Jarvis Talwar is a 13-year-old boy from Uttarakhand India, who moved with his family to Malaysia about seven years ago. Currently studying at the Global India International School, Jarvis speaks fluent English, Hindi, Punjabi and is quite well-versed in French. During his free time, he enjoys volunteering, participating in charity work and exploring the bountiful nature offered in Malaysia. He also really loves cooking but stays far away from meat as a strict and proud vegetarian.
Mentioning his carbon friendly diet does not nearly enough convey his love for the natural world. Last month, Jarvis emailed the Noah’s Ark Foundation, with the clear intention of donating half of his pocket money, to the foundation’s cause of saving and protecting animals by building an ark. His determined interest in the welfare of animals and the environment, did not allow him to think twice about parting with his years of savings, as he knew it would be used for a noble cause and one that is close to his heart too. To his utter surprise, his selfless contribution was retributed with a request for him to join the Noah’s Ark Foundation as a World Youth Ambassador.
The Noah’s Ark Foundation is a non-profit project that aims to build a 21st century ark to preserve every animal species in the world and help combat climate change. The RM29 billion initiative is located close to the Mozambique border and covers nearly 100km of the northeast coast of KwaZulu-Natal. After five years in the planning phase, construction of the largest and most ambitious conservation project in history, commences this year. The ark will provide shelter and prevent further extinction of the animal kingdom around the globe.
Upon Jarvis’s appointment as the youngest member of the foundation, he admitted that he was extremely thrilled to be part of a platform where he can inform, motivate, and convince individuals from different generations to rise to the challenge and save the environment. He has been very proactive with his role in the foundation; making environmental videos and helping where he can. Jarvis also acknowledged the fact that in about 20 years from now, his generation will be the leaders of the world, facing severe challenges, the negative impacts of climate change which would be more chaotic than ever before, and a damaged natural world. He confidently stated that, ‘humanity can act now’, to make an impactful difference. He urges everyone to wake up to the reality, take a stand, and be involved in bettering the world for tomorrow’s children.
At the tender age of 13, Jarvis acts as an inspiration and a source of motivation! With such a large-scale threat to all lifeforms in the years to come, bold steps need to be taken to reduce carbon footprint, protect the environment and conserve the remaining flora and fauna.
Jarvis is a child on his knees wanting to do something to make tomorrow’s world a better place. He should not kneel alone.
Donate to the Noah’s Ark Foundation here or visit their site here.