNESCO World Heritage Volunteer program and addressing National and international delegates. A few of her achievements are as follows: • • •
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Sept 2018 - Aarya presented her work on Ahmedabad heritage to Mr Bobir Tukhtabayev at UNESCO office Geneva, Switzerland December 2018 – Presentation on ‘Preservation of heritage’ at UNESCO World Heritage Volunteer program addressing National and international delegates. May 2019 - UNESCO World HQ Paris invited Aarya to present her work on heritage to UNESCO Assistant Director General of Culture Mr Ernesto Ottone Ramirez. Along with her work she also presented first copy of her book, ‘Ahmedabad my city my heritage’ to Mr Ramirez. May 2019 - Presentation of her work at the Indian Embassy Paris to the Ambassador of India to France H.E Mr Vinay M Kwatra.