Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Rahul Maharana has been recognized with the prestigious National Youth Award for 2022-23, among 24 recipients nationwide for 2021-22 and 2022-23. The award was conferred by Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandviya, at a ceremony in New Delhi on Thursday.
Hailing from Ambadiha village in Khurda district, Rahul was honored for his exceptional contributions in plastic waste cleanup, mangrove restoration, biodiversity conservation, and community awareness initiatives in Odisha’s coastal regions. His relentless efforts to protect the environment have earned him national recognition.
Rahul, who works as a security guard in Bhubaneswar, launched his cleanup drive in 2018 after visiting Astaranga with his friends. Shocked by the waste accumulating in the estuary, he took it upon himself to clean the area every Sunday, armed only with a gunny bag on his back. His unwavering dedication to protecting Odisha’s coastline has since inspired many others to join the cause.
The National Youth Award celebrates exceptional contributions by young individuals towards nation-building, social work, and community service. Rahul’s journey from a solo cleanup effort to a recognized environmental movement stands as a testament to individual impact in driving positive change.
