Mumbai: National Geographic has announced the launch of its one-of-its-kind initiative titled ‘One for Change’ to commemorate Earth Day. The initiative will showcase a series of short films, spotlighting the stories of ten changemakers who have taken extraordinary steps to save the planet and make the world a better place.
Premiering 22 April on the television platforms of National Geographic and the entertainment channels across Disney Star, the films will also be released on National Geographic social media handles that have a combined following of over 10 million in India.
With an aim to inspire and encourage viewers to take that one step and ‘be the one for change’, the stories will focus on the journey of these passionate individuals and get the viewers acquainted with their lives, their passions and shine a light on what pushed them to follow the path of planet conservation.
“Furthering the knowledge and understanding of our world is at the core of National Geographic. Through the years, we have helped our viewers better understand and care about our world, with our thought provoking and fact based narratives,” said Disney Star head – network entertainment channels Kevin Vaz. “With ‘One for Change’, we wanted to uplift and inspire our viewers, through the remarkable stories of incredible individuals, from across the country, who have taken that first step and more, towards loving our planet.”
“Given the nature and the purpose behind the initiative, we will have the might of the entire entertainment channels at Disney Star championing the films across our channels and give them the thrust they need to reach out to millions of our audiences. With this, we hope that these stories of passion, triumph and sheer love for our Mother Earth and its people will ignite a spark and inspire all planet lovers to take that one little step towards building a sustainable and hopeful future for the Earth,” he further added.
The ten changemakers featured in the series are:
- Vani Murthy- Known as the Worm Queen, Murthy is spreading awareness about the importance of composting
- Purnima Barman Devi- The leader of the Hargila Army, working towards the protection of endangered Greater Adjutant Stork
- Tejas Sidnal – An architect who has innovated a unique tile that is made from carbon waste
- Venkatesh Charloo – A pioneering marine conservationist, helping in coral restoration in Goa
- Vidyut Mohan – 2020 ‘UNEP Young Champion of the Earth’, Mohan has created a machine that converts waste farm residue into products of value for farmers
- Varsha Raikar - RJ with Radio Bundelkhand who raises awareness against climate change
- Rukmani Katara- CEO of a solar company, igniting a renewable energy revolution in rural India
- Poonam & Aditya Singh- A couple that is rewilding barren land on the outskirts of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve as a buffer between man and animal
- Thulasi Gouda- Padma Shri winner Gouda has been preserving forests in her village for 50 years and is called the living encyclopedia of the forests
- Sonam Wangchuk- An eco-architect who has pioneered the creation of carbon neutral structures in Ladakh using elements from nature