India’s Philanthro-Pundits!

BY SANCHITA SACHDEV

Today, as soon as we hear the term ‘influencers,’ we immediately think of social media, trendsetters, and brand collaborations. Influencer culture has taken over much of the online world, but its interpretation has shifted throughout the years. The game has changed now that TV, radio, and print are taking a backseat to social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, with creators and brands alike focusing more on personal branding and a specific niche. Since these public figures can sway large audiences through their content, their voices and platforms can create a positive global impact and raise awareness. Influencers tend to be seen as relatable and trustworthy, so not only will they be raising awareness to a broader population, but their support for a cause will be even more impactful and effective. Here are five Indian influencers making notable efforts in global issues and using their platforms for good.

LICYPRIYA KANJUGAM

Licypriya, or “India’s Greta Thunberg,” is India’s youngest twelve-year- old climate activist, with over 67k
followers on Instagram. She began raising awareness at the age six, actively campaigning for climate action in India.
She has proposed passing new climate laws to combat high pollution levels in India and mandate climate change literacy in schools. At eight years old, she first gained global recognition at the 2019 United Nations Climate Conference (COP25) in Madrid, urging immediate climate action.

Since then, she has represented India at several UN events and advocated for climate education in several schools. Her milestones include being recognized in Forbes Under 30 India (special mention), leading important initiatives such as the Green Birthday campaign, and planting over 240,000 trees. Besides her climate efforts, she contributed to many humanitarian efforts during COVID-19. She continues to inspire the world with her continuous efforts through her Licypriya Foundation, which is dedicated to fighting climate change and fostering sustainability globally.
Instagram: @licypriyakangujam

VANI MURTHY
Vani is a 62-year-old environmentalist who practices a low-waste and sustainable lifestyle. She has 347k followers on Instagram and is a founding member of Bengaluru’s Solid Waste Management Roundtable (SWMRT). This organisation focuses on adopting sustainable waste management practices by citizens and municipalities to promote a healthier earth. Vani uses her social media platforms to post content encouraging and imprinting eco-friendly practices such as managing
household waste, sustainable travel, and composting tutorials. She also promotes other initiatives with similar causes to promote an eco-friendly approach
to life.
Instagram: @wormrani

FALGUNI VASAVADA
Dr. Falguni is a 47-year-old influencer, strategic marketing professor, and double gold medalist. Her educational and humorous content focuses on body positivity, plus-size fashion, and women’s empowerment, encouraging her 241k followers to tap into confidence, self-love, and acceptance. Her personal approach to her social media content makes it more relatable and trustworthy for her audience, making her advocacy so much more effective and successful.
Instagram: @falgunivasavada

DIA MIRZA
Dia, a well-known Bollywood celebrity and influencer, actively advocates for animal rights and environmental conservation. The 42-year-old influencer has participated in several environmental campaigns across India and has used her massive platform of 6 million followers to raise awareness and make change. She was appointed the United Nations Environment Goodwill Ambassador for India at the UNEA assembly and is a United Nations Secretary-General Advocate for Sustainable Development Goals. Working closely with the United Nations, she has achieved several milestones, including her #BeatPlasticPollution campaign in 2018. Alongside this, she’s the founding member or ambassador of several organisations like the Wildlife Trust of India’s Club Nature, the Swachh Bharat Mission’s “Swachh Saathi” programme, Sanctuary Asia’sTiger Conservatio, and even Save the Children.
Instagram: @diamirzaofficial

AAKASH RANISON
The 27-year-old influencer Aakash is a climate activist and travel enthusiast. He runs his website and blog about
his travels and climate change. The influencer has also written for well- known publications such as The Times
of India and Forbes India. With his vast fan base of 45.6k, he raises awareness about climate change and sustainability through his various content. He has also been recognised by Cosmopolitan and Exhibit for his contributions to climate action and sustainability, and has spoken on platforms like TEDx and Google Talk. His dedication to living sustainably and promoting a healthier environment has made him one of India’s top sustainability influencers.                                                      Instagram: @aakashranison