From her first volunteer build with Habitat India as a wide-eyed 13-year-old student to now being a bold young changemaker at 23, Muskan’s journey has been one of deep empathy, purpose and quiet determination.

Recently, Muskan’s commitment was recognised on a global platform when she was awarded a $4,000 grant at the Habitat Youth Assembly 2025. The Habitat Youth Assembly is a global platform set up by Habitat for Humanity that brings together young changemakers to share, refine and present ideas for addressing housing challenges. Selected participants compete for the Habitat Youth Solutions Grant, which includes a stipend to implement their innovative, community-driven housing solutions. Muskan’s project Chhat Shakti is a youth-led solution that addresses the extreme heat in low-income homes, while empowering women to be part of the solution.

As we celebrate this milestone, we sat down with Muskan to revisit her journey, the spark that started it all, her experiences on the ground and the vision she holds for the future of housing and youth leadership in India.

What was your first involvement with Habitat for Humanity?

This journey began when I was just 13 years old. I was studying at Sacred Hearts School. Our school had partnered with Habitat for Humanity India. Through this partnership students used to get an opportunity to volunteer with Habitat India. My first association as a volunteer came during the ‘Jacqueline Builds’ campaign in 2016 held in Chennai, led by Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez. The campaign was to support families affected by natural disasters through the construction of disaster-resilient homes in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. And then came a turning point — the Habitat Young Leaders Build Conference in partnership with the Centre for Creative Leadership in Mumbai held in June 2017. I was the youngest participant — the only 13-year-old among a room full of adults. I remember feeling so intimidated and nervous.

But I knew, deep inside, that I belonged here. I was in the right place. It was inspiring to see people talk about creating real change and I told myself, “I want to be in spaces like this even when I grow up.” That moment was etched in my heart. It was the beginning of a journey that I know will continue for years to come. I am so thankful to my teachers for encouraging students like me to be a part of something this huge, something this impactful.”

How did your understanding of ‘home’ shape your decision to advocate for housing, even at such a young age?

I have always lived in a joint family — thirteen of us spanning four generations, all under one roof. I have never known what it feels like to not have a roof over my head or a place to truly call home. But when I saw others going through that kind of insecurity, it troubled me deeply. It stirred something in my heart.

That is when I knew I had to speak about it, advocate for it and do something to help. As a 13-year-old student, I did not have the financial means to donate, but I realised that raising awareness could be my contribution. When you meet people struggling just to feel safe in their own homes, it really hits you. You feel compelled to act.

Today, what I feel most is gratitude — for being able to contribute in my own way to something as powerful as helping people build a home.

Tell us about your project at the Habitat Youth Assembly 2025 where you were awarded The Habitat Youth Solutions Grant.

During my volunteering work with Habitat India, I was always drawn to the women in the households. I could see — even feel — the kind of strength it takes to run a home in such tough conditions. Cooking in extreme heat, taking care of children, staying hopeful and calm while trying to make ends meet — I imagined how hard it must be, especially with rising temperatures and erratic weather.

My project ‘Chhat Shakti’ is an innovative, sustainable, affordable and achievable way to improve housing conditions in vulnerable communities in the Karjat region of Maharashtra — an area severely affected by extreme heat and heavy monsoons. Through the project, we aim to paint homes with solar reflective roof coating, using the grant amount. But beyond that, we want to trainwomen to apply the paint themselves, giving them both the tools to survive the heat and an opportunity to earn from it. To me, it is more than a project. It is resilience.

Is there any particular moment that you hold close to your heart?

Honestly, it is hard to pick just one moment. It has been a 10-year journey. But one feeling that has stayed with me throughout is this - I belong here.

This work, this mission is not borrowed. It is not something I picked up along the way. It is something I have always wanted to do to genuinely help someone. And every single step has filled me with gratitude. I think that is what I carry the most in my heart.

What does Habitat for Humanity India mean to you?

Habitat has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. Not because of recognition or visibility, but because it has taught me the value of service. It has pushed me to do better, to feel deeply, to grow as a human being.

When you are doing something that feels so aligned with your purpose, when your work brings you joy and peace, that is when you know you are truly home.

What’s your message to other young people who might have a spark like you did at 13?

My message is two-fold: for the youth and for the parents and educators around them.

To young people: You don’t need to wait to grow up to make a difference. If you feel that spark, follow it. Even the smallest act of service can change someone’s life and your own.

To parents and schools: Please encourage your children to be part of their communities. Let them see the world beyond textbooks. I am here today because my school believed in me and gave me that opportunity. That one build gave me the confidence to stand on global platforms and speak about issues I care about. We need more of that. More support and more belief.

What are your future aspirations?

No matter how busy life gets, one thing is certain: I want to create more youth leaders. I may not have a fixed timeline or plan yet, but I know that this is the direction I want to move in.

It is time we raise our voices and our minds in support of housing for people from underprivileged backgrounds.