Licypriya Kangujam

Licypriya Kangujam was born on 2 October 2011 in Bashikhong, Manipur, India, the eldest daughter of Kanarjit Kangujam and Bidyarani Devi Kangujam Ongbi,{{Cite web |title=About – Licypriya Kangujam |url=https://www.licypriyakangujam.com/about/ |access-date=2022-08-26 |language=en-US}} in a family of Meitei ethnicity.{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Lauren |date=2022-12-06 |title='Another World Is Possible': Interview With 11-Year-Old Climate Activist Licypriya Kangujam |url=https://impakter.com/another-world-is-possible-interview-with-11-year-old-climate-activist-licypriya-kangujam/ |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=Impakter |language=en-US |quote=Licypriya Kangujam: I belong to a small indigenous community in India called the Meitei...}} When she was six,{{Cite web |date=11 October 2022 |title=India climate activist Licypriya Kangujam |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-51399721 |website=BBC News |language=en}} she began raising her voice to combat climate change and disaster risk reduction.

In 2018, Licypriya attended a UN disaster conference in Mongolia along with her father. This inspired her to get involved in activism. In an article in the BBC News she stated, "I got lots of inspiration and new knowledge from the people giving speeches. It was a life-changing event." Licypriya founded the "Child Movement" soon after to raise awareness, urging protection of the planet by tackling climate change and natural disasters.

Licypriya donated her savings of Rupees 100,000 to the Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan on 24 August 2018 to help the child victims of the massive 2018 Kerala floods. Two years later she received an acknowledgement letter from the Kerala government.{{cite news|url=http://www.saarcyouth.org/licypriya-kangujam-donated-to-support-million-of-victim-children-of-kerala-massive-flood-in-2018/|title=Licypriya Kangujam Donated ₹1,00,000 to Kerala Government to Support Victim Children of Kerala Massive Flood in 2018 but Acknowledged after almost 2 Years|newspaper=Saarcyouth.org|date=22 October 2019|access-date=22 October 2019|archive-date=2021-09-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928084038/http://www.saarcyouth.org/licypriya-kangujam-donated-to-support-million-of-victim-children-of-kerala-massive-flood-in-2018/|url-status=dead}}

Licypriya's donation to the Chief Minister supported work to protect children hit by the flood. She felt her small contribution would help make a difference during a tough time.

File:Licypriya addressing UNESCO Partners’ Forum 2019.jpg

Licypriaya attended the UNESCO Partners' Forum 2019 (Biennial Luanda) in Luanda, Angola, invited by UNESCO, the African Union and the government of Angola. She spoke on climate change along with Angolan President João Lourenço, Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, Malawi President Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso, First Lady of Angola Ana Dias Lourenço, First Lady of Namibia Monica Geingos, 2018 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Denis Mukwege, UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay, Deputy Prime Minister of Guinea François Lonseny Fall and culture ministers of Africa.{{cite news |url=https://en.unesco.org/events/biennale-luanda-pan-african-forum-culture-peace |title=Biennale of Luanda - Pan-African Forum for the culture of peace |website=UNESCO |date=20 September 2019 |access-date=20 September 2019}}{{cite news |url=https://au.int/en/newsevents/20190918/biennal-luanda-pan-african-forum-culture-peace |title=Biennale of Luanda: Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace |website=African Union |date=20 September 2019 |access-date=20 September 2019}}{{cite news |url=https://indiaeducationdiary.in/licypriya-kangujam-met-with-the-president-of-namibia/ |title=Licypriya Kangujam met with The President of Namibia |newspaper=India Education Diary |date=20 September 2019 |access-date=20 September 2019 |archive-date=2020-09-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926151041/https://indiaeducationdiary.in/licypriya-kangujam-met-with-the-president-of-namibia/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=https://realtime.rediff.com/news/india/Licypriya-draws-attention-of-world-leaders-on-her-maiden-climate-change-movement-in-Angola/ea169cddc93b6466 |title=Licypriya draws attention of world leaders on her maiden climate change movement in Angola |newspaper=Rediff Realtime |date=20 September 2019 |access-date=20 September 2019}}

On 4 October 2019, Licypriya brought out a symbolic device called SUKIFU (Survival Kit for the Future) to curb air pollution. SUKIFU is an almost zero budget kit designed from trash to provide fresh air to breathe when pollution is bad. This wearable plant is a recognition of the Green Movement for air pollution. Anybody can build up this concept at home from by recycling trash to instill fresh air directly into the lungs. Licypriya launched it in front of the Punjab and Haryana Legislative Assembly House. She drew the attention of the leaders to find urgent solutions to address the crisis of air pollution in the Delhi and National Capital Region.{{cite news |url=https://www.pragativadi.com/licypriya-kangujam-launches-solution-to-curb-air-pollution/ |title=Licypriya Kangujam launches solution to curb air pollution |newspaper=Pragativadi |date=4 Nov 2019 |access-date=4 Nov 2019 |archive-date=2020-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406224317/https://pragativadi.com/licypriya-kangujam-launches-solution-to-curb-air-pollution/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=https://theshillongtimes.com/2019/11/05/8-yr-olds-solution-to-tackle-air-pollution/ |title=8 yr olds solution to tackle air pollution |newspaper=Pragativadi |date=5 Nov 2019 |access-date=5 Nov 2019}}

"{{cite news |url=https://www.northeasttoday.in/8-years-old-licypriya-kangujam-launched-solution-to-curb-air-pollution/|title=8-years-old Licypriya Kangujam launched solution to curb air pollution.|newspaper=The Northeast Today |date=5 Nov 2019 |access-date=5 Nov 2019}}

She added that although the project is inspired by the air pollution in Delhi, she doesn't want its message to only be about the environment. Instead, she said, it's about the same adaptability that caused her to come forward with a mission, with the qualities of resilience that it takes to survive now and in the future. She developed the model with the support of Chandan Ghosh, professor at Indian Institute of Technology Jammu (IIT).{{cite news |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/chandigarh/time-to-act-against-pollution-says-8-yr-old-climate-activist/856458.html |title=Time to act against pollution, says 8-yr-old climate activist |newspaper=The Tribune |date=5 Nov 2019 |access-date=5 Nov 2019}}

On 21 October 2019, Licypriya started the "Great October March 2019" at India Gate, New Delhi with thousands of her supporters. The march took place from 21 to 27 October in various locations to request immediate action on climate change and to enact a climate law in India.{{cite news |url=https://www.shethepeople.tv/news/meet-licypriya-kangujam-the-indian-climate-activist|title=Meet Licypriya Kangujam, The Indian Climate Activist|website=SheThePeople.TV |date=29 January 2020 |access-date=20 September 2019}}{{cite news |url=https://pragativadi.com/licypriya-kangujam-kicks-off-worldwide-protest-demands-on-climate-action/|title=Licypriya Kangujam kicks off worldwide protest, demands on climate action|newspaper=Pragativadi |date=22 October 2019|access-date=22 October 2019}}

File:Licypriya_with_UN_Secretary_General2.jpg at the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2019 (COP25) in Madrid, Spain on 12 December 2019.]]

Licypriya spoke at the 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP25, urging world leaders to act now on climate change. 26,000 people from 196 countries attended this event. It was held from 2 December to 13 December in Madrid, Spain, hosted by the government of Chile with logistical support of the government of Spain under the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).{{cite news |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/un-chief-lavishes-praise-on-indias-8-yr-old-activist-785269.html |title=UN Chief lavishes praise on India's 8-yr-old activist |newspaper=Deccan Herald |date=2019-12-13 |access-date=2019-12-13}}

Licypriya met UN Secretary-General António Guterres during COP25 and submitted a memorandum "on behalf of the children of the world." The memorandum stated that she wants to create a better place for all children of the world. She was praised by Guterres. Greta Thunberg and several other global leaders participated during the event.

{{cite news |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/indias-8yrold-activist-at-cop25-reminder-of-worlds-obligations-to-future-generations-un-chief/1684804 |title=India's 8-yr-old activist at COP25 reminder of world's obligations to future generations:UN Chief |newspaper=Outlook |date=2019-12-13 |access-date=2019-12-13}}

In 2020, Licypriya published a letter to the participants at the World Economic Forum with activists Greta Thunberg, Luisa Neubauer, Isabelle Axelsson, and Loukina Tille, calling on companies, banks and governments to immediately stop subsidizing fossil fuels. In an opinion piece given to The Guardian they said, "We don't want these things done by 2050, 2030 or even 2021, we want this done now – as in right now. We call upon the world’s leaders to stop investing in the fossil fuel economy that is at the very heart of this planetary crisis. Instead, they should invest their money in existing sustainable technologies, research and in restoring nature. Short-term profit should not trump long-term stability of life."{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/10/greta-thunberg-davos-tycoons-fossil-fuels-dismantle-climate-crisis |title=At Davos we will tell world leaders to abandon the fossil fuel economy |newspaper=The Guardian |date=10 Jan 2020 |author1=Greta Thunberg |author2=others |display-authors=1 |access-date= 5 February 2021}}{{cite news |url=https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/01/davos-abandon-fossil-fuel-economy-climate-change-greta-thunberg/|title=At Davos we will tell world leaders to abandon the fossil fuel economy |newspaper=World Economic Forum |date=10 Jan 2020 |access-date=10 Jan 2020}}

Licypriya addressed global gatherings on Earth Day 2020 at Washington, D.C., United States. The event was virtual, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was featured with 50 other global leaders, influencers, celebrities, athletes and musicians, including Pope Francis, Sylvia Earle, Denis Hayes, Bill McKibben, Global Advisory Committee Member Albert II (Prince of Monaco), Alexandria Villaseñor, Al Gore, Patricia Espinosa, Christiana Figueres, Michelle Dilhara, Jerome Foster II, John Kerry, Thomas Lovejoy, Ed Begley Jr., Zac Efron, Anil Kapoor, Van Jones, Ricky Keij, Paul Nicklen and Alex Honnold, giving a message of hope to fight the ongoing climate crisis.{{Cite web|url=https://www.citybeat.com/arts-culture/blog/21129541/join-celebrities-musicians-activists-and-the-pope-for-an-alldigital-earth-day|title=Join Celebrities, Musicians, Activists and the Pope for an All-Digital Earth Day and 24 Hours of Action |website=Cincinnati CityBeat|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-02-09}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.citybeat.com/arts-culture/blog/21129541/join-celebrities-musicians-activists-and-the-pope-for-an-alldigital-earth-day|title=Join Celebrities, Musicians, Activists and the Pope for an All-Digital Earth Day and 24 Hours of Action |website=Condé Nast Traveller|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-02-09}}

On 18 February 2020, she addressed the TEDxSBSC held in Delhi University, New Delhi, India. On 23 February 2020 she addressed the TEDxGateway held in Mumbai and received a standing ovation for her speech. She addressed TEDx talks six times by the time she was nine years old.{{cite news |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/society/article/cop25-8-yr-old-indian-greta-urges-world-leaders-to-save-planet/526300|title=Licypriya Kangujam|access-date=23 February 2020}}{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/young-ones-to-take-centre-stage-at-tedxgateway-tomorrow/article30884650.ece|title=Young ones to take centre stage at TEDxGateway tomorrow |work=The Hindu|access-date=23 February 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://tedxgateway.com/portfolio/licypriya-kangujam/|title=Licypriya Kangujam|work=|access-date=22 February 2020|archive-date=2020-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322165001/https://tedxgateway.com/portfolio/licypriya-kangujam/|url-status=dead}}

Licypriya has been campaigning to make lessons in climate change mandatory in schools, and in response the government of the Indian state of Gujarat has included climate change in school education.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0828z5f|title=BBC World Service - BBC OS, BBC OS, How I became an 8-year-old climate activist|website=BBC|date=4 February 2020 |language=en-GB|access-date=2020-02-09}}

On 11 December 2023, at 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), Licypriya walked on to the main stage of the conference, holding up a sign, "End fossil fuels. Save our planet and our future.", and giving a brief speech. She was given a round of applause before being removed from the session by security personnel. According to Licypriya, she was banned from further participation in COP28.{{cite Q|Q123760920|url-status=live}}

Licypriya was honored with the title "Rising Star" by the Earth Day Network headquarters based in Washington, D.C.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-51399721|title=India climate activist Licypriya Kangujam on why she took a stand|work=BBC News|date=6 February 2020|access-date=6 February 2020}}{{cite news |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/one-year-on-child-climate-activist-8-continues-strike-outside-indian-parliament|title=One year on, child climate activist, 8, continues strike outside Indian parliament|publisher=The Straits Times|date=6 February 2020|access-date=6 February 2020}}{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/this-7-yr-old-girl-stood-near-parliament-urging-pm-narendra-modi-to-pass-the-climate-change-law-now-369694.html|title=This 7-Yr-Old Girl Stood Near Parliament Urging PM Narendra Modi To Pass The Climate Change Law Now|work=The Times of India|access-date=19 June 2019}}

On 19 November 2019, she received the "SDGs Ambassador Award 2019" at Chandigarh University, presented by Dainik Bhaskar in collaboration with NITI Aayog, Government of India. Licypriya also received the "Global Child Prodigy Award 2020" on 3 January 2020 in New Delhi, presented by Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry Kiran Bedi.{{cite news |url=https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/licypriya-kangujam-from-india-the-worlds-youngest-climate-activist-stands-with-greta-thunberg-and-demands-three-new-policies/articleshow/72451200.cms|title=Licypriya Kangujam from India - the world's youngest climate activist - stands with Greta Thunberg and demands three new policies|publisher=Business Insider|access-date=19 December 2019}}

In a report by The Times of India in June 2021, it was revealed that some of Licypriya's awards{{which|date=December 2023}} were given to her by her father's organisations.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/is-indias-greta-thunberg-a-pawn-in-the-hands-of-an-unscrupulous-father/articleshow/83277443.cms|url-access=subscription|title = Is India's Greta Thunberg a pawn in the hands of an unscrupulous father?|website = The Times of India}} Her father Kanarjit Kangujam Singh was arrested on 31 May 2021 for allegedly duping several self-help groups, hotels and individuals of money for a Global Youth Meet that he had organised in Imphal in 2014.{{Cite web|author=Mohua Das|date=May 31, 2021|title=On the run since 2016, child activist Licypriya Kangujam's father arrested from Delhi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/on-the-run-since-2016-child-activist-licypriya-kangujams-father-arrested-from-delhi/articleshow/83117778.cms|access-date=2021-06-05|website=The Times of India|language=en}} Nearly a hundred children from 12 countries claim Kanarjit Kangujam scammed them.{{Cite web|title=Is the Father of 'India's Greta Thunberg' Scamming Other Child Activists?|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/5db9yk/licypriya-father-of-indias-greta-thunberg-arrest-scam|access-date=2021-06-05|website=www.vice.com|date=2 June 2021 |language=en}} {{Cite web |date=2021-05-31 |title=Teen climate activist Licypriya's father KK Singh arrested for fraud, collecting funds from students |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/teen-climate-activist-licypriya-father-kk-singh-arrested-for-fraud-1808999-2021-05-31?utm_source=washare&utm_medium=socialicons&utm_campaign=shareurltracking |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=India Today |language=en}}Kanarjit Kangujam also known as Dr KK Singh was arrested in a joint operation with Manipur Police in connection with a fraud case.

Licypriya Kangujam's father, kanarjit kangujam (also known as K.K. Singh), has been involved in legal controversies that had drawn attention to the family. In May 2021, he was arrested by a joint team of Delhi and Manipur police on the charges of fraud and forgery. The charges were filed under sections 406,420,468, and the 34 of the Indian Penal Code, encompassing criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery for cheating, and acts by multiple persons in furtherance of common intention.{{Cite web |date=2021-05-31 |title=Teen climate activist Licypriya's father KK Singh arrested for fraud, collecting funds from students |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/teen-climate-activist-licypriya-father-kk-singh-arrested-for-fraud-1808999-2021-05-31 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=India Today |language=en}} The arrest stemmed from a complaint by a nepalese student who alleged that Singh defrauded him through the International Youth Committee (IYC), an organization with which Singh was associated.{{Cite web |last=Sirur |first=Simrin |date=2021-06-01 |title='UN-like events, awards, fraud, forgery' — Murky world of 9-yr-old activist Licypriya's dad |url=https://theprint.in/india/un-like-events-awards-fraud-forgery-murky-world-of-9-yr-old-activist-licypriyas-dad/669229/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}

Reports further detailed that Singh allegedly collected funds from students under false pretenses through the IYC.{{Cite web |last=Pundir |first=Pallavi |date=2021-06-02 |title=Is the Father of 'India's Greta Thunberg' Scamming Other Child Activists? |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/licypriya-father-of-indias-greta-thunberg-arrest-scam/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=VICE |language=en-US}} In a separate incident, Singh faced additional charges for concealing oxygen concentrators and cylinder intended for COVID-19 patients, leading to his formal arrest on this matter on June 15, 2021.{{Cite web |title=KK Singh formally arrested in O2 case |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2021/6/16/By-Our-Staff-ReporterIMPHAL-Jun-15-Chief-Judicial-Magistrate-Imphal-East-on-Tuesday-allowed-for.html |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=www.thesangaiexpress.com |language=en}}

Singh's legal trouble extend beyond 2021. In 2016, he was arrested on charges of fraud, assault, and criminal breach of trust related to a 2014 event, the Global Youth Meet in Imphal. He allegedly defrauded individuals and organizations of over 19 lakh (approximately $25,000 USD at the time) and falsely claimed affiliation with the UNESCO Youth Foundation, a claim later denied by the UNESCO.{{Cite news |date=2021-05-31 |title=On the run since 2016, child activist Licypriya Kangujam's father arrested from Delhi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/on-the-run-since-2016-child-activist-licypriya-kangujams-father-arrested-from-delhi/articleshow/83117778.cms%5D(https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/on-the-run-since-2016-child-activist-licypriya-kangujams-father-arrested-from-delhi/articleshow/83117778.cms |access-date=2025-04-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} Singh was released on bail in February 2022.{{Cite web |last=Meitei |first=N. Chandro |date=2022-02-21 |title=Manipur: Conman KK Singh gets bail, daughter Licypriya back in action |url=https://www.eastmojo.com/manipur/2022/02/21/manipur-conman-kk-singh-gets-bail-daughter-licypriya-back-in-action/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=EastMojo |language=en-US}}

Licypriya Kangujam's rise as a child climate activist has been marred by allegations that several of her awards were fabricated or conferred by organizations linked to her father, kanarjit Kangujam, also known as K.K. Singh.{{Cite web |last=Sirur |first=Simrin |date=2020-03-08 |title=8-year-old activist Licypriya accused of 'faking' achievements, denies all allegations |url=https://theprint.in/india/8-year-old-activist-licypriya-accused-of-faking-achievements-denies-all-allegations/377709/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}} Critics, including journalists and activists, have pointed to these awards as a part of a broader pattern of deception orchestrated by Singh to bolster his daughter's public image.

In September 2019, news circulated that Kangujam had received the "World Childern Peace Prize 2019" from Sydney-based Global Peace Index, presented by Charles Allen, Executive Director of the Institute for Economics and Peace, during a ceremony in the Maldives. However, the Global Peace Index clarified via twitter that it did not issue the award, stating, "Our Director of Partnerships Charles Allen was asked to present the award which was conferred by the event organisers. We do not issue awards, and do not have an award program in place." The event was later linked to the International Youth Committee (IYC), an organization chaired by Singh, raising questions about its legitimacy.

Another award in scrutiny is the "Indian Peace Prize 2019", which Kangujam received from the IYC itself. The organization's logo was visible on the award, contradicting denials from Kangujam and Singh to Theprint that her father's involvement influenced her accolades. Reports suggest Singh used the IYC to issue press releases and promote these awards, enhancing Kangujam’s public profile. Critics, including journalists, have accused him of exploiting her activism for personal gain, though Kangujam and Singh have denied these allegations, asserting to ThePrint that the claims are baseless and motivated by her rejection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s #SheInspiresUs honor in 2020.

Involvement in the Kuki-Meitei conflict

Since the outbreak of the Kuki-Meitei conflict in Manipur on 3 May 2023, Licypriya Kangujam has been accused by some of supporting the Arambai Tenggol (AT), a Meitei organization. On 14 May 2023, Kangujam reportedly posted on her Facebook account, expressing support for AT, stating, "I support Arambai Tenggol. More power to you all." On 21 January 2024, through crowdfunding, she facilitated the purchase of two thermal drones, which she and her mother handed over to Korounganba Khuman, the leader of AT. She also provided boots and jackets to AT volunteers on the same day.

While Kangujam and some Meiteis view AT as a youth organization advocating and fighting for Meitei territorial integrity and the protection of Manipur, the Kuki-Zo community perceives AT as a significant threat due to its active involvement in the conflict against them. The Kuki-Zo have criticized Kangujam's public support for AT on social media platforms, including Facebook and X, as well as her provision of drones and other equipment, alleging that these actions contribute to the ongoing violence and challenges faced by their community.

• Greta Thunberg
• Ridhima Pandey
• Cullis-Suzuki – as a minor was also a notable environmental activist in 1992
• Vanessa Nakate

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.saarcyouth.org/licypriya-kangujam-biography-the-youngest-face-of-climate-change-movement-in-the-world/ Licypriya Kangujam on South Asian Youth Summit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426170740/http://www.saarcyouth.org/licypriya-kangujam-biography-the-youngest-face-of-climate-change-movement-in-the-world/ |date=2021-04-26 }}
• [https://www.thequint.com/news/india/how-a-dubious-crowdfund-was-started-in-licypriya-kangujams-name#read-more Licipriya Kangujam on Controversy]
• [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/is-indias-greta-thunberg-a-pawn-in-the-hands-of-an-unscrupulous-father/articleshow/83277443.cms Licypriya Kangujam on fake award controversy]
• [https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/did-8-year-old-licypriya-kangujams-father-fake-awards-to-bolster-his-daughters-achievements Licypriya Kangujam on award controversy]
• [https://www.licypriyakangujam.com/ Licypriya's website]

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Category:2011 births

Category:Living people

Category:Meitei people

Category:Indian climate activists

Category:Indian women activists

Category:Indian women environmentalists

Category:Indian child activists

Category:Activists from Manipur

Category:Youth climate activists