Aarav Vijai Wins ‘Young Entrepreneur Of The Year’: Turning Passion Into Impact

Aarav Vijai is a young man leading change by merging art and technology. As a founder of Kensho Foundation, NGO – where creativity meets service, his efforts were recently recognized with the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award by Outlook magazine. He is recognised as a resilient young man, age 16, who turned his personal adversity into a mission to empower children especially those surviving with disabilities and medical challenges – his story is an example to resilience, innovation, and the impact of giving back.

A Life-Altering Experience

Prior to COVID-19, an unexpected turn in his life led to a series of leg fractures leaving him wheelchair-bound for six months. The sudden shift from an active lifestyle to being dependent on others was both emotionally and physically taxing and being confined to a wheelchair felt like the world had shrunk around him.

However, what seemed like a setback soon turned into a revelation.

During those difficult months, Aarav experienced the daily struggles faced by differently-abled folks, particularly children. The challenges gave way to the realization that a sense of helplessness was bound to develop in such circumstances. This newfound perspective planted the seed of change in Aarav’s mind, to affect lives beyond his own.

Turning Passion into Purpose

During the long recovery hours, he rediscovered his childhood ‘sketching’ passion. He began sketching portraits of Indian leaders and historical personalities—people who faced significant challenges and contributed to change. While he immersed himself in these sketches, an idea began to take shape—what if he could use his art to contribute to a cause?

What better occasion to begin than our 75th Independence?

Thus, the idea was born for the initiative of “Sketches for a Cause” - the goal was simple yet powerful: convert his artwork into products that could be sold to raise funds for children in need. As guided by the many great lives he’d read about, the path to change is never easy. The lockdown posed various challenges—unavailability of local outlets and resources. However, he remained steadfast, and soon, found a badge manufacturer online from Delhi. With his assistance, Aarav produced his first badge of clip-on badges, making it his first foray into social entrepreneurship!

Changing Lives, One Sketch at a Time

Crafting products and raising funds were the initial steps in the journey. Inspired by the tireless work of caregivers like Pushpa Didi, he decided to direct his contributions toward the education and medical needs of the children at Desire society, an NGO for HIV-affected underserved children in Mumbai.

His outreach efforts online through www.avstudios.co.in, social media & offline via school events, participation in fairs and exhibitions grew rapidly. From a single product of badges to multiple items like mugs, t-shirts, writing pads, keychains, and other utility/stationery items —each sale contributing to the welfare of the afflicted. He collaborated with an NGO, SWARI Foundation to create an unique ‘educational card game’ about our leaders for the younger kids. To date, while collaborating with designers, printers, retail outlets, NGOs, event organisers etc., Aarav has managed to raise INR 1 lakh & create awareness while reaching out to 2.5k+ people - bringing tangible support and hope to the lives of underprivileged children.

Innovation and Empathy: A Vision for Change

Aarav’s determination to better lives sparked a keen interest in assistive technology. Being passionate about robotics & AI, he began pondering how technological innovation could help the differently-abled folks live independently, easing their emotional and physical burdens. This curiosity led to the development of “Facial Recognition-based Robotic Feeder Arm”.

The robotic arm would be of assistance in ‘feeding a patient through facial recognition by detecting movements and facial expressions’. While, still in the development stage, reflects Aarav’s commitment to using technology for social impact. His own experience of being bedridden has helped him to develop empathy and think about those in need, constantly. His vision goes beyond charity—he aims to create sustainable, long-term solutions that empower the differently-abled to lead fuller lives.

Recognition and Achievements

Aarav’s work has not gone unnoticed. His passion and impact have earned him recognition, reinforcing his belief in the power of social entrepreneurship. He has been honored by Vibgyor High School’s Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Principal for his artistic and social initiatives. He got featured in Robin Age magazine’s “School Heroes,” recognizing young changemakers.

At the prestigious ‘BAL-DISHA’ exhibition at Nehru Centre Art Gallery, Mumbai, Aarav’s artwork was personally acknowledged by Smt. Nina Rege, Asst. Director. His school proudly showcased his achievements on their official Instagram pages across all branches in India. He got felicitated by the government as he received the ‘letter of appreciation’ from Ms. Vidya Thakur, MLA of Goregaon, Mumbai & was also named one of Talerang’s 25 Under 25, an award celebrating young leaders shaping the future through innovation and social impact.

Further, being recognized as the “Young Entrepreneur of the Year” by Outlook magazine, highlights his growing role in social entrepreneurship.

A Vision for the Future

For Aarav at age 16, social entrepreneurship is not just about short-term charity; it’s about creating sustainable change. His mission #SketchesForACause is more than a hashtag—reflects his belief in using passion and creativity to drive positive change. He continues to explore new ways to grow his initiative & expand his product line by involving more youngsters through clubs in his current school at Oberoi International School (OIS), workshop at NGO’s and outside for his cause.

Beyond fundraising, Aarav dreams of scaling up his assistive technology projects, and collaborating with experts to develop practical solutions that enhance accessibility for people with disabilities.

Aarav’s journey shows how challenges can lead to new opportunities and how leadership starts with a commitment to service. As he explores new avenues in social entrepreneurship, he believes his work has just begun.

For more information, please visit: www.avstudios.co.in