At just 11 years old, Shikhar Srivastava survived a firing incident rooted in political conflict—a life-altering event that could have left him broken. Instead, it became the defining spark for his journey of service, resilience, and transformation.
Founding Petals Foundation
Shikhar refused to let tragedy define him. Channeling his energy into purpose, he launched Petals Foundation, which has grown into a movement across 44+ Indian cities and expanded internationally to the USA, Indonesia, and Nepal. The NGO champions causes including:
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Animal welfare
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Senior citizen support
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Education for underprivileged children
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Women’s empowerment
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Environmental sustainability
Balancing Medicine and Entrepreneurship
Alongside his social work, Shikhar is pursuing his dream of becoming a medical professional. But his entrepreneurial spirit also led him to build Zostera, a thriving jewelry venture generating lakhs in monthly revenue. Remarkably, he channels 100% of profits back into Petals Foundation—keeping the NGO self-sustained and volunteer-driven.
Recognition and Global Impact
Shikhar’s commitment has earned him recognition at the highest levels. He has been nominated for the Padma Shri and featured in Forbes India as one of the country’s most promising young changemakers.
Leading a Youth-Driven Movement
Reflecting on his journey, Shikhar highlights the power of youth leadership:
“I interact with many founders who are in their 60s, 70s, or 80s. But I’m only 20—and I understand how to connect with and lead the youth. That’s why Petals Foundation is growing so rapidly. It’s more than an organization—it’s a movement fueled by young energy, bold ideas, and an unstoppable spirit of compassion.”
A Ripple of Change
At just 20, Shikhar Srivastava exemplifies how resilience can transform tragedy into global impact. Through Petals Foundation and Zostera, he has proven that one individual’s determination can ignite a ripple effect of change—powered by the passion of youth and a heart dedicated to service.
