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Star Citizens

Women on Indian Stamps: A Legacy of Strength, Leadership, and Artistry

We honor the achievements of early government officials and trailblazing women who were highlighted on Indian Postal stamps. The focus is on social reformers and freedom warriors. However, it has switched to focus on female leaders and artists in recent years. Women's history has a facet we must celebrate. Women have been part of Indian stamps for decades. The First Stamp of Independent India was issued on 21 November 1947. The first Indian woman on postage was Mirabai, issued on October 1, 1952, and was for 2 annas. Since then hundreds of Indian women stamps have been issued and they commemorated women from history to film actors.The significance of the stamps featuring women is listed below. (corresponding to their stamp years) (Source: Google Images) Mirabai (1952)In 1952, Mirabai, a well-known follower of Krishna, became the first Indian woman to appear on a postal stamp. She became a national hero due to her devotion to Krishna and her Bhajans, which were devoted to Him. She was one of the most important saints of the Bhakti Movement. She gave up her regal rights and neglected her responsibilities as queen because of her labor of love—her devotion to Krishna.Kalidasa’s Shankuntala (1960) In Hinduism, Shakuntala is the wife of Dushyanta and the mother of Emperor Bharata. A stamp was launched in 1960 to celebrate her story. Her most famous story is told in Kalidasa's play Abhijñānaśākuntala. Sir William Jones translated Shakuntala, the earliest Indian play, into a Western tongue in 1789. There were at least 46 translations in twelve European languages during the following century.Annie Besant (1963)With its main office located in Chennai, the Theosophical Society has Annie Besant as its second president. There are roads in India's major cities named after her. She was an orator, educator, feminist, and advocate for women's rights. Besant adhered to the principles of "free thought" as promoted by the National Secular Society.Kasturba Gandhi (1964)She was the wife of Mahatma Gandhi, a political fighter during the liberation struggle who was deeply committed to the freedom movements in India. Records about her indicate that despite always being in her husband's shadow, she was a strong leader who made the most of her time apart from him to develop her leadership abilities. She was a capable individual who made a substantial contribution to the Independence cause despite never having been trained to read or write. Despite her advanced age, she actively participated in the Civil Disobedience and Non-Cooperation activities and inspired the populace to agitate peacefully against the colonial rulers.Sarojini Naidu (1964) She was the first Indian woman president of the Indian National Congress in addition to being a feminist, political activist, and poet. She was the daughter of Bengali Brahmin Aghorenath Chattopadhyaya, the principal of Hyderabad's Nizam's College. Her mother was a talented poet in her own right, having written poems in Bengali. Sarojini came from a well-educated family and enrolled in King's College in London early in 1895 before moving to Girton College in Cambridge.Kittur Rani Chennamma (1977)In several respects, Rani Chennamma was India's first female campaigner. Her contribution to the fight against oppression began long before the independence movement did. She faced the British Empire by herself, her blazing eyes bright and focused. Although Rani Chennamma was unable to drive them out, she did incite a large number of women to rebel against British control. She was the Queen of Kittur, the princely kingdom in Karnataka.Durgabai Deshmukh (1982)Durgabai was a social worker who, from a young age, bravely and courageously advocated for women's rights. She was a child bride who was sold to a wealthy zamindar (landlord) at the age of eight. Despite her parents' decision to marry her off, she continued to be inspired by them and deemed it their sole error. She had a social worker for a father. She was motivated during the ensuing years by Mahatma Gandhi and his initiatives. Gandhi met the 12-year-old girl and a group of Muslim and Devadasi ladies from Kakinada when he came to speak at a town hall meeting in 1921. Not only did she and her family give up all Western clothing after meeting him, but they also resolved to wear only Khadi. Later, she decided to drop out of school in opposition to the English language curriculum. At the age of fifteen, Durgabai was married and devoted herself to the independence fight. Following the British imprisonment of T Prakasam, another freedom fighter, she took the lead in the Salt Satyagraha movement in Madras.Begum Hazrat Mahal (1984)She is one of India’s often forgotten heroines of independence. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Begum Hazrat Mahal, also known as the Begum of Awadh, led a revolt against the British East India Company. As the first wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, she took charge of the administration of Awadh and seized control of Lucknow after her husband was exiled to Calcutta.

16 Aug 2024

Star Citizens

Turning Trash into Treasure: Keonjhar Forest Department's Vermicompost Revolution Empowers Communities

In a bid to empower women and improve livelihoods in Keonjhar, the Forest Department has initiated a vermicompost program that encourages self-help groups (SHGs) and residents of forest fringe villages to engage in vermicompost production. This alternative means of livelihood has yielded remarkable results, transforming the lives of individuals like Sumitra Giri. Sumitra, a 41-year-old resident of Aharposi village in Kandraposi gram panchayat, embarked on the journey of vermicompost making three years ago. With an initial investment of just Rs 3,500, she set up a small unit and began processing organic waste through earthworms. Today, she earns over Rs 1 lakh annually from selling vermicompost. Supported by the Keonjhar forest division, Sumitra and seven other women were taken on an exposure visit to a vermicompost production site. Inspired by the experience, they started producing vermicompost in their own backyards. The venture has proven highly successful, providing a significant boost to Sumitra's family's financial situation. Her increased income has allowed her to fund her son's ITI education and repay the loan taken for her daughter's wedding. Sumitra's success story is not unique. Many women in her village have achieved financial independence through vermicompost production, with some households earning Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh annually. The Keonjhar division has declared several villages as vermin-villages, where 50% or more households have vermicompost units. Additionally, the division has announced an assured buyback of organic compost for plantation and nursery activities. The Forest Department views vermicompost production as a low-capital investment alternative livelihood that can increase the income of farmers and forest-dependent tribal communities. Moreover, it reduces dependence on forests, mitigates man-animal conflict, and promotes a sustainable lifestyle.

6 Sep 2023

Star Citizens

Know Who Is the First Woman Officer To Be Deployed at Siachen!

Captain Shiva Chouhan of the Indian Army's Fire and Fury Corps became the first female officer to be operationally deployed to Siachen Glacier, the highest battleground in the world. After completing arduous training, officer Chauhan has been assigned to the Kumar Post, the Fire and Fury Corps announced on Tuesday. Bengal Sapper Capt. Shiva Chouhan hails from Rajasthan. She attended school in Udaipur and graduated from the NJR Institute of Technology in Udaipur with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. She had been inspired to join the Indian Armed Forces since her childhood, and while undergoing training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, she displayed unmatched fervor. In May 2021, she was commissioned into the Engineer Regiment. In July 2022, on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Captain Shiva successfully led the Sura Soi Cycling Expedition from Siachen War Memorial to Kargil War Memorial, completing a distance of 508 kilometers. The officer subsequently accepted the responsibility of commanding the men of the Sura Soi Engineer Regiment on the highest battlefield in the world, and as a result of her splendid performance, she was chosen to get training at the Siachen Battle School. Captain Shiva Chouhan persevered through numerous difficulties and successfully completed the course which included avalanche and crevasse rescue exercises, ice wall climbing, endurance training, and survival drills among other challenges. The Sappers squad, led by Capt. Shiva Chouhan will be stationed at the position for three months and will be in charge of many combat engineering duties.

5 Jan 2023

Star Citizens

Global News

Trees Bark Removes Methane from the Atmosphere, Revealing a Climate Surprise!

Research that was published in "Nature" claims that the surfaces of trees have a significant effect in absorbing methane gas from the environment. Although the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by trees has long been known to improve climate, new research reveals an unexpected extra benefit. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that can be absorbed from the environment by microbes concealed in tree bark. For the first time, an international team of scientists headed by the University of Birmingham has demonstrated that bacteria that reside in the bark or the wood itself are eliminating atmospheric methane at a rate that is comparable to or greater than that of soil. They estimate that trees are now 10% more beneficial to the climate overall than previously believed due to this recently found process. Since pre-industrial times, methane has accounted for around 30% of global warming, and emissions are rising faster than they have ever done since statistics were kept in the 1980s. Soils are full of bacteria that absorb methane and break it down for use as energy, even though the majority of the gas is eliminated by processes in the atmosphere. Previously believed to be the only terrestrial sink for methane, research now suggests that trees may be just as significant, if not more so. Lead researcher on the study ~ What They Have To State? Professor Vincent Gauci of the University of Birmingham, said: "The main ways in which we consider the contribution of trees to the environment is through absorbing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and storing it as carbon. These results, however, show a remarkable new way in which trees provide a vital climate service. "The Global Methane Pledge, launched in 2021 at the COP26 climate change summit aims to cut methane emissions by 30 percent by the end of the decade. Our results suggest that planting more trees, and reducing deforestation surely must be important parts of any approach towards this goal." In the study, the researchers investigated upland tropical, temperate, and boreal forest trees. Specifically, they took measurements spanning tropical forests in the Amazon and Panama; temperate broadleaf trees in Wytham Woods, in Oxfordshire, UK; and boreal coniferous forest in Sweden. The methane absorption was strongest in the tropical forests, probably because microbes thrive in the warm wet conditions found there. On average the newly discovered methane absorption adds around 10% to the climate benefit that temperate and tropical trees provide. By studying methane exchange between the atmosphere and the tree bark at multiple heights, they were able to show that while at soil level the trees were likely to emit a small amount of methane, from a couple of meters up the direction of exchange switches and methane from the atmosphere is consumed. (Source: Google Images) Furthermore, the researchers employed laser scanning techniques to measure the total surface area of forest tree bark worldwide. Initial computations suggest that trees contribute a total of 24.6-49.9 Tg (millions of tonnes) of methane annually. This closes a significant knowledge gap about the sources and sinks of methane worldwide. The research on tree shapes also reveals that the area would be the same as the surface area of the Earth if all of the bark on all trees were laid flat. Professor Gauci and colleagues at Birmingham are currently organizing a new study project to investigate if higher atmospheric methane concentrations are a result of deforestation. Additionally, they hope to learn more about the microorganisms themselves, the processes by which they absorb methane, and whether there is any way to improve the way that trees remove methane from the atmosphere. “Tree woody surfaces add a third dimension to the way life on Earth interacts with the atmosphere, and this third dimension is teeming with life, and with surprises,” said co-author Yadvinder Malhi of the University of Oxford.

1 Aug 2024

Global News

Positive Reads

From Pollution to Prosperity: Tarapith’s Green Initiative

In the sacred town of Tarapith, West Bengal, renowned for the revered 13th-century Ma Tara temple, a unique initiative is revolutionizing the way we handle waste. With around 12,000 devotees visiting daily, the temple generates a substantial amount of floral offerings. The wilted flowers traditionally ended up polluting the nearby Dwarka river. However, a collaborative effort between the Mallarpur Naisuva Trust and the temple committee is turning this pollution into prosperity by recycling these flowers into valuable compost and other products. Sadhan Sinha, Secretary of the Mallarpur Naisuva Trust, reflects on the motivation behind the initiative. He notes that pollution was a significant issue in Tarapith, as everyone used to dump used flowers, leaves, and other materials into the nearby river. One of the members and well-wishers, Bidhan Roy, suggested undertaking a solid waste management project. This project would not only clean the temple area but also provide valuable vermicompost to help local farmers. The recycling journey begins at the temple, where used flowers are collected in large vats and transported to a production unit in the nearby Gowala village. Here, the flowers are carefully separated from other materials and soaked in a mixture of flour and jaggery. Over a period of 35 days, the flowers undergo decomposition. Cow dung and earthworms are then added to facilitate further breakdown, resulting in vermicompost—a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. This eco-friendly fertilizer not only helps to clean the environment but also supports local farmers by providing them with high-quality compost, enhancing their agricultural productivity. The success of this initiative is evident, but scaling up similar efforts across India presents challenges. Insufficient infrastructure, funding constraints, and a lack of expertise are significant barriers to wider adoption. To overcome these obstacles, training programs for NGOs and self-help groups have been launched, aiming to replicate the model in other parts of the country. The Tarapith flower recycling project not only addresses the issue of pollution but also fosters a culture of sustainability. The vermicompost produced through this initiative helps local farmers who have reported improved soil fertility and crop yields. They attribute their success to the nutrient-rich compost derived from temple flowers. Moreover, the project has inspired a sense of community involvement and responsibility. Volunteers, including local residents and devotees, actively participate in the collection and processing of the flowers. This collective effort has strengthened community bonds and promoted a sense of pride in contributing to environmental conservation. As more communities embrace this model, we move closer to a future where religious rituals and environmental conservation go hand in hand, ensuring a cleaner and greener planet for generations to come.

25 Jun 2024

Positive Reads

Know who just became the youngest post graduate in India at 16!

Have you just turned 16? Or, remember the time when you were of that age? The memories will be of a confused brain that didn’t know what to go for after completing your board exams. Well, in one of the many firsts, an Indian prodigy, has made the headlines for doing something which can give a complex to all teenagers, and to our old self as well. A Hyderabad boy, named Agastya Jaiswal, has completed his post-graduation at the tender age of 16. He did his Masters in Sociology from Osmania University. There’s more to it — he is the first Indian to complete intermediate in two streams, BiPC (Biology, Physics, Chemistry) and CEC (Civics, Economics, Commerce). Before this, he had completed his 10th when he was 8, and graduated in B.A. Mass Communication at the age of 14. Proud parents, Ashwani Kumar Jaiswal (father), and Bhagyalaxmi Jaiswal (mother) had a big role in guiding their special son to success. His father said, “Agastya had become the Google boy at the age of 2 by answering 300 questions, and 3000 questions at the age of 5.” The list doesn’t end here — Agastya is also ambidextrous, which means he can write with both hands. He can type A to Z alphabets in just 1.72 seconds. Adding more to his laurels, Agastya is a motivational speaker and a national table tennis player. Safe to say, Agastya is God’s very own child in the world of mere mortals. Here’s hoping for his future success in making India proud!

13 Dec 2022

Positive Reads

A Grandmother’s Faith in Her Little Grandchild Helped the Impaired Baby Blossom Into a Strong and Independent Woman

Verammal yearned to be a grandmother, but three decades ago, complications during childbirth were common and Verammal would wait for the cry from the other side of the door only to return home disappointed and sad. However, this time she knew it would be different. Her joy knew no bounds when she heard the cry of her baby granddaughter from the labor room. She cradled her in her arms, tears running down her cheeks, and soon realized that the infant didn’t have both arms. The family was distraught and decided to admit the child affected by Amelia syndrome to a shelter home. However, Verammal was adamant that no one else will look after the child. She decided to raise the little one on her own. The child named Vidyashree gradually started making use of her feet for routine activities. Getting admission to a school was a Herculean task due to her disability, but with the help of villagers who were able to convince the authorities, Vidyashree could complete her studies in school and get admission to a college as well. Vidyashree used her feet to write and was very adept at it. In the village of Arcadu, next to Mugaiyur, Vidhyashree is nothing short of a superstar. Anyone in Arcadu would describe the road to her house only with pride and ardor. She is the first member of her family to receive a master's degree in English. In addition to tutoring children, she currently works as a temporary data entry operator for the Vaazhthu Kattuvom Thittam program run by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj. Vidyashree makes it a point to welcome anybody who enters her home with her feet folded. She even types messages on her phone with her feet. With pride, she declares that she never used a scribe to write her exams, either in school or college. Vidyashree is 30 now and has many more dreams to fulfill. She utilizes the money earned from tuition to prepare for CTET and TET. She wishes to get a Ph.D. and become a lecturer. As she speaks, her grandmother reminisces about the 30-year journey that began ever since she held the bundle of joy in her arms.

30 Nov 2022

Positive Reads

The Whys and Hows

Unlock the Power of Kitchen Scraps Through Composting

In the bustling city of Ghaziabad, terrace gardener, Manjushree Ladiya, shares her valuable guidance on transforming kitchen scraps into a garden of hope through composting. With our urban world expanding by the day, it is difficult to understand proper garbage disposal practices. It's in this battle, especially against the relentless tide of biodegradable waste, that Manjushree's wisdom shines like a beacon of hope. In her words, we find not just knowledge but a call to action, an invitation to nurture our environment with a touch of perseverance and a sprinkle of love. “Composting is not as hard as people think it is. One can easily convert their everyday kitchen waste into compost, which contains all the essential nutrients for healthy growth of plants,” she speaks about her perspective. Manjushree has been utilizing various components to create distinct varieties of compost in individual containers. Major 5 ways have been explained below: Onion and Garlic Peels: Manjushree has been gathering the onion and garlic peels in separate pots in preparation for composting. "The compost created from onion and garlic peels is rich in potassium, which is a crucial nutrient for plants," she claims. It is great for making compost and works wonders for growing chillies. Banana Peels: Banana peels, a frequent kitchen waste, are an excellent component for composting. While it is possible to compost it alongside other kitchen waste, Manjushree advises doing so for optimal outcomes. Because of its high potash content, she claims that it works well as a fertilizer for fruit trees and vegetable plants. Using Tea Leaves: She explains that it is preferable to compost spent tea leaves rather than directly adding them to plants."Tea leaf compost works best for flowering plants, especially roses, and composting improves its quality. Its development and blossoming would be accelerated by adding the compost, according to her. Manjushree continues, "You can make tea leaf compost in as little as a five-inch pot." It takes around three months to be ready, just like any other compost. Mosambi and orange Peels: She recommends processing orange peels and mosambi peels separately because they take longer to decompose. Since they are citrus fruits, their compost is a great source of the nutrients potassium, phosphate, and nitrogen needed for plant growth. Additionally, they can be utilized to create bio enzymes and liquid fertilizers. Mix Compost: Manjushree uses all the leftover kitchen scraps, such as vegetable peels and greens, to create mixed compost. She advises against adding cooked items or substances to the mixture, such as oil, ghee, or salt."The compost is suitable for all types of plants and is made by adding only raw vegetable waste," she continues. She draws inspiration from a quote that fuels her commitment to work consistently: - “The ground's generosity takes in our compost and grows beauty! Try to be more like the ground.”

3 Nov 2023

The Whys and Hows

Good News

India's First 3D-Printed Post Office Redefines Possibilities!

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled India's first 3D-printed post office in Bengaluru's Cambridge Layout, marking a groundbreaking achievement in construction technology. The post office, a collaborative effort by Larsen & Toubro Limited and IIT Madras, showcases India's relentless commitment towards innovation. This architectural marvel was completed in a mere 43 days, defying the conventional construction timeline of 6-8 months. The 3D concrete printing technology, involving robotic precision and quick-drying concrete layers, facilitated this remarkable speed. The process also reduced costs by 30-40%, amounting to a cost-effective Rs 23 lakh expenditure. Prof. Manu Santhanam of IIT Madras highlighted the technological prowess behind the project. The use of specially engineered concrete, the absence of vertical joints and continuous printing contributed to its seamless and efficient design. The innovative potential of 3D printing extends beyond speed and cost-effectiveness. Customization, weather-proofing, and utility incorporation are its hallmark features, making it an ideal solution for diverse construction needs. Rajendra Kumar, Chief Postmaster General of Karnataka Circle, envisions this technology addressing low-cost housing requirements, potentially revolutionizing the field. As India's first 3D-printed post office takes its place as a symbol of progress, its impact is poised to extend far beyond postal services. The success of this venture heralds a future where 3D printing technology could be a catalyst for sustainable, efficient, and customized construction, transforming the way we build and reside.

18 Aug 2023

Good News

First-of-its-kind Initiative: Karnataka to Witness a Historic Change with Vote from Home Facility

The Election Commission (EC) of India has rolled out a groundbreaking initiative to empower the democratic process and encourage greater participation of the elderly and disabled in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly Elections. The EC announced the poll dates on Wednesday, last week and introduced the 'Vote for Home' (VFH) facility, which will allow senior citizens aged over 80 and people with disabilities to cast their votes from the comfort of their own homes. This first-of-its-kind initiative will ensure greater participation of these segments of society in the election process, allowing them to exercise their right to vote without having to physically visit a polling station. The initiative comes ahead of the Assembly Elections, which will be held on May 10, with results announced on May 13. The state of Karnataka has a voter base of 5.21 crore people, out of which 12.15 lakh voters are above the age of 80 and little more than 5 lakh voters have some form of disability. Additionally, about 9.17 lakh first-time voters will be eligible to cast their vote for the first time. The EC will deploy polling teams to lakhs of designated homes on pre-informed dates, where they will collect postal ballots from residents who have opted for VFH. This initiative will reduce the rigors of visiting a polling station and ensure the safety and comfort of elderly citizens and people with disabilities. The BBMP officials have taken up a door-to-door campaign to inform residents about the new facility, particularly the elderly, to make the process smooth and hassle-free. The initiative is being hailed as a major step towards making the democratic process more inclusive and accessible for all, regardless of their age or physical abilities.

28 Apr 2023

Good News

The First Evening Post Office Opens in Bengaluru

For office goers, the post office is almost inaccessible due to its early closing hours. To render postal services to working people, Bengaluru started its first evening post office service. On Monday, India Post opened Bengaluru's first evening post office. The post office, which is located on Museum Road, provides services like speed post, parcel booking, package packing, Aadhaar services, picture postcards, and stamp services. The office will be open six days a week from 1 pm to 9 pm. With the introduction of this initiative, working professionals will now have simpler access to services. According to postal assistant Vinay Shreyas, "In a conventional post office, the counter closing time is 3:30, but the evening post office offers a special purpose for workers and senior citizens who come for booking inquiries." In November 2022, the first evening post office was opened in Dharwad, Karnataka, and after its success, a proposal to open one in Bengaluru followed. There are plans to introduce more such evening post offices in Bengaluru to benefit officegoers in the city. Along with standard services, users can purchase augmented postcards. The history of the picture can be displayed by scanning postcards. The cost of renovating the post office, according to officials, was Rs 3 lakh. The history of post offices is also vividly depicted across the entire building.

20 Jan 2023

Good News

Undertrials Bring a Ray of Hope Into Lives of Inmates in Prison

Acting on compulsion can lead to regret and punishment, but that doesn't in any way diminish one's ability to be human. Jairaj Singh, 32 who is accused of killing his neighbor has along with eight other undertrials embarked on a mission to provide education to their inmates thus bringing a ray of hope into their lives. As a result, 841 convicts at Naini Central Jail are making the most of their time there by pursuing education to enrich their lives. These nine undertrials conduct classes in the prison twice daily between 9 and 11 a.m. and again between 2 and 4 p.m. with the assistance of three government-appointed teachers. The prison administration provides the reading material. Currently, 717 prisoners are enrolled in various levels of education, ranging from class 5 to post-graduation. Within this storied jail, the 124 illiterate inmates have just begun their literacy journey. Singh himself holds double PG degrees and was preparing for the civil services exams before landing in jail. He realized that many inmates at the jail had an intense desire to complete their education or begin their journey in literacy. Singh is assisted by Ajay Tiwari, a double PG degree holder and an IAS aspirant who is accused of murder and is in jail for the last 16 years. Together they help to educate those willing to pursue their graduation, post-graduation, or diploma courses through distance learning. According to Rameshwar Prasad, who is in charge of overseeing education and class administration on the jail grounds, three government teachers, including two women, visit the jail to teach the prisoners. Since April 2022, Singh along with eight other undertrials has been working with jail officials to establish regular class schedules.

16 Dec 2022

Good News

Karnataka Postmaster Creates a Unique Record

A Branch Postmaster has opened 151 postal savings accounts in a single day, a remarkable accomplishment that is the first of its kind in the state and likely the only one in the nation. The record was set on December 5 by D K Ranganath, the 64-year-old Branch Postmaster of the Dasanur Branch Post Office in Nanjangud Division in the Mysuru district. Speaking to TNIE, Ranganath explained that all of the accounts he had opened were for recurring deposits. Each of the 151 accounts cost Rs 100 to start, and each month, the same amount will be deposited. Since he had been employed there for 45 years and everyone knew him, he invited them to create their accounts on Monday. From 9 am to 6 pm that day, he worked nonstop on these RD accounts, he added. He began working for the Postal Service on December 7, 1977 and will retire on November 23 of the following year after 45 years of Dak Sevak service. This branch office serves the communities of Dasanaru, Paduvalamarali, Outhalapur, and Ramashettypura. According to his superior, the villagers' positive opinion of him and his close personal relationship with them contributed to his success. H C Sadananda, Superintendent of Posts, Nanjangud Division complimented the postmaster's service and stated that he was skilled at comprehending new ideas of the department and selecting eligible clients who may be included in various projects. He made sure that all the villagers had insurance, which included Rs. 10 lakh accident coverage.

12 Dec 2022

Good News

Chattisgarh Farmers Find an Amazing Use for Paddy Straw Which Is Usually Burnt Leading to Air Pollution

As we all know farm stubble or paddy straw is a major problem for people of Haryana and Punjab, for whom the only way out to get rid of it is by burning it. However, burning paddy straw leads to a spike in the pollution level of these states and even in neighbouring places like Delhi which was in news for its hazardous pollution levels. Farmers of Punjab and Haryana can now take a cue from the Chattisgarh farmers who have an out of box solution for the problem of farm stubble. They are using it to grow mushrooms which adds to their income and also helps protect the environment from the dangerous fumes that arise and pollute the air. Initiative Of Forest Department The Chattisgarh forest department initially would procure paddy straw from farmers and use it to cultivate mushrooms and make vermicompost. Forest Officer Mayank Pandey informed that they decided to train the farmers in these activities so that not only can the farmers earn additional income, but also it provides employment opportunities to many. This out of the box solution also helps in saving the environment as farmers no longer will burn farm stubble. Praise from Environmentalists Environmentalists are heaping praises on the forest department for this amazing initiative. Farmers who would burn paddy straw without realizing its ill effects on the environment are now trained to use it to cultivate mushrooms. The department has also roped in women self-help groups and willing citizens for mushroom farming which has helped to increase their income. The paddy straw is also used to make vermicompost which improves the fertility of the soil. Farmers of other states can replicate the above model and thus put paddy straw to good use instead of burning it which is disastrous for the environment. Image Source: shasyadhara agriculture

12 Dec 2019

Good News

From Holy Waste to Flower Power, These Eco-Warriors Are Doing Commendable Work

Maya Vivek and Minal Dalmia from Gundlapochampally village in Kompally are good friends who wanted to do something together. Their enthusiasm and efforts led to the inception of ‘Holy Waste’- a social enterprise that ensures the flowers from temples are processed productively and don’t clog water bodies. Maya and Minal got the idea to start this venture from Kanpur-based brand ‘Help us green’ that process flowers from temples. How the Enterprise Started Maya and Minal would forage the colony’s gardens for flowers and began experimenting at home to understand the process. They finally got a hold of the process by the end of the month and set their first bin at Skandagiri Temple in Secunderabad. Currently, the Holy Waste has 20 bins situated at 20 different temples in the city. They have an auto trolley that empties the bins at their centre four times a week. They also answer emergency calls to pick up flowers from flower shops, wedding venues, or functions by staying in touch with event managers. Flower Power The flowers thus collected are lugged up in bedsheets and carried to the third floor of their processing unit. A team of women pluck the petals from the semi-dried and wilted flowers. The petals are then dried and powdered to be made into soaps and incense sticks. The stalk and bulbs of flowers are put into compost drums to form natural compost. There is a steady workforce of seven women who have now become experts in their work. The incense sticks and soaps are sold online and at organic bazaars. They also make personalized gifts for occasions. During festival season, Holy Waste processes at least 50 kg of flowers daily. Due to the friends’ efforts, the flowers and garlands don’t end up in the already polluted Hussain Sagar lake. The duo also won the Best Green Startup award under Eco Ideas by Green India Awards 2019.

18 Sep 2019

Good News

POP Ganesh Idols to Be Recycled in Mumbai

As more and more people are growing concerned about the need to protect our environment from pollution in different forms, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for the first time collected 9,400 Ganesha idols which were washed ashore after immersion in Mumbai on Thursday. Officials of BMC collected 9,400 Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols that were washed ashore after Visarjan. These idols which were earlier re-immersed in the deep sea pose a threat to the environment as they do not dissolve in water. BMC, therefore, came up with this initiative to hand over theses POP idols of Lord Ganesha to cement companies for recycling. The BMC also made arrangements for collection of ‘nirmalaya’ (floral offerings) so that it could be sent to compost plants that would transform them into valuable natural fertilizer. Kiran Dighavkar, asst commissioner of G North said that they had collected 10 metric tonnes of 'nirmalaya' and sent it for composting into fertilizer. While some of the Ganesha devotees have switched over to clay idols as they are environment-friendly, many still use POP idols as clay idols are expensive. This is the first time the BMC has come up with this idea of recycling the Plaster of Paris idols by sending them to cement factories through 'Let's Recycle’, a waste management company. It is heartening to know that people are coming up with new ideas and initiatives to protect our environment.

14 Sep 2019

Good News

This Residential Colony in Hyderabad Is an Excellent Model of ‘Green Living’

Although people are nowadays aware of the need to adopt green and sustainable measures in day to day living, very few act upon it. Gautami Enclave in Kondapur, Hyderabad had made persistent efforts to implement rainwater harvesting, make compost pits and plant over 5000 saplings for the past eight years and their hard work has paid off now. Eco-friendly Initiatives The Enclave comprises of various apartment buildings and its president Sridhar Yalamanchili started off with carrying out the rainwater harvesting model in two buildings. The initiative helped to save more than a thousand litres of water and reduced the building’s dependency on tankers. Encouraged by its success, other buildings also adopted this model. Greywater of the apartment buildings was also taken care of by digging charcoal pits with stones that filtered out the soap, foam and other contaminants. Other Measures People are also made accountable for their water usage by installing water meters that induce people to use water in a responsible way as they are paying for it through their pockets. Every drop is accounted for so that water is not mindlessly wasted by residents, housekeepers and gardeners. Planting trees is a major oxygen pumping routine in the Gautami Enclave. Last year, the colony met their target of planting 5000 saplings in the area. E-waste bins and waste segregation was also one of their important motives which they have successfully accomplished. As a result of the above green measures, this residential society looks like the beautiful images in billboards of upcoming residential complexes – and this one is for real.

16 Aug 2019

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Hyderabad’s Famous Biryani On Indian Postage Stamp

Now, a mail from the Indian post might make your mouth water as you may find Hyderabad’s sumptuous meal, Biryani on the postage stamp. The Department of Post has issued stamps with photos of Hyderabad's trademark cuisine biryani, baghare baingan and seviyan on Friday. As Hyderabad is all set to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the construction of Golconda Fort and foundation of Qutub Shahi dynasty in two months, the stamps are a tribute to the rich and varied cuisine of this historical city. These stamps are part of the postage on 24 different Indian dishes, including the famous Tirupati laddu. Other South Indian dishes like Idli-dosa and pongal have also been honoured with exclusive stamps. There are many stories revolving around the origin of Biryani. Biryani in Persian means fried onion. According to city historian Dr. Mohammad Safiullah, who is doing research on the foods of Hyderabad, Emperor Babar had brought Biryani to North India. In the south, Qutub Shahis, who were of Iranian descent, introduced several Persian and Turkish dishes including Biryani. Another hallmark dish of the royal kitchens of Hyderabad is the Bagare baingan. As baingan (eggplant) is native to India, it had always formed part of the Indian cuisine. Cuisine experts are not sure when seviyan became part of Id-ul-Fitr celebrations.Seviyan was introduced into Deccan by the Qutub Shahis.

6 Nov 2017

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How Karnataka Is Turning Food Waste Into Compost

The Karnataka State Compost Development Corporation (KSCDC) had come up with the initiative of collecting segregated wet waste from all households and convert it into organic waste. This has received a huge demand from farmers! As per reports from Times of India, about 4000 tonnes of compost that was processed from the wet waste was sold out in just five months. Over 600 tonnes of wet waste was converted to an enormous amount of 4,306 tonnes of organic compost. The organic compost was in great demand by the farmers. The city of Bengaluru showed an incredible response on this initiative. This organic compost which is being sold to farmers is not only eco-friendly but is also cheaper than the inorganic fertilizers in the market. The organic compost is being sold at subsidized rates to the farmers where the government is paying 50 percent of the prize. Krishna Byregowda, the state’s Minister of Agriculture expressed the overwhelming response the organic waste has got by mentioning that the KDCDC is left with zero stock of compost. Not only local farmers but also those from faraway places have subscribed for the city’s compost. The KSCDC is gathering more of segregated wet waste for processing organic compost.

7 Sep 2017

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School children write to PM...Save Delhi

A redevelopment project at Pragati Maidan in Delhi will entail the axing of 1,713 trees which is a cause of worry for environmentalists and school children who have sent around 300 postcards to the Prime Minister urging him to take action to stop the felling of trees. The drive has been initiated by a citizen group of environmentalists, tree lovers and activists who are also planning to propel an online petition as well as move court against the decision to cut these trees for the redevelopment of the ITPO complex at Pragati Maidan. The postcards that carry messages like 'Please don't cut trees in Pragati Maidan' and 'Save trees, Save Delhi', were dispatched to the Prime Minister's residence on Sunday. The activists have suggested alternative measures to save the trees like integrating them into the project architecture so that they need not be cut. Preeti Bharadwaj, social worker and environmentalist who is spearheading the postcard campaign stressed that the trees are large, adult and around 50-60 years old. Replacing them with small saplings doesn’t make sense as pollution has reached hazardous levels in Delhi. According to an EIA report, the PM2.5 levels in the area are between 42 to 126 micrograms per cubic metre while the prescribed limit of Central Pollution Control Board is 60 micrograms per cubic metre. Activists are afraid that felling the trees will further worsen the air quality levels.

17 Jul 2017

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Learn composting through WhatsApp groups

If you always wondered about how to convert your household waste into composting, then you can now learn it on Whatsapp. Five environment conscious citizens of Pimpri Chinchwad have formed two Whatsapp groups for guiding people in this regard. Siddharth Naik, one of the admins, said, "We are a group of enthusiasts who have been preparing compost from wet household waste in our homes for around two years. We now want to guide environment conscious citizens. We have formed two Whatsapp groups, through which we tell people how to do this at home." Anand Sitaraman, another member said, "I live in Pimple Saudagar and have been preparing compost at home for two years. All the people who have experience in preparing compost at home like me have come together to make Pimple Saudagar a zero-waste area." Rahul Bhagwat, an enthusiast from Rose Country in Pimple Saudagar, said, "Readymade kits to make compost at home cost around Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 initially. But if you are willing to prepare the kit yourself, the cost can reduce to less than half. The recurring expenditure is around Rs 100 to 150 per month. The kit needs very less space and can be kept in a corner of the flat's balcony or terrace, and if one follows the correct procedure, no foul smell is generated." These enthusiasts held a training session last month for people who were eager to take up composting at home. Many of them completed the first cycle of the process and have prepared compost from household garbage at home. One of the successful Whatsapp group member, Revati Kulkarni from Shubashree in Pimple Saudagar, said, " I use vegetable waste, leftover food and other wet waste to make compost. I live in a row house and use the compost for plants in my small garden." "The groups help a lot as different people share a variety of experiences. Queries related to composting are answered quickly. Anyone posting on irrelevant topics are removed instantly. So everyone is focused," Kulkarni added. Mahesh Pathak, another member from Rajaveer Palace Phase I said he was reluctant initially to start composting fearing foul smell. "When I attended the training workshop I saw that there is no foul smell. This motivated me to implement a composting project at home. Six to seven other residents of our society have also started composting," he added.The groups have 500 active members and a third group is in the offing.

18 May 2017

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