Intangible
Mechanisms

As Valiant Vikings House Captain, I took responsibility for coordinating and motivating my house, with a focus on both performance and teamwork. I planned activities by understanding my teammates' strengths and placing them where they could contribute most effectively, while also making sure everyone was comfortable and happy with their choices. I regularly checked in with team members, followed their progress, and helped coordinate participation across activities. We ultimately won the House Trophy that year, completing a hat-trick of consecutive victories.

The initiative eventually took place during a parent-teacher meeting on the school campus, allowing us to reach a much wider section of the school community. We baked and prepared items ourselves while also receiving contributions from other students, turning the sale into a broader student-led effort. All proceeds from the bake sale went to charity, supporting the Shraddha Foundation and helping contribute towards a Christmas celebration for the people it serves, including food and gifts.

This became particularly interesting as I explored the wider policy landscape around food in schools. FSSAI's school-food regulations restrict the sale of foods high in fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) to school children in school canteens, messes, and hostel kitchens, as well as within 50 metres of school gates. The framework also encourages schools to promote safe and balanced diets and healthier food environments. Rather than viewing healthy eating simply as an individual responsibility, I became interested in how schools, food environments, policy, and education can collectively shape the choices available to teenagers. Teen Health Decoded is my way of contributing to that conversation by sharing practical, accessible ideas around food and healthier lifestyles through a platform created specifically with teenagers in mind.

Instead of relying on individual willpower, calorie counting or streaks, Sangha brings friends and families together around simple, realistic changes. Each member makes an if–then pact with an accountability partner, their circle works toward a shared weekly goal, and an AI coach suggests practical options based on budget, mood, and the household's allergies and food rules.

Sangha 2.0 is built on behavioural science (implementation intentions, habit formation, social support and choice architecture) and designed responsibly for teenagers: it never discusses calories or weight, runs a kindness check on every post, and points anyone in distress towards real support.