Sharing an interview of mine, taken by Miss. Naila Manal, a Delhi-based Freelancer and Media Student. The interview talks of the journey of my organization and its work in the field of Environment and Youth Activism

1. How will you describe We Aim high in your words?

Sharad: A fantastic journey with the young, the concerned and the aware generation. An effort to create a confident and passionate NEW generation that would root out OLD problems.

2. How did you come up with the idea in the first place? And tell me about how you started it?

Sharad: Right from my childhood, I have been a dreamer. I would have grown up like any other child dreaming a better future for myself and utmost my family. But, it was some eight years down the line, while reading a Science textbook, I came across the example of a bacteria -the smallest microorganism- which in a lifetime, gives BACK all the nutrients it takes from the soil. I wondered if we could not replicate what the smallest microorganism of the world does. Can we not add more value to the society? Can we not be good human beings and learn how to live up to the essence of being one? It was there and then I set out to realize the BIGGER dream of my life- the dream was to give back to the society, to make a difference to the world we live in. I believe the quest for being someone different, the thirst to stand out from the crowd was first infused in me then.                                              

3. What kind of activities is WAH involved in? What exactly do you people do, and how does it help people, especially school kids?

Sharad: We do a number of on field projects that includes some real grass root work- in the slums, in the govt. schools. We have launched innovation campaigns as Happy Meal Program- where we tie up with restaurants and confectionary stores and get food for slum kids sponsored on special occasions. We help the voiceless feel good and voice them. Also, we let the privileged realize their responsibilities, help them channelize their talents with various workshops, brainstorming sessions, competitions and student parliaments.

Dexterity is one such unique interschool fest- which in over 4 editions has encompassed more than 40,000 students from 100 plus schools and colleges including IITs (note- IITs and eng. Colleges participated in Dexterity 2010, held at Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad). We also do a lot of online activity on our facebook page as- Dexters of Debating, Dexters for Earth: Lets Green the Blues- concepts which won me the UN World Youth Award.

4. How did WAH get across South Asia? How did foreign membership come by?

Sharad: It was through my international and national exposures that I got to meet potential leaders and networked with them to reach it far and wide. The reach reflects on our Facebook too, which is followed in 22 countries.

5. Elaborate on your involvement with the UNEP, UNICEF.

Sharad: Have been a part of UNEP summits for past 5 years, WAH is recognized by UNEP. I serve as the Regional Ambassador for Asia-Pacific for UNEP TUNZA Eco-Generation and cover 49 countries that way. Well, as for UNICEF, they supported us in our 3 month long project on Education in 2007, which focused on revamping govt. schools and where in we formulated a proposal for action plan with the help of UNICEF and handed it over to the Dy. CM of Bihar

 6. Dexterity is a new and innovative concept. Can you explain about its inception? And its popularity?

Sharad: Started Dexterity to channelize the potential of young people. Their talent is a waste if doesn?t serve anybody else than them or family. Their talent needs proper channelization. This is why we started Dexterity in 2008. We talk of Youth and their involvement in Social Causes and Sustainable Development. 7 events, through the day select the best of the brains and finally Mr. and Ms. Dexter are chosen. Through a number of ways in competition and in words, we motivate them. Dexterity was the only event apart from BQC to have a theme song. Its given to us by Danpitey, a kolkata based rock band, the official rock band of Roland India, the guitar company.

7. Also apart from the organization, how important do you think is for the youth to take environment and related issues seriously? And how much can an individual contribute?

Sharad: Every person has an individual carbon footprint. Adopting a green lifestyle helps to reduce it. If we live and not squander, the planet will remain beautiful for generations to come. In day to day life too, you can contribute. Not necessarily does one need to be a climate leader for all of this.

8. Tell about the UN WORLD YOUTH AWARD 2011 that you have achieved and what are your aspirations next? Personally and for WAH?

Sharad: The award came by for conceptualizing dexterity and its online version. I am more boosted by it, than exulted. Its one of the many that will come by, if the good work continues. I aspire to create a confident and concerned young world. On organizational front, I want to expand and strengthen WAH, and also make Dexterity a world wide event. Also, on personal front – I aim to be India?s first and world?s youngest ever Secretary General of the United Nations.