Ajay’s connection to the ocean began early in his life along India’s Arabian Sea coastline, where he marvelled at the sea’s beauty and diversity. Growing up, the coastline served as both a playground and classroom, teaching Ajay about the ocean’s power, resilience, and the threats it faces. However, his awe was soon tempered by the sight of plastic waste washing ashore.
“I found joy in exploring the wild beaches and collecting seashells, but eventually, I began to see more plastic than shells,” he recalls. “That moment, that contrast between beauty and degradation, turned my curiosity into a commitment to protect what I loved.” This experience set the course for Ajay’s lifelong mission, leading him to create Generation Artivism and to take on the role of president at Think Ocean Society. It is a platform where young people use creative expression and science to advocate for environmental stewardship, equipping them to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing our planet today.
Making Marine Science Accessible
As part of his work with Think Ocean Society, Ajay spearheads the Decade of Toolkits initiative, a groundbreaking effort to make marine science accessible and actionable. These toolkits break down complex concepts about marine health, ecosystem resilience, and climate change impacts into digestible resources for schools and community organizations. They are designed to educate and empower youth and foster the skills and knowledge they need to become advocates for the ocean.
“The ocean is a story that needs telling,” Ajay explains. “With these toolkits, we’re providing the vocabulary for youth to understand and communicate what’s at stake. Education is more than information; it is empowerment. Each young person who learns about the ocean is a new voice for change.”
Blending Art and Activism
Another of Ajay’s flagship projects, Generation Artivism, combines art and activism to bring environmental issues into the public eye through creativity. Ajay believes that art holds a unique power to make scientific topics resonate on a deeper, emotional level. Through murals, public exhibitions, and interactive workshops, Generation Artivism connects diverse communities with the ocean, fostering empathy and a sense of shared responsibility. “Art has a way of reaching people that facts alone cannot,” he says. “When you see an image of coral bleached and lifeless, it doesn’t matter where you’re from, it hits home. Art can help people understand the gravity of what we’re fighting for.”
Ajay’s recognition by NAAEE as an “EE 30 Under 30” honouree stands as both an acknowledgement of his impact and a testament to his future potential as a leader in marine conservation. “The ocean is both our origin and our lifeline,” Ajay reflects. “Every wave, every reef, has a story to tell if we’re willing to listen. My mission is to help others hear and act on those stories.”
Ajay’s efforts reach far beyond India, connecting with global audiences and igniting a sense of responsibility for ocean conservation. His projects remind us that the ocean’s well-being is intricately linked with humanity’s future. By inspiring a new generation of advocates, Ajay ensures that his vision for a thriving ocean will continue to grow and flourish. Through his work, he is not only championing the ocean’s survival but is fostering a legacy of environmental stewardship that will resonate for years to come.
