Communication is the key to drive climate change: Prajakta Koli
Prajakta Koli (BCCL/ @mostlysane)
Prajakta Koli
, a multifaceted talent, has made a mark in the entertainment industry as an actor, influencer, singer and performer. During a recent visit to Lucknow, Prajakta passionately discussed environmental conservation, a cause dear to her heart.
As the first UNDP India Youth Climate Champion, she shared her insights and experiences, highlighting her commitment to addressing climate change. Prajakta also expressed her connection to Lucknow, and why she loves coming to the city, especially during winters.
Prajakta with Rohit Saraf in a scene from the web series Mismatched
As a Climate Champion with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Prajakta reflects on feeling a deep sense of duty and accountability to drive positive change.
'When UNDP reached out to me, I was like, 'There are so many people who are doing so much work already. They have been on the field, getting their hands dirty. I haven't done anything so why have they approached me?' At that time, I was working on issues like mental health, girl education, body positivity, inclusivity, and gender equality.
That's when they said, 'Prajakta, you have the reach, you have the impact, and you have an audience that listens to you'.
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It took me a while to figure out my place in the fight, and eventually, I realized that my role is to get communication through,' says the Mismatched actress. When asked about what her key findings have been in the space of climate action, Prajakta observes, 'Most universities in India offer zero to three credits for environmental education, and that is heartbreaking. If we truly want our youth to care for the planet, this subject must be taken seriously from an early age—rather than waiting until they turn 25 and start finding solutions on the internet.'
Prajakta in a scene from the film Jugjugg Jeeyo
She further says, 'Now, when it comes to climate action, communication is always intense. Half of our audience doesn't even know what these abbreviations mean. Many people have asked me, 'What does SDG stand for?'—because sometimes organizations assume everyone understands their language. That gap in communication can dilute awareness, and I want to bridge that. I have immense faith in the younger generation; they not only want to know about climate action, but they're also eager to do something about it.
At home, sustainable practices have always been a part of life—my family has been composting waste to nourish our plants for years. I believe that when these practices become a household habit, it becomes easier for children to grow into informed decision-makers.'
Prajakta Koli
Talk then shifts to Lucknow, a place which Prajakta loves for its cuisine and people. 'Makhan-malai is my favourite,' she says, adding, 'My first time in Lucknow was for a very special cause because I was here to shoot in a school as Michelle Obama made a documentary on rural education a few years ago, and I had the pleasure of being a part of it.
I visited the school to talk to the girls about rural education and related topics.
I had a beautiful time then. We also have very close friends who live in Lucknow and we come here to enjoy the winters. There are many kebabs and chicken curry that Lucknow has to offer, but for me, my favourite part about Lucknow is the makkhan-malai that one gets here in winters. Also, singhara, water chestnuts. Almost all my memories of any place are always centred around food,' she says with a smile.
-Manas Mishra
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