Bernardsville, New Jersey, USA: Sixteen-year-old Indian-American student and social entrepreneur Anakh Sawhney has become the youngest person ever to receive the NJBiz Forty Under 40 Award. The honour celebrates her commitment to improving access to education for children living in poverty across both the United States and India.
At just nine years old, Sawhney founded Rice Kids, a nonprofit organisation focused on breaking educational barriers faced by underprivileged children. What began as a small initiative has now grown into a large-scale movement, serving more than 75,000 people and offering daily education, nutrition, and healthcare support to over 1,000 students.
The organisation follows an integrated approach that blends classroom learning with food and health assistance. Rice Kids also works closely with local communities, empowering women as educators and facilitators to ensure sustainable long-term development.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sawhney extended Rice Kids’ programs to India, particularly in areas where children were most at risk of dropping out due to financial hardship. Through partnerships with the Sunaayy Foundation, the nonprofit has delivered tens of thousands of meals and strengthened educational and wellness programs in Delhi/NCR, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Sawhney has expressed that her organisation’s expansion in India holds deep personal meaning because of her family’s roots there. She believes that “each meal served reflects how compassion and consistency can create lasting impact.”
Speaking about the recognition, Sawhney remarked, “This award proves that real, lasting change happens when we address the causes behind inequality, not just the effects. It belongs to every volunteer, educator, and partner who has helped make our mission possible.”
As the Founder and CEO of Rice Kids, Sawhney manages the organisation’s strategy and ensures that all public donations directly support educational initiatives, while administrative expenses are covered privately. Under her guidance, Rice Kids has launched several programs that have successfully met their impact goals in both countries.
Beyond her nonprofit work, Sawhney also serves as Vice President of DECA Inc., participates in Bernards High School’s theatre program as both an actor and mentor, and has interned with Chugh LLP and Nevakar Inc.. She has additionally been honoured by the Somerset Hills Board of Education for her outstanding leadership and community service.
