About the Guest

Ananya Banerjee is the Director of Sarth, a youth-led NGO with 640+ youth volunteers from across India working towards building awareness on issues of mental health, menstrual hygiene, and gender. She is the founder of ‘Abhivyakti’, a mental health project at Sarthi, and the co-founder of ‘Sushiksha’, a chain of free weekend schools in rural India, and ‘Buland’, a menstrual health project.

She is currently in her third year studying a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) at the Australian National University (ANU) on the Chancellor’s International Scholarship. She is part of Global Shapers Canberra Chapter and is a Well-being General Representative at the International Students Department. She is also working as an educator at Mental Illness Education ACT (MIEACT) and volunteering as a Youth Advisor at Fearless Women in Canberra.

Composing and performing poetry is something she does to satisfy her soul. She has a deep interest in spirituality and believes in the power of youth and change-making and so she dedicates her life to building a healthier society as a therapist & activist. Her work has been recognised by UN Women, UN India, UN Women Canberra Chapter, DW News Germany, and SBS Australia.

Episode Summary

In this episode Dr. Chloe Lim engages in a compelling conversation with Ananya Banerjee, a passionate young activist and psychology student from the Australian National University. Ananya shares her journey from being born in a culturally rich yet challenging environment in India to making significant strides in areas like mental health, education, and gender equality through her NGOs.

The episode underscores Ananya’s extensive contributions to mental health and education via Saathi's initiatives, such as the ‘Abhivyakti’ mental health project and the ‘Sushiksha’ free weekend schools. Ananya delves into the intersections of Western and non-Western science, the importance of a holistic approach to health, and her experiences as a young woman in STEM. Her stories of overcoming societal and cultural barriers, along with her impactful projects, offer profound insights into the power of youth and activism in bringing about societal change.

Key Takeaways

• Intersection of Cultures in STEM: Ananya highlights the integration of Western and non-Western scientific perspectives, emphasizing holistic health approaches.
• Impactful Activism: Through her NGO, Saathi, Ananya has significantly impacted mental health awareness, menstrual hygiene, and gender equality in India.
• Challenges in STEM: Ananya discusses the challenges stemming from cultural diversity, gender, and age in the STEM field.
• Inspiring Youth: Ananya's motivational journey encourages young women and youth to embrace their identities and strive to make a difference.
• Holistic Education: The ‘Sushiksha’ initiative demonstrates Ananya's commitment to providing well-rounded education to underprivileged children, fostering their dreams and aspirations.

Find Out More

• Connect with Ananya Banerjee on LinkedIn and Instagram.
• Find out more about her and her organisation Sarthi.

*Season 2 of CALD Voices in STEM was made possible by YWCA Canberra Great Ydeas Small Grants program.*

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