MV SYAM SUNDAR

Ina proud moment for the Telugu community across the globe, Dhanya Vasanta, a young NRI student of Telugu origin, has been conferred the Dame Marie Bashir Peace Prize 2026. The award was presented on Monday at the New South Wales (NSW) State Parliament, Sydney, recognising her outstanding contributions to community service, youth leadership, and promotion of peace. Dhanya’s work reflects exceptional initiative and impact at a young age.

She founded “A Little Library” when she was just 12-year-old, beginning with a donation of 200 books to Westmead Children’s Hospital. Under her leadership, the initiative has grown into a grassroots literacy movement—collecting over 10,000 books, distributing books to regional, remote Australian communities, communities overseas in African countries. She has also built partnerships with multiple organisations, raised funds to sustain the initiative, and mobilised volunteers. Her service extends beyond literacy.

For over four years, Dhanya has volunteered weekly at a music therapy clinic, supporting children with physical disabilities and neurodivergence to build communication, emotional resilience, and confidence. She has also actively advocated for the importance of music therapy through student publications.

A strong youth leader, Dhanya has contributed to community engagement through initiatives such as the Northern Beaches Youth Advisory Group and “Have Your Say Day,” which drew significant youth participation. Her international pen-pal initiative fosters cultural understanding between Australian and Japanese students. Within her school, she has founded a Japanese Club, mentored younger students, led peer tutoring initiatives, and supported social causes including fundraising for community programs.

Dhanya is the granddaughter of Potluri Bhaskara Rao, president of the Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers), adding further pride to the Telugu Diaspora. This distinguished recognition highlights not only Dhanya’s individual accomplishments but also the growing global impact of Indian-origin youth. Her journey stands as an inspiration to young people worldwide, exemplifying compassion, leadership, and commitment to societal good.