At the tender age of seven, a disheartened child, whose drawings never made the editor's pick in a kids' magazine, overshadowed by his younger brother's successes, has now become an inspiring figure for a generational cohort in a country with the largest population. Nikhil Taneja, a versatile media personality, has made a significant impact on the Indian media and content creation scene, especially through his social advocacy platform, Yuvaa, aimed at empowering India's youth. His journey began in 1993 when he moved to the Middle East, growing up in Dubai and Bahrain, where the simplicity and discovery of his childhood were far removed from today's rapid growth and development. His creative beginnings can be traced back to Young Times (YT), an old magazine from Khaleej Times, which inspired him amidst the cultural mosaic of the 90s Middle East. 'This feels like a full-circle moment,' Nikhil reflects with nostalgia. Starting with YT had a profound impact on his life, providing the initial encouragement and self-belief that led him to become the Bahrain correspondent for the magazine at age 14. Writing became his medium of expression, a personal way to convey his thoughts in a society where boys are not traditionally expressive. Now a filmmaker, writer, and producer, Nikhil faced a turning point at 30 when diagnosed with clinical anxiety, leading him to reassess societal expectations and redefine his life's narrative. This introspection led to the creation of Yuvaa, India's leading platform dedicated to engaging with and listening to young people on crucial topics like mental health, gender, Internet safety, misinformation, and climate change. Yuvaa's initiatives include the Yuvaa roadshow, which visited 110 colleges across 34 cities, creating spaces for open expression. Recent projects like Be a Man, Yaar! aim to dismantle stereotypes around masculinity, promoting vulnerability and empathy among the youth. The show, featuring discussions with renowned personalities, explores positive masculinity, encouraging young men to express themselves openly. The first season concluded with significant viewership and is set to return with a second season, aiming to expand these conversations offline and internationally.