Karan Aggarwal, a commerce and law student at Delhi Public School Chandigarh, embodies the spirit of a young entrepreneur with a strong sense of social responsibility. From an early age, he became aware of the systemic challenges in India, particularly those related to poverty and infrastructure. This awareness sparked a deep desire to drive meaningful change, further intensified by the way government officials engage with the public, often revealing the gap between policy and its implementation. Supported by a network of peers, teachers, and mentors, Karan channeled his entrepreneurial instincts into various initiatives, marking the beginning of a journey driven by both ambition and a commitment to social justice. His entrepreneurial journey began in school, where he actively participated in competitions organized by prestigious institutions like BITS Pilani, IIT Guwahati, and IIT Bombay.

These experiences not only sharpened his competitive spirit but also offered him a platform to showcase his innovative ideas. Additionally, Karan gained hands-on experience through internships with organizations like WhiteHatJr and the Taare Zameen Foundation, gaining insight into the challenges and opportunities within the tech and social sectors. Apart from his academic pursuits, Karan is an accomplished musician. He earned a merit certification in Acoustic Guitar from Trinity College London, demonstrating his commitment to personal growth and artistic expression. However, it was in 2023 that his interests shifted towards public speaking, debate, and Model United Nations (MUNs). Over the year, he participated in over ten MUNs as a delegate, gaining valuable insights into diplomacy, international relations, and negotiation.

His expertise led to roles as an Executive Board Member in two MUNs and Director of Delegate Affairs in another, as well as participation in two Parliamentary Debating Competitions (PDCs). These experiences provided Karan with a robust platform to articulate his ideas and advocate for causes close to his heart. In December 2023, Karan co-founded the International Debaters Club with business partner Durvish Khanduja. Their first major initiative, the International Debaters MUN 2023 (IDMUN 2023), was a tremendous success, attracting over 150 registered participants and more than 100 paid delegates. With a dedicated team of ten members, the event supported the UNHCR MUN Refugee Challenge 2023, demonstrating the club’s commitment to global humanitarian issues. All resolutions and documents from the conference were submitted to the UNHCR, reinforcing the club’s credibility within the international debate community.

Following the success of IDMUN 2023, Karan and his team attempted to organize another event, IDMUN 2024. Unfortunately, unforeseen challenges prevented the event from materializing. Nevertheless, Karan remained determined to explore new avenues for entrepreneurial and social impact. In June 2024, he attended a five-day residential bootcamp at the Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar, titled “Enlightening The Entrepreneurial Spirit,” organized by the Entrepreneurship and Rural Development Cell. During the bootcamp, Karan worked on seven different business ideas and presented a pitch deck, honing his entrepreneurial skills. His ventures continued with the founding of YoungStonks, where he served as Chief Research Officer and Co-founder. Although the startup was eventually dissolved due to internal disputes, the experience offered valuable lessons in leadership and teamwork. Undeterred, Karan went on to establish AskGov Square, an organization focused on promoting transparency and accountability in government departments by highlighting the everyday issues faced by citizens.

His passion for social justice is evident in his formation of Bharat Vandana, an organization advocating for law reforms, and Phoenix, an initiative responding to sexual assault and rape cases in India. Phoenix now boasts over 100 members and is preparing to launch an online event titled “Voice of the Valours” to further their mission. On a personal level, Karan has actively promoted transparency in governance, filing over 500 Right to Information (RTI) requests, both anonymously and otherwise. His efforts have earned recognition through certifications from institutions such as the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Swarashtra, and Jankalyan Multipurpose Education Society. Currently, Karan serves as the Vice President of the Grievance and Legal Literacy Cell at his school, continuing to advocate for student rights and legal awareness. Through his varied experiences and relentless pursuit of social change, Karan is paving the way for a future where entrepreneurial success and social responsibility go hand in hand. To date, Karan has initiated several impactful projects, including the International Debaters Club, Phoenix, Bharat Vandana, and AskGov Square.

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