Young activist Licypriya Kangujam was only 9 years old when she received the prestigious title of Forbes 30 under 30 special mention ‘People to watch out’ in the year 2021. She aims to reduce the climate pollution levels in India to avoid natural disasters.
Having seen the disastrous plight of natural disasters on families, she believes it is mandatory to act upon it and that should start with educating the population by adding environmental protection under the school curriculum. Her young mind recognizes the environmental effects of natural conditions.
Biography
Twelve-year-old Licypriya was born in the Bashikhong village of Manipur. She grew up in a small town amongst the lush greens and nature. This proximity to nature has fostered empathy in the young mind of Licypriya.
She grew up to be a young voice on Climate Change activism, sparking a global movement amidst the cacophony of a world grappling with climate change. This activist from Manipur, India, has taken the world by storm. She has been earning recognition for her relentless commitment to sharing awareness about environmental protection and her ability to inspire action.
The inspiration
She started her environmental advocacy when she was just eight years old. Her desire to fight for a sustainable future was sparked by the grownups’ indifference and the horrific floods that devastated her native state, Manipur. Equipped with a sign and an unwavering determination, she stormed the streets of Imphal, calling on international leaders to act decisively against climate change.
This reaction ignited a worldwide movement. Audiences all across the world responded favorably to Licypriya’s stirring remarks because they were spoken with a child’s pure honesty and passion. Her message turned out to be very influential as it was backed by unshakable perseverance in the face of adult rejection and ridicule. This made her a beacon of hope for millions.
From Local Streets to Global Stages
Licypriya spoke at 400 institutions spanning over 32 countries. She knew raising awareness through social media alone would not make a change.
Licypriya’s activism transcended national boundaries. She addressed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Madrid, Spain 2019 at the tender age of nine, delivering the urgency of climate change issues to world leaders. Her poignant plea, “You adults say you love us, but I see differently,” became a rallying cry for youth across the globe.
Licypriya visited summits, conferences, and international forums during her travels. She demanded aggressive steps to combat climate change in speeches to international leaders including the UN Secretary General, António Guterres and President Barack Obama. Prioritizing the planet’s future over immediate political benefits was her call to action. She made the world listen to a child’s voice as she stood by her conviction. She took all steps necessary using scientific evidence to refute the current quo uplifted by the world leaders.
At the COP28, 12-year-old Licypriya Kangujam protested in Dubai. She held up a sign ‘End fossil fuels. Save our planet and our future.’ She pleaded to phase out fossil fuels- the biggest contributor to climate change in the world today. She asks the world leaders to act now before it is too late for her generation. She sees a vision to rise above petty power politics and stand together to fight this common problem
A call to action beyond words
Licypriya’s activism isn’t limited to powerful speeches and pleas. She has established ‘The Earthly Guards,’ a youth-led organization dedicated to environmental awareness and action. Through workshops, campaigns, and educational initiatives, the Earthly Guards empower young people to become agents of change in their communities. They organize campaigns for planting trees and conduct clean-up drives to take out the man-made mess.
The Earthly Guards demonstrate that even small actions, collectively undertaken, can create a significant impact. They inspire other young people to find their voices, take ownership of their environment, and demand tangible action from policymakers.
India’s Greta
To get Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sign an Indian climate change bill, Licypriya began spending a week outside the Indian parliament building like Greta.
She now lobbies for disaster risk reduction, fossil fuel curtailment, fresh water, clean air to breathe, and a clean world to live in. She speaks at several conferences and works continuously to achieve her agenda. She is often recognized as India’s Greta Thunberg, who is another young environmental activist.
Awards
Four national media outlets NewsX, India News, Sunday Guardian, and Business World presented Licypriya Kangujam with the Millennial X Award in 2023. She also received a special mention under Forbes 30 under 30. She was acknowledged as one of the inspiring women by Prime Minister, Modi. He invited her to post through his social media platforms. However, she rejected the invitation to protest against her needs not being considered by the PM.
A Message for the Future
Licypriya’s message is simple yet profound: the future of the planet rests in the hands of the present generation. She urges adults to break free from apathy and inaction, to prioritize the well-being of the planet over economic gains, and to invest in a sustainable future for generations to come. She lobbies for disaster risk reduction, fossil fuel curtailment, fresh water, and clean air to breathe.
Licypriya Kangujam during her campaign
Conclusion
Her strong voice and unshakable passion for curtailing pollution provide hope in a society facing environmental issues. She serves as a reminder that there is still time to take action, that even the tiniest voices may ignite a global movement, and that our planet’s survival rests on our willingness to take action right away.
The life of Licypriya Kangujam inspires us all. It is evidence of the influence a youthful voice can have. Even though she was raised in a tiny village, she still had the energy of a child and the ability to use activism to make a difference in the world.
Her journey serves as a lighthouse to point us in the direction of a more sustainable future; one in which the opinions of our young people are valued, heard, and translated into significant action. Licypriya envisions a future-’one with its nature.’
Unraveling a billion untold stories, one chapter at a time, Humans of Northeast takes you on a discovery through vibrant Northeast India – a land rich in people, places, and culture. Ready to immerse yourself in more such stories? Visit our page HONEI to read more about narratives that inspire and uplift.
