Lokeshwaran E.

Tell us about yourself: Passionate about the environment and society, I strongly believe in the co-existence of humanity and nature, recognizing its significance for a balanced existence. My curiosity about people extends to their lives, passions, loves, struggles, and the way they make sense of their history. My overarching focus is on building solidarity with the ultimate goal of achieving a kinder, more equitable, and just society for the communities I work with.

As an enthusiastic field researcher and an exceptionally empathetic listener, I consider myself an outstanding reporter. My skill set mirrors that of a journalist, enabling me to quickly build trust with people, particularly in politically charged environments where seeking diverse viewpoints is crucial to understanding complex issues.

My involvement in various campaigns encompasses contributions to issue-based research, ideation, community mobilization, social media outreach, event organization, and website building. I've honed these skills in a short period, proving to be a quick learner. I work cohesively with teams and approach individual tasks with unwavering commitment. Additionally, my flexibility and adaptability shine in changing working conditions, allowing me to think quickly on my feet and make the most out of difficult situations.

What are you planning to do with the grant? I plan to embark on travels, partake in relevant trainings, and engage with experienced individuals and community leaders. My objectives include documenting the traditional knowledge of indigenous people to gain a profound understanding of coastal biodiversity, effectively mobilizing and reaching out to youth and students on environmental and social issues, analyzing existing policies, creating evidence for advocacy, exploring art as a tool for sustaining activism, responding promptly to emerging social and environmental issues backed by thorough research, and honing my communication skills. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance my capabilities and contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of a just and sustainable future.

‍What do you hope the JWH grant will bring you? I aspire to delve into diverse perspectives, encompassing multiple communities, biodiversity, and government entities, with the aim of leveraging my insights to contribute to the realization of a socially and environmentally just society. My vision involves adopting an integrated approach to climate change activism.In my pursuit, I am fervently interested in utilizing various forms of communication, including art, photography, journalism, digital communication, and personal connections forged through activities like shore walks and toxic tours. My intention is to broaden my skill set by learning from experts in the field.

What is your dream for the future? My dream for the future is to be a catalyst for positive change in society and the environment. I envision a world where diverse perspectives are not only acknowledged but also celebrated, fostering a sense of unity and understanding among different communities. With a passion for environmental justice, I aspire to contribute to the creation of a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Through my integrated approach to climate change activism, fueled by documented traditional knowledge, in-depth insights into coastal biodiversity, and a keen understanding of existing policies, I hope to advocate for a socially and environmentally just society.

My dream extends to inspiring and mobilizing the youth and students, leveraging various forms of communication such as art, photography, journalism, and digital platforms. By equipping myself through interactions with experts and community leaders, I aim to create a ripple effect of awareness and action. Additionally, I dream of using art as a powerful tool to sustain activism, responding swiftly to emerging social and environmental issues with well-researched insights. Ultimately, I see myself contributing to a future where evidence-based advocacy, effective communication, and a commitment to understanding and respecting diverse perspectives lead to meaningful positive transformations for the betterment of our world.

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