Every day, we bring to light changemakers, risk-takers, and innovators who disrupt the norm through their ideas. In this piece, we explore the 10 most compelling trailblazers whose ideas have rippled into models that set a precedent for the world to follow. Change starts with a single thought. And here are some that evolved into revolutions.

1. The doctor who gave back to his village

The ‘Utkal Gaurav International School’ in Odisha has assumed the role of a launchpad for the dreams of children, especially those who lack the wherewithal to succeed. Growing up, Dr Pradeep Sethi, now a leading hair transplant surgeon, had big ideas but limited finances. From toiling as a daily wage labourer to pay his MBBS fees to wearing the same outfit for weeks, Dr Sethi saw some tough times.

So, when his professional trajectory began to pick up, his first thought was to give back. The school he has started in Berunapadi village of Odisha reaffirms this commitment. Dr Sethi shares that its focus is on holistic education, combining academic subjects with classes on agriculture, business, industry, and more. Currently, 450 children, from lower KG to class 12, study in the school.

Read the story here.

2. The constable who is coaching India’s future

Delhi police officer Amit Lathia is keen that every child gets to live their dream. The fact that his bank balance is almost emptied trying to keep this vision alive, does not deter him. The police official is reaching out to children in Haryana’s underprivileged communities who harbour big dreams of joining the government service. These are children who were once rickshaw pullers, painters and waiters.

To further the resources the children have access to, Lathia rented four flats and equipped each with chairs, tables, beds, and a library. His unwavering dedication has helped 185 children secure government jobs after clearing competitive entrance exams. “I handhold them till the point they become self-reliant. The reason why I devoted myself to the future of these children is because I see myself in them,” he shares.

Read the story here.

3. The wildlife lover who saved the elephants

Conservationist Vivek Menon, also co-founder of Wildlife Trust of India — an organisation dedicated to the preservation and protection of wild habitats, is the man behind the inception of the elephant corridors, a narrow strip of land that allows elephants to move between habitats.

Menon’s scope of work can be seen across the five organisations that he has created — TRAFFIC India — a wildlife trade monitoring network; NGO Srishti — an

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