Changemakers

An accidental discovery at Tal Chappar turned Sharvan Patel’s lens into a mission. Today, 130 Khailis ponds across Rajasthan sustain blackbucks, mongooses, peacocks, and migratory birds — but the journey began with just one pond.

In Tamil Nadu's Nellivasal village, students at a government school had to defecate in the open due to the lack of proper toilets. Architect Barnala Michael, along with his friend Vishnupriya, constructed low-cost, sustainable toilets, addressing hygiene issues and promoting eco-friendly practices.

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.

US-based Kapil Sharma, originally from Raipur, founded 'SayTrees', a non-profit dedicated to urban and rural afforestation and lake rejuvenation. Since its inception, SayTrees has planted trees and revitalised lakes and wells in Bengaluru and Pune.

IFS officer P Srinivas worked fearlessly to protect Karnataka’s forests and uplift villagers living under Veerappan’s terror. He built trust with communities, fought poachers and smugglers, and ultimately laid down his life in the line of duty. His sacrifice remains a symbol of courage and service.

Across India, citizens are joining hands to revive lakes and rivers. From Chennai to Coimbatore, these people-led movements show how communities can solve the water crisis.

From a rundown house in Barkuli village to a thriving entrepreneur, Gyanlata Hemrom’s life was transformed by regenerative farming and PRADAN’s support. By running a bio-resource centre, she helps hundreds of farmers adopt eco-friendly practices while building a secure future for her own family.

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.

Despite facing prejudice and being the only woman among 20 men onboard, Romeeta rose from ETO cadet to senior roles on global vessels—and now inspires future women seafarers.