While most children her age are busy with schoolwork and hobbies, Thaaragai Aarathana is spending her time beneath the waves, helping protect the very oceans she loves.
The young diver from Tamil Nadu has already removed more than 3,000 kilograms of plastic waste from the sea, making her one of the youngest environmental advocates creating a real impact on marine conservation.
Her journey began almost from birth. A passionate diver himself, Thaaragai's father introduced her to the ocean when she was only three days old. By nine months, she was floating independently. At two years old, she was swimming confidently, and by the age of five, she experienced her first underwater breathing session.
At just eight years old, she was already diving off the shores of Rameswaram. Today, Thaaragai holds another remarkable achievement. She has become one of the youngest licensed PADI Junior Open Water Divers in the world and the first girl in India to receive the certification at such a young age.
Yet for Thaaragai, diving is about much more than records and recognition. It is about protecting the ocean she calls home.
Inspired by her father, who has personally collected more than 30,000 kilograms of plastic waste from the sea, Thaaragai has dedicated herself to continuing that mission.
"My father is my inspiration," she says.
"I love diving and I love colourful fish. The waters near Manamelkudi are beautiful, with corals and marine life everywhere. But we also see so much plastic waste, bottles, bags, slippers, straws and fishing debris."
Some of her experiences underwater have left a lasting impact. She recalls rescuing sea turtles trapped in abandoned fishing nets, often called ghost nets.
"Once, we found two turtles trapped in ghost nets. Their flippers were badly injured after being tangled for so many days," she shares.
Witnessing such scenes strengthened her determination to become a voice for marine life. Beyond underwater clean-ups, Thaaragai has delivered more than 60 awareness talks focused on ocean conservation and reducing plastic pollution.
She believes education is one of the most powerful tools in protecting the environment.
"I focus on children my age because educating the next generation is important. If we learn to care for nature now, we can create a better future."
Her efforts have also extended beyond the shoreline.
Together with her eight-year-old cousin Nishvik, she completed an incredible Sri Lanka-to-India swim in 11 hours and 30 minutes to raise awareness about ocean conservation. The pair have also participated in long-distance swims of 19 and 21 kilometres under the Save The Ocean campaign.
For Thaaragai, these challenges are not about personal achievement. They are about inspiring others to take action.
"When I speak to groups, I encourage people to join beach clean-ups and help protect marine life. We also need more divers to support underwater clean-up efforts."
Looking ahead, Thaaragai's ambitions continue to grow. When she turns 12, she hopes to become the youngest Master Scuba Diver in the world, followed by another dream becoming the youngest underwater videographer. Despite her extraordinary achievements, she remains grounded and focused.
"I am taking it slow and steady," she says with a smile.
At an age when many children are still discovering their interests, Thaaragai Aarathana has already discovered her purpose. Through courage, compassion and determination, she is proving that age is never a barrier to creating meaningful change.
And perhaps her greatest lesson is a simple one: if one young girl can help protect the ocean, imagine what all of us can achieve together.
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, and as Thaaragai proudly reminds others: "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Source / Image Credit : nationalheraldindia , Femina
