At the age of 14, Diya Loka, a student of CHIREC International School in Hyderabad, was deeply disturbed by the rampant problem of electronic waste littering the streets during a summer break. Observing dangerous piles of discarded gadgets and batteries leaking toxic chemicals such as mercury and arsenic, and noting that sanitation workers, including children, handled this e-waste without safety protections, she felt compelled to act.
The 17 year old environmentalist is also recipient of the prestigious Diana Award 2024, which recognises exceptional young people worldwide for their humanitarian work and social action.
Alongside her friend Sahithi Radha, she founded E-Cycl, a student-led initiative with the mission to collect e-waste responsibly, educate communities about its hazards, and promote safe recycling practices. What began as local school seminars and neighbourhood drives soon expanded into a large-scale, youth-driven movement addressing a critical environmental and social issue.
Diya Loka/Linkedin
Impacting Communities and Empowering Youth
In just three years, E-Cycl has made remarkable strides. The initiative has collected over 10,000 kilograms of e-waste from Hyderabad and other cities through organised collection drives in residential complexes, educational institutions, and corporate offices. The project doesn’t stop at collection; it refurbishes usable devices and donates them to underprivileged children in government schools, helping bridge the digital divide exacerbated by the pandemic.
Through these efforts, Diya and Sahithi have mentored over 5,000 young changemakers. Their volunteer base now includes 150 individuals spread across more than 10 countries, amplifying the initiative’s reach and social impact. E-Cycl’s educational outreach has touched thousands of students with awareness seminars that highlight both the environmental and human rights aspects of e-waste management, urging responsible consumer behaviour.
Recognition, Partnerships, and Growth
Diya’s pioneering work earned her the prestigious Diana Award in 2024, which recognises exceptional humanitarian contributions by youth worldwide. This recognition, coupled with support from influential organisations like Meta, The Wall Street Journal, UNEP, IIIT Hyderabad, and recycling companies such as Recykal and Crapbin, has propelled E-Cycl onto the global stage.
The initiative has participated in international platforms including the Guggenheim Museum’s Young Climate Prize and UNESCO’s World Futures Day, spreading its message to a diverse audience. The Telangana Pollution Control Board has commended E-Cycl’s model, exploring ways to incorporate youth-led approaches into formal waste management policies.
Meanwhile, the Eco Club and student councils at CHIREC International School continue to foster similar environmental activism among students.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Their story embodies how youthful empathy, creativity, and fearless leadership can catalyse impactful environmental and social change. Amid global climate challenges and social inequalities, E-Cycl operates at the intersection of sustainability, education, and community empowerment, turning discarded waste into valuable learning tools and preserving human dignity by protecting vulnerable workers.
The Logical Indian believes this narrative underscores the necessity of nurturing young minds for a harmonious future where innovation meets compassion.
