Anoushka Jolly: Empowering Change with Kavach against Bullying

At the tender age of 13, Anoushka Jolly embarked on a mission to combat bullying, driven by a powerful desire to make a difference. Witnessing her best friends engage in bullying during a school event ignited a spark in Anoushka, propelling her to become a problem-solver. Thus, the Anti-Bullying Squad (ABS) was born, a platform that has evolved to include an anti-bullying app named Kavach. Anoushka’s journey took a significant turn when she secured funding of Rs 50 lakh for Kavach on the esteemed Shark Tank India show, making her the youngest participant to pitch on the show.

Anoushka’s foray into addressing bullying began in 2018 when she initiated ABS, organizing one-on-one sessions in schools facilitated by experts, selling ABS merchandise, and encouraging young individuals to pledge against bullying. The ABS impact extended to over 700 children through physical and online sessions in reputed schools and collaborations with NGOs. Anoushka’s innovative approach involved recording sessions for students to access at their own pace, amplifying the reach of ABS.

In 2021, recognizing the need for a scalable solution, Anoushka, with her father’s support, conceptualized the Kavach app. Designed as a shield of protection, Kavach empowers students and parents to report bullying incidents. The app offers an anonymous reporting option, addressing concerns about revealing identities to bullies. Reported incidents are then analyzed by schools and counselors, facilitating appropriate actions for resolution and prevention.

The Kavach app, soon to be available on the Play Store, exemplifies Anoushka’s dedication to leveraging technology for social impact. With a core team of 15 individuals and partnerships with 10 schools, she aims to market the app through social media, her website, and a network marketing strategy. Anoushka’s strategic vision extends beyond Bengaluru, where ABS has made a significant impact, to encompass a pan-India presence.

The pivotal moment for Anoushka and ABS came during her appearance on Shark Tank India. Amidst 62,000 applications, Anoushka’s pitch stood out, securing funding from investors Aman Gupta and Anupam Mittal. The experience, spanning four rounds and culminating in a two-shark deal, marked a turning point for ABS and Kavach. Anoushka’s interaction with business giants on the show, including mentorship from Namita Thapar, propels ABS and Kavach toward new heights.

An infusion of funds from Shark Tank India will be utilized to raise awareness, employing a unique strategy where anti-bullying ambassadors track their impact on app downloads. Anoushka envisions incorporating the metaverse into mental health initiatives, unveiling more details in the coming months.

Anoushka’s commitment to her cause has earned her accolades, including recognition as one of the ‘Top 21 for 2021’ innovative tech-based women-led startups. Her appearance on the Network 18 Young Genius show as one of the Young Geniuses of India and involvement in the Ministry of Culture’s Mauka Hai project further underline her impact.

Balancing her responsibilities as a Class 8 student, Anoushka attributes her success to effective time management. Her story resonates as a testament to the transformative power of youthful determination, innovation, and a resolute commitment to creating positive change.