Vasanti Rao: A leading voice in environmental communication 

Dr. Vasanti Rao has spent over 30 years using media to drive social and environmental change. Inspired by childhood experiences of inequality, she launched CMS Vatavaran – Asia’s largest environmental film festival – empowering filmmakers and youth across India and beyond. Despite facing gender bias and societal expectations, she emerged as a leader in conservation, media literacy, and advocacy. Through the Nature For All program run by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, she connects children with nature – fostering awareness, empathy, and action for a greener, more inclusive future.