Three high school students from Coimbatore have been crowned winners of Monash University’s Change It Challenge in India, hosted by The Vidyashilp Academy, Bengaluru.
Srivatsav, Srinivas and Sriram from The Indian Public School, impressed judges with their presentation on the impacts of methane gases on rising temperatures. Their innovative solution involved using a biogas generator to turn cow dung into clean, renewable energy.
They were one of six finalists who were challenged on how they would tackle and address these global issues. Their aim was to raise awareness of their chosen topic and encourage collaboration from other students in India.
Their reward is a trip to Melbourne where they will compete against other students from across the globe in the Monash University Change it Challenge finale event in February 2025.
Vallabha, Vedant and Naithrav from Indus International School, Hyderabad were runners up. Third place went to Diva from the host school, Vidyashilp Academy.
The Change It Challenge aims to engage and inspire high school students to create meaningful change in the areas of climate change and thriving communities. Teams were encouraged to leverage education, research, innovation, and cultural transformation in their presentation to make a positive global impact.
Dr Bodean Hedwards, Director of International Network Enablement, was lead judge for the event. Dr Rao Pasupuleti, Director, International Relations & Research Collaborations at Reva University, supported Dr Hedwards alongside Mrs Annie Santhana, Regional Director – Education (South Asia) at Victorian Government Trade and Investment.
“The Monash University Change it Challenge is an opportunity to encourage students to look at how they can change the world for the better,” said Dr Hedwards.
“The Challenge aims to engage and inspire students to tackle the challenges of the age and see the possibilities that await them in higher education and here at Monash.”
“Monash University is committed to making a positive impact on the world so that future generations can thrive. Our academics, students, staff, alumni and donors make up a community of change makers. We’re looking to deliver this with scope, expertise, and partnerships to create change at a global level.”
Four more Change it Challenge events will take place in Bangladesh, Thailand, South Korea and Indonesia over the next fortnight.