Devansh, 14, India

Basic need(s):

Education, Health, Environment

Project:

Making short films that promote awareness about environmental and children's issues

Devansh seeks to increase awareness about environmental concerns and children's issues by making short films on his PowerBook Mac G4. He uses these films to encourage people to reconsider traditional things in contemporary contexts and to become aware of things that they tend to overlook. One of his films, "Snaky Tales," sensitizes viewers to violence against snakes and nature at large. "Believe the Hype" exposes the effects of advertising and children's food habits, with the goal of making children aware of negative health habits due to media exposure. Another film, "Birds through My Window," which won the Golden Tree Award at a National Environment Film Festival, is shown extensively in schools and was part of a traveling film festival that went to four major cities across India. Devansh plans to pursue his media initiatives for tribal children and to make a positive impact on society with his films. For more information, visit www.rootsandwingsindia.com.

Photo: Benjamin Quinto