Deepa Sai

Discovering the Untold Stories of Courage and Resilience: A Personal Tribute to Activists Who Shaped My Worldview

Since 2004, I have studied social systems, society’s constructs, social movements, and how humans and the animal kingdom work in isolation and groups. I have met many social and environmental activists (including freedom fighters—wow, I know, yes) and had the privilege of being mentored by a few. I have participated in protests and campaigns and spearheaded some.

I am an introvert, but it is fascinating to learn about humans and what makes them behave the way they do.

So, I have been researching how to do advocacy right. During my Terra.do fellowship, I had the privilege to attend a keynote from Bill McKibben, and since then, I have been checking out the podcasts featuring him.

I have also featured outfits like the environmental pressure group  Music Declares Emergency and how they propel climate action in the music industry through artist and fan club activism. 

I recently featured HomeSoS: Sounds of Sustainability, a travelling music group that discusses climate change, environmental protection, and bio conversation through gig theatre. 

I have also written extensively about the ‘No KPop on a Dead Planet’ movement, which is becoming popular worldwide. 

I have also recounted my experiences with the nineties and noughties activists:

BOSCO, an NGO in Bengaluru, has many activists handling children in need and abandoned children and works with distressed children.

I visited Sivakasi, where child labour was prevalent in the fireworks and matches industry. A few activists were working to educate children and address labour rights in those areas. 

I visited Kalghatagi in Dharwad in Karnataka, where (late) Fr. Jacob P.J. was then the director of Vimochana Development Society and had spearheaded diverse initiatives for community development, challenging various stakeholders who had a vested interest against such interventions. 

I had a life-altering experience at Patharia, a remote village in Madhya Pradesh when I witnessed the renowned activist and freedom fighter (late) Ms.Champ Ben’s work extensively challenging ritualistic sex slavery that is prevalent among the communities to this date. I also had the opportunity to meet Madhuri Ben, who heads the Jagrit Adivasi Dalit Sanghatan, a collective advocating for the rights of Dalit and Indigenous communities in rural areas of Madhya Pradesh.

Many activists have shaped my worldview throughout my life. In fact, they influenced my gradual transition to a sustainable lifestyle and my decision to start a company in the Climate and Sustainability industries.

I have had the fortune to be guided by Ms Swati Seshadri, who was an integral part of Narmada Bachao Andolan. I have met and stayed with Dr Regi George and Dr Lalitha Regi of the Tribal Health Initiative in Sittilingi, who have been financially empowering women’s tribal communities for decades now. I have also met Mr Krishna and Ms Anuradha, the architects and founders of  Thulir in Sittilingi, an NGO that empowers tribal communities through education.

I have detailed my experiences working with them in a blog post. 

On ecoHQ, my company’s platform, I have featured several startups and non-governmental organisations working in the eco-social impact space!

Currently, I am directing social and environmental impact strategies for my clients and I will be engaging with more organisations soon.

I can’t call myself an activist. It’s a label I can’t claim for myself — it feels too sacred. But I do aim to create at least 5% of the impact that the famous activists in my life have made.