Diya Loka, 17, a passionate environmentalist and founder of E-Cycl, has been awarded The Diana Award for 2024. This prestigious award, named in memory of Princess Diana, considered one of the highest accolades a young person can receive, recognizes young people who demonstrate exceptional social action and humanitarian work, and is supported by The Duke of Cambridge and The Duke of Sussex.
Diya has dedicated herself to tackling e-waste, a significant environmental threat, by initiating local and global awareness drives. Starting at the age of 14, Diya and her friend founded E-Cycl, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and collecting electronic waste, particularly in Hyderabad. Through her leadership, she has successfully collected over 10,000 kgs of e-waste, mentored over 5,000 individuals, and expanded E-Cycl into a global movement with hundreds of young changemakers involved.
Diya’s work has garnered national recognition, securing sponsorships from leading organisations like Meta, WSJ, and SOIF Futures. Her passion for sustainability also led her to contribute to projects and research at renowned institutions like CIE, IIIT, and Recykal, where she worked on advocacy and digital marketing for environmental causes. Diya continues to inspire her peers, motivating them to take action and advocate for climate solutions in their own communities.
Reacting to her news of her award, Diya said, “I’m honoured to receive the Diana Award from Prince Harry and Prince William, and I thank the Diana Award team for their immense support. I believe that through this award, I will connect with like-minded individuals on a global scale and amplify the impact I aim to make, empowering young minds across the world—a step closer to solving the climate crisis. This award will also enable me to deepen my work in sustainability and further my efforts to contribute to the cause I am deeply passionate about. It is a significant achievement for E-Cycl, as it will help us advocate for our cause and explore new ways to contribute to cleaning up our community, improving the wellness of sanitation workers, and supporting accessible education and awareness in India.”
Proving that change starts can start with young people taking charge, Divya through her dedication, is becoming a role model for youth globally.
