At an age when most kids have toys, chocolates or next family outing on mind, Licypriya Kangujam is thinking about saving the Earth. All of eight, the young girl from Manipur is in news for taking a bold stand against the Government of India! The climate activist has turned down Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special #SheInspiresUs honour for the International Women’s Day celebrations. For the uninitiated, PM Modi had started the #SheInspiresUs campaign on social media, where some women achievers will get a chance to manage his social media accounts. But looks like Licypriya Kangujam is not impressed.
The Angry Tweet
The government had tweeted about Licypriya Kangujam on Twitter form its official account. Tagging the climate activist, the government said that, “In 2019, she was awarded Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Children Award, World Children Peace Prize and India Peace Prize. Isn't she inspiring? Do you know someone like her? Tell us using #SheInspiresUS.” Turning down the honour, Licypriya Kangujam quoted the nomination tweet and posted this message - Dear @narendramodi Ji, Please don’t celebrate me if you are not going to listen my voice. Thank you for selecting me amongst the inspiring women of the country under your initiative #SheInspiresUs. After thinking many times, I decided to turns down this honour. Jai Hind! (sic)” She also used a folded hand emoji in the tweet.
Dear @narendramodi Ji,
Please don’t celebrate me if you are not going to listen my voice.
Thank you for selecting me amongst the inspiring women of the country under your initiative #SheInspiresUs. After thinking many times, I decided to turns down this honour. ðŸ™ÂÂÂðŸÂ»
Jai Hind! pic.twitter.com/pjgi0TUdWa— Licypriya Kangujam (@LicypriyaK) March 6, 2020
On some reactions on Twitter, Licypriya Kangujam had another message. “Stop all propaganda to bully me. I’m not against anyone. I just want system (to) change, not climate change. I don’t expect anything from anyone except I want our leaders to listen my voice. I believe my rejection will helps to listen my voice.”
Message For Others
She also had message for other politicians. “Dear politicians & political parties, I don’t need appreciation for this. Instead ask your MPs to rise my voice at the ongoing Parliament session. Never attempt to use me for your political gains and propagandas. don’t appreciate it. I’m not in your favour.” In a scathing attack against all politicians, she also added: “Your MPs also dumb, deaf and blind. Nothing more or less by Government ruling MPs. This is complete failure. Act Now.”
And she has a warning for media too! The young activist doesn’t likes to be called as ‘Greta of India’! “Stop calling me “Greta of India”. I am not doing my activism to looks like Greta Thunberg. Yes, she is one of our Inspiration & great influencer. We have common goal but I have my own identity, story. I began my movement since July 2018 even before Greta was started,” says her pinned post on Twitter.