BGRFYouth Change Maker Awards-2025

Aarish achieved all Grade 9s in his GCSEs this year and will be pursuing his Sixth Form studies at the prestigious Colchester Royal Grammar School. He will be studying Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Economics, and Computer Science at A Level. Aarish is a School Prefect, representing his peers with responsibility and leadership and representing the school in inter-school events. Alongside his academic achievements, he is a passionate musician who plays both acoustic and electric guitar, performing at school events as well as in external showcases.

Abir Chowdhury, 14, currently attends Colchester Royal Grammar School, and is set to begin Year 10. His favourite subjects in school include: Physics, Computer Science and History. Abir has a great passion for sports, especially cricket and table tennis. He has also participated in several sporting events in school. Currently, he is enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) programme and will be involved in an outdoor expedition in September. This programme has enabled him to learn a numerable amount of crucial skills and make new friendships.

In addition, Abir is currently learning the Tabla, which he has had an interest for since a young age. He loves to participate in religious events, especially Kirtans and Bhajans, and regularly reads the Bhagavad Gita. Abir has been actively involved in Youth Group activities at the United Hindu Cultural Association London, including a Ramayana performance, where he played the role of Lord Rama.

Anusha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with Media Studies where she was awarded a First-Class degree. She is currently working for The Gurkha Museum where she develops strategic marketing initiatives in order to effectively engage with both the wider Nepali community and Gurkha veterans. She has worked with both ITV and BBC with the mission to further the reach of the museum and engage with UK population and educate and inform them about the Gurkhas. For the BBC, Anusha helped two Gurkha brother reunite with their father's medal that had been lost for 50 years while also, promoting the Gurkhas and their museum. On top of her work at the museum, she is currently a Trustee for Our Streets, Our Children, a charity based in Nepali that provides education support for children living in poverty, resources provided to schools in deprived areas, and day care centres for children of Dalit community

Age: 13
School: Chelmsford County High School for Girls (Year 9)

Anushri is a dedicated and well-rounded student who excels both academically and personally. She has maintained an outstanding record of achievement, earning Bronze Awards for academic excellence in Years 7 and 8, and is now proudly working toward her Silver Award. Her natural leadership qualities shine through her roles as Form Captain—a position she has held each year—and as Sports Captain during Year 8, where she demonstrated strong teamwork, communication, and organizational skills. Actively engaged in school life, Anushri is a valued member of the school’s girls’ cricket team, participates enthusiastically in house events, and contributes her voice and ideas in Debate Club. Beyond school, Anushri continues to grow through diverse interests. She has achieved Stage 4 in swimming and earned Grade 3 in guitar, showcasing her dedication to skill development. A passionate learner of Indian classical music since the age of six, she regularly performs at community cultural events, reflecting her deep appreciation for the arts and her vibrant cultural roots.

Anushri’s blend of academic excellence, leadership, and creative expression makes her a truly inspiring young achiever.

Ayush has excelled academically, achieving top grades (9/A*) in all his GCSEs at Queen Elizabeth’s School, where he is now pursuing A-levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and D&T. Alongside his studies, he has a strong interest in engineering, a particular love for cars, and plays lead guitar in concerts both in and out of school. He hopes to build a successful career in STEM, combining his academic rigour with his creativity and passion for both design and music.

Dev Saha, 16, is a Year 12 student at Hills Road Sixth Form College, specialising in Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry. He achieved grade 9 in all GCSE subjects and received the Academic Award annually at Thetford Grammar School, where he was also House Captain.

Passionate about cricket, Dev plays as a leg-spinner for junior and adult teams and captained his school side. He has completed swimming up to Stage 8 and holds Bronze and Silver DofE Awards, currently pursuing Gold. Musically, Dev is a Grade 5 Hindustani Classical singer and a pianist preparing for Grade 6, with distinctions in earlier exams. He performed in his school band and regularly at SBLA cultural events. He has earned three UKMT Gold Awards and a BPhO Silver. Committed to community service, Dev participates in weekly social work and local cultural programmes.

Devjit Saha, a Year 9 student at Queen Elizabeth’s School, secured his place after excelling in the 11 Plus exams. He has twice achieved Gold in the Junior Mathematics Challenge Olympiad, the highest possible ranking. Beyond academics, Devjit is passionate about music, learning piano and guitar, and has reached Grade 5 in LAMDA, building his confidence and public speaking skills. He also enjoys drama, writing, and plays football while training as an academy-level swimmer. Balancing academics, sports, and the arts, Devjit continues to grow as a well-rounded and accomplished student.

Dibbo completed his GCSEs at Ilford County Grammar High School and is currently pursuing his A Levels at Shoeburyness High School Sixth Form. A highly motivated and inquisitive student, he is studying Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology, driven by a deep curiosity about how the world works through science and problem-solving. Beyond academics, Dibbo is a talented musician, proficient in piano and keyboard, and loves performing at various events, where his passion for music truly shines. His blend of strong work ethic, creativity, and enthusiasm for continuous learning reflects his commitment to both intellectual and personal growth. With every new challenge, Dibbo strives to learn, improve, and make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.

Miss Samriddhi Pokhrel was born on 7th July 2009, on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, into a devout Hindu priest family from Nepal. From an early age, she began studying Sanskrit alongside her formal education, showing a deep interest in her cultural and spiritual heritage. In 2023, she earned her GCSE in Sanskrit and has since been actively involved in a range of Sanskrit and cultural initiatives. Notable highlights include delivering the opening prayer in the Sanskrit drama Bhagavadajjukam at the Nehru Centre, London; presenting Mangalacharan at a yoga session with Acharya Balakrishna; and participating annually in International Sanskrit Day events. Beyond these achievements, Samriddhi dedicates her time to volunteering in Hindu community initiatives, engages in charitable work, and studies the Bhagavad Gita to further deepen her spiritual knowledge and connection to her heritage. In 2025, she completed her GCSEs with outstanding academic success, achieving 9 A*.

This year, Orko’s outstanding GCSE results stand as a true reflection of his hard work, commitment, and passion for learning. He has chosen to pursue Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Sociology at A Level, aligning with his future academic and career aspirations. Beyond his academic excellence, Orko is deeply passionate about LAMDA and actively participates in school debates, showcasing his confidence and eloquence in public speaking. His parents describe him as an exceptionally hardworking, thoughtful, and friendly individual who brings warmth and positivity to those around him. In his leisure time, Orko enjoys spending quality moments with his friends, balancing his studies with social connections. He now looks forward with great enthusiasm to continuing his sixth form journey at QE Boys, Barnet, where he hopes to build on his achievements and explore new opportunities for growth and discovery.