Ukhrul, April 17: Thotchanso Zingyo, a 19-year-old climate activist from Ukhrul, Manipur, has been recognised as a Young Climate Champion at the prestigious Earth Care Awards 2025, jointly organised by JSW Group and The Times of India. The award celebrates his exceptional work in biodiversity conservation through his youth-led initiative, Cultural Climate Nexus (CCN), which merges Indigenous Tangkhul Naga wisdom with modern climate action.
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A student at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, Thotchanso founded CCN to revive ancestral practices of the Tangkhul Naga community, emphasizing sustainable coexistence with nature. His work focuses primarily on Preserving Indigenous knowledge that has sustained ecosystems for generations; Reconnecting youth with cultural identity and environmental stewardship and; Protecting biodiversity and adapting to climate change through traditional practices.
“Indigenous communities have lived in harmony with nature for centuries. My work is about ensuring this wisdom isn’t lost but becomes a tool for climate resilience,” said Thotchanso, son of Pamlei and Centrela Zingyo from Halang Village, Ukhrul.
The Earth Care Awards, now in their 12th edition, spotlight grassroots innovators driving environmental change. Thotchanso’s recognition highlights the critical role of Indigenous knowledge in climate solutions.
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Adding to his achievements, he has been selected for a summer school program at the University of Frankfurt, Germany, where he will present on Indigenous societies and environmental perspectives from Northeast India. This collaboration involves IIT Delhi and the University of Groningen, Netherlands, further amplifying his advocacy on global platforms.
“This award isn’t just for me, it’s for every Indigenous youth fighting to protect our land and culture,” he remarked, dedicating the honour to his tribal community.