ADITHYA B. KUMAR

Adithya (aka Addy) is from India. Addy believes in equality and inclusiveness for all, regardless of any differences, and continues to strive to be a better human being. In the future, he would like to gain more work experience and go out of his comfort zone by working in locations that are post-conflict or currently experiencing conflict. Being the empathetic global thinker that he is, Addy always puts himself in others’ shoes and doesn’t shy away from helping anyone in genuine need by coming up with innovative solutions to pressing needs. Adithya B. Kumar's mentors are Marino Cavallo and Roger Hayes.

“Respect And Cherish Diversity”

Q: TELL US A FEW THINGS ABOUT YOUR COUNTRY, AND ALSO YOUR LIFE'S STORY!

Hailing from a country that is described as being rather exotic, India is a land filled with promise and development as it sails into the future. The country has grown by leaps and bounds and according to studies, Indians account for being the highest number of migrants settled abroad in every corner of the world. Keeping this in mind, I am on a journey to see and interact with people from different parts of the world and use these learnings as inspirations for my life's goals. Having graduated from a world class postgraduate programme, I got the opportunity to work in 4 different countries for organisations such as the UN.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR VIEW OF THE WORLD AS IT IS TODAY? AND HOW DO YOU DEFINE THE CONCEPT OF A BETTER WORLD?

Today's world is overtly complex attributed to some aspects of over-thinking. Nations of the world are becoming increasingly nationalistic and intolerant. While this may have certain positive aspects, humanity and compassion should not be forgotten in the process. As a strong believer in history, we have to look at the past for references in order to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. A better world is defined as one that has a good governing system that keeps public interests in mind yet doesn't need to close borders and upholds love and equality for all individuals.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY CHALLENGES IN YOUR SOCIETY?

Increasing xenophobia and attacks against minorities are becoming key challenges that need to be addressed. I do believe that all of the key challenges are interconnected and stakeholders need to take a more comprehensive look at the global issues so that one can develop a global solution to address these issues.

Q: AS A YOUNG INDIVIDUAL WHAT ARE A FEW OF THE HURDLES THAT YOU HAD TO OVERCOME UP UNTIL TODAY?

Conservatism can broadly sum up some of the hurdles that I and other young people are facing today. With many governments and key stakeholders from different subsections of the society refusing to change, it gets a bit frustrating when youth are not included in decision making. It is important to make societies more inclusive and respect and cherish diversity rather than being "afraid of the unknown".

Q: WHY IS THE ROLE OF A MENTOR IMPORTANT FOR YOU?

Mentors are important because they can guide you during times when you feel uncertain. Through their expertise and wisdom they can help correct your actions and keep you in track to achieve your goals.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A LESSON THAT LIFE HAS TAUGHT YOU AND YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

Staying true to yourself and seeking self-worth from one's own self is more gratifying and important than seeking it from others.

Q: NAME A PROJECT, A FOUNDATION OR A PERSON IN YOUR COUNTRY THAT YOU THINK IS DOING GREAT WORK IN HELPING IMPROVE OTHER PEOPLE'S LIVES!

Rather than naming someone in particular, I am always motivated by all those humanitarian and development workers who work in frontline to tackle all of the manmade, medical and natural emergencies. They serve as true inspiration for others and help make a difference!

Q: SHARE WITH US A PHRASE, A POEM OR A STORY THAT YOU LOVE OR YOU FIND INTERESTING!

"Pay it forward" - you may not have something now but when you do get to a level where you have access to it then ensure that you share it with others.

Q: TELL US ONE THING THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM YOUR MENTOR.

Mentoring is a two-way street. You both benefit from each other in some way which is the key to achieving success.