Dr. Vasanti Rao has spent over 30 years using media to drive social and environmental change. Inspired by childhood experiences of inequality, she launched CMS Vatavaran – Asia’s largest environmental film festival – empowering filmmakers and youth across India and beyond. Despite facing gender bias and societal expectations, she emerged as a leader in conservation, media literacy, and advocacy. Through the Nature For All program run by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, she connects children with nature – fostering awareness, empathy, and action for a greener, more inclusive future.