The Teenager Who’s Already Shaping India’s Future
At an age when most are still figuring out college applications or their first internships, Hardik Kumar Dewan is building a legacy. Social entrepreneur, author, technologist, climate activist, and founder of the Hardik Dewan Foundation, the 19-year-old is on a mission: to empower youth and drive transformative change through innovation, sustainability, and civic engagement.
From being commended by the President of India to addressing policymakers at the United Nations, Hardik’s trajectory is nothing short of extraordinary. But behind the accolades lies a young leader deeply connected to grassroots realities, driven not by fame but by purpose.
A Vision Born of Urgency
For Hardik, the journey into social impact wasn’t sparked by a single epiphany but by a growing awareness of systemic challenges—and an unwillingness to stay idle. “I saw glaring gaps in how youth were engaged in policymaking, how environmental issues were being ignored, and how innovation wasn’t reaching the people who needed it most,” he explains.
This confluence of concerns led him to establish the Hardik Dewan Foundation, a trust now registered under CSR-1, 80G, 10A, and 12A, and incorporated with NITI Aayog. Its aim? To mobilize youth for causes that matter—from climate action to tech-driven social good.
Building Impact, One Project at a Time
Under the foundation’s umbrella, Hardik launched several groundbreaking initiatives, each a reflection of his philosophy: that young people, given the tools and trust, can lead real change.
His flagship initiative, Greenify India, is a standout example. “We aim to plant 100,000 trees annually using biodegradable seed balls,” he says. “It’s not just about planting trees—it’s about creating a movement that involves schools, communities, and youth leaders.”
Another innovation was born out of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hardik designed the Co-Terminator Shield, a patent-pending device for frontline workers. It integrates air cooling, ionisation, purification, an SOS system, and mobile connectivity—a technological Swiss Army knife tailored for high-risk environments.
Then came Beetle Messenger, a made-in-India messaging platform developed to promote tech independence. Launched by Haryana’s Health Minister Shri Anil Vij, the app amassed 20,000+ downloads in its first week.
And he hasn’t stopped there. With Foodonation App, Hardik connects surplus food from donors to underserved communities. His ItsCoolApp has already digitized education for over 2,000 students, supporting the Digital India mission.
Recognition on a National and Global Stage
It’s not just India that’s taking notice. In April 2025, Hardik represented the Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY) at the ECOSOC Youth Forum at the United Nations in New York. Just days later, he participated as a CSO Parliamentarian at the World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. In Brazil, he was invited to the Global Youth Climate Summit, joining young climate leaders from around the world.
Back home, he continues to advocate for reform. During Haryana’s largest-ever YouTubers and Influencers Meet, which he organized in 2024 and which garnered 100 million+ impressions, he proposed lowering India’s minimum age for election candidacy from 25 to 21—a bold call to action for youth political inclusion.
Breaking Barriers With the Written Word
Hardik’s commitment to changing narratives also led him to literature. His debut book, Why India Needs Its AJNA?, launched by the Governor of Haryana, explores India’s need for a sovereign tech ecosystem. His upcoming work, Breaking Boundaries, is a fictional self-help narrative encouraging youth to defy societal norms and forge their own paths.
Lessons From the Trenches
Like any founder, Hardik’s journey has been shaped by challenges. “One of the toughest battles was getting people to take me seriously at 16, 17 years old,” he says candidly. “Age bias is real. But I let my work speak for itself.”
Navigating bureaucracy was another uphill task. “Registering the foundation, securing CSR certifications, and aligning with government bodies required patience and strategic thinking,” he shares.
But there were breakthrough moments too. “When the Honourable President of India recognized our efforts, it was a moment of validation—not just for me, but for every young changemaker out there.”
What’s Next for Hardik Dewan Foundation?
Looking ahead, Hardik envisions a multi-pronged expansion strategy. “In the next five years, I see us scaling Greenify India across all Indian states, digitizing education for 100,000+ students, and launching tech solutions that directly address public health, governance, and climate.”
He’s also planning to build India’s first Youth Innovation Hub, a collaborative space for young leaders to co-create impact-driven ventures. “It’s not enough to talk about empowering youth—we need to give them platforms, mentorship, and capital.”
Words to the Aspiring Entrepreneur
For those just starting out, Hardik’s advice is simple yet profound: “Don’t wait for validation. If your idea solves a real problem and you’re passionate about it, take the leap. Age, background, or lack of funding shouldn’t stop you—resourcefulness and resilience matter more.”
Stay Connected with Hardik
Hardik Kumar Dewan is part of a new generation of founders who aren’t just building companies—they’re building futures. His story is a powerful reminder that leadership has no age, and that courage, coupled with clarity of purpose, can move mountains.
Follow Hardik’s journey, support his foundation, or connect with him directly:
- 🌐 Website: www.hardikdewan.com
- 💼 LinkedIn: Hardik Kumar Dewan
- 📸 Instagram: @hardikkumardewan
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, policymaker, or student, there’s much to learn—and even more to be inspired by—in Hardik’s relentless pursuit of impact.
