Varun Bakshi Receives Global King Constantine Recognition!

Varun Bakshi of DAIS has been awarded the prestigious King Constantine Medal for his sustained work in advancing gender equality and social justice. His inspiring journey has also been featured in Round Square Weekly, recognising exceptional contributions across the global Round Square community.

 

Over several years, Varun has worked at the grassroots level in rural Haryana, challenging patriarchal norms through workshops with nearly 1,000 adolescent boys in collaboration with the Selfie With Daughter Foundation. His initiatives include establishing a girls-only library with 865 books, leading menstrual hygiene awareness programmes, and introducing campaigns such as Nameplates of Equality to prompt reflection on women’s identity and ownership.

 

Varun has also contributed to national campaigns including Beti Hui Hai and the gender equality pledge signed by one million students. At just 17, his achievement reflects remarkable commitment and inclusive leadership. He is currently taking a gap year to work full-time on the Lado Panchayat initiative, strengthening girls’ participation in local governance and addressing issues such as child marriage and female infanticide.