A seven-year-old British Indian schoolgirl, who started volunteering for UN sustainability initiative against microplastic pollution when she was just three, has been awarded the prime minister's Points of Light award.
Moksha Roy, who received the award from deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden last week, has the distinction of being the world's youngest sustainability advocate.
She has been recognised for volunteering for several sustainability campaigns, including raising funds to help children in need.
"Moksha has set an excellent example in her work championing UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). She has gone to significant lengths to have these included in the school curriculum and has been in communication with leaders all over the world to encourage them to consider this," said Dowden.
"Her school no longer uses plastic glitter, confetti or plastic art supplies - this is a testament to her strong beliefs and ability to change those around her to create a better world," he said.
Moksha has also assisted in educational sessions for deprived schoolchildren in India.
"I am very happy to receive the Points of Light award. I hope both children and adults get to understand that caring for the planet and its people and making small changes to everyday life should not be just for a few. It is just like brushing our teeth," she said.
"We brush our teeth to care for them and avoid pain; similarly we can take care of the planet not for anyone else, but just us, to be safe. Each and every one of us can do small things in our own lives, work and community to combat the big challenges such as climate change, pollution, poverty and inequality."
Her parents, Ragini G Roy and Sourav Roy, said their daughter's efforts prove that even the youngest in society have a role to play in combating climate change.
“This is a crucial point in the history of the world given the devastating impact of climate change around us. What Moksha is doing shows us that even the youngest in society has as important a role in creating a tangible impact when it comes to acting on the UN sustainable development goals. We support her efforts in creating a fair, safe and sustainable world for everyone," they said.
(PTI)
Dharavi slum in Mumbai
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)