Different Paths, One Goal – Sustainability

APCCI had an opportunity to host three changemakers- Prof. Jayant Mahajan, Pradeep Kumar, and Priya Kumari who told about their remarkable journeys and the road ahead at the ‘Clean City Talks’. The  session was seventh in the series organised by Adar Poonawalla Clean City Initiative (APCCI). which aims to explore different aspects of leadership and what we all can learn to make our city better and more liveable.

Mr.Krishnan Komandur, CEO APCCI, Mr. Malhar Karwande, COO APCCI, Mr. Aashish Marathe General Manager, APCCI and Mr.Sathya Natarajan, Lead Volunteer APCCI were present on the occasion.

 

Prof. Jayant Mahajan, a management professor, is currently on sabbatical and cycling across India’s borders and remote regions to raise awareness about environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, Pradeep Kumar and Priya Kumari are scaling mountains to advocate for reducing  plastic waste and improving menstrual hygiene. All three are part of Change before Climate Change, an initiative founded by visionary social entrepreneur Roopesh Rai to empower individuals in the sustainability movement. Roopesh Rai had made a stop at the APCCI office last year during his own cycling expedition and had a stimulating interaction with the APCCI team.

Their stories highlight the power of determination and focus. Pradeep Kumar, who overcame serious medical challenges, believes illness is often more mental than physical. His mindset shift led him undertake cycling expeditions in past three years. Priya Kumari now aims to climb even higher peaks in the Himalayas and beyond, carrying forward her message on plastic waste and menstrual hygiene.

As Prof. Mahajan emphasized, raising awareness isn’t just a one-way mission—it’s a journey that reveals India’s rich diversity and continuously fuels our inspiration to act.

These changemakers remind us of the incredible passion and resilience that young leaders bring to the fight for a sustainable future.