An Initiative by Happier and Safer Internet – HSI, Powered by NexSchools
NexSchools is delighted to unveil the inaugural recipients of the #SociallyPositive Award. This award celebrates trailblazers who harness digital platforms for profound community good, encompassing education, empowerment, and online safety.
Their inspiring stories demonstrate that the internet isn't just about clicks and scrolls; it's a vital tool for combating misinformation, championing mental health, instilling ethical digital habits, educating beyond classrooms and supporting women by building impactful community.
In celebration of #HSIWeek2025 and Social Media Day 2025, we are honored to recognize four exemplary changemakers across distinct categories for their profound digital impact.
#SociallyPositive Award - Creative Impact Category
Inspiring a Generation with Cartoons that Educate and Inform
For Irfan Khan, cartoons are more than art, they’re powerful tools for reflection, learning, and social change. As one of India’s most respected editorial cartoonists, he has spent decades using his wit and creativity to spark conversations on everything from politics and climate change and education.
But what makes his work truly #SociallyPositive is how he brings these stories to life for children. Through relatable characters and humorous strips, Irfan makes complex topics understandable and engaging, helping young minds think critically, laugh freely, and learn with joy.
From humorous strips that spark curiosity to exhibitions that provoke thought, Irfan’s work connects deeply with all age groups. His solo exhibitions and awareness campaigns have tackled powerful themes like Save Girl Child, voter awareness, climate change, and global peace, always with the goal of informing and inspiring action.
Because sometimes, the simplest drawings carry the loudest messages.
#SociallyPositive Award -Youth Category
The Youth Voice Challenging Eating Disorder Stigma
“Eat. You’re allowed to.”
This simple sentence might sound ordinary to most, but for Kalyani, it became the foundation of a revolution.
Growing up as an overweight child, Kalyani struggled not just with body image but with silence. At 73 kg, she believed shrinking down to 47 kg would bring happiness. But when the weight vanished, the self-loathing stayed. There was no celebration but only emptiness. What she truly longed for wasn’t thinner thighs or a smaller waist; it was connection, compassion, and someone who could simply say, “You don’t have to fight this alone.”
That’s when she decided to become that “someone” for others.
In a country where eating disorders are largely misunderstood or ignored, especially among young people, Kalyani took a bold step. She launched @eating.is.human, a honest Instagram page to raise awareness about eating disorders, share real stories, and affirm the basic truth: food is not the enemy. With honesty and vulnerability, she created a space where conversations around body image, food freedom, and mental health could finally breathe.
Then came powerlifting - a turning point. For the first time, she stopped chasing “smaller” and started embracing “stronger.” Her body became a symbol of power, not shame. Every lift was a victory against her past fears. Every meal, a declaration of self-love.
Today, Kalyani is not just an advocate; she’s a guide and mentor. Today, through her storytelling, and experiences, she supports people across ages to reconnect with their self-worth, reminding them that food is not the enemy and weight is just a number on a scale.
Her platform doesn’t promote weight loss or gain; it champions self-worth, balance, and humanity.
Her story reminds us that even in the noise of social media, there are voices that heal.
Because in the end, it’s not about fitting in, it’s about finally feeling of strong and worthy.
#SociallyPositive Award – Cyber Safety Category
The Cybersecurity Expert & Researcher Making the Online Space Safer
Dr. Shekhar Pawar is a cybersecurity expert, ethical hacker, and researcher who is transforming digital safety across sectors. He works with small businesses and multinational companies in the USA, India, the UK, UAE, and Sri Lanka. His mission is clear and powerful -to make cybersecurity accessible and effective for everyone.
Among his most impactful contributions is a global study on cyberattacks targeting educational institutions, an area often overlooked. His research, titled Strategic BDSLCCI Framework for Strengthening Cybersecurity in Educational Institutions and Universities, and published in the Journal of Informatics Education and Research, analyzes 1,350 cyber incidents across 56 countries. The findings uncover a growing crisis in schools, colleges, and universities are increasingly vulnerable to digital threats.
Dr. Pawar is being recognized for his unwavering commitment to using technology ethically to build a more secure digital environment for everyone.
Because cybersecurity is no longer optional. And changemakers like Dr. Shekhar are showing us what’s possible when protection meets purpose.
#SociallyPositive Award – Community Impact Category
The Force Behind One of India’s Strongest Community of Moms
What happens when a digital platform becomes more than just a group - when it becomes a lifeline?
In 2010, Neela Kaushik set out with a simple yet powerful mission: to create a safe, non-judgmental space where mothers could connect, talk, and grow. What began as a Facebook group soon blossomed into GurgaonMoms—one of India’s most trusted and dynamic women-led community that now home to over 40,000 women.
From parenting struggles to career comebacks, mental health to menstrual equity, GurgaonMoms has evolved into a true sisterhood where women show up for each other. The secret behind its strength? A foundation of empathy, real talk, and the belief that no woman should navigate life alone.
Under Neela’s leadership, the community has empowered countless women to rediscover their identity, confidence, and purpose. Whether it’s helping someone start a home business, find job leads after a long break, or speak openly about difficult experiences—GurgaonMoms listens, lifts, and leads.
In a world where online spaces often feel noisy or unsafe, Neela has built a digital home rooted in kindness, trust, and action. It’s not just a community - it’s a movement.
Because when women support women, we don’t just change feeds - we change lives.
#SociallyPositive Award – Educator Category
Empowering Global Learners Through Digital Platforms
With over 30 years in education, Vineeta Garg believes learning should go beyond the classroom. For her, digital platforms are powerful learning spaces where educators, students, and changemakers connect to inspire real-world impact.
She actively uses online tools and networks to share ideas, host global discussions, and grow a vibrant Personal Learning Network (PLN) that transcends borders. Her virtual Tweet Meets on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have sparked collaborative projects and meaningful classroom action on sustainability, inclusion, and innovation.
Vineeta has also led impactful digital campaigns including:
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#SafeSpaces – Promoting emotional safety in schools
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#SaveWater and #SaveEarth – Driving climate awareness
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#WasteManagement – Encouraging responsible consumption and recycling
These initiatives have engaged hundreds of students and educators globally, giving young people a voice in solving real-world problems.
A strong advocate of digital citizenship, Vineeta ensures her students learn to communicate thoughtfully, act responsibly, and use technology for positive change.
For Vineeta, being #SociallyPositive means building a culture of kindness, purpose, and global impact - one post, one project, one student at a time.
An initiative by NexSchools under the Happier and Safer Internet (HSI) movement.
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Stay Connected
Just tag us@NexSchools or use hashtag #HSIWEEK2025 #HappierSaferInternet #Socially Positive
Check out our Cyber Warrior Student Ambassadors Work on Social Media Day
Keywords: #HSIWeek2025 #SociallyPositive #DigitalCitizenship #HappierSaferInternet #EdTechForGood #GlobalLearning Socially Positive Award , Social Media Positive. Happier and Safer Internet Day - HSI by Nexschools, Award Winner Kalyani Tiwari, Award Winner Socially Positive Award - Dr Shekhar Pawar, Socially Positive - Neela Gupta Gurgaon Moms Founder, Socially Positive - Vineeta Garg, Youth Award, Educator Award, CyberSafety Award