An outspoken young leader inspiring millions of people around the world and championing her cause with all guns blazing, Licypriya Kangujam is now termed ‘Child Hero’ in the CBSE English syllabus.
Elated upon seeing her story of her activism in the textbook, Licipriya took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her profound happiness and said “Absolutely an honour to see my story in the school English textbook of CBSE. No words!”
From small beginnings to spending a week outside the Indian Parliament house, drawing the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pass a climate change law in India, to President of East Timor and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr Jose Ramos Horta launching a foundation in her name called ‘Licypriya Foundation’ on 21st May 2022, through the heat waves, rain and tears, Licipriya has come to represent a global youth climate movement.
Challenging all criticism and judgement of being too young to get involved in such activism, Licipriya has stood firm in her belief that children can lead the change. Now, she has got everyone’s attention, as many have supported her, poised to make a real difference.
Inspired by Swedish environmental activist, Greta Thunberg, Manipuri Child Activist Licypriya Kangujam started advocating against climate change at the age of six. Having felt the impact of climate change at such a tender age, she was disappointed in the leaders for their lack of actions to save the future. And so, she set about changing that.
Born to Kanarjit Kangujam and Kangujam Ongbi Bidyarani Devi as the eldest daughter, Licipriya, at the age of 12 years, has become one of the leading voices for climate change in the World despite her young age, drawing large crowds with her appearances at protests and conferences. She has her own ‘Child Movement’ to raise awareness, urging protection of the planet by tackling climate change and natural disasters.
Not only is she representing the voice of the millions of people affected by the climate crisis, but also the voice of the countless voiceless animals living on this planet. In July 2018, Licipriya started advocating against climate change solo. Her goal was simple: ‘Save our planet and our Future’. Today, she has thousands of love and support from across the globe.
At the 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP25), she reflected on how she was disheartened at the world leader’s denial of the threat from climate change and urged them to act on climate change.
Mention may also be made that the young activist has been vocal on the prevailing unrest in Manipur, addressing the issue on her social media platforms and briefing the central and world leaders and even the pope, calling for an end to the violence in the state.
