Chennai’s ‘Paperman’ founder Mathew to meet Obama

“It’s going to be very interesting to meet change-makers from across the country and it’s fantastic that the Obama Foundation has decided to support emerging leaders in India, after they did the same in Indonesia, Brazil, and other cities. A Town Hall is planned in the afternoon; an open conversation with several social enterprise organisations where dialogue will be opened on the difference we are making in the community, and how the foundation can support and collaborate actively with us. I’ll consider myself extremely lucky if I get a chance to talk to President Obama one-on-one,” said Mathew.

With the focus strictly on young leaders, The Town Hall will expand the conversation about what it means to be an active Indian citizen and make an impact. This is a follow up to the foundation’s inaugural global summit last month in Chicago, which hosted inspirational Indians such as Trisha Shetty of ‘She Says’ (that empowers women to speak up and take direct action against sexual abuse) and Sanchana Krishnan, who works with communities to normalize mental health issues. 

Having got the opportunity by virtue of being an Ashoka India Fellow (from the social entrepreneurship organisation), Mathew said that he’s looking forward to exchanging ideas at the summit – “I’m hoping for a productive outcome to come out of the event, since the Obama Foundation seems to be keen on having an active presence in India. Looking ahead, we want ‘Paperman’ to share the information we have collected with other organisations, connect with industries, and create a recycling economy in the coming years.”