India Director

I am a science-driven youth leader and graduate of Monash University, Melbourne, with a Master’s in Food Science and Agribusiness. I have represented both Australia and India at the United Nations, including the UN Summit of the Future (2024), the WHO Delegation in Geneva (2024), and the UN ECOSOC Youth Forum (2025).

My leadership spans roles as a Regional Member of the UN Major Group for Children and Youth, Youth Representative to the World Food Forum, and contributor to the UN Social Forum. I was also nominated for the Young Science Leader Award 2025 by Monash University.

Professionally, I have worked with Australian companies on sustainability and embedding the SDGs into science, policy, and industry. Through my advocacy, I aim to bridge academic research with global policy reform, championing agrifood justice, sustainability, and inclusive governance.

I am passionate about promoting Indian youth leadership, supporting cross-cultural academic exchange, and creating pathways for students and young professionals in India, Australia, and across Asia to advance their careers and leadership through the AAYA India Chapter.

Connect with me here.

Pillar Director

Bhawika Dangi is a Gold Medalist with a Master’s in Development Extension from Jamia Millia Islamia and a governance and gender specialist. Her expertise spans strategic program design and implementation within key government institutions, including the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, where she has contributed to impactful policy initiatives.

As the Strategic Head of the Viksit Bharat Leadership Council, she has trained and mentored more than 1,000 youth across India, fostering grassroots leadership and civic engagement. Bhawika has also represented India as a Youth Delegate at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and the National Youth Parliament. Her commitment to social equity is further reflected in her published research on the empowerment of female sex workers.

Through the AAYA India Chapter, Bhawika aims to connect youth across Asia and Australia — fostering collaboration, cultural exchange, and inclusive governance that strengthens people-to-people understanding and leadership for sustainable development.

Portfolio Director

Hardik is a 19-year-old philanthropist, author, and youth leader from India, widely recognised for his work in social innovation, sustainability, and youth empowerment. As the Founder of the Hardik Dewan Foundation, a registered non-profit promoting education, gender equality, and technological inclusion, he has led transformative initiatives including Greenify India, Co-Terminator Shield, Beetle Messenger, and ItsCoolApp.

Hardik has represented India as a Member of Parliament at the World Teen Parliament and as a Youth Delegate at the United Nations ECOSOC Youth Forum and the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2025. In 2025, he organised India’s largest Youth Lead Dialogue at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, uniting more than 1,000 delegates, policymakers, and innovators, with the official outcome report submitted to the United Nations General Assembly.

Author of “Why India Needs Its AJNA?” - endorsed by India’s Hon’ble President and Former Vice President - Hardik has been recognised by Forbes India, the India Book of Records, and multiple national institutions for leadership and innovation. He envisions a world where young people serve as catalysts for sustainable growth, peace, and digital transformation, championing an inclusive future driven by compassion, creativity, and collective action.

Ambassador

Ronak Khatri is a dynamic youth leader and one of the most influential Presidents in the history of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU). Widely recognised for his impactful leadership and youth advocacy, he has been at the forefront of initiatives focused on education, empowerment, and social responsibility.

Representing the world’s largest youth nation, India, Ronak’s work embodies the spirit of collaboration and progress that defines the Asia–Australia Youth Association (AAYA). As an Ambassador for AAYA India, he contributes to advancing intercultural understanding, academic cooperation, and youth-led development between Asia and Australia. Through his continued engagement, Ronak remains a strong advocate for building bridges between students, policymakers, and global institutions to empower the next generation of leaders.