"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#Hair

Positive Reads

Holi 2024: Essential Skincare and Haircare Tips for a Radiant and Healthy Celebration

Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, is a time of joyous celebration. However, the use of artificial colors can have adverse effects on your skin, hair, and overall health. It is essential to take precautions and care for your skin and hair to preserve their radiance and health during Holi. Expert Tips for Skincare During Holi To ensure your skin remains protected and nourished, renowned dermatologist Dr. Rashmi Shetty shares some valuable skincare tips for Holi. Precautions and Preparation for Healthy Skin Maintaining your skin barrier is crucial during Holi. Avoid bleaches, laser treatments, and peels at least a week before the festival. Apply cocoa butter or petroleum jelly on exposed areas to enhance barrier protection. Prioritize skincare from within by increasing your intake of colorful fruits and vegetables, while reducing dairy and sweets. Stay hydrated to combat dehydration caused by sun exposure and alcohol consumption. External Preparation for Healthy Skin Moisturize your skin well before playing Holi, using natural ingredient-based moisturizers like coconut oil. Pay attention to areas like the neck, which are susceptible to color and sweating. Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays and the heat that can exacerbate skin damage. Choose a suitable cleanser to remove colors gently, and follow up with a moisturizer to prevent irritation and dryness. Safety Measures for Skincare If you experience severe skin reactions to colors, seek immediate medical help. Avoid self-treatment or medication, as it can worsen the condition. Prioritize safety and consult a dermatologist if you have acne or any skin concerns to ensure a trouble-free Holi experience. Haircare Tips for a Colorful Celebration Taking care of your hair is equally important during Holi. Follow these expert haircare tips to protect your hair from damage caused by colors. Protecting Your Hair from Colors Begin by generously applying coconut oil to your scalp and hair strands to create a protective barrier. Keep your hair secured in a bun or braid to minimize color exposure. Consider wearing a hat or cap for an extra layer of protection against colors and sunlight. Use a leave-in conditioner to seal the hair cuticles, and indulge in deep conditioning treatments for frizzy or curly hair. Wash your hair promptly after the celebrations, using lukewarm water and a gentle sulfate-free shampoo. Embracing Natural Care and Avoiding Heat Styling Give your hair a break from heat-styling tools and allow it to air dry naturally. This will prevent further damage and maintain its health. Embrace natural ingredients and avoid excessive use of styling products to restore your hair's natural shine and vibrancy.

22 Mar 2024
Positive Reads

Chandigarh Chairs: The Swiss Architect's Design That Became an Indian Heritage Symbol

The iconic Chandigarh chairs, designed by Swiss architects Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, have become a symbol of Indian heritage. These chairs, initially created for government employees, have now gained global recognition for their minimalistic design and aesthetic appeal. When Chandigarh was established as the capital city of Punjab after India's independence, Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret brought their unique designs to the city. Le Corbusier, known as the 'Town Planner of Chandigarh,' was entrusted by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to create a city that would bring order to the aftermath of the Partition. The Chandigarh chairs, with their V-shaped legs and simple teak and cane construction, were introduced as part of the residential designs. They blended minimalism with functionality, providing seating options for the growing number of offices in the city. These chairs quickly became a common sight in middle-class homes and offices across Chandigarh. However, as time passed, the chairs faced the risk of being forgotten. In the 1990s, they were neglected and left exposed to harsh weather conditions. Fortunately, international dealers and auctioneers recognized their value and started collecting them, giving the chairs a new lease of life. Today, Chandigarh chairs are highly sought after, adorning some of the most elite rooms worldwide, including that of celebrities like Kim Kardashian. Their legacy as a design icon and a part of Indian heritage continues to grow, with each chair holding historical significance and fetching high prices in the market. The Chandigarh chairs stand as a testament to the vision and craftsmanship of Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, showcasing their contribution to India's architectural and design heritage.

12 Jan 2024
Positive Reads

Unlocking the Secret to Youthful Locks: Researchers May Have Discovered a Way to Stop Hair From Going Gray

A method of preventing hair from going gray may have been discovered by a team of researchers. The tell-tale sign of aging—gray hair—is something that many women and men have tried to hide for generations. Now, researchers have found that certain stem cells have a unique ability to move within hair follicles, which could maintain the original pigment in the strands. They found that as our hair ages, sheds, and repeatedly grows back, more of these stem cells become stuck in a compartment called the hair follicle bulge. They remain here and fail to travel back to their original location in the compartment, where proteins would have helped them regenerate into pigment cells—thus helping hairs keep their color. The study, led by researchers at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, observed the physically-aged hairs of mice and found that more and more stem cells became stuck when aging. These cells were also found to remain incapable of regenerating or maturing into pigment-producing hairs that keep their color. By studying mice, the researchers were able to identify a molecule that can activate the Wnt signaling pathway and restore hair pigmentation. The molecule, called K(D)PT, was found to be effective in preventing gray hair in mice, suggesting that it may be a potential treatment for humans as well. While the study is still in its early stages, the findings offer hope for those who are concerned about gray hair or hair loss. The researchers believe that the discovery of this protein and its role in hair pigmentation could lead to new treatments for a range of hair-related conditions. The study has been met with excitement and interest from the scientific community, with many experts calling it a significant breakthrough in the field of hair research. While more research is needed to fully understand the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in hair pigmentation, the discovery of this protein could pave the way for new treatments and therapies to prevent or reverse gray hair.

28 Apr 2023
Positive Reads

What Causes the Difference in Hair Color

Hair color is determined by the amount and type of pigments present in the hair follicles. The two main pigments that contribute to hair color are eumelanin, which gives hair its black or brown color, and pheomelanin, which gives hair its red or blonde color. The ratio of these two pigments determines the final color of a person's hair.   Blonde hair is caused by a lower concentration of eumelanin and a higher concentration of pheomelanin. This combination results in a lighter hair color, ranging from light blonde to golden blonde. People with blonde hair are more common in northern Europe, where the lighter hair color provides an advantage in the sunnier, lighter environment. The lighter hair also allows for more vitamin D synthesis, which is important for overall health and well-being.   On the other hand, black hair is caused by a higher concentration of eumelanin. This is most common in people of African descent, where the darker hair color provides a natural sun protection, as well as a cultural preference. The darker hair also absorbs more heat, which helps regulate body temperature in the warmer climate.   There are also many other factors that can contribute to hair color, including genetics, age, hormones, and environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight and environmental pollutants. For example, as people age, their hair often becomes lighter due to a reduction in the production of pigments. Hormonal changes can also affect hair color, as seen in women  

7 Feb 2023
Positive Reads

5 Yoga Practices For Office Workers

Yoga has become a popular form of exercise and relaxation for people with office jobs, as it offers a way to counter the negative effects of sitting for long periods of time and to reduce stress. It is a great way for people who spend most of their day sitting in an office to stay active and healthy Here are five of the best yoga practices for people with office jobs: Cat-Cow: This is a simple and easy yoga pose that can be done right at your desk. Start by sitting up straight and placing your hands on your knees. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your head and tailbone towards the ceiling. Exhale and round your back, tucking in your head and tailbone. Repeat this movement for several breaths, to stretch your spine and release tension in your back. Chair Yoga: This type of yoga is specifically designed for people who spend most of their day sitting in a chair. It includes a series of poses that can be done while seated, such as twists, forward folds and shoulder openers, to help release tension in the neck, shoulders and back. Downward-Facing Dog: This is a classic yoga pose that can be done anywhere, including at your office. Start by standing in front of your chair and placing your hands on the seat. Walk your feet back until you are in an inverted "V" shape, with your hands and feet on the floor and your hips lifted towards the ceiling. This pose stretches the entire body and can help to energize and rejuvenate you. Child's Pose: This is a gentle and restorative yoga pose that can be done on a yoga mat or on the floor. Start by sitting on your heels and then lean forward, stretching your arms out in front of you. This pose can be especially helpful for people who experience tension in their shoulders and neck, as it helps to release tightness in these areas. Breathwork: Yoga is not just about physical movements, but also about breath control. Office workers can practice deep breathing exercises, such as alternate nostril breathing, to help reduce stress and improve focus. By incorporating these five yoga practices into your daily routine, you can help to counteract the negative effects of sitting for long periods of time and reduce stress, allowing you to perform better at your job.

17 Jan 2023
Positive Reads

Global News

Irvine's Great Park Project: Military Base to Become America's Largest City Park, A Haven for Greenery and Amenities

The city of Irvine in California is set to boast the largest city park in the United States, as construction begins on the Great Park Project. Spanning 1,300 acres, the project will be built on the site of the former El Toro Marine Corps Base, which has been derelict for many years. The park is expected to take at least another decade to complete, but will feature a range of amenities including museums, an amphitheater, a veterans memorial garden, an aquatics center, a sports complex, and two lakes. The project is being funded by $455 million in municipal bonds, with the total cost estimated at $1 billion. The park is being designed by Irvine professionals from SWA Group and Kellenberg Studios, and is expected to dwarf New York's Central Park by more than 500 acres. The first stage of the project involves demolishing and clearing away 77 old military buildings, while the El Toro air traffic control tower will be leased by the Federal Aviation Administration. A portion of the park is already open to visitors, featuring a soccer pitch and tethered balloon rides. Irvine City Councilman Michael Carroll, who serves as Chairman of the Great Park Board, said, "After many years of community input and after the last year of intensive planning and design, we are excited to be launching what is a $1 billion investment to establish the world’s next great metropolitan park." The park is expected to provide a much-needed green space for the rapidly-growing city of Irvine.

14 Jul 2023
Global News

From Hair Cuts to Hair Mats! How Human Hair Does Wonders To Protect Our Environment

  A Belgian NGO Dung Dung has found a novel way to utilize human hair waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. Hair gathered from hairdressers is put to good use with The Hair Recycle Project which turns hair and braids into matted squares or hair mats, which can then be made into bio-composite bags or utilized to absorb oil and other harmful hydrocarbons. They can also be used to clean up oil spills and address pollution issues brought on by flooding. According to the project's website, hair is robust, durable, and can sustain up to 10 million times its own weight, absorb fat and hydrocarbons, and is very elastic and water-soluble because of its keratin fibers. The distinctive properties of human hair, such as its distinct chemical composition, slow rate of deterioration, high tensile strength, thermal insulation, elastic recovery, scaly surface, unique interactions with water and oils, and its socio-cultural significance, have enabled a wide range of applications. Patrick Janssen, the co-founder of the Project, claims that 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs) of hair may absorb 7-8 liters (1.8-2.1 U.S. gallons) of oil and other hydrocarbons, making the products useful for cleaning water of impurities before it enters rivers. He also noted how their goods are ethical because they are made locally rather than outsourced to other nations. Hair has many advantages over synthetic materials, which are typically used to absorb spills. It is infinitely available, biodegradable, and cost-free to produce (hair grows on us at a rate of roughly 1 cm a month). Hair sponges are washable, so they can be reused.  Thus, it's amazing that human hair waste that due to their slow integration would otherwise have taken a lot of room in landfills is being used to prepare products that are beneficial for the environment.

5 Jan 2023
Global News

Star Citizens

Historic Milestone: First Indian Recognized at Cambridge University with Building Name

Cambridge University has taken a historic step by naming an entire building after Yusuf Hamied, the chairman of Indian pharmaceutical giant Cipla. This prestigious honor marks the first time in the university's 800-year history that a building has been named after an Indian figure. Hamied's contributions to the field of medicine, particularly through Cipla's affordable antiretroviral drugs that have saved the lives of millions of AIDS sufferers in Africa, have earned him this recognition. The grand opening of the newly named "Yusuf Hamied Court" at Christ's College was attended by Lord Simon McDonald, the Master of the College, along with approximately 25 distinguished scientists, primarily chemistry professors. During the ceremony, Hamied shared a touching story about his family's connection to Cambridge University. He recounted how a meeting with Professor Alexander Todd in 1953, where his father expressed his desire for Hamied to study at Cambridge, ultimately shaped his life's path. Hamied pursued his PhD in Chemistry from 1954 to 1960. Standing in front of an esteemed audience at the inauguration of the Yusuf Hamied Court, he expressed his gratitude and reflected on the enduring bond between education and benevolence. The announcement of the Cambridge building being named after Hamied received an overwhelmingly positive response from netizens. Social media users hailed the recognition as well-deserved and applauded Cambridge University for making it a reality. It is worth noting that Cipla's impact extends beyond this honor, as the pharmaceutical company has also played a significant role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Hamied's family legacy, which includes the establishment of Aligarh Muslim University in India based on the principles of Oxford and Cambridge, further adds to the significance of this momentous occasion. Through this recognition, Cambridge University pays tribute to a remarkable individual whose contributions have touched the lives of countless individuals worldwide. The naming of the Yusuf Hamied Court serves as evidence of his enduring legacy and the values of education, philanthropy, and innovation.

21 May 2023
Star Citizens

From Tragedy to Triumph: This Indian Braveheart Achieves the Impossible, Breaking Guinness World Record

Sujith Varghese has achieved an incredible feat that has captured the hearts of thousands of viewers on Instagram. In just sixteen hours, Sujith created the largest GPS drawing, covering the streets of Dubai and passing by iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa neighborhood and the Dubai Mall. His achievement has earned him a place in the Guinness World Records. He broke the previous record by traveling 8.71 kilometers in his wheelchair. Sujith's achievement is even more inspiring because he has been paralyzed since a bike accident in 2013 which rendered him confined to a wheelchair. Despite facing enormous challenges, Sujith's determination and perseverance allowed him to overcome his limitations and set a new world record. His achievement sends a powerful message to everyone that, with the right mindset, anything is possible. In an interview with Guinness World Records, Sujith explained that he was inspired by Dubai's commitment to promoting accessibility for people with disabilities. He saw this as an opportunity to demonstrate that athletes with perseverance can overcome any challenge. In the video, Sujith is seen using his wheelchair to trace out the icon of a wheelchair user, sending a powerful message of inclusivity and empowerment. Sujith's achievement is proof of the strength of the power of the human spirit and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. His story has inspired thousands of people worldwide to overcome their own challenges and pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles in their way.  Yasushi Takahashi of Japan held the previous record for the largest GPS drawing, which measured an impressive 7163.67 km in length. Mr. Takahashi created this image on June 9, 2010, with a unique purpose in mind. He wanted to propose to his girlfriend in a special and memorable way. The GPS drawing spelled out the words "Marry Me" across the entire length of Japan, with a heart shape covering the island of Hokkaido. Thankfully, his girlfriend said yes to his romantic proposal. 

21 Mar 2023
Star Citizens

How an Injury Induced Disability Led a Young Man To Make His City Disabled Friendly

When Prateek Khandelwal suffered from paraplegia due to a spinal cord injury in 2014, he became confined to a wheelchair. That is when he realized that the differently abled are unable to socialize and participate or contribute to the affairs of society due to a lack of proper facilities. Khandelwal made a speedy recovery and soon found a startup - RampMyCity to make life easy for the disabled. RampMyCity, launched in 2018 promotes inclusion beyond infrastructural changes and makes establishments wheelchair accessible. Mr. Khandelwal while describing his journey said that a wheelchair became a part of his life when he became paralyzed, and he couldn’t leave the house due to a lack of proper facilities for the differently abled.  Thus he was inspired to launch RampMyCity so that other disabled persons wouldn’t have to undergo the inconveniences that he was subject to. In India, there are significant gaps in the accessibility of buildings for people with disabilities. According to Khandelwal, over 300 locations, including schools, police stations, and more than 75 eateries, have been made accessible to disabled people in the last three years.    RampMyCity promotes inclusivity by holding workshops where employees and staff of an organization receive practical training, understanding, and sensitization to help them transform their attitudes, behaviors, and thought processes toward people with disabilities.  

21 Nov 2022
Star Citizens

How Ummul Khair Who Grew Up in Slums Achieved Her Dream to Become IAS

One cannot help feeling inspired by the moving story of young and petite Ummul Khair who through her sheer hard work and determination was able to pull herself out of a wretched life in the slums. She went on to appear in the UPSC exams and cleared it in the first attempt. Ummul Khair is an extraordinary 29-year-old woman whose life began in a slum in Delhi. It was a filthy, stinking shantytown with a drain passing through it. Ummul’s father owned a tea shop but the income was not sufficient and the family struggled to make a living. If that was not enough, they suffered another blow when the shantytown was demolished in the name of development, rendering them all homeless. The only way out of the misery was to return to their hometown Pali in Rajasthan. However, Ummul, a bright student was determined to continue her studies in the government school in Delhi and refused to go with her parents. The class VIII student stayed in rented accommodation and gave tuitions to children for up to eight hours. The money thus earned was used to pay her rent and her fees. She completed her schooling with excellent grades and got admission in Gargi College of Delhi University. Travelling to her college was an arduous task as she has Fragile Bone Disorder in which the bones become weak and even a slight injury leads to multiple fractures. Yet she managed to complete BA in Applied Psychology. She then got admission in a Masters course in International Relations at JNU. It is admirable that Ummal didn’t let her disability come in her way, but she instead got associated with several voluntary groups working on disability. She also represented disability rights groups in various countries and was honoured as a Role Model for her extraordinary work on disability by the National Commission for Women in 2015. Nothing worked her way. Yet Ummal overcame physical, social and financial problems to achieve her goal. She hopes to work for the underprivileged sections of society. She is in touch with her parents. Talking about them she said that her father might not know what IAS is, but he may know what a collector is. This inspirational story of Ummal Khair will certainly act as a guiding light and motivation for all youngsters to make the most out of their lives. Image Source: StarsUnfolded  

11 Sep 2019
Star Citizens

Good News

A Prehistoric Cave Discovered in Andhra Pradesh!

  Kandula Savithri, a 45-year-old history professor in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh had a penchant for discovering ancient artifacts, but she kept all the findings to herself. She discovered a Buddhist stupa, a prehistoric cave, and some ancient sculptures in Bhairava Konda. In November, she ventured into the Nallamala forest and found some ancient sculptures in the hilly areas. Savithri who is an assistant professor of history at Srikalahasti Degree College for Women sent her findings to the Archaeological Survey of India in November. As she continued to get inspired by her success, she recently found another ancient cave in Ardhaveedu village under Mohiddinpuram Mandal in Prakasam district. The cave is situated at a distance of 2 km from the Jampaleru stream. In a statement to NewsMeter, Savithri claimed that the cave belonged to primitive man. The cave connects via a passageway to another cave that was previously found on the eastern side of the archaic Bhairava hill temples. Savithri added that when their team first entered the cave, the stone was painted an ashy color. Primitive humans first carved out the cave, which was later used by monks to enter other locations, she opined. Locals claim that legends passed down from their ancestors describe Jamadagni, a rishi who entered this cave to reach the Bhairava Hills to meditate. Jamadagni is revered in Hindu tradition as one of the Saptarishis.

2 Jan 2023
Good News

An Innovative and Sustainable Technique That Turns Waste From Sugar Mills Into Energy!

Natural Sugar and Allied Industries located in Osmanabad utilizes a novel and sustainable method to convert its waste from sugar cane into bio CNG. It thus aims to broaden the sugar industry's ongoing exploration of other revenue streams. According to the mill's chairman and managing director, Bhairavnath B. Thombare, this method will enable mills to employ agricultural waste that has until now only been used as manure. Press mud is the term used to describe the agricultural waste produced when cane juice is subjected to numerous filters before being used to extract sugar. Periodically, the filters are cleaned, and the waste is dumped into the mill's yard. For per tonne of crushed cane, close to 3–4% of press mud is produced. Currently, mills decompose this agricultural waste to create manure, which they then distribute to local farmers. Thombare, however, drew attention to the fact that the process of composting removes the gas that, if recovered, can be utilized as fuel. In a nutshell, the procedure would entail treating press mud to lower its biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels and separating the natural gas from the slurry.  Thombare continued that the slurry would make for excellent liquid and solid fertilizers while the gas produced would be compressed and supplied to the fuel firm as bio CNG.  Thombare's mill generates close to 40,000 tonnes of press mud throughout the first six months of the sugar season. Thombare said that according to their calculations, in order to run the plant year-round, they would need close to 35,000 tonnes of press mud. As a result, they wouldn't have any trouble finding raw materials. Thombare noted that this would give the sugar mill another source of income.

27 Dec 2022
Good News

A Six-Year Dream of Disability Activists Is Realized at Marina Beach

It is said that the voice of the sea touches the soul and the touch of the sea is wonderful for many. Now, even the differently abled will be able to go near the sea independently as a permanent ramp has been inaugurated at Marina Beach in Chennai on Sunday. The permanent ramp is reportedly India’s first CRZ-compliant permanent ramp for people with disabilities and the culmination of a six-year dream and struggle by disability activists, including the Disability Rights Alliance (DRA) and the Municipal Corporation. The 263-meter facility was built for about Rs.1.14 crore using Babool, Red Meranti, and Brazilian wood. The viewpoint is 10 meters from the water, and it also features a handrail for people who might require assistance. Smitha Sadasivan of the DRA stated that this ramp was a dream come true for them as they had put in six years of work and coordinated with stakeholders to get the ramp constructed. She added that the ramp is a permanent facility and she is delighted that it would improve the mental health and well-being of many people. Sadasivan also hopes that an assistance booth or help desk, a beach wheelchair storage container, trained lifeguards, Mobi mats (non-slip pathways) near the viewpoint, accessible drinking water, and permanent toilets are also put in place.  

29 Nov 2022
Good News

IIT Madras Develops a Revolutionary Wheelchair That Helps Differently-Abled Persons to Stand

Imagine the discomfort of people bound to wheelchairs for a long duration. They are unable to stand without assistance and therefore, do not adopt the standing position as frequently as they wish to. Being in a seated position for a long time leads to other health problems like poor blood circulation and pressure sores. Now, they can heave a sigh of relief as IIT Madras has invented a wheelchair that will help them to stand on their own. IIT Madras in collaboration with Phoenix Medical Systems has launched India’s first indigenously designed standing wheelchair which enables a differently-abled person to shift to a standing position without any assistance and in a controlled manner. Called ‘Arise’ the standing wheelchair was launched at IIT Madras Research Park in the presence of Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, researchers, students, staff and faculty of IIT Madras. Standing Function Arise is designed in such a way that the user when seated, can actuate it to standing position by the power of his/her arms. With optimal one-time fitting, the effort required is no more than that required to propel the wheelchair. A gas-spring was a key element in reducing the effort expended by the user. The prototype was first tested by able-bodied persons. Safety Features Many safety features have been incorporated into Arise which includes the interlocking mechanism. This mechanism ensures that the wheelchair remains in a locked state even if the knee block is not in position. The dimensions of Arise were made adjustable and adequate safety features were incorporated. To ensure that the device would be rugged and of high quality, rigorous mechanical testing was done. This wheelchair will be a boon to differently-abled persons who use a wheelchair as they will have the ability to stand on their own at their will without any assistance from others. Image Source: Inceptive Mind Video Courtesy: Tech Tak

22 Nov 2019
Good News

Kudos to the Indian Army and J&K Police Who Helped a Kashmiri Wheelchair Basketball Player Reach Selection Camp in Time

The Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir police and retired military officers helped a Kashmiri wheelchair basketball player in reaching a selection camp in Chennai amid the ongoing restrictions in Kashmir. Selection Camp In Chennai Ishrat Akhter was paralyzed from the waist below after a fall in 2016. 20-year-old Ishrat Akhter is a wheelchair basketball player from Baramulla in Kashmir who has been selected to represent India for the pre-Olympic qualifying tournament in Thailand in October. She had no words to describe her joy when she realized that she would be able to finally travel to Chennai for a selection camp. Due to the restrictions imposed in Kashmir valley, Akhter had lost all hopes of travelling from her remote village to Chennai. Collective Efforts Akhter’s trip was made possible by retired naval captain Louis George, who is the head coach of the Indian Women Wheelchair Basketball. He informed Colonel Isenhower that one woman player, Ishrat Akhter has not reported for camp in Chennai owing to the restrictions in Kashmir. Mobile communications were disrupted and she needed to be located and sent to Chennai by flight. Colonel Isenhower, who had served in Kashmir for a long time promptly initiated efforts to locate her. He sent out WhatsApp messages with available information about Akhter to all his contacts. The matter was taken up earnestly by Brigadier Nietzche Balan (retired) who along with  Poonacha, a former colleague in Kashmir, met Senior Superintendent of Police Aijaz Bhatt who in turn swung the J&K Police in action. Soon, just hours after the message was posted, Akhter was contacted and given permission to travel. With the help of the police, she reached Srinagar from where she took a flight to Delhi and another from Delhi to Chennai where she was received by coach George and other team members. It is really commendable that the defence and police officials went out of their way to help a sportsperson to reach her destination in spite of the stringent restrictions imposed in the area. Image Source: Times Square Chronicles

2 Sep 2019
Good News

Global Inspirations

These Firefighters Went Out of Their Way to Help a Wheelchair-Bound Woman

The members of the Webster Groves Fire Department in Missouri were responding to a call when they noticed a wheelchair-bound woman falling over when she was trying to get inside her home. The kind firefighters were concerned that this could happen again and they decided to help the resident. They saw that it was due to the multiple stairs and uneven terrain that led to the house which made it difficult for the helpless woman to get inside. Fortunately, the woman was not injured, but the firefighters knew that this incident could recur. They decided to make the way to her home easily accessible for her. They went back to her house a few days later with shovels and concrete and spent several days digging out and constructing a sidewalk for her. Now, the house is wheelchair accessible. The resident has a level pathway and ramp making it very convenient for her to gain access to her home. The best part about this beautiful act is that the good firefighters didn’t do it as part of their job. They did it in the weekend during their off-time and weren’t paid. How touched and blessed the woman must have felt at this thoughtful and selfless act of the firefighters.

28 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

Archives