Meet Jayalaxmi Aripina: Young social activist from Hyderabad made UK Deputy High Commissioner for a Day

Hyderabad: For the International Day of the Girl Child in 2024, the British Deputy High Commission celebrated young female changemakers with its annual ‘Deputy High Commissioner for a Day’ contest. Among a competitive pool of applicants from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Jayalaxmi Aripina, a social activist from Hyderabad, emerged as the winner.

Raised in a family of waste collectors, Jayalaxmi’s journey of resilience and dedication to the upliftment of marginalised communities has earned her recognition at national and international levels. Her advocacy for health, education and gender equality, combined with her role as the Prime Minister of the Provisional World Children’s Parliament, reflects her leadership in driving social change.

Speaking to NewsMeter Jayalaxmi shared her experience as Deputy High Commissioner, the key organizations she engaged with and insights into diplomacy and leadership that she learned firsthand.

Here are excerpts from the interview.

From waste collectors’ daughter to changemaker

Q: Can you share your journey from your childhood to becoming a social activist?

Jayalaxmi: Growing up in a family of waste collectors exposed me to the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Despite these hardships, I understood the importance of education and perseverance. I realized early on that systemic change starts with empowering others, and this motivated me to take up social activism.

Q: Who or what inspired you to pursue this path?

Jayalaxmi: Dr BR Ambedkar has been a profound inspiration. His vision for an equitable society pushes me to address systemic inequalities, especially in health, education and gender equality.

Advocacy through action

Q: You are deeply involved in education and gender advocacy. Could you share a key initiative that has made an impact?

Jayalaxmi: One of my most fulfilling projects has been teaching 30 children daily from my community. Through partnerships, I’ve mentored them in health and life skills, focusing on issues like nutrition and hygiene. It’s incredible to see them grow with these opportunities.

Q: How do you amplify your message on global platforms like TEDx?

Jayalaxmi: TEDx offered me a platform to talk about sustainable development goals. I focus on actionable solutions that individuals can adopt to address local and global challenges. It’s about making the message relatable and practical.

The role of the Deputy High Commissioner

Q: How was your experience as Deputy High Commissioner for a Day?

Jayalaxmi: It was an honour to represent young changemakers and interact with influential leaders. I learned how diplomacy and grassroots activism can intersect to drive sustainable change. The experience has further motivated me to work towards systemic improvements in governance.

As part of her role, Jayalaxmi visited organizations such as My Choices Foundation to discuss gender-based violence and WE-Hub, where she interacted with women entrepreneurs. She also engaged with the DAZN leadership team to understand workplace inclusivity practices and met Snehaja Jonnalagadda, Regional Passport Officer, to discuss a career in the Indian Foreign Service.

Future aspirations

Q: What are your long-term goals?

Jayalaxmi: I aspire to join the Indian Administrative Service or Indian Foreign Service. Whether it’s policy-making or international relations, I aim to create tangible solutions for systemic issues.

Q: What changes would you like to see in the next 20 years?

Jayalaxmi: I hope to see more inclusive education systems with mentorship programs and career counselling for youth, particularly girls. Simple steps, like ensuring nutritious meals in schools, can have far-reaching effects.

Encouraging the next generation

The British Deputy High Commissioner, in a statement, highlighted Jayalaxmi’s resilience and leadership: “Jayalaxmi’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and activism. We hope more young women are inspired to apply for initiatives like these and bring about meaningful change.”

Jayalaxmi also urged other young girls to seize opportunities for leadership roles. “It’s important to start small but think big. Every effort counts toward building a better society,” she concluded.

The Deputy High Commissioner for a Day contest, now in its seventh year, continues to be a platform for amplifying young voices. This year, it also marked the start of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, underscoring the need for persistent efforts in this area.

Jayalaxmi’s journey reflects how courage and commitment can break barriers, offering a hopeful vision for the future.