In the dynamic landscape of youth-led social impact, Mihika, a determined 16-year-old based in Bangalore, stands as a compelling figure. Her deep-seated commitment to gender equality, cultivated through eight years of Taekwondo practice culminating in a second-degree black belt, has manifested in the Merida Initiative. This program, a key undertaking of the Malachite Nonprofit she founded, directly addresses Sustainable Development Goal 5 by providing crucial self-defense training to young girls.

Mihika's personal journey, marked by an unsettling experience with harassment, served as a pivotal catalyst for her proactive approach to girls' safety. Recognizing the need for tangible empowerment, she established the Merida Initiative to equip girls with practical skills and foster a sense of agency. This endeavor is strongly supported by her family, underscoring a collaborative ecosystem nurturing her vision.

The Malachite Nonprofit, a testament to Mihika's broader commitment to the UN SDGs, leverages a volunteer network, including experienced martial arts practitioners. Collaborating closely with her co-founder, Jaison, Mihika spearheads curriculum development and orchestrates training sessions within local schools. The initiative has already made significant inroads, currently reaching approximately 150 students in government schools.

Balancing her impactful social initiatives with academic rigor, Mihika is an accomplished 11th-grade student at Candor International School. Her academic excellence is underscored by a distinguished performance in her 10th-grade IGCSE board exams, achieving all A's and A stars with an IGCSE distinction. Currently enrolled in the demanding IBDP program, she maintains a high academic standing, demonstrating a remarkable capacity to integrate her passion for social change with scholarly pursuits.

Mihika's leadership extends beyond the classroom and the dojo. As the driving force behind the Merida Initiative, she has successfully mobilized support from her school, community, and fellow students, showcasing her ability to translate vision into tangible action. Her achievements include securing recognition as a Karnataka state Taekwondo champion in 2023, earning both gold and silver medals.

Looking ahead, Mihika envisions a significant expansion of the Merida Initiative, aiming to reach thousands of students across a wider spectrum of educational institutions, including private schools and orphanages. Her strategic roadmap includes the development of a comprehensive self-defense curriculum designed for broader dissemination. Furthermore, she intends to inspire the replication of similar programs by other young leaders. A key element of her future strategy involves organizing a fundraiser to provide essential self-defense kits to girls in vulnerable communities, directly addressing resource disparities.

The genesis of Malachite Nonprofit was rooted in Mihika's early concern for environmental issues, specifically the prevalence of littering. This initial impetus to create positive change broadened to encompass the holistic framework of the UN SDGs. The Merida Initiative, however, was specifically inspired by the perceived lack of sustained action following a deeply disturbing case of sexual assault in Kolkata. Witnessing the initial wave of public outcry recede without concrete, long-term solutions, Mihika felt a compelling need to move beyond advocacy and actively empower girls with practical self-defense skills as a tangible safeguard. Her journey exemplifies the potent synergy of personal conviction, strategic leadership, and a profound commitment to fostering a safer and more equitable society.