Mumbai Teen Krrish Makhijani: A Youth Innovator Pioneering Social Change Through Groundbreaking Projects

New Delhi: In a city known for its fast-paced life and bustling energy, 17-year-old Krrish Makhijani is proving that age is no barrier to tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time. With three impactful initiatives—The End Game, Urban Moisture Project, and Hands On Hope—he is redefining what it means to be a changemaker. A student at Jamnabai Narsee International School, Krrish is part of a growing wave of socially-conscious youth emerging from Mumbai’s prestigious international curriculum institutions.

His projects span crucial areas—mental health, urban sustainability, and youth empowerment—showcasing the breadth of challenges young innovators are addressing today.

The End Game, a chess-based initiative, combines mental health awareness with the strategic game of chess. Through peer-led workshops and conversations, Krrish is using chess as a tool to teach emotional resilience, focus, and problem-solving while fostering open discussions around mental health. “Chess isn’t just a game; it’s a way to build focus, strategic thinking, and calm the mind. Our goal is to make mental health a regular topic of conversation in schools, removing the stigma,” says Krrish. He also created the website for the project himself, highlighting his commitment and technical skills.

The Urban Moisture Project takes on Mumbai’s growing water scarcity by advocating sustainable solutions such as rainwater harvesting and urban greening. “Sustainability starts with small actions,” Krrish explains. “Even a small step in conserving water can lead to a massive long-term impact.”

Meanwhile, Hands On Hope, in partnership with a local NGO, focuses on equipping underprivileged youth with essential skills to bridge the gap between education and employment. From computer literacy to vocational training, the initiative empowers youth by providing them the tools to succeed, rather than just charity. “When you give someone skills, you give them independence,” Krrish notes. He independently developed both the Hands On Hope and The End Game projects, demonstrating his leadership and entrepreneurial spirit.

Educational experts emphasize how international curricula, like the International Baccalaureate (IB) and A-Levels, play a pivotal role in encouraging such initiatives. These programs, offered at schools like Jamnabai Narsee, emphasize community service and independent project work, encouraging students to apply their academic learning to real-world problems.

“The IB’s CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) component challenges us to take what we learn and make a difference in the community,” Krrish shares. “It’s not just about academics; it’s about understanding our responsibility to society.”

Krrish’s initiatives reflect a growing trend among Mumbai’s international school students who are using their education to address real-world problems, combining academic knowledge with practical action.

As he looks to expand his projects, Krrish’s story serves as an inspiration for others, proving that young people can step into leadership roles and make a significant impact on the world.