Akarsh Shroff, a social entrepreneur from Bengaluru, received National Youth Award for his efforts to improve early childhood education at Anganwadi centres in India.The award was conferred by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs at a ceremony held in New Delhi, which honoured recipients from both 2021-22 and 2022-23 award cycles.
About Akarsh Shroff
Founded YuvaSpark, a youth-led NGO established in 2018 when he was just 17 years old.
Recognized for his work in digitising learning at Anganwadi centres across rural India.
YuvaSpark developed tech platforms to digitise education in 600+ anganwadi centres across rural India.
The platform delivers interactive, vernacular-language content for teachers and children, enhancing learning outcomes.
- Reached 3.46 lakh children across 10 Indian states.
- Engaged 700+ volunteers from 35 institutions.
- Raised ₹2.5 crore in funding from major organisations like: Indian Oil; Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI); Amazon; MNGL; Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
Additional Initiatives by YuvaSpark:
- Improving infrastructure in orphanages.
- Enhancing library facilities in government schools.
- Providing smart learning devices to special schools.
About National Youth Award (NYA):
| Feature | Details |
| Presented by | Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India |
| Objective | To recognise outstanding youth contribution in national development and social service |
| Eligibility | Youth under the age of 30 years |
| Fields Recognised | Education, health, innovation, research, community service, culture, tourism, sports, human rights, etc. |
| Award Components | ₹1,00,000 + medal + certificate (Individual); ₹3,00,000 + medal + certificate (Organization) |
National Youth Awards 2021-22 & 2022-23 Distribution:
- Total Awards Presented: 24
- 2021-22 (Individual Category): 11 awards
- 2022-23: Individual Category: 12 awards and Organization Category: 1 award