A Peterborough teenager has been honoured with a Youth Impact Award at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster.

Tarannum, a young resident of Peterborough, has recently been honoured with the Runner-Up Youth Impact Award 2026 during a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament, Westminster, in recognition of her contribution to Galaxy Gurukul, an educational initiative of Galaxy Foundation supporting more than 300 underprivileged children in Kolkata, India.

As part of her contribution, Tarannum participated in the Everest Base Camp Trek 2023 alongside her family, helping raise funds and awareness for Galaxy Gurukul's mission of providing quality education to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Tarannum has been part of Galaxy Gurukul’s journey since its inception. Alongside her parents, Vikash and Madhurita Jayaswal, and her younger brother, Vivaan, she has actively supported the initiative through fundraising campaigns, awareness programmes, and community engagement. Her commitment has remained unwavering as the school has grown, and she has played an important role in helping share its mission with supporters and donors both in the UK and abroad.

One of the defining moments of Tarannum’s journey was participating in the Everest Base Camp Trek in 2023 alongside her family. Undertaken to raise funds and awareness for Galaxy Gurukul, the expedition covered 130 kilometres over 16 days, reaching an altitude of 17,598 feet while enduring temperatures as low as -15°C and the physical challenges of high-altitude trekking.

Every step was dedicated to giving more children access to quality education. At the time of the expedition, Galaxy Gurukul supported 95 students. The funds raised through the campaign have since helped establish a fully equipped IT Lab, install air coolers, provide new desks and chairs, and enhance the school’s learning environment.

Tarannum said: "It is a tremendous honour to receive this recognition at the House of Parliament. Being part of Galaxy Gurukul from the very beginning has been an incredible journey, and watching the school grow from supporting 95 children to now over 300 has been truly inspiring.

"This award belongs to everyone who has supported our mission, especially my family, the Galaxy Foundation team, our donors, and the wonderful children of Galaxy Gurukul who inspire us every day.”

Galaxy Gurukul is the flagship educational initiative of Galaxy Foundation, a UK-registered Community Interest Company (CIC), established with the vision of ensuring that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their financial background.

Located in Kolkata, India, the English-medium school began its journey in 2023 with a small group of students and has since grown into a thriving learning community supporting more than 300 children. Beyond classroom education, Galaxy Gurukul provides books, uniforms, nutritious meals, healthcare support, digital learning facilities, and a nurturing environment that empowers children to realise their full potential.