“Love Your Place” - When Climate Change stories say this, what do they really mean?
Could the polycrisis we are living in (and contributing to) be addressed through a simple, yet complex, mindset shift?
Ownership of shared spaces, pride in our land, and love for our people —these are feelings that need to be inspired alongside reason.
How can we evoke this in young people? What role can communities play? What would this look like in urban settings vs. rural settings?
These are just some of the questions a group of us recently explored. To unearth some of the answers we may already have, to accept the ones we don’t and to co-create pathways to find the solutions that we just have to.
The conversation was as provocative as it was hopeful because of what we know…
- Young people can change their minds through compelling experiences.
- Young people can shape and shift narratives.
- Young people can set new norms.
Given the many small and big actions Climate Change ‘actors’ are often engaged in, pauses like these, that help us zoom out and understand the bigger picture are always welcome. Thanks Sameer, Akshatha, Arjun, Akshit, Deep, Anirban, Ranjan, Sohail, Saloni and Kanika for co-creating this refreshing space.
If we’re placing any big bets for the next 10 years on managing the global crises, we would continue to put our money on young people.
What would you bet on?
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𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘂𝗽𝗮𝗹: 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀, 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲!
Changelooms Chaupal is a space where young climate entrepreneurs engage in collective dialogue with thematic experts in the climate sector. It’s an opportunity to learn from these experts as they share their entrepreneurial journeys, discuss their challenges and successes, and explore possibilities for collaboration and collective impact in the climate space.
At our last Chaupal, 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 highlighted the importance of doing things for oneself, rather than proving oneself to others. By combining traditional practices with modern agricultural knowledge, and with the support of his community and his ‘green commandos,’ Samir successfully developed a food forest—demonstrating the strength of community-led efforts.
In the upcoming Chaupals, we are excited to have:
• Inir Pinheiro, CEO of Grassroutes Journey, on 𝟭9 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿. With over 15 years of experience in the social sector, Inir will lead a dialogue on experiential learning, responsible tourism, and building ventures that balance financial, social, and environmental sustainability.
• Manu Gupta, CEO of SEEDS, on 𝟭𝟲 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, who will bring his expertise in disaster resilience and community-driven development into the conversation.
These dialogues take place every third Saturday of the month. If you’re interested in participating in these discussions, please share in the comments, and the team will reach out. You can also register through the link here.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 | 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟰
Inspired by The Commonwealth, this Youth Work Week, We’ve been celebrating youth work practitioners within the ComMutiny-vartaLeap ecosystem.
Today, we celebrate the youth work practitioners who are igniting hope and fostering climate-positive communities.
Together with these passionate young social entrepreneurs, dedicated to improve their communities and the environment, we’re committed to making climate action a top priority for youth engagers and young people everywhere.
These leaders exemplify the transformative potential of collective climate action for a sustainable future, fueled by hope!
We thank each one of you for leading the way!
𝗪𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗺’𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 ‘𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗴’ 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗻!
Our team at ComMutiny and vartaLeap took a step back and reimagined how to tell the Climate Change story.
With a belief that for climate action to evolve into an inspiring movement, our approach must be rooted in hope and possibilities in the present, we have collectively been shifting our focus from ‘Frightening future’ to a ‘Nourishing now.’
In tandem with this shift, we collaborated with the supremely talented, Nitin Das, to bring out two films that demonstrate ‘what happens when you befriend nature’
Unearthing the psycho - social - cultural - economic and ecological benefits of embracing nature, the Nourishing Now approach is anchored in hope, agency, and shared responsibility. The film brings out all this and more…
Watch the film and tell us in the comments, how nature nourishes you!
𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘀:
𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆: Rainmatter Foundation, DKA Austria, vartaLeap
𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗿: Arjun Shekhar
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀: Kanika Sinha, Oshin Dhawan
𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀: Ananandvan Foundation and Dhruv Sharma
𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗯𝘆: Nitin Das; filmkaar.com
𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: Navneesh Makkad, Myraa Dave
𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁: Dr. Neelambika Meti, Tarang Joshi, Rahul Sinha
𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰: Heartbeat by Kevin Bean
𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗢𝗣𝟮𝟵 | 𝗡𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!
As COP29 unfolds in Baku, India’s call for equity, climate justice, and unrestricted technology transfer resonates deeply with us. It’s a reminder that climate action must be inclusive, equitable, and rooted in tangible solutions—especially for developing nations.
India’s powerful statement at COP29 in Baku reminds us that the future of climate action lies in equity, climate justice, and practicing common but differentiated responsibilities.
It’s a call to ensure that developing nations aren’t burdened with the consequences of inadequate pre-2020 mitigation efforts, while emphasising the urgent need for unrestricted technology transfer and scalable innovations.
At vartaLeap, we believe youth must be the architects of this transformation!
Our 𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗛 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 builds on this belief, putting youth leadership at the center of climate action:
• 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀: Empower young intrapreneurs to lead initiatives as flagbearers of their own unique contexts
• 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Bring together traditional knowledge and modern innovation through intergenerational and cross-sectoral partnerships.
• 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆: Amplify youth voices, especially from marginalised communities, to ensure just transitions.
• 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼-𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘀: Drive grassroots action through small-scale experiments that lead to systemic shifts.
The climate agenda will only advance once we move from intent to action. Ones that create sustainable systems prioritising local and global equity.
What is your stance on the current climate movement in India? Do you feel your climate actions are connected to the global narrative? Let’s learn collectively - share in comments!
#COP29 #YouthLeadership #ClimateJustice #NOURISHINGApproach #ClimateAction #COP29Baku #ClimateAction #ParisAgreement #ClimateFinance #SaveOurPlanet #ActNow
𝗪𝗲 𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲…
𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗴. 𝗡𝗼𝘄, 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴!
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ladakh, Berang brings to life the hope and resilience that renewable energy brings to the communities facing water scarcity.
In collaboration with maestros Nitin Das (film maker) and Arjun Shekhar (co-ideator), Berang continues shifting the narrative from “Frightening Future” a “Nourishing Now.”
The film dives into how renewables empower communities to embrace a sustainable, hopeful present - anchored in agency and shared responsibility.
Watch Berang now!
𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘀
𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆: Rainmatter Foundation, DKA Austria
𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗿: Arjun Shekhar
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀: Kanika Sinha, Oshin Dhawan
𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗯𝘆: Nitin Das - http://filmkaar.com
𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: Stanzin Tundup (hero), Tsering Angmo (aunt), Chuskit Angmo (mother) Sonam Rinchan (Father),
𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁: Dorjay Angchuk (cousin brother),Tsewang Dolma (elder mother) Tsewang Nurboo Hira (axe guy), Smanla Tsering Angchuk (the apple boy), Pasang Angmo (girl), Stanzin Nyidon(Lil girl with apple), Chunit Dolma and Rinchen Norbu (grandma + little boy)
𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀: HIAL Team - Nishant Tiku, Jigmet Deachen (Igoo) and Sonam Jorgyes (Stok)
𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰: Sonam Rinchan - Ladakhi folk music
𝗪𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱, 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲’𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮! 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗣𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴…
In the social sector, we often find ourselves working in silos—focusing passionately on health, gender, education, and other areas. While intersectionality is often discussed, our deep focus on specific areas can sometimes limit the exploration of new possibilities.
At vartaLeap, we decided to challenge this notion.
We launched a championship on climate action, inviting young intrapreneurs from organisations who are interested in the subject of climate action but are not sure where to start to pitch their ideas.
𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝗿:
• In just 10 days, 120+ pitches poured in from young visionaries across the country, showcased at 29 matches.
• The quality of the pitches inspired us to add a wild card round, enabling more teams to bring their initiatives to life.
• Quarterfinals and semifinals across 9 states narrowed it down to 12 grant-winning pitches for project implementation.
• The top 6 will be presented at the grand finale on 20th Dec, at Beyond Right and Wrong: A vartaLeap event in Delhi
• Even non-finalists continue to inspire, gaining support from coaches and champions!
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘁:
• Climate action resonates across sectors, even in organisations without an explicit focus on it.
• Young leaders, when trusted, deliver bold, transformative ideas that can pivot organisations in new directions.
• Gamification creates opportunities—not by judging ideas but by unlocking creative potential for meaningful impact.
This is how we change the game: A platform, a bold idea, a leader with vision, and allies ready to make it happen!
Here’s to our 6 runners-up, whose inspiring ideas are already on the path of intention to action!
Introducing the winners of the Beyond Right and Wrong - Climate Action Championship.
After six intense weeks, four rigorous rounds, and countless inspiring climate pitches, we are thrilled to announce the winners of the Climate Action Championship!
Congratulations!
• 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Madhur Bhardwaj and Archana Sangulle from SHEDO Sansthan, Madhya Pradesh
• 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀-𝗨𝗽: Md. Sadique Jahan and Alomani Tigga from Karra Society For Rural Action (KSRA), Jharkhand
• 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀-𝗨𝗽: Kajal Kanaujia and Pankaj Ghute from We the Yuva, Gujarat
• 𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Basanti Handa and Surmila Kisku from People For Change , Jharkhand
• 𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Tanuz Kalita and Biman Mili from the Balipara Foundation, Assam
• 𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Poonam Yadav and Sneh Lata from Kalam Foundation, Uttar Pradesh
These intrapreneurs will be nurturing impactful climate action in their communities for the next 8-12 months. This milestone reflects the spirit of ‘Nourishing Now’ as organisations begin to prioritise climate action.
A heartfelt gratitude to Shrashtant Patara (Development Alternatives), Sohail Madan (Wild Tales Foundation), Pragya Vats (Campaign and Communication Specialist), and Abhishek Das (Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies) for their invaluable guidance and expertise in shaping this journey.
We re-imagined Climate Action as ‘Nourishing Now’ with youth leaders. And hope is shining through!
From the heart of Madhya Pradesh, we bring to you the stories of Nikita, Shirish, and Narendra.
Changeloomers leading the way towards a greener, more sustainable world.
Meet Shirish and Narendra, driving community engagement and shifting societal attitudes toward ecological conservation and climate action. In the Kurai, Seoni region near the Pench Tiger Reserve, they’ve organised yearlong bird-watching sessions for 50 children (grades 1 to 8), teaching them about wetlands, migratory bird patterns, and nesting.
Their initiative aims to embed eco-conscious practices early, sparking lasting change in community behavior. By involving the community, particularly young adults, they inspire grassroots action and a commitment to environmental responsibility.
Meet Nikita, Through her initiative, Sarvodaya, Nikita is addressing the escalating challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation. Based in Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh, the initiative recognises the critical role that awareness and education play in enabling environmental stewardship. Her project engages the community—especially children and youth—through several key activities:
- Constructing a nursery to cultivate various native plants, supporting biodiversity efforts.
- Establishing kitchen gardens to enhance nutrition for local families.
- Conducting awareness programmes with activities like nature walks, bird watching, and butterfly watching, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues.
Climate Action isn’t a thing impacting the future. It is happening and impacting NOW!
How are you engaging with it?
#YouthLeadership #ClimateChange #BiodiversityConservation #vartaLeap #Changelooms
How often are you hopeful about Climate Change?
A Nourishing Start to the New Year!
Hope is not just a human construct—it’s a life force that drives evolution, regenerates ecosystems, and maintains the delicate balance of nature. In an era of uncertainty, hope becomes critical—it’s the seed from which action grows.
At its core, 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 is an act of profound hope.
This belief inspired the creation of the 𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗛 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀, a framework designed to guide transformative climate action.
NOURISH stands for:
• 𝗡 | 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀: Address diverse social, cultural, psychological, economic, and ecological needs while connecting climate action to youth aspirations.
• 𝗢 | 𝗢𝗻𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: Recognising and addressing the interconnectedness and interdependence of social (gender, inclusion), economic (livelihood), and environmental (humanitarian and resilience) issues, promoting collaboration across diverse communities.
• 𝗨 | 𝗨𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀: Challenge unsustainable mindsets and amplify eco-conscious alternatives.
• 𝗥 | 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁- 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀: Balance immediate needs with lasting impact.
• | | 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀: Transform intentions into meaningful action through cross-generational co-leadership.
• 𝗦 | 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿: Ground climate action in experiential learning, fostering hands-on engagement, agency building, and ownership that creates new frames for seeing the world…
• 𝗛 | 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: Empower young people to believe in their ability to create a sustainable and just future.
At ComMutiny and VartaLeap, we believe young people are key to driving meaningful climate solutions. The NOURISH framework aligns their aspirations with actionable change rooted in well-being, connection and belonging.
Let’s make 2025 a year of transformative action, driven by collective efforts. How will you nourish hope and climate action? Share your thoughts!
#NourishingNow #NewYear #YouthLeadership #vartaLeap
