5 Indian Changemaker Creators Using Service, Storytelling and Social Action to Build Lasting Impact

Across India, a growing group of individuals are reshaping public spaces, reviving natural ecosystems, preserving heritage and amplifying social stories through their content on digital platforms. Their work demonstrates how knowledge, service and community-led action can build a powerful civic impact. The following list highlights five influencers whose efforts combine on-ground work and digital reach to inspire change.

1. Afroz Shah: Leading the World’s Largest Beach Clean-Up

Mumbai-based lawyer Afroz Shah is internationally known for initiating and sustaining the world’s largest beach clean-up at Versova Beach, mobilising citizens for more than three years. His work has removed over 20 million kilograms of trash, while his volunteer network continues to teach waste management practices in villages, slums and coastal communities.

Shah’s “dates with the ocean” movement has influenced thousands, drawing attention to the link between civic responsibility and ecological restoration. His impact extends beyond beaches through the Afroz Shah Foundation, which now works on river clean-ups and awareness around waste culture.

In recognition of his work, he received the UN’s Champion of the Earth award in 2016, highlighting the global significance of his grassroots leadership.

His reels offer glimpses of clean-up efforts, community participation and on-ground environmental work, making his page a resource for sustainable action in urban spaces.

2. Anand Malligavad: Bengaluru’s Lake Rejuvenation Advocate

Known as the Lakeman of India, Anand Malligavad has played a major role in the restoration of 23 deteriorating lakes in Bengaluru. Leaving behind his engineering career, he founded the Malligavad Foundation in 2019 to focus entirely on water conservation and scientific lake revival.

His methods brought attention to neglected water bodies and sparked interest among citizens, schools and local groups. Malligavad’s contribution earned him the Rotary Community Service Award, and he became a prominent voice in urban ecological restoration.

However, in 2024, complaints by farmers in Heelalige and an inquiry by the Karnataka government raised concerns about an unapproved ring bund and its impact on groundwater recharge. An FIR was filed under the Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority Act, raising questions about technical processes and permissions.

Despite these concerns, Malligavad’s broader work continues to encourage public participation in reviving urban water ecosystems, and his social media highlights ongoing conservation efforts across Karnataka.

3. Vivekanandan M: Clearing Hidden Road Signs to Save Lives

From Kannur, Kerala, Vivekanandan M has built a unique public-safety initiative by clearing roadside bushes, cleaning hidden signboards and restoring visibility along highways and ghat roads. What started with a simple observation has evolved into a mission he has continued for five years, often risking his life along busy and unsafe stretches.

With no official support or sponsors, he uses basic tools and sheer determination. His Instagram page now has 147K followers, reflecting growing appreciation for his work. His videos show before-and-after transformations of signboards and mirrors, emphasising how small civic actions can prevent accidents.

Local communities, travellers and shopkeepers have acknowledged the difference his work has made, turning his personal mission into a recognised safety initiative across Kerala’s road networks.

Also Read: Kerala Man Who Makes Roads Speak Again: Vivekanandan’s Mission to Save Lives

4. Arun Pai: Reviving Heritage Through Story-Based Walks

Arun Pai, founder of Bangalore Walks, left his corporate job in 2004 to document Bengaluru’s layered history through immersive, research-backed storytelling. Inspired by heritage walks he saw abroad, Pai created guided experiences that offer detailed narratives tailored to each audience.

Over the past two decades, he has led more than 1,500 heritage walks for 30,000+ participants, covering themes from colonial-era stories to local architecture and public spaces. His work advocates for walkable cities and encourages civic pride in urban heritage.

Pai’s contribution to Bengaluru’s cultural landscape earned him the Kempegowda Award, recognising his role in bringing citizens closer to their city’s past. His recent digital posts continue to highlight historical routes, old neighbourhoods and city planning conversations.

5. Mohamed Ashik: Telling Human Stories That Inspire Kindness

Known online as @abrokecollegekid, with 1.1 million followers, Mohamed Ashik, 27, from Chennai, became widely recognised after his video “English with Merlin” went viral. The video featured a compassionate conversation with a homeless elderly woman who turned out to be an English teacher from Myanmar.

Balancing an IT job with weekend social work, Ashik uses digital storytelling to highlight kindness, humanity and everyday struggles. His Instagram account now has 1.1 million followers, with content centred on meaningful interactions rather than entertainment.

Ashik’s reels document people with extraordinary stories, often bringing visibility and support to individuals living in vulnerable conditions. His approach stays rooted in perspective-building, using social media as a tool for empathy and awareness.