Page 22 - Masala Lite Issue 165 September 2024

22 MASALA RECOMMENDS

Five Indian philanthropic influencers we
recommend you follow.

BY SANCHITA SACHDEV

FALGUNI VASAVADA

Dr. Falguni is a 47-year-old influencer,
strategic marketing professor, and
oday, as soon as we hear the term ‘influencers,’ we immediately think of social double gold medalist. Her educational
media, trendsetters, and brand collaborations. Influencer culture has taken and humorous content focuses on
over much of the online world, but its interpretation has shifted throughout body positivity, plus-size fashion, and
the years. The game has changed now that TV, radio, and print are taking a backseat women’s empowerment, encouraging
to social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, with creators and brands her 241k followers to tap into confidence,
alike focusing more on personal branding and a specific niche. Since these public self-love, and acceptance. Her personal
figures can sway large audiences through their content, their voices and platforms approach to her social media content
can create a positive global impact and raise awareness. Influencers tend to be seen makes it more relatable and trustworthy
as relatable and trustworthy, so not only will they be raising awareness to a broader for her audience, making her advocacy
population, but their support for a cause will be even more impactful and effective. so much more effective and successful.
Here are five Indian influencers making notable efforts in global issues and using Instagram: @falgunivasavada
their platforms for good.
LICYPRIYA KANJUGAM DIA MIRZA

Licypriya, or “India’s Greta Thunberg,” Dia, a well-known Bollywood celebrity
is India’s youngest twelve-year- and influencer, actively advocates
old climate activist, with over 67k for animal rights and environmental
followers on Instagram. She began conservation. The 42-year-old influencer
raising awareness at the age six, actively has participated in several environmental
campaigning for climate action in India. campaigns across India and has used her
She has proposed passing new climate massive platform of 6 million followers
laws to combat high pollution levels to raise awareness and make change.
in India and mandate climate change She was appointed the United Nations
literacy in schools. At eight years old, Environment Goodwill Ambassador
she first gained global recognition at for India at the UNEA assembly and
the 2019 United Nations Climate is a United Nations Secretary-General
Conference (COP25) in Madrid, urging Advocate for Sustainable Development
immediate climate action. Goals. Working closely with the United
Nations, she has achieved several
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 milestones, including her #BeatPlasticPollution campaign in 2018. Alongside this, she’s
Under 30 India (special mention), leading important initiatives such as the Green the founding member or ambassador of several organisations like the Wildlife Trust
Birthday campaign, and planting over 240,000 trees. Besides her climate efforts, of India’s Club Nature, the Swachh Bharat Mission’s “Swachh Saathi” programme,
she contributed to many humanitarian efforts during COVID-19. She continues to Sanctuary Asia’s Tiger Conservation, and even Save the Children.
inspire the world with her continuous efforts through her Licypriya Foundation, Instagram: @diamirzaofficial
which is dedicated to fighting climate change and fostering sustainability globally.
Instagram: @licypriyakangujam

AAKASH RANISON
VANI MURTHY
The 27-year-old influencer Aakash is a
Vani is a 62-year-old environmentalist climate activist and travel enthusiast.
who practices a low-waste and He runs his website and blog about
sustainable lifestyle. She has 347k his travels and climate change. The
followers on Instagram and is a founding influencer has also written for well-
member of Bengaluru’s Solid Waste known publications such as The Times
Management Roundtable (SWMRT). of India and Forbes India. With his vast
This organisation focuses on adopting fan base of 45.6k, he raises awareness
sustainable waste management about climate change and sustainability
practices by citizens and municipalities through his various content. He has
to promote a healthier earth. Vani uses also been recognised by Cosmopolitan
her social media platforms to post and Exhibit for his contributions to
content encouraging and imprinting climate action and sustainability, and
eco-friendly practices such as managing has spoken on platforms like TEDx and
household waste, sustainable travel, Google Talk. His dedication to living
and composting tutorials. She also sustainably and promoting a healthier
promotes other initiatives with similar causes to promote an eco-friendly approach environment has made him one of India’s top sustainability influencers.
to life.
Instagram: @wormrani Instagram: @aakashranison

MASAL A LITE ISSUE 165 - SEPTEMBER 2024