Page 49 - DAIS - DAISPORA ISSUE 05

Varun Bakshi: A Voice for Equality
From Passion to Purpose
Though their interests differ—Bridge and animal welfare for Anshul, gender equality
If Anshul’s story is one of strategy and empathy, Varun Bakshi’s is one of vision
and courage. His journey began with a deeply personal inspiration—his mother’s for Varun—what connects them is a shared belief in the power of initiative. Both have
award-winning documentary Son Rise, which chronicled the lives of male allies translated personal interests into movements that now touch the lives of others.

fighting against gender inequality in rural India. The stories sparked something in Their stories also reflect a broader truth: that schools can play an essential, often
him, and he knew he couldn’t remain a bystander. unseen role in shaping values and aspirations.

At DAIS, learning has always extended beyond the classroom. It’s found in
Since then, Varun has become a key voice in the HeForShe movement,
collaborating with Weber Shandwick and UN Women to drive male engagement student-led clubs, independent projects, community work, and, most importantly,
in gender justice. Over the past four years, he has mobilized more than a million the school’s willingness to meet students where their passions lie. In that way, Anshul
and Varun are not outliers —they are reflections of what happens when a school
Anshul Bhatt: Mastering the Game and the Heart boys and men, using workshops, digital campaigns, and school activations to quietly, consistently supports students in becoming the best versions of themselves.

start conversations that often go unspoken.
Anshul’s introduction to Bridge came early—at just six years old—through friendly
family games that quickly grew into a serious pursuit. By the time he was eight, he His impact on the ground is equally powerful. In the villages of Haryana, where
was representing India at the Under-16 World Youth Bridge Championships in Lyon. gender norms can be deeply entrenched, Varun opened the region’s first

In 2022, he reached a remarkable milestone, winning three gold medals at the girls-only library and organized sensitization sessions in schools. These efforts
Under-16 World Transnational Youth Championships in Italy, earning recognition created ripples, not just in attitudes but in outcomes, as young girls and boys
from none other than Bill Gates. alike began seeing new possibilities for themselves.

But Anshul’s story doesn’t stop at personal accolades. With BridgeBlitz, an initiative Throughout this journey, DAIS stood
he founded to share his love for the game, he has taught Bridge to over 400 behind him. Taking a gap year to
students across India. The game, he believes, sharpens cognitive skills and nurtures deepen his work was no small

strategic thinking in a way few other activities do. His students’ success—six of decision, but the school recognized
whom represented India at international competitions—is a testament to that belief. FAVORITE CURRENTLY BUCKET that real-world learning can be just as
DAIS EVENT READING LIST valuable as formal instruction. With a

Beyond the world of cards and competitions, Anshul’s compassion found a powerful Night school leading up The Great Gatsby by Represent India & win perfect IB predicted score, Varun
outlet in PawPath, an initiative he launched after witnessing the plight of stray to the Annual Day F. Scott Fitzgerald. the Open World showed that pursuing purpose and
animals during the COVID-19 lockdowns. What started as a modest neighborhood Championships academic excellence can go hand in
campaign to provide food and care soon grew into a nonprofit organization hand. Looking Ahead
supporting multiple NGOs and rescue shelters. Through PawPath, Anshul has created
educational content, raised funds, and collaborated with veterinarians and volunteers For Anshul and Varun, the journey is far from over. As they prepare for the next

to advocate for animal welfare on a broader scale. Most recently, Anshul’s work took a new leap forward through his involvement with chapters in their lives, they carry with them not just achievements but a sense of
responsibility to continue learning, leading, and giving back.
In a world where success is often measured by test scores or college placements, Vantara, one of India’s largest animal rescue and rehabilitation programs. Spending Mobilizing over a million boys and men, Their paths remind us that leadership doesn’t always come with a title. Sometimes it
two students from Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS) have chosen a This journey, too, has been deeply shaped by DAIS. The school provided not just time with Vantara’s team deepened his understanding of large-scale animal care, begins at a Bridge table or in a village library. Sometimes it’s driven by compassion
different route—one defined by passion, empathy, and action. Anshul Bhatt and encouragement but structure, offering mentorship, flexibility in scheduling, and a ecosystem conservation, and sustainable practices. It also reaffirmed his Varun proves that courage and for stray animals, or by a documentary that dares to ask difficult questions. And
Varun Bakshi are not just exceptional students; they are changemakers whose work platform to showcase his work. His CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) experiences commitment to using PawPath not just as a platform for service, but as a bridge vision can rewrite the sometimes, it simply grows out of a community that believes in its young people and
is reshaping how young people think about leadership, service, and impact. were not just checklist items, but became deeply personal projects that the school between young people and the natural world. The experience allowed him to refine quietly cheers them on.
helped nurture. From guiding him in formalizing his initiative to connecting him with his vision: to create a scalable, youth-led network for animal advocacy that blends

like-minded peers and advisors, DAIS played a quiet but essential role in helping education, action, and impact. narrative of gender equality.
PawPath grow.