New Delhi

Chhattisgarh, the youngest of Indian states, is a repository of culture and antiquity and also home to spirited people. Some of them have set the trends and become changemakers. Here, we present 10 Changemakers from Chhattisgarh, whose work, grit and initiatives not only set examples for their state but also changed the lives of millions.

These 10 personalities are establishing benchmarks across art, politics, education, science, health and social servicein the state.

Karan Khan: Superstar of Chhattisgarhi Cinema

Karan Khan is a superstar of the Chhattisgarhi cinema, popularly known as “Chhollywood.” His work extends beyond feature films into music albums, video songs and live cultural events. In recent years, he has appeared in hundreds of Chhattisgarhi songs and albums, many of which have gone viral on YouTube and other platforms, such as the “Ditto Karan Khan Mona Sen” album.

Born Syed Tahir Ali, Karan Khan worked from cinema and music to broaden his reach and fan base. He has been a strong advocate of raising production quality in the regional films. His upcoming filmis being shot on an Arri Alexa—a professional-grade camera rarely seen in Chhattisgarhi productions, which usually face limited budgets and access to high-end technology. Khan strikes a balance between tradition and contemporary presentation to meet the expectations of changing audiences.

Mir Ali Mir: Poetic genius

When you hear the lines “Nanda jahi ka re… kamra au khumari, araitutari…” one name instantly comes to mind: Mir Ali Mir. His real name is Syed Ayyub Ali Mir, but in the world of literature, he is popularlyknown as Mir Ali Mir. Famous for expressing deep thoughts about life in simple words, his ghazals portray love, longing and life’s contradictions, while his Chhattisgarhi compositions are steeped in the fragrance of folk life.

Chhattisgarh has always been fertile ground for literature, art and culture, and Meer Ali Meer carries this legacy forward. His writings strengthen the pride of the Chhattisgarhi language and give voice to the pain, struggles and sensitivities of common people. Born on 15March 1953 in Kawardha, Meer Ali Meer enriched the Chhattisgarhi language and gave it a new identity.He is not only a poet but also an indefatigable promoter of Chhattisgarhi literature, actively working to connect younger generations with the region’s poetry and verse.

Aijaz Dhebar: transforming Raipur

The story of Chhattisgarh’s transformation is incomplete without the mention ofAijaz Dhebar’s name. He is more than just the mayor of Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh; he is a symbol of struggle, commitment and secular politics.

Born in a modest Muslim family in Maulana Abdul Rauf Ward of the Old Raipur, Dhebar helped run his household while pursuing his education. “My circumstances didn’t hold me back; they propelled me forward,” he often says. In January 2020, he was elected Mayor of Raipur Municipal Corporation, defeating his opponent, Mrityunjay Dubey. “I never considered myself a representative of just one religion,” he says. Recognising his leadership, he was appointed National Vice-President of the All India Mayors Council—the first mayor from Chhattisgarh to hold this post. His message to youth: “Don’t waste your energy on hatred and negativity. Politics and society today need constructive, innovative young people.”

Dr.Saleem Raj: Restructuring Waqf Board

Dr.Saleem Raj stands tall among a few who have played a crucial role in Chhattisgarh’s minority politics and social reform movement. A long-time member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Raj serves as Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Waqf Board, a position with cabinet rank.

His rise is not just a story of political success but of a man determined to transform religious institutions from centres of controversy into engines of social and national development. “Religious institutions should be partners in the nation’s progress, not centres of disputes,” he often says. Raj joined the BJP in 1992 and steadily rose through the ranks, serving at district, state and national levels in the party’s Minority Morcha. From 2016 to 2020, he chaired the state Minority Morcha, earning a reputation for Muslim outreach and consensus-building.

Tauqeer Raja: Accessible Politician

Tauqeer Raja embodies a rare blend of political activism, entrepreneurship, sportsmanship and cultural pursuit—serving as a model of dedication in Chhattisgarh’s public life. He is widely recognised as the BJP’s state spokesperson, a sharp debater, a successful entrepreneur, a sports and music enthusiast, and a committed social worker.

What sets him apart is his ability to pursue society, politics and business with equal commitment. He focuses on issues likeeducation, healthcare and employment, with special attention to integrating youth into the mainstream.Born on 15September 1973 into a modest family, Raza displayed leadership qualities from an early age, excelling in studies as well as sports and cultural activities.Today, he is actively involved in all three fields and is known for his approachable nature—equally accessible to the public and party workers.

Dr Shams Parvez: Keeping air clean

Professor Dr Shams Parvez guides students and the public with an approach that blends scientific rigour with social responsibility. An expert in air pollution, environmental health and chemistry, Dr Parvez is one of the few scientists in Chhattisgarh to link academic research with societal needs.

His extensive studies on changing air quality in Raipur and surroundingareas have givenpolicymakers a solid scientific basis for interventions.Defined by simplicity, rigour and dedication to students, he is a key figure in Chhattisgarh’s academic landscape for environmental protection. His research has been published in numerous national and international journals, informing state environmental policies and public health programmes. Collaborations with prestigious institutions such as NASA and the Chinese Academy of Sciences reflect the high quality of his work, through which he has led multimillion-dollar projects.

Dr Abbas Naqvi: Building a Medical Centre with a Human Touch

Dr Abbas Naqvi is a prominent name in Raipur’s healthcare sector. He is not just any other doctor but is known for his unmatched dedication, honesty and an unshakeable spirit of service. Dr Naqvi is among a select few who take their profession not just as a career but as a means to serve society.

In 2004, Dr Naqvi founded Ramkrishna Hospital, which has become one of Chhattisgarh’s leading multi-speciality healthcare centres. He currently serves as Director and Consultant in the Department of Medicine. Patients know him as a sensitive human being. Born and raised in Raipur, he chose to return to his hometown after completing his medical education rather than seek opportunities in larger cities. He treats thousands of patients daily using a blend of modern technology and empathy and compassion.

Mohsin Ali Suhail: Positive Reporting

Amid a changing media landscape, Hajji Dr Mohsin Ali Suhail has preserved the dignity, integrity and responsibility of the profession of journalism. He is one of Chhattisgarh’s most respected journalists, known for fearless, people-centred reporting and an unwavering commitment to truth.

Suhail hopes the next generation of reporters will retain honesty and care for depth in their stories. Hisadvice: “Don’t just chase breaking news. Dig deep into society’s roots. Journalism means bringing change, and change comes only when we show the truth.”

Born on 7 May 1953, Suhail displayed curiosity and social awareness from an early age. He recalls deciding as a child that he would speak up whenever his village faced problems.

Shamsad Begum: Chhattisgarh’s Women Commando

Padma Shri awardee Shamsad Begum is living proof ofhow a woman’s determination can transform an entire community.With unwavering honesty and a focus on inclusion, she has built one of India’s most inspiring grassroots networks, empowering thousands of women in Chhattisgarh to live safer, more self-reliant lives. She is the driving force behind the women's commando movement.

Her journey began in the small town of Balod, where she witnessed firsthand the obstacles women faced. “If I ever get the chance, I will work for women’s education and empowerment,” she resolved. Coming from a modest family, she drew inspiration from her mother, Aamna Bee, who balanced work and education to ensure all six of her children studied.Her impact was nationally recognised when she was included in the list of 100 Muslim women honoured for their role in India’s development.

Faisal Rizvi: A Lawyer with an Unyielding Sense of Justice

Faisal Rizvi has made his nameas a leading criminal lawyer in Raipur. His arguments, cross-examination skills and strong command of legal intricacies have made him one of Chhattisgarh’s most respected legal figures.

From a young age, Rizvi displayed keen observation and a natural inclination towards law, with a deep interest in social issues and legalawareness.Understanding the importance of nurturing the next generation of lawyers, he has distributed more than10,000 books on the Indian Penal Code and Constitution to law students in memory of his father.Born into a cultured, educated family, Rizvi completed his LL.B. from CLC College, Raipur in 1995 and later earned an LL.M. During his studies, he immersed himself in judicial perspectives, constitutional principles and the workings of society and administration.