ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Anakh Sawhney becomes youngest NJBiz 40 Under 40 honoree
She was recognized for her efforts to advance access to education for children living in poverty in the United States and India.
-
1749497506.png)
Malvika Choudhary - Fri, 31, Oct 2025
- 15:30 EDT
- 31
Anakh Sawhney Becomes Youngest Forty Under 40 Winner for Enabling Access To Education for Children / Rice Kids
Sixteen-year-old Indian-American student and nonprofit leader Anakh Sawhney made history as the youngest-ever recipient of the NJBiz Forty Under 40 Award.
She was recognized for her efforts to advance access to education for children living in poverty in the United States and India through the nonprofit Rice Kids, which she founded at the age of nine to address barriers preventing children from attending school.
Also Read: Anjan Karnati urges Indian Americans to step into politics
Today, the organization serves more than 75,000 individuals, providing daily education, nutrition, and health support to over 1,000 children.
Operating through an integrated model that combines classroom learning with nutritional and health programs, Rice Kids also partners with local communities and empowers women as education facilitators to ensure long-term sustainability.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sawhney expanded the organization’s reach to India, focusing on regions where students were most at risk of dropping out due to poverty.
Since then, Rice Kids has distributed tens of thousands of meals and collaborated with the Sunaayy Foundation to strengthen educational and wellness programs across Delhi/NCR, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Sawhney has said that the initiative’s work in India carries special significance because of her family’s roots there. She has noted that every meal served represents how consistent, compassionate efforts can lead to meaningful change.
“This recognition validates what we've always believed—sustainable change is possible when we address root causes rather than just symptoms,” Sawhney said. “But this award belongs to our entire community—the volunteers, partners, and educators who help extend the reach of our work.”
As founder and CEO, Sawhney oversees Rice Kids’ strategic development, directing all public donations toward educational programs while operational costs are covered by private contributions. The nonprofit has launched several initiatives that have met or exceeded impact goals across both countries.
In addition to her nonprofit work, Sawhney serves as vice president of DECA Inc., participates in Bernards High School’s theater program as an actor and mentor, and has completed internships with Chugh LLP and Nevakar Inc.
She has also been recognized by the Somerset Hills Board of Education for her leadership and service to the community.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login