A Richmond student has been awarded a prestigious accolade for her contributions in taking social action and her humanitarian efforts in India.

Vedica Podar, who attends The American International University in London, received the Diana Award 2019, for championing better education for girls and raising awareness for mental health in Rajasthan, India.

She said: “I am thrilled to have been given this honour by the Diana Award.

“I have always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and empower people, irrespective of their ability, gender, age or ethnicity.

“My experience at Richmond both within the classroom and outside it, helped me to broaden my horizons and enhance my world view.”

Miss Podar graduated from Richmond in 2015 with a BA in Business Administration (International Business) and a minor in Psychology with Summa Cum Laude Honours.

Currently based in Mumbai – Miss Podar, will now return to the UK to study for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at the Richmond Business School in Kensington.

In 2017, she helped to raise awareness by launching social campaigns such as ‘Change for Change,’ a campaign that highlighted the need for girls to have to have access to education, as well as welfare and mental health support.

The Diana Award is the only charity set up in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales and her belief that young people have the power to change the world.

In India, Miss Podar works with the local community and other audiences to donate money to help young girls to go to school.

As a result of her hard work, more girls have now enrolled in the education system from the grass-roots level.