At just 20 years old, Shikhar Srivastava has already left an indelible mark on communities across India—and beyond. A nominee for the prestigious Padma Shri award, Shikhar is the Founder and Managing Trustee of Petals Foundation, a grassroots movement built on empathy, service, and fearless leadership.
Shikhar’s journey into activism is as compelling as it is inspiring. At the age of eleven, he experienced a life-altering brush with death in his hometown of Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh. While cycling with his mother’s bodyguard, Karan, a group of unidentified assailants opened fire. The bullets missed Shikhar by mere inches—a moment that could have hardened a young mind, but instead deeply transformed his outlook on life.
That confrontation with mortality ignited a profound sense of purpose within him. In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic pushed millions into desperation, Shikhar launched an initiative to feed stray animals, elderly women, and children living in slums. What began with a few hot meals on the streets soon grew into something much larger: a volunteer-led revolution of compassion.
Today, Petals Foundation operates in over 42 cities across India, running street-feeding drives, community care events, and relief programs for marginalized communities. The ripple effect of Shikhar’s leadership has even reached global shores, with active chapters established in San Diego, Virginia, Kathmandu, Bali, and Jakarta.
Volunteers, many of them students and young professionals, cite Shikhar’s authenticity and resilience as the glue holding the foundation together. “He leads by example, always on the frontlines with a smile,” said Priya D., a volunteer from Delhi. “He reminds us that real change doesn’t require millions—it requires heart.”
Despite his age, Shikhar’s efforts have been recognized by several humanitarian circles. His nomination for the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, is seen by supporters as a long-overdue acknowledgement of grassroots work that often goes unnoticed in mainstream narratives.
In an era where youth activism is reshaping global conversations, Shikhar Srivastava stands out not just for his accomplishments, but for the origin of his journey—a narrow escape from violence turned into a lifelong vow to serve.
As Petals Foundation continues to grow, its mission remains rooted in Shikhar’s core belief: “If you can touch even one life with kindness, you’ve already changed the world.”
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Timesrelease