The Policy and Leadership Action Network for Youth (PLAN Y) initiative began shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. It began as a crusade against deeply stigmatized societal issues of mental health and bullying. It gained steam post the pandemic when long periods of isolation spurred uncertainty, anxiety, and fatigue, along with significant increases in cyberbullying among children. The pandemic also exposed stark differences in resources available to public school and private school students.

Pained by their classmates’ concerns around mental wellbeing and the visible inequalities, twin sisters Samaya and Samara Chauhan felt compelled to campaign for and act in favour of those impacted. Through independent surveys and counselling, they sought to understand the reasons behind bullying behaviours and how to manage them, addressing both sides of the victim and the bully.

In addition to schools, they partnered with Blind Relief Associations and Old Age homes, extending their support to vulnerable groups, listening to their stories, and offering comfort through change. They have since collaborated with organizations to give youth the tools, resources, and platform to actively engage in policymaking, advocacy, and transformative action, particularly in areas of mental health and equitable education.

Today, PLAN Y has transformed into a youth network of 350+ student members.