Chennai

What if weddings didn’t leave behind heaps of trash? Meet Uma Ram from Chennai, who turned her big day into a celebration of love — for each other and for the planet. From composting one tonne of waste to wearing her grandmother’s 50-year-old saree, she proves that sustainability can be woven into every moment.

Afsana Parveen transformed her grief into a rooftop garden in Jhansi, nurturing over 200 plants. Inspired by her daughter’s memory, she grew fruits and vegetables, finding solace and purpose in gardening while fulfilling a shared dream of creating a vibrant sanctuary.

Can sunflowers change a city? Chef and urban gardener Shefalii Dadabhoy thinks so, and she’s on a mission to turn Chennai bloom with sunflowers and make the capital of Tamil Nadu into a Sunflower City.

Fishermen in Chennai’s coastal communities have a sacred bond with Olive Ridley turtles, calling them "Kutty Amma Saami”. Their devotion goes beyond ritual — they actively protect these turtles from harm, even tearing their nets to free them. This unique alliance challenges the narrative of fishermen as environmental threats.

Sustained by volunteers, painted by communities, and embraced by those in need—India’s Walls of Kindness are a living, breathing tribute to public compassion.

After witnessing her father’s tragic passing, Shalini turned to social media — not for sympathy but to heal through helping others. Today, she has impacted over 100 lives by providing financial aid, emotional support, and unconditional love. Join her journey — because even the smallest gesture can make a difference.

Want to give back to society? Here are 5 places in Chennai you can volunteer at, and how you can sign up!

Every year, Pulicat Lake near Chennai transforms into a pink paradise as thousands of flamingos arrive. In this stunning visual journey, 24-year-old photographer Barath Karthi R K captures the grace and magic of these seasonal visitors.

Blending yoga with furry companions, Pawga is using joyful, calming sessions to promote the adoption of Indian mongrels and support animal shelters across India.

Prashant Sharma quit his job in London to launch a non-profit organisation called ‘Positive Action for Child and Earth Foundation’. Through this, he provides greywater recycling solutions to schools, colleges and other organisations.