At a young age, Divaa Uthkarsha has already achieved what many only dream of—standing tall on a New York Times Square billboard while building a mission-driven platform that is changing lives. But behind the spotlight lies a deeper story: one of family, resilience, and purpose. Through Project Surya, Divaa is working to bridge healthcare inequalities and create stronger support systems for children living with Type 1 diabetes.
In this special conversation with Women Fitness, Divaa opens up about ambition, advocacy, wellness, and why the future of healthcare must be more inclusive.
“Seeing myself in Times Square felt like a promise fulfilled.”
Congratulations on being featured on a NYC Times Square billboard—an incredible milestone. What did that moment mean to you personally and professionally?
When I was 16, I travelled to New York to speak at the United Nations Headquarters. Like many tourists, I visited Times Square and remember looking up at those giant billboards featuring people I admired. I told myself then, one day, I’ll be up there too. Seeing that dream become reality years later felt surreal—a full-circle moment.
But beyond the recognition, what meant the most was being able to use that platform for something bigger than myself: amplifying conversations around health equity and diabetes awareness.
From Personal Experience to Purpose-Driven Action
Project Surya was born from something deeply personal—my younger brother’s diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes. Through his journey, I saw firsthand how something as simple as your postcode can shape your access to healthcare, education, and support.
Families living in different communities often face vastly different realities. I wanted to change that. Through Project Surya, my mission is to bridge these gaps through awareness, advocacy, and direct support, ensuring healthcare access and education are not privileges, but rights.
Divaa on Breaking the Myths Around Type 1 Diabetes
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Type 1 diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar. That’s simply not true. It’s an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own insulin-producing cells.
Another myth is that it can be “cured” through lifestyle changes or alternative remedies. While healthy habits matter, there is currently no cure. And importantly, many people confuse it with Type 2 diabetes, when the causes, treatment, and management are completely different.
Education is one of the most powerful tools we have in breaking these misconceptions.
Building a Stronger Support System
What is the core mission of Project Surya, and what key challenges are you trying to solve?
At its heart, Project Surya focuses on three pillars: awareness, advocacy, and funding.
We work to increase understanding of Type 1 diabetes, push for stronger healthcare policies, and raise funds for children who struggle to access life-saving insulin and essential supplies. Our aim is simple but urgent—to make sure no child’s health is determined by geography or financial circumstances.
Fitness as Strength, Discipline, and Balance
Movement has always been central to who I am. I competed in basketball at the national level and also in track and field. More recently, I’ve been learning tennis and spending more time in the gym.
I also completed a summer course in Yoga, which introduced me to mindfulness in a much deeper way. Fitness, for me, isn’t just about staying healthy—it’s about feeling strong, disciplined, and capable. It constantly reminds me that growth happens when we push our limits.
The New Rules of Women’s Leadership
What qualities do women need to cultivate to thrive as entrepreneurs today?
Resilience, emotional intelligence, and courage.
There will always be moments where you need to stay strong despite criticism or setbacks. But at the same time, empathy is one of the most underrated leadership strengths. The ability to understand people, build trust, and lead with compassion is incredibly powerful.
You don’t have to choose between being fierce and being kind. The strongest leaders are often both.
A Bigger Vision for India’s Health Future
Divaa, looking ahead, what is your larger vision for Project Surya?
My long-term vision is to integrate Type 1 diabetes education into frontline healthcare systems, especially through ASHA worker training programs across India.
I also want to expand Project Surya into more cities and bring diabetes and non-communicable disease education into schools nationwide. If we can educate children early, we can create a generation that is more informed, more prepared, and more committed to health equity.
Rapid Fire with Divaa Uthkarsha
One word that defines you?
Go-getter.
A morning ritual you never skip?
Making a to-do list and journaling—though I’ll admit I don’t manage it every single day.
Your message to women everywhere?
You can be anything. Don’t wait until you feel fully ready—just begin. There is an incredible community of women out there ready to support, uplift, and empower you along the way.
In a world where influence often fades with trends, Divaa Uthkarsha is using hers to create something lasting—awareness, access, and action. Her journey reminds us that true success is not measured by how brightly you shine, but by how many lives you illuminate along the way.