In 2020, two Indian-American middle schoolers from Fremont and Cupertino saw the value in building strong connections within communities and decided to do something about it. In May that year, they formed Active Circle, through which they collaborate with other organizations and organize a variety of events in the Bay Area. Here is their story, in their own words:

It All Starts with a Vision

As two middle schoolers with a dream of creating positive change in our community, we envisioned a world where everyone felt connected and healthy. We saw an example of such a community as members of Kutchvalley, a close-knit community of individuals from Kutch, Gujarat living in the United States. We had grown up attending Kucthvalley’s annual events, spring picnics, and Diwali parties, which helped us develop friendships and bonds for life. Even through COVID, we found ways to stay connected, through activities like game night on Zoom, virtual cook-a-longs, and much more.

Recognizing the strength and support within Kutchvalley, we wanted to extend this privilege of community to those who aren’t as connected with their peers. That’s when we decided to take action and embark on founding the Active Circle, our very own 501(c)(3) registered non-profit. Its mission? To create active connected communities. 

We believe that a socially connected community is the key to fostering overall well-being and overcoming physical and mental health challenges. Our innovative approach is to provide opportunities to create and participate in group activities, and to develop a sense of social bonding, belonging, and wellbeing.  

A Track Record of Success 

We do this by organizing webinars, workshops, and in-person events that are open to all. Our events are more than just fun activities, as our main aim is to bring positive change in the community. 

From a Healthy Relationships Walk and Talk in partnership with Narika; to a Virtual Walkathon with ASK Consulting; and an Exercise is Medicine Webinar with the South Asian Heart Center, Active Circle tackles a variety of issues that our community deals with. We have also hosted other community events such as a Heart Health Webinar, an All-Inclusive Potluck Picnic for children with special healthcare needs and their parents, multiple Teen and Family Hikes, and Indian dance workouts called Bombay Jam sessions. 

Nivriti Vira (first from right) and Aanya Shah (second from right) organize events in collaboration with other Bay Area nonprofits like Narika. Image credit: Active Cricle.

We don’t do all of this alone. We have built a network of strong partnerships with various organizations like the Girl Scouts of Northern California, Khushiyaan Foundation in India, South Asian Heart Center, Narika, MyTrailPals, and even corporations like ASK Consulting and many more in the pipeline. These partnerships allow us to amplify our reach and impact. For instance, more than 70 people joined our 2020 Virtual Exercise is Medicine webinar thanks to Dr. Molina of the South Asian Heart Center who graciously agreed to speak to participants.

Active Circle’s Impact

Four years since founding Active Circle, we are immensely proud of the events we have organized, and their impact. For instance, Active Circle raised $1676 for the No Kid Hungry initiative through a virtual walkathon with ASK Consulting. We also raised $2000 for Khushiyaan Foundation through a Bombay Jam session. The money raised was used to provide medical oxygen cylinders in India during the COVID crisis. 

Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. Active Circle has received honors like the First Lego League Motivational Award, the Girl Scouts Silver Award, and both the Santa Clara and Cupertino Mayoral Awards in 2021 and 2022. 

A Call to Action 

We hope that our story inspires you. We want this to be a wake-up call to action. Visit our website to learn more about our events, partnerships, and how you can get involved. 

A cleanup organized by Active Circle. Image credit: Active Circle.

High schoolers across the U.S. can reach out to us at activeantcircle@gmail.com, to create their own local chapters of the Active Circle, which would help spread our mission across the world.  

We are fortunate that our journey with Active Circle has gotten off to a flying start. We know that with your support, we can make an even bigger impact, creating more active connected communities across the world, one city at a time!

anya Shah is a junior at Notre Dame High School in San Jose, California. Beyond her academic excellence, Aanya is deeply involved in philanthropic and artistic pursuits. She is the co-founder of Active...

Nivriti Vira is a sophomore at Cupertino High School with a passion for service, arts, and working with children. As the co-founder of the non-profit Active Circle, she promotes active connected communities....