changemakers

When Vishal Talreja returned from Finland, one question stayed with him: what if every child in India could grow with the same dignity and confidence? That thought became ‘Dream a Dream’, now empowering 2.2 million children with life skills across India.

From kitchen tables to community halls, Dr Kalpana Sankar’s ‘Hand in Hand India’ has brought women together in over five lakh self-help groups, unlocked 50 lakh family businesses, and empowered 2.2 million women to shape change in their villages.

By demystifying food labels and exposing misleading marketing, Revant Himatsingka has helped three million Indians to take control of their health. His page ‘FoodPharmer’ has influenced major brands to reduce sugar and shaped nutrition literacy across schools and communities.

From farmers and educators to doctors, water warriors, and young innovators — meet the nine changemakers honoured at Optum Presents The Better India Showcase 2025, supported by the M3M Foundation, whose vision is transforming millions of lives across India.

A quiet frenzy, heartfelt gratitude, and inspiring stories — here’s what unfolded behind the blue carpets at India’s largest celebration of changemakers.

Conservationist Krithi Karanth has spent three decades addressing India’s human–wildlife conflict. Her work through initiatives like Wild Seve and Wild Shaale has now won global recognition with the McNulty Prize.

A professor’s vision and nature-based learning are helping first-generation students reconnect with education — under trees, not in classrooms.

A social worker and a legend on Reddit, Dushyant Dubey aka St Broseph helps people solve the most complex problems, ranging from cyber crime, stalking, civic issues to domestic violence and more. He runs the St Broseph Foundation with thousands of volunteers who help people get justice across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune.

Sharun Arora leads Chennai Super Klean, a team that started with local clean-ups and now represents India at the Spogomi World Cup. Through strategy, teamwork, and purpose, they show how environmental action can become a powerful and competitive movement on the global stage.

When floods devastated Punjab, businessman Pritpal Singh Hanspal transformed his rail coach factory into a boat-making unit. In just a week, he built 100 lifeboats that are rescuing stranded families and carrying relief supplies across villages.