From AVMA to Oxford: The Journey of Vivek Chovatiya

In 2009, a young boy named Vivek Chovatiya walked into the gates of Adani Vidya Mandir, Ahmedabad, as a quiet third grader. The son of a humble security guard, Vivek carried more than just a school bag—he carried dreams much larger than his circumstances.

At AVMA, Vivek found more than just education; he discovered purpose, discipline, and a world of possibilities. The compassionate mentorship of his teachers and the nurturing environment of the school helped him excel academically and explore his deep-rooted curiosity for the natural world.

By the time he graduated Class XII in 2019 with 85% in the PCB stream, Vivek was already a shining star of AVMA. But this was only the beginning.

He went on to pursue a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Forestry from Navsari Agricultural University, where he not only graduated with distinction but was also awarded the Vice Chancellor's Gold Medal—a testament to his academic brilliance and dedication. He rose to become the NCC Navy Cadet Captain, displaying leadership both in the classroom and beyond.

Rather than opting for campus placements, Vivek chose a path less traveled. He applied for an internship at the Institute of Forest Biodiversity (ICFRE), Hyderabad, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. There, for the past 8 months—with a short interlude to work with the Gujarat Forest Department at Gir National Park—he has been contributing to critical biodiversity research.

Then came the life-changing moment.

Vivek received his admission letter to the University of Oxford, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, for an MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation and Nature Recovery. To top it all, he was selected as a Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholar—a fully funded, competitive leadership programme that supports changemakers solving global challenges.

In his message to AVMA, Vivek wrote:

“This achievement would not have been possible without the strong academic foundation, values, and encouragement I received during my time at Adani Vidya Mandir, Ahmedabad. The guidance and support from my teachers played a crucial role in shaping my journey—from sparking my curiosity to instilling in me the discipline to pursue higher goals.”

As he prepares to represent India on the global stage, Vivek doesn’t just carry books and research with him—he carries the hopes of a community, the blessings of his school, and a heart determined to heal the planet.

From the modest lanes of Ahmedabad to the hallowed halls of Oxford, Vivek’s story is a testament to what belief, resilience, and education can achieve.