Founder

Diya Choksey

My name is Diya Choksey and I’m an 12th-grade student at The Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai who is dedicated to making the field of mental health more accessible for the marginalized sections of society. In school, I’m currently studying Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Math, Spanish, and English, and developing a keen interest in the intersection of mental health with our bodies. I understand the impact and importance of psychology in everyday life, and believe that everyone should be able to access resources that help them live a better quality of life, which is why I created ABC Advocacy.

To further concretize my academic interests in the field of mental health and science, I submitted and was selected as finalist for the prestigious ST Yau High School Science Award, 2023. The title of my research was ‘In Silico designed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers for quality control of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) modules targeting stress and anxiety disorders in adolescents: Prescribed poop doses to keep adolescent blues at bay’ exploring mental health issues in adolescents and connection with as well as ways to tackle it with better understanding the gut-brain axis.

I’m also the founder of Dew Organics, a sustainability and wellness initiative that assists people with experiencing eco-conscious lifestyles by creating, producing, and distributing inexpensive, locally sourced, organic, and sustainable lifestyle products, whilst planting a tree with every purchase. Additionally, with more than 25 original songs, I’m an avid singer and songwriter, and have released 2 original songs, “Nearing Seventeen” and “Come back but Stay Gone” to illuminate the struggles of teenagers as they navigate the social ropes of fitting into the world. I have also explored the field of writing through endeavors such as the Elaine Hobson Essay competition, and The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, winning accolades in both. I am also writing my own book titled ‘Surviving the Teenage Years’, which is currently undergoing the editing process.

With the children and youth of across the world defining and carving the future of their countries, I truly believe in the utmost importance of creating supportive structures,, and ensuring investment of resources in looking into their holistic well being. ABC Advocacy, and all my initiatives are a result of this belief. With each step, I hope to create a ripple, no matter how small, that creates a wave of change towards a better adolescence, and happier youth for all.