Over the half-term break, Merchant Taylors’ pupil Hridai S. (U6th) was awarded a British Citizen Youth Award Medal and Certificate of Honour in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the community and for being an inspiration to others. This prestigious accolade reflects the scale and sincerity of Hridai’s service, much of which he has initiated and led entirely on his own initiative.
Education sits at the heart of Hridai’s volunteering. Passionate about widening access to learning for under-privileged and minority groups, he has worked as a volunteer tutor, providing free tuition in maths, biology and chemistry to refugee students who face barriers integrating into the education system. His commitment to educational equality also inspired the creation of Learning for All, an interactive A-Level educational website designed to help hospital-bound children continue their studies and stay connected to learning.
Hridai’s impact extends well beyond the classroom. Through the Medical Kids Project, he assembles and distributes personalised medical kits to refugee centres such as New Citizens Gateway and to care homes. During a visit to India, he witnessed the devastating effects of untreated infections among the homeless, an experience that spurred him to expand the initiative. He began distributing medical kits on the streets and offering basic first aid for those without access to healthcare – an experience that shaped much of his ongoing community work.
In addition, Hridai founded Elderly at Ease, a website that connects older adults with volunteers who can support them with everyday wellbeing – ranging from companionship to maintaining medication routines and safe living conditions. The platform now has 156 users, 89 volunteers, and has raised over £2,400 to improve elderly care.
His work has already touched many lives and strengthened communities by addressing key gaps in education, healthcare, and social connection. As Hridai reflects:
“I started these projects to help people who are too often overlooked – refugees, the homeless, and the elderly. Everyone deserves dignity, education, and basic healthcare, regardless of their circumstances.”
We are incredibly proud of Hridai’s leadership, compassion, and determination to create meaningful change. His achievements exemplify the values of service and responsibility that lie at the heart of life at Taylors’, and we look forward to seeing where his passion for helping others will take him next.
