Famous Indian Environmental Activists

Baba Amte was an Indian social worker and activist renowned for his dedication to rehabilitating and empowering individuals afflicted with leprosy. He garnered recognition through prestigious accolades such as the Padma Vibhushan, Dr. Ambedkar International Award, Gandhi Peace Prize, Ramon Magsaysay Award, Templeton Prize, and Jamnalal Bajaj Award. Often referred to as the modern Gandhi of India, Baba Amte's professional life was characterized by his relentless efforts to uplift and support marginalized communities, epitomizing compassion and social responsibility.

Medha Patkar is an Indian social activist known for her work on various social issues affecting marginalized communities in India. She is a founding member of Narmada Bachao Andolan and the National Alliance of People's Movements. Patkar has been involved in advocating for the rights of tribals, dalits, farmers, laborers, and women facing injustice. She has worked on national policies related to land acquisition, unorganized sector workers, hawkers, and forest-dweller Adivasis. Patkar has participated in mass struggles against inequity, displacement, and discrimination, challenging casteism and communalism.

Chandi Prasad Bhatt is an Indian environmentalist and social activist known for founding Dasholi Gram Swarajya Sangh (DGSS) in 1964, which played a pivotal role in the Chipko Movement. Recognized as one of India's first modern environmentalists, Bhatt has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1982 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005. His work on subaltern social ecology has made a significant impact, earning him the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2013.

Sunderlal Bahuguna was a prominent Indian environmentalist known for his leadership in the Chipko movement and the anti-Tehri Dam movement. He dedicated his career to advocating for the preservation of forests in the Himalayas and opposing large dam projects. Bahuguna's professional life was characterized by his early involvement in environmental activism, including his significant role in the Chipko movement in the 1970s. He later expanded his focus to address broader environmental issues, solidifying his reputation as a pioneering environmentalist in India.

Anil Kumar Agarwal was an Indian environmentalist and mechanical engineer trained at IIT Kanpur. He worked as a science correspondent for the Hindustan Times and was the founder of the Centre for Science and Environment in Delhi. He made significant contributions in the national and international environmental arena, being recognized by the United Nations Environment Programme in 1987 with a place on its Global 500 Roll of Honour. The Indian Government honored him with Padma Shri in 1986 and Padma Bhushan in 2002 for his notable work in environment and development.

Pradip Krishen is a multifaceted professional with a diverse career trajectory. Initially known for his successful filmmaking ventures, he directed notable films such as Massey Sahib, In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, and Electric Moon, which garnered both national and international acclaim. Transitioning from the film industry, Krishen redirected his focus towards environmentalism and naturalism in 1995. His contributions in this field have been significant, highlighting his commitment to conservation efforts and sustainability practices.

Guru das Agrawal, also known as Sant Swami Sanand and Sant Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand, was an Indian environmentalist, engineer, religious leader, monk, and professor. He served as the Patron of Ganga Mahasabha, a group founded by Madan Mohan Malviya. Agrawal gained recognition for his numerous fasts to halt projects on the River Ganga, including a significant one in 2009 that successfully stopped the damming of the Bhagirathi River. His professional life was dedicated to advocating for the preservation and cleanliness of the Ganga river.

Raman Sukumar is a distinguished ecologist known for his expertise in the ecology of wildlife-human conflict and the Asian elephant. In 1986, he played a pivotal role in the design of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Additionally, in 1997, he founded the Asian Nature Conservation Foundation, an organization that has successfully executed numerous field projects across various Asian nations. Sukumar's professional life is marked by his significant contributions to conservation efforts, particularly in studying and addressing conflicts between wildlife and human populations.