A SMALL Big Challenge to Feed the World

Yash in Grade 9 recently took part in the ‘SMALL big challenge’ initiated by Terraekam. The challenge was for young people to produce a video focusing on an important issue that they had selected, how they would address the issue and how fellow youth could contribute. Starting small as part of the challenge, Yash launched his initiative ‘FeedIndia’ where people can provide basic needs for those in their surroundings. We reached out to Yash to learn more about his initiative and how people may contribute.

Young people are often told to stay within their limits and to curb their enthusiasm, ideas and creativity. With their SMALL big challenge, Terraekam thought differently: youth has the power to change the world – one small step at the time, leading to great impact. Yash has a great aim in mind and, although he started small, he would like to reach big results: “I am starting small, an initiative known as ‘FeedIndia’. Although once we feed a million people in India, we might start ‘Feed The World’, which can possible reduce the rates of starvation by massive levels.”

Yash’s idea of providing food to help individuals and communities at risk started with him thinking of basic needs. “There were numerous options I could have chosen, although what is the point of providing people with facilities if they are not alive?”, says Yash, who chose issues of starvation and thirst to begin with. “Living a life is more important than living a privileged life.” While participating in HMUN India, Yash found out about the challenge. “I realised that a positive impact on society could be created by just participating in this challenge. A week later I received an email saying that I was shortlisted and will be going up on Instagram", explains Yash, who then went on to produce his video. 

According to the World Health Organization, hunger is the single gravest threat to public health in the world. Yash’s ambition is to fight hunger and to ensure that no stomach, young or old, goes empty. “In my video, I spoke about how a domino effect could be created by a gesture of kindness. I spoke about the factual reasons why this will impact many people around the world and change their lives for the better”, says Yash, who has received the support of over 1000 people and hopes to gain more recognition and support for his cause.

Yash is currently developing a website where people can contribute with volunteering and donations for the good of those in their eminent surroundings. “Along with this initiative, I have got to remember that the world is competitive, and that competitiveness could be diverted for a good cause”, says Yash, who is planning to set up a week-long competition that will be hosted every month. In the competitions “participants must raise money in their surroundings and feed those who can’t afford it”, says Yash and explains that the most number of stomachs fed will be the winner. The website will be up in the near future with the first competition being hosted later this year. “The students, teachers and Alumni of TISB can all volunteer and donate for this noble cause, share it with their family and friends and participate in the monthly competitions to gain a certificate and the title of ‘Lead Feeder’.”

Stay tuned to our news and social media channels for updates and more information when Yash's initiative goes live.