Shubhendu Sharma is a founder of Afforestt. He went through several changes of schools while growing up and eventually went on to study engineering. As part of his final engineering project, Shubhendu created a scrap recycling machine which awarded him the annual prize from the Ministry of Higher Education of Karnataka. Later, Shubhendu was one of seven graduates hired by Toyota of 750 applicants. 

While at Toyota, Shubhendu signed up for a reforestation program conducted by Miyawaki at the company’s plant in Bangalore. The efficiency of the method and its potential fascinated him. He thought that this is what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. Shebhendu is transforming the urban spaces in various countries of the world by restoring native forests which are diverse, dense, and self-sustaining. Afforestt’s method brings a green surface area 30 times larger than other methods, resulting in 30 times more CO2 absorption, O2 creation, and water retention.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

- What drives people to build a forest from the scratch

- Restoring of Native forest areas using the Miyawaki Method

- The importance of natural resources for our existence

- The role of forest land inhabitants in change-making

Farmer Samir Bordoloi is the founder of Spread NE. He was born in the northeast state of Assam, in the town of Jorhat. Upon completing school, he enrolled in Assam Agriculture University (of which he is presently a board member). There, he studied genetic modification of seeds and plants and chemical agriculture, among other agricultural concepts. Samir is dedicated to reconnecting youth with their roots while restoring dignity, agency, and choice to the farming profession, making it an attractive profession in the long run, for ensuing generations.

Samir took the risk to quit his government job to consider farming as a profession. He works to inspire the next generation to see farming as a means of livelihood while also conserving it. He is building a dynamic team called “Green Commandos” which is an army of changemakers that work towards the transformation of agriculture for organic farming. The Green Commandos are championing the cause of the local people by promoting the consumption of locally sourced food using local resources, and practicing low-cost ecological farming techniques in an inclusive, sustainable and equitable manner.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

Rita Banerji is the founder of Green Hub Project which is based in Tezpur Assam. She invests her time in engaging and empowering the youth in conservation education, action, climate sustainability, and social change through the visual medium. She created a digital resource bank for wildlife, the environment, and indigenous knowledge.

Rita broke the norms of society to become a wildlife filmmaker which led to the founding of Green Hub. As she builds her team to engage and empower the communities in remote Northeast India regions, they are seeing the fruit of their labor. Youths from different communities in the Northeast have been empowered to take responsibility to conserve their own forest and wildlife and bring awareness to other people as well.

Here's what you're going to learn from Rita Banerjee: