12-year-old Indian student devises educational solutions for Syrian refugee children, honoured

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

A 12-year-old Indian child, Raghav Krishna Seshadri Sumanth, who resides in Dubai, won the ‘Diana Award’ for humanitarian efforts in education.

It is the highest international honour granted to young people for their social and voluntary services.

As part of a virtual ceremony due to the pandemic, Raghav received the ‘Diana Award’, the highest international accolade a young person can achieve for social work or humanitarian endeavour.

According to the local media, Raghav and his team devised affordable solutions to provide education for Syrian refugee children, and submitted their ideas to Dubai Cares, winning the Young Philanthropist Award in 2019.

Raghav, a student at the Delhi Private School in Sharjah, considers His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, as his ideal, and he is trying very hard to keep the flag of the UAE and India high.

Raghav commented on receiving the award, saying: “I am honoured to receive the Diana Award, and I am grateful to the judges, my family, my teachers and the supporters. I look forward to being part of the alumni network and participating in the development programmes run by the Diana Prize Foundation.”

He continued, “I pledge to continue working for various humanitarian and social issues. I believe that the ultimate goal in life is to be a responsible citizen and a good human being.”

For her part, CEO of the Award, Tessie Ogo, said: “We congratulate the awardees from the United Kingdom and around the world that are considered change-makers for their generation. We know that by receiving the award they are inspiring more young people to integrate into their communities and begin their journey as active citizens.”

Dubai Cares implemented several ideas and strategies presented by Raghav and his team, which created a positive impact on thousands of Syrian refugee students in Jordan.

The student also posted educational videos for children in mathematics and science subjects on social media, taking advantage of his educational skills.

Raghav also contributed to raising Dhs30,000 from donors for the scientific training process for 73 teachers in 23 schools in the UAE during the past year, during the period of ban imposed by the pandemic.

Earlier the 7th-grade student was awarded the prestigious Hamdan Award for Distinguished Academic Performance for achievements in academics, extra-curricular activities, leadership, and social work.

What is the Diana Award?

The Diana Award was set up in 1999 by the British Government to continue Princess Diana's legacy. It is a formal way to recognise young people globally who go beyond the expected in their local communities.