Hi! I’m Rudritara Shroff from Mumbai, India.

Passionate about developmental psychology, I’m particularly fascinated by how early experiences, especially during the first 1,000 days of life, shape a child’s emotional, cognitive, and social development. Alongside my academic interests, I enjoy skiing (IGCSE Level 5), Western ballroom dancing (IGCSE Level 5), and running track and field. Writing is another passion of mine, and I’m proud to have won the Elaine Hobson Literary Award.
I believe in blending creativity with purpose, which has driven me to design projects like the Growth Mindset Program and ‘Art for Baby,’ reflecting my commitment to fostering positive change and nurturing young minds.

Art for Baby: Transforming Childhood Development Through Art

I created Art for Baby as a 17-year-old passionate about child development and art, aiming to bridge these two worlds to make a tangible difference. Art for Baby is India’s first medically vetted art book designed to aid cognitive development in infants.

YOUNGEST RECIPIENT OF THE BAAL SNEHI AWARD

On International Women’s Day 2025, received the Baal Snehi Award, a prestigious recognition from the Government of Maharashtra, for  my contributions to child development. I was the youngest recipient of this award, which was conferred by Aditi Tatkare, Minister for Women and Child Development of Maharashtra.

I was also felicitated by Chandrakant (dada) Bachchu Patil, Higher and technical education minister of Maharashtra state for her project ‘Art for Baby’. 

These accolades acknowledges my project, ‘Art for Baby,’ which is India’s first medically vetted book designed to stimulate newborn cognitive development, which has raised $57,000 for UNICEF India’s children’s projects in Maharashtra.

Launched Art FOR BABY at JAIPUR ART WEEK 4

‘Art for Baby’ book was launched at the Jaipur Art Week 4 held from 27th January to February 5th in Jaipur, India. 

The book also then went to be sold and displayed across art gallery booths as a part of India Art Fair 2025 in Delhi and Design One in Mumbai

Sangath Bhopal Internship: Empowering Early Childhood Development

Under the mentorship of Dr. Vikram Patel, the Paul Farmer Professor and Chair of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School, I educated Aanganwadi and ASHA workers in Bhopal on the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, emphasizing proper infant care to foster secure and healthy development.

Museum of Solutions: Fostering Creativity and Innovation

The Museum of Solutions (MuSo) is India’s first-of-its-kind children’s museum, dedicated to nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Since summer 2023, prior to its opening, I have been actively involved in shaping its vision and programming. I continue to contribute every week, helping create engaging, experiential learning experiences that inspire young minds to explore and innovate.

Carol Dweck Growth Mindset Program: Nurturing Resilient Learners

Guided by my passion for developmental psychology, I designed and implemented a Growth Mindset Program inspired by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, aligning with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Collaborating with four NGO schools in Mumbai, the six-month intervention aimed to foster resilience, perseverance, and a love for learning in young children. Pre- and post-program data revealed significant shifts in students’ attitudes, showing greater openness to challenges and learning from mistakes.

Corona Quilt Project: Weaving Stories of Resilience and Hope

Amid the uncertainty and isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the privilege of contributing to the Corona Quilt Project, a large-scale community art initiative designed.

Art for Baby: Transforming Childhood Development Through Art

I created Art for Baby as a 17-year-old passionate about child development and art, aiming to bridge these two worlds to make a tangible difference. Art for Baby is India’s first medically vetted art book designed for infants aged 0-3 months. Collaborating with 15 leading Indian contemporary artists, who generously contributed their works gratis, I curated a collection of high-contrast visuals that stimulate cognitive growth, enhance visual tracking, and support brain development during the critical early months of life. Auctioned by Christie’s, the project raised Rs. 48 Lakh 58 Thousand, with proceeds directed equally to UNICEF India for children’s initiatives and OUTSET UK to support vulnerable children.

The project has been endorsed by renowned experts, including Dr. Vikram Patel from Harvard Medical School, Dr. Vicky Armstrong from the University of Dundee, and Dr. Ashwin Sainani from P.D. Hinduja Hospital Mumbai, validating its scientific foundation and potential for meaningful impact. Seeing Art for Baby come to life and make a difference in children’s lives has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

As a nominee for the Baal Puruskar, the highest civilian award in India for individuals under 18 for their contributions to art and culture, I see this project as part of my broader mission to combine cultural heritage with science-backed initiatives to support child development. My experiences, such as interning with Dr. Vikram Patel to educate Aanganwadi and ASHA workers about the critical first 1,000 days of life and earning certification as a UN Young Leader, have shaped my commitment to creating sustainable, impactful programs for children.

Art for Baby is only the beginning of what I hope will be a much larger journey of using art and innovation to support early childhood development. I look forward to expanding its reach, integrating it into more communities, and continuing to explore the transformative power of art in shaping the future, one baby at a time.

Sangath Bhopal Internship: Empowering Early Childhood Development

Under the mentorship of Dr. Vikram Patel, the Paul Farmer Professor and Chair of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School citeturn0search0, I contributed to a project emphasizing the critical importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—a period recognized by the World Health Organization as vital for cognitive, emotional, and physical development.

Our primary objective was to educate Aanganwadi and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers on best practices in infant care during this formative period. Initially, we encountered resistance from Aanganwadi workers, who were hesitant to adopt new methodologies. To address this challenge, we collaborated with ASHA workers, filming them as they demonstrated effective caregiving practices, such as attentive interaction and responsive caregiving. These videos served as relatable training tools, gradually building trust and encouraging Aanganwadi workers to embrace the new techniques.

A key focus of our training was the importance of responding promptly to an infant’s cries and calls for attention. We emphasized that neglecting these signals could lead to long-term emotional insecurity and instability. By illustrating how consistent, responsive care fosters healthier emotional development, we aimed to instill practices that would have a lasting positive impact on the children in these communities.

This internship was a profound learning experience, highlighting the intersection of psychology, culture, and community-level intervention. It taught me the importance of empathy and adaptability in overcoming resistance and effecting meaningful change. Working with Sangath reinforced my commitment to improving child development outcomes in under-resourced areas and inspired me to continue bridging research with practical applications to create sustainable, scalable solutions for vulnerable communities.

Museum of Solutions: Fostering Creativity and Innovation

The Museum of Solutions (MuSo) is India’s first-of-its-kind children’s museum, designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration through experiential learning. Located in Mumbai, MuSo empowers children to engage with real-world challenges using hands-on exhibits and activities that inspire curiosity, empathy, and problem-solving.

I joined MuSo as an intern in 2023, contributing to its development before its grand opening on Children’s Day in November 2023. Since then, I have remained actively involved, balancing my work at MuSo with school commitments. One of my most impactful contributions was designing an obstacle course that taught children about water conservation by simulating the challenges rural communities face. This activity not only built awareness but also encouraged empathy and problem-solving skills. I also created tactile exhibits like the Interactive Material Book, helping children explore the properties of natural and man-made materials through touch and play.

Beyond children’s programming, I proposed innovative ideas to utilize MuSo’s space during off-hours, including creative workshops, block-printing sessions, and social evenings for adults. These initiatives brought a dynamic business dimension to the museum, broadening its appeal to diverse audiences. My Art for Baby book, featured in MuSo’s bookstore, complements the museum’s mission by supporting early cognitive development in infants and reflects my belief in the transformative power of creativity.

MuSo has been integral to my journey in reimagining education and child development. It has taught me how interactive, inclusive spaces can inspire curiosity and foster growth, not just in children but in all individuals. My time at MuSo continues to fuel my passion for building impactful learning environments that encourage innovation and change lives.

Carol Dweck Growth Mindset Program: Nurturing Resilient Learners

My fascination with developmental psychology and child development led me to design and implement a Growth Mindset Program inspired by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck’s The New Psychology of Success. This program, which I initiated independently in collaboration with Aseema and three other NGO schools in Mumbai, focused on fostering resilience, adaptability, and a love for learning among children aged 3-6 years. It was deeply aligned with the principles of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing inclusivity and holistic development.

The program began with challenges, as my initial attempts to connect with organizations through conventional channels were unsuccessful. Undeterred, I visited the Aseema office twice with a well-researched proposal and a clear vision. Once I received approval, I worked closely with educators to adapt Dweck’s principles into engaging, age-appropriate activities. To ensure the program’s scientific rigor, I consulted with Dr. Narendra Kinger, a leading psychologist in India, refining my approach to suit the developmental needs of young children.

Over six months, I conducted workshops across four batches of children, helping them embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and develop a growth-oriented mindset. I also collaborated with teachers to integrate these strategies into daily classroom activities, creating a sustainable impact. The program not only helped students build cognitive and emotional skills but also demonstrated measurable improvements in their attitudes toward learning and problem-solving.

This initiative was a transformative experience for me, reinforcing my belief in the power of psychology to shape young minds and futures. It has also strengthened my commitment to designing innovative, research-backed programs that can bring lasting change to education and child development. The Growth Mindset Program is a cornerstone of my journey, showcasing my ability to bridge academic theory with meaningful, real-world applications.

Corona Quilt Project: Weaving Stories of Resilience and Hope

Amid the uncertainty and isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the privilege of contributing to the Corona Quilt Project, a large-scale community art initiative designed to provide individuals with a platform to express their experiences during one of the most challenging periods in recent history. This project, which brought together over 5,000 individual narratives, became a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and hope.

My involvement began with creating a personal artwork reflecting my journey through the pandemic. Inspired by the themes of transformation and faith, I worked closely with my classmates, including those outside Mumbai, to ensure their voices were also included. Together, we crafted a collective piece titled On the Rise, drawing on the imagery of a butterfly—a universal symbol of metamorphosis and renewal. This artwork became part of the larger Corona Quilt installation, which enveloped the façade of the iconic Bombay Municipal Corporation building, transforming it into a visual testament to human perseverance.

The significance of the project lay not only in its artistic impact but also in its ability to connect people across physical and emotional boundaries. Each quilt square represented a personal story, and together, they wove a collective narrative of endurance, solidarity, and the shared hope for a better future. For me, the process of contributing to this project was deeply moving and meaningful, as it allowed me to witness firsthand the healing power of creativity and community.

The Corona Quilt Project reaffirmed my belief in the intersection of art and psychology as a force for connection and healing. It showcased how art can transcend barriers to address shared human experiences, provide solace, and inspire resilience. Being part of this initiative was not just an artistic journey but also a profound exploration of the ways creativity can foster empathy, inspire change, and build a shared sense of purpose during even the darkest times.