Ananya & Shyam Manikandan

2025 Eco-Hero

FINALIST

Ananya & Shyam Manikandan
Age 13 + 14
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Championing Sustainable Living Through Creative Media

Ananya Manikandan, 14, and Shyam Manikandan, 13, from Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, began their journey with a powerful discovery: a bird's nest woven from discarded plastic wires. This single observation ignited their passion to combat waste and promote environmental consciousness through a unique and creative approach.

Since 2019, the siblings have developed an impressive, multi-faceted project that utilizes the power of creative media to champion sustainable living. They have created 10 short films and two stage dramas, which have been screened in over 10 countries and won multiple awards, including the International Diana Award. Their musical album, "Invest in Our Planet," reached over 36,000 views on YouTube, spreading awareness about Earth Day and environmental protection.

Beyond their artistic endeavors, Ananya and Shyam are active community leaders. They have organized neighborhood recycling campaigns, conducted cleanup drives, and hosted workshops teaching others how to make eco-bricks and cloth bags from old shirts. Their work is a collaborative effort, with a dedicated team of friends and support from numerous organizations such as the Emirates Environmental Group and Goumbook. They have even extended their impact globally, raising funds to provide clean drinking water to rural communities in Kenya.

Despite facing challenges with time management, the siblings are most proud of inspiring others to take action, noting that their neighbors and peers have begun recycling on their own. Their dedication to creating a healthier planet, combined with their innovative use of media and community engagement, makes Ananya and Shyam truly inspiring eco-heroes.

instagram.com/ananya_manikndn2020
instagram.com/shyam_manikndn2020