Manish Saini, is a dedicated and proactive young leader from a rural community in Jaipur, Rajasthan, with over nine years of experience in the social sector. His journey into social activism was inspired by his father's work in the field, which instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility towards his community from an early age. Manish with double masters in commerce and social work and a PhD in rural development, has actively participated in various initiatives focusing on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), life skills, and climate change.
Nikita Sahu, is a passionate and dedicated young leader from Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh, who has devoted her efforts to advocating for child rights and promoting constitutional values in rural areas. Coming from a humble background, with her father working as a street fruit vendor and her mother as a homemaker, Nikita understands the challenges faced by marginalised communities and is motivated to make a difference.
Suneel Sagar is a dedicated youth leader from Khetrajpur village in Sambalpur region of Odisha. He has faced significant challenges throughout his life, including poverty and marginalisation. Despite these obstacles, Suneel has demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness, passion, and determination. A self-taught individual, he has continued his education through scholarships and has worked part-time jobs since the 8th grade to support his family. Suneel has volunteered with an organisation called ABCD (Any Body Can Develop), where he ran free tuition classes for children in his slum.
Sneha Chauhan, is a dynamic and passionate young leader from a remote village in Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh. Coming from a farming family, she has demonstrated resilience and independence from a young age, supporting her education through part-time jobs while actively engaging in community service. With a strong background in social activism and masters in sociology, Sneha has been an active member of the National Service Scheme (NSS) during her college years, where she honed her leadership skills and commitment to community development.
Ashutosh Singh, is a passionate community leader and change-maker based in Mumbai, with over eight years of experience in grassroots activism and social engagement. He is deeply committed to addressing the pressing issue of climate change and has been actively involved in community action through the Magic Bus Foundation, where he has built strong trust and influence within his community. With a PhD in Education, Ashutosh’s notable achievement in career was winning the Water Hero Academy competition, which led to an invitation to Manchester City to receive recognition for his contributions.
Karan Kumar Nagaar, currently pursuing Bachelors of social work & Arts, belongs from Haryana and embodies the principles of restorative justice and serves as a powerful example of personal growth and redemption. As an ex-prisoner himself, Karan’s experiences have fueled his passion for advocating for the rights and rehabilitation of prisoners, emphasising the importance of second chances and societal reintegration. He is actively involved in the Eco Reform initiative, where he focuses on creating awareness and inspiring action among local communities regarding environmental issues.
Lakshya, is a dedicated neurodivergent professional deeply engaged in the realm of social impact. Based in New Delhi, they focus on addressing intersectional issues with a strong emphasis on fostering kindness and nurturing youth leadership. Lakshay is passionate about the urgent need for collective action to combat the Climate Crisis, believing that collaboration among diverse groups is essential for creating meaningful change.
Vicky, a self-taught visual artist and social entrepreneur from Kalimpong, leads Muhaan with a vision to connect communities through tourism. As a founding member of the Neora Valley Sustainable Ecological Society, Vicky collaborates with forest communities to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about ecological issues. His artistic endeavours not only highlight the beauty of the region but also emphasise the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
Arunavha, originally from Guwahati, Assam, now makes his home in Samsing, West Bengal. His extensive travels through the remote villages of Northeast India ignited his passion for sustainable, community-driven tourism, which led him to co-found the Muhaan Collective. Arunabha prioritises sustainable, community-led tourism that empowers locals, conserves cultural heritage, retains community land ownership, and creates sustainable youth livelihoods to combat outward migration and foster community development.
Narendra Pawar, also from Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh, is a passionate individual who has been actively involved in teaching sports and dance to young children at Agrini Public School for the past 10 years. He is very geographically rooted in Seoni and possesses a deep understanding of the local geography & context, informing his work and engagement with the community. His passion for imparting his knowledge of the natural & geographical ecosystems has driven him to contribute significantly to the development of the young, through the organization.
