I grew up in Malappuram, Kerala, where I was surrounded by a strong sense of community and helping others. From a young age, I was taught the importance of compassion and giving back, which instilled in me a deep commitment to social causes. Volunteering and traveling opened my eyes to the broader world, and these experiences were pivotal in shaping my values and vision.

What triggered your transition to become a change leader? Was there a specific event or realization that set you on this path?

A major turning point happened with me when I volunteered at the Kozhikode Medical College during my college years. Witnessing the impact of limited resources on patient care and being directly involved in helping others sparked something within me. It gave me a sense of purpose, and I realized that I wanted to do more than just volunteer—I wanted to create lasting change. This desire to contribute more significantly to society led me to co-found social impact initiative, The Ignite Foundation with my team; which was targetted towards nurturing social leaders and changemakers.

What specific problems did you encounter that led you to focus on this area?

During my early volunteer experiences, I encountered systemic issues like caste discrimination, gender inequality, and the lack of access to quality education in rural areas. These challenges highlighted the need for leadership and social impact work in these regions.

Why did you choose this particular focus area and region for your work?

I chose to focus on education, social entrepreneurship, and global citizenship because I believe these areas are crucial for empowering young people to create change. Kerala, my home state, and other regions in India were natural starting points due to the immediate needs I observed and the potential for impactful interventions.

Can you share an example of one of your favorite case studies from your work?

One of my favorite success stories is about a participant from an underserved community who joined our three-month experiential learning journey. During this period, he traveled through seven states in India and engaged with 12 grassroots organizations, gaining exposure to various education models. This transformative experience inspired him to launch his own initiative, focusing on providing access to quality education for street children using theatre as a powerful tool.After completing the program, he spent over seven months meticulously preparing for the launch of his initiative, while also participating in an international leadership program he connected with during the debrief of our journey. Today, he is fully dedicated to his initiative, using his newfound skills and experiences to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children in need. His story is a testament to the power of experiential learning and the lasting change it can inspire.

What is a significant achievement or milestone in your journey as a change leader?

There has been several milestones in the journey, one of the significant milestone was when our works got recognized by UNESCO APCEIU for our work in Global Citizenship Education. This recognition affirmed the impact of our efforts and motivated us to continue expanding our reach.

Is there a beneficiary testimonial that particularly resonates with you?

"The Great Indian Treasure Hunt has been an extraordinary journey that encouraged me to think outside the box, tap into my creativity, and embrace risk-taking. The program has undoubtedly prepared me for the next step in my path to becoming a social change leader."

-Anand (Kantharian | Khoji 2023)-

Can you share any other considerable milestones that stand out in your journey?

Being part of the Training of Trainers with ChangemakerXchange’s Facilitation Training and getting to become part of the extended pool of Facilitators were one of the remarkable milestone in my journey.Participating in the Ecoversities Asia Gathering in Vietnam was another significant milestone. It connected me with a global network of educators and changemakers, broadening the scope and impact of our work.

What is your favorite song, and why does it resonate with you?

One of my favorite songs is "What a wonderful world" by Louis Amstrong. It reminds me to stay in the present and experience the beauty of what is and gives me the hope as well.

Is there a quote that you live by or that inspires your work?

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world." – Mahatma Gandhi. This quote constantly reminds me of the importance of leading by example and taking initiative to drive change.

Who is your role model, and what influence have they had on you?

I don’t have a single role model; there are many people that I’ve got inspired from; a few among them are Gandhi, Vinobha Bhave, my mom and there are several others who had inspired me.

What is your favorite book, and how has it impacted your perspective?

I identify myself as a Book lover. I don’t have a single favourite book, a few among my favourites are “From what is to what if” by Rob Hopkins, Design for How People Learn by Julie Dirksen, The Code of Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani. These books gave me a hope that change is possible.

Which movie has had the most significant impact on you, and why?

"Dead Poets Society" is a movie that has had a profound impact on me. It emphasizes the importance of thinking independently, pursuing one’s passions, and inspiring others—principles that guide my work in education and leadership.

How do you engage and involve the community in your initiatives?We engage the community by involving them in the design and implementation of our programs. For example, in the D-Lab initiative, we worked with local educators, students, and parents to co-create learning modules that address local needs and challenges. We also organize community workshops, discussions, and volunteer opportunities to foster active participation and ownership.

What are your weaknesses, and how do you deal with them?

One of my weaknesses is taking too much on my plate. I manage this by prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities to my team, and focusing on strategic planning to ensure that our initiatives are sustainable and effective.

What are your plans and aspirations for your future work?

One of the top priority plan is to build an incubation space for change leaders. The future plans also include scaling our Global Citizenship Education curriculum to more regions across India and developing more tailored learning resources for underrepresented communities. I also aspire to create community centers that serve as hubs for education, innovation, and social change.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a change leader?

My advice is to start small but think big. Let your passion guide you. Be resilient in the face of challenges and always be open to receiving support and learning from others. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your vision and can support you on your journey.

What challenges did you face when you started, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was overcoming the taboo that social impact work is unpaid and unsustainable. We overcame this by building social enterprise model that generate revenue while creating social good. What came along in the process is the wide range of an alternative economy that people share their gifts in different forms including in the form of money and resources.

What strategies do you use to sustain and scale your impact over time?

We focus on building strong networks and partnerships with local and international organizations. We also emphasize capacity building, ensuring that the communities we work with have the skills and resources to continue the work independently. Additionally, we leverage technology to scale our initiatives and reach a broader audience.

Who or what has been your greatest source of inspiration and support throughout your journey?

My greatest source of inspiration has been the communities I work with. Their resilience, creativity, and willingness to embrace change fuel my passion for social impact. My support comes from my co-founders, mentors, and the global networks I am part of.

How do you measure the success and impact of your work?

We measure success through both quantitative and qualitative metrics. This includes the tangible outcomes of our programs, and the stories of personal and community transformation. We also conduct regular evaluations and feedback sessions to continuously improve our initiatives.

How can people reach out to you if they want to learn more or get involved in your work?

People can reach out to me via email at call2naji@gmail.com, connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/najiindia, or visit my portfolio website at https://najic.weebly.com/ to learn more about my work and how they can get involved.