Changemakers

Christmas in India isn’t just lights, carols and plum cake — it’s also the quiet kindness of Secret Santa networks who step into shelters, schools and slums to bring warmth, gifts and joy to children who need it most.

It began in classrooms facing rising heat, forests weighed down by plastic, and coastlines under stress. This is how IAS Supriya Sahu turned lived climate problems into solutions that touched millions of lives.

In Anantapur, the Ananta Neru Sanrakshanam project transformed barren, drought-hit lands into thriving ecosystems through innovative water conservation. Led by Vineet Kumar IFS, and Rupak Yadav, the initiative restored at least 11 water bodies, engaging over 400 villagers in sustainable practices.

At Tamana Winter Carnival, disabled and neurodiverse students spend months preparing handmade products, performances, and celebrations for Delhi. Step into a day shaped by pride, creativity, and community.

IAS officer Prem Krishnan S saw children staying indoors while playgrounds stayed still. His Screen Swap challenge encouraged them to step out, play and bring energy back to open spaces.

At 21, Shafali Verma represents a kind of ambition we rarely pause to understand. Her story is shaped by early responsibility, setbacks, and an honesty that does not try to impress anyone. From Rohtak’s narrow lanes to lifting a World Cup, she shows what determination looks like when you look at it up close.

What if you could beautify the Himalayas this year instead of adding to the growing problem of pollution the mountains are experiencing? Our winter campaign calls you to donate Rs 500 to help clean up operations being conducted by Healing Himalayas Foundation.

From a Sufi musician’s daughter to a WWII resistance hero, Noor Inayat Khan’s quiet courage is now immortalised on a French postage stamp.

When Nipun Malhotra saw a film trailer turn disability into a punchline, he chose not to look away. His petition travelled to the Supreme Court and led to a first-of-its-kind ruling that now guides how disability is portrayed across Indian cinema.

Born with brittle bone disease and denied basic education for most of her childhood, Ruchita Sahukari is today studying journalism from a wheelchair at IIMC. With her parents’ determination and an inclusive campus behind her, she’s already reporting stories, winning awards, and proving what true accessibility can enable.