Changemakers

From the hills of Uttarakhand to Antarctica’s highest peak, Kavita Chand’s climb of Mount Vinson is a powerful story of courage, reinvention and believing that it’s never too late to chase bold dreams.

Every afternoon in Mehrauli, children walk into a room full of books and possibility. From first-generation learners to those opening a book for the first time, this small community library has become a place to read, learn, and belong.

Sachin Karekar, a Maharashtra farmer, developed SK-4 turmeric through years of experimentation. Today, it’s grown by 500+ farmers across 13 states, offering higher yields and better curcumin content.

From Pune, a man is changing the futures of students from humble backgrounds. Through The Power of One Educational Trust, he provides not just financial support, but mentorship and guidance, helping academically talented students pursue their dreams.

The Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust, established by Rinchen Wangchuk and led by Dr Tsewang Namgail, champions the harmonious coexistence of villagers and snow leopards in Ladakh through its insurance schemes and sustainable tourism initiatives, fostering ecological balance in the region.

As winter temperatures dipped across parts of India, ‘Share the Warmth’ initiative led by Max Fashion, powered by everyday shoppers, helped deliver warmth to 50,000 children. What began at store counters travelled through communities, reaching children for whom a blanket meant sleep, health and safety through the coldest nights.

For 30 years, 55-year-old Ulfata Bano has trekked through knee-deep snow in Kashmir’s harsh winters, delivering 20-25 parcels daily. Without transport or protection, she remains her village’s only link to the outside world. This is her story.

From distributing reusable pads to planting 30,000 saplings, Tarun Kumar’s Nischay Foundation is turning Jharkhand’s villages into models of sustainable menstrual hygiene.

From wetlands revived to world records broken, from global film honours to grassroots revolutions — meet the 10 Indian women whose courage, leadership and lived experience turned 2025 into a year of powerful change.

In Maharashtra’s parched landscapes, former IRS officer Ujjwal Kumar Chavan initiated a transformative water conservation project. Inspired to combat drought, he constructed reservoirs and check dams, increasing water storage across 204 villages. His efforts boosted farmers’ incomes, rejuvenated rivers, and fostered community resilience, demonstrating the power of collective action.