By FMTeam In the last decade or so, we have all come to know about some super successful entrepreneurs right here in India, correct? Well, that’s how it is currently going in the country right now, these Entrepreneurs are the ones who’re being relatable to a big chunk of the Indian audience, especially the youth, and that too on social media platforms. They’re actually more famous in the country for keeping up the good humanitarian work, and that’s precisely what the topic of today’s post is. Here, you see, we’re about to take a good look at the top 10 famous social entrepreneurs in India. So, let’s just get going.
1. Anshul Gupta
First of all, yes, the ‘Clothing Man of India’ redefined the urban waste problem for us. How’s that though? Well, with Goonj, Anshu Gupta viewed every bit of discarded urban stuff as a solution to the challenge, not a problem. Goonj provides surplus clothes to the local community, but it goes way beyond pure handouts, you know? Like, in programs such as “Cloth for Work,” communities earn vital goods as they work toward localized issues. Just so you know though, his amazing work also made him worthy of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, thus becoming the pioneer in waste turning into meaningful change and that’s what he is known for.
2. Harish Hande
He brought sunlight to lives once left in darkness. To redefine renewable energy access for rural households, Harish Hande established SELCO India. Just so you know though, through SELCO, more than 450,000 solar systems have been installed and brought to 2 million lives through their product, which allows families to pay for their clean energy through micro-loans. Sure enough, this revolutionary application of solar power toward poverty eradication stood out to gain Hande awards from around the world, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award.
3. Ria Sharma
Then, we must mention that documentary projects have sparked a cause to heal lives, but how, you ask? Well, this is what started as a filmmaking project but ended with the setting up of India’s first rehabilitation center for survivors of acid attacks, started by Ria Sharma. Through Make Love Not Scars, she provides medical assistance, legal aid, and job training for survivors, and that’s a big thing. The “End Acid Sale” campaign has gained international recognition, having secured a Cannes Gold Lion and awareness created around the globe. Ria’s groundbreaking work also made her the first Indian to win the UN Goalkeeper Global Award.
4. Shaheen Mistri
For those who don’t know yet, well, Shaheen Mistri was the person who thought of starting the Akanksha Foundation organization, for quality education delivery to underprivileged children right here in India, you know? Her initiatives evolved with Teach for India which is about recruiting young leaders to teach in under-resourced schools. Sure enough, with all this going on pretty well, today, the fellowship has more than 1000 active fellows and has been able to reach out to over 3 million students, and that’s just insane. For Shaheen Mistri, education as a tool of transformation is a lifelong belief that has revolutionized chances in the youth of India.
5. Ajaita Shah
Next on the list, she’s the one who’s empowering women entrepreneurs to light up rural homes. Ajaita Shah founded Frontier Markets with a vision to connect rural communities with life-changing products like solar lamps and healthcare tools. Like, her network of 10,000 trained women entrepreneurs, called “Solar Sahelis,” has brought affordable solutions to over 1 million households, and that was big news recently. Like, As recognized by Forbes, Shah’s work highlights the power of grassroots innovation in uplifting rural India.
6. Aarushi Batra
We assume that you already know how Aarushi Batra co-founded the Robin Hood Army mobilizing 14,000 volunteers across 60 Indian cities to distribute surplus food to the hungry within the country, and that’s a big problem that she’s out there solving with the help of a lot of good-hearted people. Though, what is more impressive is that this organization that works without monetary donations has served over 100 million meals, that’s just a pure impressive achievement right there, you’d sure want it to continue, right?
7. Sharad Vivek Sagar
Coming in at number 7, we have Sharad Vivek Sagar, you know, opening doors for young leaders from remote villages to global platforms. Just so you know though, Sharad Vivek Sagar founded Dexterity Global to create a bridge between students from disadvantaged areas with opportunities in scholarships and leadership. Like, the organization has touched over 6.5 million students creating a pool of leaders in the future. As per some achievements he had, well, he is one among the Forbes 30 under 30 list and has been invited to the White House by President Obama.
8. Dhruv Lakra
Next on the list, Dhruv Lakra has launched Mirakle Couriers in order to give work to people with hearing impairment, you know? Sure, it is small, like the organization is comprised of 50 employees at the moment and carries out around 65,000 deliveries per month. Mirakle Couriers has become a symbol of inclusion and efficiency, having won awards like the National Award for Empowerment of People with Disabilities.
9. Zubaida Bai
Can you imagine that a $3 kit saves lives? Well, that’s what Zubaida Bai is precisely famous for. You see, she created the affordable Clean Birth Kit addressing the huge lack in maternal healthcare in settings with few resources. This simple yet effective product has benefitted over 1 million mothers across 10 countries and reduced maternal and infant mortality considerably, and that’s a huge help right there.
10. Olivia Deka
Last on the list, but no less than anybody else on this list, you see, Olivia Deka founded “She for Change” which actually is out there to bring leadership education and mentorship to young women and that’s her main goal. As of the end of 2024, you see, thousands of women have benefitted from Olivia’s juvenile endeavors, while her advocacy for gender equality continues to make waves across schools, universities, and workplaces in India.
Conclusion
That’s all. Sure enough, there are many more social entrepreneurs in India that are worth mentioning in this list, but by far these are the top 10 who have made it to this list. There are no set criteria, but these famous social entrepreneurs in India stand out the most.