Indian American student wins 2014 International Children's Peace Prize

Washington: Indian-American student Neha Gupta has won the 2014 International Children's Peace Prize Award for her exceptional work to raise money for underprivileged children around the world.

Netherlands King Willem-Alexander, former archbishop and Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai presented Gupta with her award during a ceremony at The Hague, Netherlands Tuesday.

A first-year Schreyer Honours College scholar in the Eberly College of Science at Pennsylvania State University, Gupta will be entering the pre-medicine programme, according to a release from University.

Inspired by what she saw during a visit to India with her grandparents, Gupta founded Empower Orphans, an organization designed to support orphaned and abandoned children in India and the US.

Her work, which she started at age 9, has grown into a charity that to date has raised over $1 million and has helped more than 25,000 children.

The list of projects includes opening libraries, developing paths to health care, and promoting education.

The award is widely accepted as the most prestigious international award a young person can win.

Last year's winner, Malala Youzafzai, a Pakistani activist for female education, went on to become the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for 2014.

"Neha's leadership, vision and work ethic have helped countless orphaned, abandoned and impoverished children, and most remarkably she was just a child herself when she began this work," said Penn State President Eric Barron.

"We're very proud that she has been recognized with the 2014 International Peace Prize, and hope that this visibility will inspire others to also pursue worthy endeavours to benefit humankind."

The International Children's Peace Prize was created by the Amsterdam-based children's rights organization, KidsRights, and is awarded to a child whose work and actions have made a significant, positive impact in improving children's rights worldwide.

"While Neha is only a first-year student, she is already fulfilling the vision of the Schreyer Honors College as we strive to educate men and women who will have an important and ethical influence in the world," said Christian M. M. Brady, dean of the Schreyer Honours College.

While the focus of her work began with orphans in India, Gupta has also helped many families around Philadelphia, where her family lives.

The International Children's Peace Prize isn't the first time Gupta's work has been celebrated.

She won numerous awards including the 2011 World of Children Award, the President's Volunteer Service Award, the Congressional Award, and also the national Prudential Spirit of Community award.

Along with the prize, a 100,000 Euro grant will be given to projects closely associated with Gupta's area of dedication.