Rajendra Negi

Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Rajendra Singh Negi is an environmental crusader, Van Sarpanch (forest community leader), farmer, beekeeper, electrician, journalist, and storyteller based in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. In 2001, he founded Radio Henvalvani, a pioneering community radio initiative dedicated to people-led ecological action and cultural revival in the mountain villages of the Himalayas.

For over two decades, Radio Henvalvani has connected more than 700 remote villages through interactive programs focused on environmental disaster response, education, telemedicine, food systems, poetry, music, and local language preservation. With over 400 community storytellers and content creators, the station has built a loyal audience of 250,000 listeners in Uttarakhand and 25,000 more around the world.

Henvalvani has become a living archive of community narratives in Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari—languages UNESCO has declared endangered. Its programming has sparked intergenerational dialogue and inspired pride in local cultural heritage, especially among children and youth.

Through listener-led events and collaborations across generations, Henvalvani has united farmers, artists, educators, students, and homemakers in collective action. Rajendra is now partnering with the Uttarakhand state government to help shape policies that support the growth of community radio as a tool for grassroots transformation.

Learn more at henvalvani.wordpress.com or follow @henvalvanicr.

“The roots of positive changes from self will reach the community through society. Similarly, ORA will make me stronger in achieving my goals with firmness and conviction, on the ground. I am humbled with this recognition, nurturing and encouragement for my novel and passionate efforts.”