Shraavyaa Thalur: Championing Mental Health and Academic Excellence

As a teenager, Shraavyaa Thalur has emerged as a remarkable advocate for mental health awareness, combining her passion for psychology with a commitment to community service and academic achievement. Observing a lack of awareness and resources around mental health, she dedicated herself to addressing these challenges through innovative projects, research, and outreach efforts over the past three years.

Shraavyaa Thalur has taken significant steps to bridge the gap in mental health education. She has authored handbooks on mental and overall well-being, designed specifically for parents and children. These handbooks, written in Kannada and English, are distributed free of cost in schools, NGOs, and hospitals to maximize accessibility. They are also available for purchase on Amazon, extending their reach to a wider audience.

To complement these resources, Shraavyaa conducts engaging sessions for students, fostering a deeper understanding of mental health challenges and empowering them with coping strategies. Her advocacy extends to the digital sphere through her podcast series, where she collaborates with experts such as psychologists, counselors, and oncologists. With 14 episodes released, her podcast has garnered over 1 lakh plays and a 4.6-star rating.

This platform has become a valuable resource for exploring various aspects of psychology and mental well-being. Shraavyaa’s academic journey reflects her dedication to advancing knowledge in psychology. She has published an independent research paper on behavioral economics in an international journal. Her second research paper, focusing on parenting styles, is slated for publication in December, further solidifying her role as an emerging scholar in her field.

As the founder and lead of her school’s psychology club, Shraavyaa has inspired a new generation of students to explore psychology and mental health. By organizing activities and discussions, she has cultivated a supportive environment where young learners can gain awareness and develop an interest in the subject. Shraavyaa also volunteered for four months with Reach One, teaching English to seven individuals in Delhi at the age of 15. Additionally, she contributes as a content writer for Project Nidar, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about sexual harassment.

Her engagement with the Student Internet Governance Forum (SIGF) as a fellow reflects her commitment to creating safer digital spaces for the future. Shraavyaa’s journey has not been without challenges. Having faced bullying during her primary and middle school years, she worked tirelessly to build her confidence and create a safe space for others experiencing similar struggles. These experiences have fueled her passion for making a positive impact, ensuring that children and teenagers receive the support and understanding they need. Shraavyaa’s exceptional contributions have been recognized through various accolades.

She received the Crest Gold Award from the British Science Association for her research paper and the Learning Excellence Award and Global citizenship award from her school principal. As the Academic Head in her school’s student council, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership. Her academic achievements include being the CBSE Class X topper with a perfect score in Science and earning a bronze medal in the International English Olympiad organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation.

In summary, Shraavyaa Thalur is an academic head, podcaster with over 1 lakh plays, published researcher, and author of impactful handbooks on mental and overall well-being. Through her pioneering work in psychology, advocacy, and education, she has inspired meaningful conversations and action in her community. Shraavyaa’s journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.