On August 13, 2025, Dhriti Moksha Panigrahi, a 13-year-old Grade VIII student from SAI International School in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, made history as the only student from her state selected for the United Nations Youth Group on Nuclear Disarmament, under the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO). This prestigious global platform unites young leaders to advocate for a nuclear-weapon-free world, peace, and sustainability. Dhriti’s appointment, announced by sources like India Today and Pragativadi, marks a significant milestone for Indian youth, especially from rural and underrepresented regions.
Dhriti’s Vision: “I’m deeply honoured to be part of this global initiative. I hope to amplify the voices of children and youth from rural and vulnerable regions, advocating for a world that is peaceful, just, and safe for all,” she stated.
A Prodigy in Activism Since Age Six
Dhriti’s journey began at age six, when she started engaging in environmental activism and peace advocacy. As a core member of the Earth Again Movement and The Child Movement, co-led by renowned child environmentalist Licypriya Kangujam, she has championed climate justice, disaster risk reduction, and children’s rights. Her efforts include:
- Leading environmental awareness drives and clean-up campaigns in Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, Parlakhemundi, and western Odisha, mobilizing hundreds of schoolchildren and community members.
- Participating in the 2018 world’s largest rural climate strike, which brought her national recognition.
Her activism bridges local action with global issues, making her a standout candidate for the CTBTO Youth Group, which she joined after applying in September 2024.
The CTBTO Youth Group: A Platform for Change
The CTBTO Youth Group, launched in 2016 by Executive Secretary Dr. Lassina Zerbo, empowers young advocates to promote the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), a 1996 agreement banning nuclear testing. Despite 184 signatories and 168 ratifications, the treaty awaits ratification by eight key nations (e.g., US, China, India, Pakistan) to enter force.
Dhriti’s Role:
- Amplify rural and youth perspectives on nuclear disarmament, peace, and climate justice.
- Engage in global discussions, leveraging her grassroots experience to highlight the intersection of environmental sustainability and human security.
- Advocate for the CTBT’s entry into force, aligning with the UN’s goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world.
Her selection reflects the CTBTO’s emphasis on youth engagement, as Dr. Zerbo noted: “Youth today are faced with the consequences of past decisions. My generation has the responsibility to ensure they are provided with educational opportunities.”
Why Dhriti’s Appointment Matters
Dhriti’s inclusion in the CTBTO Youth Group is a landmark for several reasons:
- Rural Representation: As the daughter of Parlakhemundi MLA Rupesh Panigrahi, Dhriti brings the voice of eastern India’s rural communities to a global stage.
- Youth Empowerment: At 13, she exemplifies how young people can influence complex issues like nuclear disarmament, echoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ view that youth are “the ultimate force for change.”
- Intersectional Advocacy: Her work links climate justice with peacebuilding, addressing the 12,500 nuclear warheads and 2,000+ nuclear tests that threaten humanity and the environment.
Dhriti’s Vision for Odisha
Despite her global role, Dhriti remains committed to local impact. She plans to launch a statewide cleanliness drive in Odisha’s schools, encouraging students to foster clean, green learning environments. This initiative aligns with her advocacy for civic responsibility and sustainability, building on her campaigns that have already engaged hundreds in Odisha.
Her Plan: “I would start a movement like a cleanliness drive in and around the schools of Odisha, encouraging students to take greater responsibility for their surroundings,” Dhriti shared.
Broader Context: Youth in Global Disarmament
Dhriti’s appointment aligns with global efforts to involve youth in disarmament, as seen in:
- UN Youth Leader Fund (2023–2030): A Japan-funded program offering scholarships to 100 young leaders to promote nuclear disarmament, marking milestones like the 85th anniversary of Hiroshima-Nagasaki (2030).
- ICAN and TPNW: The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), a 2017 Nobel Peace Prize winner, supports the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which bans nuclear weapons and has 68 ratifications. Dhriti’s work complements this movement.
- Educational Initiatives: NCERT’s Operation Sindoor modules for Classes 3–12, launched August 2025, highlight India’s security efforts, showing a growing focus on educating youth about peace and security. (from previous document)
Challenges: Critics on X note that nuclear disarmament discussions must balance idealism with geopolitical realities, as India and Pakistan remain non-signatories to the CTBT.
Advice for Aspiring Young Activists
Dhriti’s journey offers actionable lessons for students and parents:
- Start Early: Begin advocacy with small actions, like school clean-ups or awareness campaigns, as Dhriti did at age six.
- Join Movements: Engage with groups like Earth Again Movement or The Child Movement. Contact Licypriya Kangujam (@LicypriyaK on X) for mentorship opportunities.
- Apply to UN Programs: Explore CTBTO Youth Group or UN’s Youth Leader Fund (apply by July 31, 2026, at disarmamenteducation.org/ylf).
- Use Social Media: Share your work on X, tagging @CTBTO or @UN_Disarmament, to gain visibility, as Dhriti did with her campaigns.
- Learn from History: Study the CTBT, TPNW, and Hiroshima-Nagasaki impacts via nobelprize.org or icanw.org to build informed arguments.
