n a world where embracing differences and helping others is more important than ever, two students from Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School have stepped up and made a powerful statement. Sophomores, Arya and Amiya Bindra, made it their mission to help others by publishing their very own book.
Arya and Amiya are twin sisters that have been on a mission ever since they visited India at seven years old. The sisters were devastated to find out that often families were so poor that they could not afford to send their daughters to school. Because the sons of the families took precedence, the daughters would often not get an opportunity for a fair education and their families would force them to instead marry young to relieve them of the financial burden. Even at a young age, the sisters were devastated. In retaliation, they decided they wanted to take action and give the girls they had met the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
So, entering their freshman year of high school, after lots of brainstorming, Arya and Amiya settled on the perfect idea. They would publish a book that spoke about the beauty that comes with diversity as well as the importance of empathy. This book is called “The Magic Rainbow” and was written by Amiya and illustrated by Arya. It follows the girls as they take a trip to several different countries, and each time meet new friends who share a bit of their culture. During their time on the rainbow, the girls learn to further appreciate everyone’s differences and see the beauty of diversity and acceptance.
But the twins didn’t stop with just publishing their book. The sisters decided to give back any success they received, mutually agreeing to give all the proceeds from the sales of their book to a charity. They have their own nonprofit organization called Rainbow Lollipop, and the funds go through their nonprofit to the charity of their choice. “We are donating it all to an organization that helps fund the education of young girls, as well as providing them with hygiene products and materials they require for school,” says Amiya.
Arya and Amiya won’t stop there, however. They plan to start even more projects to raise money for their cause, and hope to advertise their book to a wider audience. Their incredible dedication to their mission has inspired so many others around them, including their classmates at BBHHS. Even though they are in their second year of high school, they are putting so much effort into their cause. This is not the only thing the sisters do though. Both sisters have displayed academic excellence, and dedication to their extracurricular activities. Amiya Bindra helped lead her school on Student Government as a freshman, and spends her time running for the school’s cross country team. Arya Bindra puts lots of energy into supporting the school’s sports on the cheerleading team as well as being a disciplined dancer.
Arya and Amiya are living proof that age takes no part in making a meaningful impact on the world. Through their book and nonprofit, they have already started to change lives by spreading the message of cultural acceptance and aiding girls in receiving the education they deserve to have. Their accomplishments are a testament to their compassion, creativity, and determination, as well as the ability to thrive in places of controversy, and bright light and joy to everyone around them. The twins are just beginning their journey and will undoubtedly continue to inspire others for years to come by making an impact on the world, one page at a time.
