Most 17-year-olds are still figuring out what they want to do with their lives.
Riyaad Maroof Hassan has already written two books, directed a critically acclaimed short film, founded multiple organisations, co-created India's first children-developed historical web show, and built a council that runs workshops and conferences for young people across the country.
And he is just getting started.
It started with words
Riyaad's story begins with words.
Growing up in Assam, he developed a deep love for literature, history, and storytelling from a young age — a passion that earned him the title of Youngest Writer of Assam.
But he was never content to keep those stories to himself.
He wanted to share them, and more importantly, he wanted to create spaces where other young people could share theirs too.
Writing, filmmaking and youth leadership became different ways of pursuing the same goal: giving children more opportunities to learn, create and be heard.
Building spaces for other young people
That vision led him to found The Clippers TV — a digital-first initiative connecting young students globally through audio and video-based learning.
It was built to give children the tools for creative and educational growth in a world that was rapidly moving online.
The following year, this grew into something even more significant: The Clippers Child Council of India.
Through the council, Riyaad has run workshops, conferences, and competitions for children across the country.
He also established Clipping Courses, a virtual platform where teachers deliver student-requested topics and help young people find career opportunities suited to their individual skills and talents.
He did not just create for young people. He created places where young people could create for themselves.
From the page to the screen
His work behind the camera has been equally impressive.
He directed and created Trouvaille — the first ever historical web show developed entirely by children.
He also wrote and directed Azadi: Songs of Freedom, a short film that received critical acclaim for its visuals, performances, screenplay, and its striking dark editing style.
Riyaad also founded Literature On Screen, a virtual organisation dedicated to spreading awareness of Indian English Literature to global audiences.
Created and directed as the first historical web show developed entirely by children.
Beyond books and films
Beyond his creative work, Riyaad serves as a Global Child Rights Ambassador and the Young Programme Lead of Child Development Initiatives at MIT Square, London.
He was recognised as a Social Influencer in the Top 20 Under 20 Influencer Awards 2021.
He was also a Best Performer in the NASA International Space Science Essay Competition 2019 and a Runner-Up in the NASA International Quiz Competition 2020.
He built the space himself
Riyaad Maroof Hassan is a young man who did not wait for someone to build the spaces he needed.
He built them himself.
And then he opened the doors for thousands of other children to walk through them.
One story. One screen. One voice at a time.
AUNUA Youth Ambassador
At AUNUA, we are proud to have Riyaad Maroof Hassan as one of our Youth Ambassadors and inspired by everything he continues to create.
At 17, Riyaad is not waiting to discover what his generation can do. He is already helping build the spaces where they can do it.