Girl Rising is thrilled to welcome Nikhil Taneja as our newest Board Member. Nikhil, a distinguished writer, producer, and storyteller, serves as the co-founder and Chief of Yuvaa, India’s groundbreaking Gen Z-driven youth media, research, and impact organization. He has traveled extensively across India, engaging with young people on crucial topics like gender bias and mental health.
Like all of us at Girl Rising, Nikhil passionately believes in the transformative power of stories and their ability to shape a better world. As the creator and host of Be A Man, Yaar!, a unique chat show celebrating positive masculinity, he addresses societal gender norms that affect everyone. Nikhil's rich background includes leadership roles at Yash Raj Films, Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd, and MTV India, along with the fulfilling role of a journalism professor at Jai Hind College, Mumbai.
A driving force behind impactful content creation, web and TV shows, and movies, Nikhil has tackled urgent issues such as mental health, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. Notably, he creatively produced the 6 Pack Band, India's groundbreaking transgender pop group, earning the Cannes Grand Prix Glass Lion Award. Nikhil's trailblazing spirit extended to being the first South Asian member of the Global Advisory Board of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s emerging leaders community, Goalkeepers.
For a glimpse into Nikhil's insights, his TEDTalk from 2020 explores the need for storytelling during times of mental health crises among young people.
Nikhil’s record of innovative programs, his socially conscious content and his commitment to listening to the voices of young people exemplify his commitment to using storytelling to change deeply entrenched norms. As Girl Rising establishes a new Storytelling Department, celebrates a decade of impact, and deepens our education programs, we are grateful for Nikhil’s commitment to our mission.
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