With a creative mind and a diverse skill set, he began his career in documentary filmmaking, working with UN agencies and NGOs on pressing global issues such as Polio, HIV, Education, Water & Sanitation. His work during this period was both impactful and eye-opening, revealing the complexities and challenges faced by vulnerable communities.

However, as he delved deeper into these issues, Ashish realized that real, lasting change required a more localized approach. The solutions needed to come from within the communities themselves. This realization prompted a pivotal decision in 2011. He left behind the broader, albeit impactful, scope of his work in larger cities and moved back to his native town of Gaya. This transition marked the beginning of a challenging journey, one where he faced numerous obstacles as he tried to establish himself and make a meaningful difference.

The early years in Gaya were far from easy. Ashish encountered resistance and apathy, both from the system and from individuals. There were moments of profound frustration and doubt. The struggle to bring about change in a smaller city, with limited resources and support, often felt overwhelming. Yet, Ashish’s determination never wavered. He believed in the power of grassroots activism and community involvement.

In 2019, after years of perseverance, Ashish founded the Prakriti Mitra Foundation. The foundation was born out of his deep conviction that simple education about the environment would not suffice in addressing the pressing crises of global warming and water scarcity. He understood that creating awareness was crucial, but it needed to be coupled with responsive actions at the community level. Prakriti Mitra Foundation aimed to plant more trees, save water, build rain harvesting systems, fight climate change, and help build a sustainable environment.

Despite his tireless efforts, Ashish often found himself grappling with the weight of the world’s indifference to these urgent issues. There were nights of sleepless worry, thinking about the future of the planet and the kind of world his children would inherit. The saddest part of his journey has been witnessing the slow pace of change and the continued neglect of environmental concerns by many. Yet, even in the face of such challenges, Ashish remains steadfast. He knows that every tree planted, every drop of water saved, and every mind educated is a step towards a better, more sustainable future.