changemakers

From starting a gifting venture at 16 to founding Rural Tech Rise, Harshini Kishore Singh has empowered 5,000+ children with tech education, cybersecurity awareness & entrepreneurship skills.

Born to a tailor and farm labourer, IAS Vijay Amruta Kulange rose from poverty to become Odisha’s beloved ‘People’s Collector’, known for his pro-people reforms.

During the devastating floods in Amritsar, Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney led a large-scale rescue operation, saving over 900 people within 24 hours. Coordinating with the army and relief teams, she brought aid to cut-off villages and became a symbol of courage.

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.