From Drops to Waves: Garvita Gulhati’s Journey as India’s Youth Water Crusader

Garvita Gulhati, India’s Water Girl, emerged as a 21-year-old changemaker and leader. “Why Waste?” founder, Garvita was driven by her deep concern over India’s water crisis in 2015. This visionary initiative was catalyzed by the startling fact that 14 million liters of water are wasted annually due to water left behind in restaurant glasses.

Garvita Gulhati’s Journey towards becoming a Climate Advocate

“I re-approached the problem of water being wasted in restaurants with the “GlassHalfFull” concept – looking at the water with a positive perspective.”
– Garvita Gulhati

• When Garvita realized that water was being wasted at restaurants, she, as a 15-year-old, thought about what could be done to empower every single individual to solve the water crisis.
• She launched “Why Waste,” an NGO which ingeniously partnered with restaurants to tackle this water wastage.
• “Why waste?”, India’s largest youth-led organization for water conservation was launched to shift societal mindsets towards responsible water usage.
• Garvita Gulhati’s #GlassHalfFull campaign garnered support from over 500,000 restaurants and 6 million individuals, saving an impressive 10 million liters of water.
• Not content with practical action alone, Garvita’s efforts extended to inspiring the younger generation through education.
• She authored “The Sustainability Stories,” a collection of 13 modern fables to empower children to champion environmental causes. This book, published in collaboration with UNICEF, is a testament to her dedication to building eco-consciousness.
• She launched the “Why Waste?” An app that helps every individual calculate their water footprint and helps them save at least 100 liters of water daily through a gamified approach.
• In partnership with CNN, ‘Why Waste?’ encourages more people to calculate their water footprint and become part of the change through their national campaign, “Mission Paani.”

Year	Events
2015	Garvita and her team of ‘Waterpreneurs’ contacted over 500,000 restaurants across India.
2018	She was honored as a ‘Global Change maker’, representing India among a select group of 60 social entrepreneurs and community activists worldwide.
2019	She secured a buy-in from the National Restaurant Association of India, which rolled out #GlassHalfFull.
2020	During the pandemic era, developed – Why Waste? App to spread awareness.
2021	Forbes recognized her as one of the youngest innovators in Asia under 30.
2022	Became a National Geographic Young Explorer.

Garvita Gulhati- Awards and Recognitions

• UN’s young climate leader from India, Garvita Gulhati, now 21, was also recognized with the prestigious Diana Award for her highly inspiring efforts for social action.
• Garvita is the first and only Indian to be awarded a Wonder Grant from the Shawn Mendes Foundation.
• She is an expert mentor at Global Citizen Year and works with UNICEF on their Youth climate strategy.
• Garvita Gulhati, ‘We The Change’s’ vital climate leader, aims to showcase climate solutions in water conservation.

Garvita Gulhati – United Nations Climate Leader, Initiating Change

Garvita’s journey has been one of breaking boundaries and pursuing multiple passions. With an engineering degree, proficiency in fine arts, and training as a Kathak dancer, she exemplifies the fusion of creativity, science, and activism. Inspired by Indra Nooyi and Steve Jobs for Garvita Gulhati, water conservation is a life goal that drives her to change the world.

As she looks ahead, the ambitions of Garvita Gulhati, the water girl of India, remain boundless. Her relentless drive to address environmental issues and her dedication to youth empowerment highlight her as a beacon of hope for a more sustainable world.