Dr Babar Afzal, a renowned Pashmina artist and activist from J&K, who identifies himself as a ‘Shepherd in Himalayas’, has been conferred with The Global Changemakers Award 2021 for his exhaustive work on Pashmina.
Known as ‘The Most Credible Man on Pashmina in the World’, Babar has been invited by Project 100, to share his work, journey and the vision ahead for the industry eco-system at a profiled international event in March 2021.
His life’s work and journey was selected to be turned into a documentary titled ‘Call of Pashmina’, by international directors, and has also won over seven international awards.
Babar left a cushy Silicon Valley career to highlight complex issues concerning Pashmina eco-system which include, climate change leading to the displacement of nomadic and weaver communities, preserve the diminishing species of the delicate pashmina goats, fight against exploitation by traders and middle-men, prevent demoralisation and depression among artisans, introduce healthcare and education in the community and building a technology of trust for the consumers of pashmina around the world.
His work has won him huge international credibility including National and International Awards, like the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award, Dr BR Ambedkar, Shri. Rabindranath Tagore Award, Promising Indian Award, The Karmaveer Chakra (UN) Silver and Bronze, The Bharat Gaurav Award, Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Honoris Causa etc.
He is amongst the very few who have been profiled by the BBC, TIME Magazine, CNN and Bloomberg Global for his work and how he is using a new art form as a centrepiece to reposition Pashmina on the global platform to trigger a conversation about sustainability.
He is also a TED Residency Finalist (NY), seven times TEDx Speaker and a WIRED Innovation Fellow (UK).
The prestigious award was conferred by Project 100 which aims towards a sustainable environmental solution and selects organization and individuals from around the world who are working and contributing in powerful manner within their societies.
Project 100 is promoting “Environment Peace” across the globe, and is dedicated towards creating environment friendly academic infrastructure.
The group promotes climate action in order to fight global warming through innovative and challenging that have the potential of bringing in a positive change in the environment.
Some of the programs include establishment of Environment University, Environment Library, Environment Peace Tours, Development of Documentaries & Films on Environment.
The initiative is headed by Suraj Gaikwad, an Environmentalist under the mentorship of Padmashri Kalpana Saroj, Vice Chairman Dr. S. N. Pathan, Ex.Vice Chancellor & Ex.Vice President ICCR, Ministry of External Affairs and Neelam Chopra, Ex. Deputy Secretary University Grants Commission.
The powerful Jury, congratulated Dr. Babar for this honor and encouraged him for doing the work which is going to impact one million lives across the region.
