Mumbai Apr 19, 2022 06:00 pm
By Hiral Shah
National Geographic, which is known for its meticulous coverage of this planet has announced the launch of its one-of-its-kind initiative titled ‘One for Change’ on Earth Day, beginning 22nd April 2022.
This impact driven event was launched in presence of Dia Mirza a well-known Bollywood personality, and Kevin Vaz, Head of Network Entertainment Channels at Disney Star.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) extended the term of Bollywood actress and environmentalist Dia Mirza as the Goodwill Ambassador of India till 2022. The actress is also the United Nations Sustainability Development Goal Advocate.
Through this initiative, National Geographic will showcase a series of short films, spotlighting the exceptional stories of changemakers who have taken extraordinary steps to make our world a better place. In addition to National Geographic, the entertainment channels at Disney Star will also support the initiative by featuring the films and encouraging millions of its viewers to walk the path of change.
Premiering 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 remarkable path of planet conservation. And as an Earth Day special, the One for Change initiative will highlight the inspired works of 10 changemakers – who have each made a path-defining choice a difference.
“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. 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,” said Kevin. “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 added further.
Día who has been inspiring with her contribution also added, “we have all grown up reading and watching National Geographic and the one thing I have truly admired about the brand is the ability to inspire people through the most engaging and stimulating of stories. One for Change is indeed a special initiative – with the brand giving its platform to narrate the success stories of individuals who, through their own choices, have contributed significantly towards the betterment of the planet. For someone who believes in the need for climate preservation, it was really encouraging to be the part of such a powerful event that will, hopefully, set course for a sustainability movement with the unique potential it holds to influence a change the world.”
The series is set to feature 10 change makers whose perseverance has brought bigger change to this planet. Get to know them a bit before they are on air.
Vani Murthy- Known as the Worm Queen, Vani 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’, Vidyut 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 Thulasi 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.
Known for its wide array of research and expertise National Geography is all set to bring a change to the mass.