Indian Greta rejects Modi’s #SheInspiresUs campaign

Licypriya Kangujam, the 8-year-old climate activist from Indian state of Manipur, rejected the honour when her achievements were included as part of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s #SheInspiresUs campaign for the occasion of Women’s Day.

Licypriya Kangujam shot to limelight in past few days for ‘turning down’ government of India’s ‘#SheInspiresUs’ movement honour on Twitter because she did not ‘want to be celebrated if PM Modi was not going to listen to her’.

Kangujam’s achievement was shared on Twitter by MygovIndia: “@LicypriyaK is a child environmental activist from Manipur. In 2019 she was awarded a Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Children Award, a World Children Peace prize, and an Indian Peace Prize. Isn’t she inspiring?”

To which the young activist replied: “Dear @narendramodi Ji, please don’t celebrate me if you are not going to listen to my voice. Thank you for selecting me amongst the inspiring women of the country under your initiative #SheInspiresUs. After thinking many times, I decided to turn down this honour. Jai Hind!”

Kangujam has been leading several protests related to climate strike over the past few months and has been demanding the government to enact a climate change law. However, she received flak by Twitterati for rejecting the honour. To this she replied:

“Stop all propaganda to bully me. I’m not against anyone. I just want system change, not climate change. I don’t expect anything from anyone except I want our leaders to listen to my voice. I believe my rejection will help to listen to my voice.”

She further mentioned, “Ask your MPs to raise my voice at the ongoing Parliament session. Never attempt to use me for your political gains and propagandas. Don’t appreciate it. I’m not in your favour.”

“Your MPs also dumb, deaf and blind. Nothing more or less by Government ruling MPs. This is a complete failure. Act Now. #ClimateCrisis,” tweeted Kangujam.