The 17-year-old Otago Girls' High School pupil has a way of turning people's opinions to match her views - a skill she will put to very good use as a New Zealand delegate on an upcoming trip to the Model United Nations Assembly at the Hague in the Netherlands.
''It all comes through discussing and talking, and trying to see things from their perspective; try to find middle ground, things in common. From there, I try to persuade them.''
Revathi is one of 23 delegates from New Zealand, selected to join about 4000 other delegates from around the world at the Model United Nations Assembly Conference in January.
The three-week trip includes visits to New York, Berlin, Brussels and Geneva on the way.
Revathi was doubly delighted to learn of her selection this week.
''I found out on my birthday that I was going. It's the best prezzie I've ever had,'' she said.
''I'm really excited. It's such an amazing trip.''
Last year she attended the Save the Children's annual conference in Wellington, where she took part in its Child and Youth Council.
The experience inspired her to set up a branch of the council in Dunedin, in a bid to create awareness and promote child advocacy.
It is just one of many projects she has worked on.
Revathi hopes to study law next year, and forge a career in international relations.
''Who knows? Going to the Model United Nations Assembly might open doors for me.''
