Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan speaksat the 'DH Changemakers 2026' award presentation ceremony on Friday.
Credit: DH PHOTO
Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan on Friday said India’s future depends on nurturing problem-solvers with a strong sense of purpose.
He was speaking at ‘DH Changemakers 2026’, an initiative for discovering individuals driving social transformation at the grassroots level across Karnataka.
Gopalakrishnan said the initiative goes beyond reporting news and instead “holds a mirror to the very best of our society” by documenting stories of people who embody the power of good.
Congratulating the changemakers honoured this year, all under the age of 45, he said their work carries a clear message for the country’s youth: No one is too young to lead and no challenge too deeply entrenched to be addressed.
“At a time when we often wait for systems to change, these changemakers show that transformation begins with a single observation and a refusal to look away,” he said.
He added that their efforts bridge deep social gaps and reflect a mindset of innovation that needs to be cultivated in classrooms and communities alike.
Gopalakrishnan also drew a link between social impact and personal well-being, citing research from the field of longevity science.
Beyond genetics and diet, he said, having a sense of purpose and strong social connections are among the most proven factors for a long and healthy life. “These changemakers have found both,” he noted.
Commending DH for sustaining the initiative over eight years, Gopalakrishnan said DH’s commitment to chronicling these journeys in print, video and through events is “a service to the nation” in an era dominated by fleeting headlines.
“You are not just reporting news, you are archiving the power of good,” he said.
He urged the awardees to continue scaling their work and thanked the audience for standing in solidarity with selfless efforts that create lasting societal impact.
DH Changemakers 2026 was supported by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka; mobility partner Volkswagen; health partner Manipal Hospitals; banking partner Cosmos Cooperative Bank Ltd; and knowledge partner Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences.
The associate partners were The Chennai Silks - Shree Kumaran Jewellers; Suzuki MotorCycles India; KNS Infra; Bayer; NTPC; St Mary’s PU College, Chikkamagaluru; MRN Group of companies; Rebalanz; Petronet and National Jute Board.