Over the years, she saw the systematic dismantling of land tenure rights by the government, which further marginalized her community. Decisions about their future were made for decades without their knowledge, yet Bhavna witnessed unrelenting activism on the ground.
Today, Bhavna stands not just as an Indigenous woman but as a voice for those who have tirelessly fought for 75 years to protect these lands, pleading for the government to honor their rights and recognize their efforts.
Bhavna, originally from Assam, has highlighted the critical role indigenous communities play in biodiversity conservation and advocated for their inclusion in global policy frameworks. She has represented ‘The Indigenous’ at significant events such as the Stockholm+50 preparatory meeting at the UN, been on panels with the GGGI, British Ministry of Environmental Affairs, negotiated on behalf of indigenous youth at COP 29, and is a part of the Indigenous Caucus and Focal Working Group for Indigenous Peoples at the United Nations.
“Although I had access to running hot water 24×7, I could not come to terms with where this endless wealth was coming from. My culture shock came from seeing my college peers taking two-hour hot showers and leaving taps open without any remorse. I was suddenly in a place where excess was the norm. It was never the big picture or the big ideas that shaped me; it was always the little things and the stories that made me into who I am today. Being surrounded by people whose impact went beyond their jobs, with a deep respect for military values like honor, respect, and duty, led me to think of my own roots,” she says.
She hopes that she has time as community, humanity, and the ability to have lasting impact. That is what I truly advocate for. That, at the end of the day, our humble beginnings and our ties to community is what makes us human.
Read the full story that first appeared in Global Indian here:
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