Yaj Parameswaran
I firmly believe that the privilege of comfort demands action and until we stay awake at night in our own warm beds with full stomachs, feeling for those that have neither and resolving to do our part to address hunger, inequality and indifference, we haven’t really paid for our room and board.
I’m Yaj Pradeep Parameswaran; researcher, foodie, sports-enthusiast, part-musician, full-time explorer. Born in Atlanta and raised across India, I’ve battled childhood asthma, climbed to Everest Base Camp and found joy in both data and drumbeats. Whether researching food security in 50-degree-C heat or debating geopolitics at MUNs, I thrive on curiosity and persistence. I’m known for my structured thinking, love of world cuisines and the ability to recall football stats or global capitals with alarming precision. Famous for my clumsiness and my unruly curly locks as much as for my determined pursuit of a goal once I have set my eyes on it. I’m driven by connection, purpose, and the belief that every setback can spark a spectacular comeback!
Research Deep Dives
Food Security and Nutrition in India
Diving deep into primary research across major Indian states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Exploring the complex realities of food security and nutrition in India. The study uncovered regional disparities, community innovations and policy gaps, offering critical insights into how India can ensure equitable access to nourishment for all.
Redefining India's Hunger Index
This body of work challenges the limits of Global Hunger Metrics like the GHI and SOFI, arguing for India-specific measures. The research findings highlight how standardised indices overlook local diets, health thresholds and inequalities; proposing a hybrid model that blends global comparability with regionally grounded and context-sensitive indicators for true nutritional insight.
Agrovoltaics TCI
Agrivoltaics (combining solar panels with agriculture) holds great promise in India but scaling from pilots to policy faces major hurdles — high costs, technical complexity, weak regulatory clarity and subsidy distortions. There is need for a clear legal framework, financial innovation and thoughtful stakeholder coordination.
Modeling India's HDI at 2050
Research under progress on Modeling India’s Human Development rise from 0.64 to 0.80 by 2050 through Universal Healthcare, equitable education and policy reform as part of the Collegiate Mentorship Program (CMP) at UPenn, Wharton School. The paper is in final draft stages and pending publication.
Key Stakeholder Presentations
Participated in the Global Hunger Index 2025 report launch and shared research reports with stakeholders. Findings were also presented to the Tata Cornell Institute and the Novo Nordisk Institute, successfully exploring pathways for effective public private partnerships.
At Columbia University (Summer of 2023), I explored how Mathematical reasoning can address real-world challenges across Economics, Computer Science and the Physical Sciences. Through graph theory, probability, and combinatorics, I learnt to model problems of equity by optimising resources, reducing inefficiency and understanding systemic patterns that drive inequality. I came away convinced that Mathematics is not just abstract logic but a powerful tool for advancing fairness, sustainability and global problem-solving.
At Johns Hopkins’ Human Rights and Justice course (Summer 2024), I explored nations’ ethical and political duties in addressing Global inequality. Despite food abundance, over 920 million remain undernourished due to inequitable systems and historical injustice. Through case studies and simulations, I gained a nuanced understanding of how power and governance shape justice, equity and Sustainable Development.
Milestone Achievements and Initiatives
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Trekking to Everest Base Camp at 14 taught me resilience, gratitude and the power of perseverance. Each step, from battling altitude sickness to witnessing breathtaking sunrises, deepened my appreciation for life's comforts and the silent strength we carry within. Inspired by my mother's courage during CoVID-19, I learnt to embrace challenges, cherish every moment and live fully. This journey transformed me on all fronts: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Tackling hunger realities on ground: Robin Hood Army and Dominos
At 13, I became one of the youngest volunteers with the Robin Hood Army, a zero-funds, volunteer-powered movement dedicated to alleviating hunger. I also learnt how to make and serve pizza at Domino's. Through redistributing surplus food from restaurants and community donations, I learnt the power of empathy, teamwork and community engagement. My experiences deepened my understanding of social responsibility and the impact of small acts of kindness in addressing hunger.
In the heart of Gurgaon’s Bhaktavar Chowk, I witnessed the raw resilience of children who, despite their hardships, dared to dream. From serving meals to building a school, every step was a testament to the transformative power of community. Their smiles and stories ignited a fire within me, reminding me that true privilege lies in the ability to uplift others. This journey reshaped my understanding of purpose and humanity.
I am deeply fascinated by how History, Geopolitics, Culture, Religion, and Philosophy intertwine to shape the world we live in. I explore how these forces influence Economics, Business, and Public Policy, inevitably revealing patterns of power, belief, and behavior that drive societies. For me, understanding the past and its ideas is key to shaping a more equitable future.
Honors and Other Interests
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Music Honor Society
Lead drummer inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society at the American Embassy School (Fall 2023); professionally trained since age 4 in Drums, Western and Indian Vocals, Piano, and Keyboard.
National Honor Society
In Fall 2025, I was inducted into the National Honor Society at the American Embassy School, an acknowledgement of my commitment to Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Integrity.
Youngest Bungee Jumper at Oldest site
Youngest bungee jumper at age 10 at New Zealand’s historic Kawarau Bridge, the world’s first commercial bungee site with a 43-meter drop.
Finding Stillness in Deep Waters
Goal to be PADI cerified before high school graduation: Swimming competetively at school honed my skills and enabled me to pursue my love for deep sea diving. I have enjoyed diving regularly since the age of 13 in Australia, Europe and the Maldives Islands.
Latest Articles and Publications
Food grain production in the state has nearly doubled since 2004, from 12 to over 23 million metric tonnes. Rajasthan now contributes close to seven percent of India’s total output.
Energy is, as former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described, “the golden thread that connects economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability.”
Malnutrition remains a major global challenge, affecting both low- and high-income countries through undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and rising obesity.
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He looks at me with a gleaming eyes and a shiny face and says, “When I grow up, I will be a cop….then, no cop will beat my mom and me with a stick and break down our hutment”.
The Crusades, a series of religious and military campaigns between the 11th and 13th centuries, have often been portrayed as holy wars fought in the name of Christianity to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control.
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What do you think about when I say these 2 words. Food Security. You might venture out to hypothesize a large security guard in a blue outfit protecting food that rests a vault.
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Everest Base Camp. Arguably, it is the greatest challenge I have undertaken and easily one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life. But let’s start at the beginning.
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