Changemakers

After quitting a conventional engineering path, IIT graduate Saurabh Bothra found his true purpose in yoga. What began with just three students during lockdown has grown into Habuild — a global movement with over 1.2 crore learners across 169 countries, six world records, and a mission to make wellness accessible to all.

For decades, families in Bengal’s tribal belt drank water laced with iron and arsenic. That changed when Meghdutam Foundation installed an ultrafiltration plant, bringing clean, safe water to over 3,000 villagers and restoring health, dignity, and hope.

When her father passed away, Tumpa Das from Birbhum, West Bengal, stepped into his role at the local crematorium — a job rarely held by women. Over the last decade, she has performed more than 5,000 cremations, breaking gender barriers with courage and compassion.

Every day, over 100 children gather at Than Singh Ki Pathshala — a volunteer-run initiative led by a Delhi cop who believes in the transformative power of education.

Abhay Todkar, a 44-year-old from drought-prone Dahiwadi village defied the odds of living with polio to lead a remarkable water conservation movement. His efforts have brought sustainable change to 64 villages, turning struggles into triumphs through determination and community-driven initiatives.

This Diwali, we want to ensure light makes its way to families in Mulshi’s tribal villages. All it will take is an Rs 800 donation, which will go towards equipping 500 homes with 35-watt LED solar lights, each with an integrated lithium battery and solar panel, offering an 18-hour battery backup.

Two decades ago, Rajiv Khandelwal and Krishnavatar Sharma started Aajeevika Bureau to make India’s invisible workers seen. Today, their effort has helped 12 lakh migrant workers reclaim Rs 120 crore in wages — and something even bigger: their dignity.

Guided by her father’s example, 14-year-old Jannat Patloo has spent nearly a decade cleaning Dal Lake — proving that even the smallest hands can make the biggest difference to Kashmir’s fragile ecology.

From a student who built a solar bulb on his terrace to engineers empowering tribal villages, meet seven remarkable Indians turning sunlight into safety, dignity, and opportunity for communities where the grid never reached.

From heartfelt speeches to applause, Optum presents The Better India Showcase, supported by M3M Foundation, moved India as leaders and changemakers celebrated real impact.