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

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#Warrior

Star Citizens

The Water Warriors: Championing Conservation in Every Drop

In a world where water scarcity looms large, the efforts of individuals like Odette Katrak stand out as symbols of optimism and inventive thinking. Long before water conservation became a buzzword, Odette was already adopting extreme measures to preserve this precious resource. From bathing with just three mugs of water to nurturing over 350 plants without fresh water since 2009, Odette remains steadfast in her mission to protect every drop. Being brought up in Chennai, amidst the harsh realities of water scarcity, Odette understood the water crisis from a very young age. However, it was a poignant presentation titled "A Letter to 2070" that served as a catalyst. The letter that was written by a father to his son painted a haunting picture of a world devoid of water. This grim vision spurred Odette to intensify her efforts, leading her to develop the concept of "Ecowaternomics" – a framework aimed at simplifying water conservation. Reflecting on her experiences in Bellandur, Odette recalls witnessing the stark realities faced by women who must fetch water, often with infants in tow. This sad sight ignited a deeper sense of purpose within Odette, propelling her to advocate for water conservation not just in her own home, but across communities. Through social media platforms like @odettekatrak and @beautifulbharatorg, Odette tirelessly spreads awareness, educating others on simple yet effective ways to save water. Source: Google Images According to Odette's calculations, the average household's reliance on fresh water can be significantly reduced, with up to 70-80 percent of their water needs being met through reuse. From wastewater generated during household chores, waste RO water, water from defrosting to runoff from washing machines, she champions the notion that water destined for the drain can always find a second life. Odette's philosophy revolves around the notion that every drop counts, and no act of conservation is too small. By challenging conventional norms and fostering a culture of mindful consumption, Odette embodies the spirit of resilience and innovation in the face of environmental adversity. As she continues to inspire change-makers and ordinary citizens alike, her efforts serve as a reminder that the fight for water conservation is everyone's responsibility.

26 Apr 2024
Star Citizens

How the Love of Plants Won This Daily Wager the Environment Protection Award

C C Kannan, a 54-year-old daily wager, was so mesmerized by the sight of beautiful flowers in a garden full of blossoms, that he decided to make a garden of his own. He found a barren space near a road and started planting seeds and saplings and his joy knew no bounds when vibrant flowers burst forth on bright green young plants. He then started planting fruit trees along roadsides and paddy fields. This soon became a habit and patches of green started appearing at barren places. He came to be known as the ‘green warrior’ and was also bestowed with the 25th P V Thampy Memorial Endowment Award for Environment Protection. Kannan is also recognized for his efforts to instill in kids a love for nature by visiting schools and anganwadis and distributing saplings. However, he met many hurdles and disappointments on his path. Kannan reminisces that when his first garden flourished and bloomed, it was a sight to behold. However, the widening of the road led to the tender and delicate blossoms giving way to tar and gravel. Though Kannan was disheartened, he switched to planting fruit trees like mango, rambutan, guava, and papaya in open spaces by the road. Once, with great effort and love, he planted many such saplings on the side of a road and to his dismay found them all uprooted the next day. That is when he realized that it is very important to instill a love for nature in people, especially children. So he decided to involve others in planting saplings on campuses of schools and government offices. He would collect seeds and saplings from kind-hearted people and distribute them to teachers and students. He would also guide them to care for and nurture the plants. Having experienced the special joy of watching new leaves sprout, Kannan states that he is not doing that for any sort of recognition or monetary benefit. It's just that he wants others to experience that joy.  

30 Nov 2022
Star Citizens

Positive Reads

This Unique Food Festival Highlights the Battle Against Food Waste!

In our modern culinary landscape, we are able to satisfy our cravings with a mere tap on a screen. Yet, beneath this convenience lies a colossal environmental challenge — the huge waste footprint left behind by our indulgent food habits, dwarfing the waste generated by most industries. Enter Namma Oota (Our Food), a two-day food festival that was hosted by Science Gallery Bengaluru over a weekend, poised as a symbol of hope in the fight against food waste. This event invited us to shed our habit of using disposables and envision a more sustainable future for our food and our planet. At Namma Oota, Bengaluru's brightest sustainable food startups took center stage, showcasing innovative dishes crafted from unconventional sources like seeds, grains, and pulses that are typically discarded after processing. These startups not only offered delicious food solutions but also sparked a conversation about the larger implications of our food choices. Gayatri Manu, Senior Programme Associate at Science Gallery Bengaluru and coordinator of Namma Oota, emphasized the profound connection between food, culture, and emotion. She highlighted the festival's mission to use food as a lens to promote energy-efficient kitchen practices. Source: Google Images Chef and nutrition coach Nayantara Bagla echoed these sentiments, pointing out the shift towards a "click-to-eat" culture among today's young adults. Many lack essential cooking skills or struggle with storing and reusing leftovers, highlighting a critical need for culinary education and empowerment. Bagla challenged our perceptions of "junk food," emphasizing the importance of mindful ingredient selection to minimize waste. She encouraged us to consider the entirety of ingredients we purchase and how they can be utilized fully in cooking. For Nayantara, cooking is more than a daily chore; it's an expression of values and conscious decision-making. Stepping into the kitchen, she believes, reveals much about personal choices and their impact on sustainability. The festival was not merely a platform for culinary exploration but also an educational hub. Interactive sessions included workshops on growing mushrooms in urban settings and crafting probiotic beverages like Kombucha, empowering attendees with hands-on skills to reduce food waste. Source: Google Images Namma Oota transcended the realm of a traditional food festival, offering a holistic experience that combined gastronomy with environmental consciousness. It underscored the urgent need to rethink our food consumption patterns and embrace sustainable practices that minimize waste. It served as catalyst for change, inspiring individuals to become warriors against waste and advocate for a healthier, more sustainable future.

11 Apr 2024
Positive Reads

Indian Army's Chinar Corps Rescue 61 Tourists Stranded in Snow-Clad Gulmarg

In a heartwarming display of courage and compassion, the Chinar Warriors, a dedicated unit of the Indian Army's Chinar Corps, came to the rescue of 61 stranded tourists at Gulmarg in northern Kashmir on Saturday, December 16. Relentless snowfall blanketed the picturesque landscape, leaving the tourists, including women and children, marooned in the area, the dip in temperatures added to their plight. Sensing the urgency of the situation, the Army swiftly intervened, providing much-needed relief to the stranded individuals. Through a press release, the Indian Army shared that their jawans promptly offered heating arrangements, distributed sleeping bags, and served hot meals to alleviate the hardships faced by the tourists. Their proactive efforts not only offered physical comfort but also infused a sense of hope and reassurance in the midst of adversity. Gulmarg, renowned for its breathtaking beauty, had transformed into a winter wonderland following the fresh snowfall. However, the picturesque charm was accompanied by several blocked roads, further exacerbating the difficulties faced by the locals. The Chinar Warriors, a stalwart unit of the Chinar Corps, have consistently stood as guardians of the Kashmir Valley, participating in various rescue missions and pivotal military operations. Their unwavering commitment and selfless dedication continue to inspire and uplift spirits in the region, embodying the true essence of service and valor.

19 Dec 2023
Positive Reads

Global News

Forgotten Valor Resurfaces: Unmasking the Enigmatic Iron Age Heroine Buried as an Unknown Warrior

Archaeologists have successfully solved a long-standing puzzle from the Iron Age as they finally identified the enigmatic grave of an unknown warrior on one of the British Isles of Scilly. Through innovative techniques and analysis, the buried individual has been confirmed to be a British warrior woman, shedding new light on gender roles and warfare in ancient societies. The burial site, discovered on the islet of Bryher in 1999, had confounded experts for years due to the deterioration of the skeletal remains. The presence of a sword and shield initially suggested a male identity, but the inclusion of a bronze mirror and brooch adorned with a sun motif pointed to a female connection. Utilizing traces of tooth enamel found in the soil, scientists from Historic England conducted tests that revealed the presence of the XX chromosome, indicating a 96% probability that the individual was female. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about gender roles in Iron Age Britain and suggests that women may have played a more prominent and active role in warfare and raiding than previously believed. The grave, dated between 100 and 50 BCE, predates the famous warrior queen Boudicca by several generations. The newfound knowledge about the warrior woman contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex history of ancient Britain and the significant roles played by women in that era. The revelation of the British warrior woman's identity represents a milestone in archaeological research, highlighting the importance of reevaluating historical assumptions and embracing new perspectives on ancient civilizations.

10 Aug 2023
Global News

Good News

Warrior Moms Across India Take Up Cudgels To Restore Clean Air for Future Generations

Many of us are aware of the adverse effects of climate change and how it is taking a toll on people’s lives. However, there is a glimmer of hope. A group of women has banded together as Warrior Moms to fight against air pollution and improve the world for their children to live and breathe in. The "Warrior Moms" program has started several awareness efforts, from bringing attention to the dangers of firecrackers to discussing the negative consequences of thermal power plants.  They started a campaign to deal with fireworks wherein it was conveyed that each "phooljhari" is equivalent to about 74 cigarettes and no mother would give that much to their child. Many of them included clever one-liners to convey a crucial point and were shared on the group's social media website. 'Ab Ki Baar Saaf Tyohaar' was their hashtag. Another campaign is about thermal power plants. The group has asked the Government to make sure that all the power plants adhere to environmental guidelines. However, the reality is often different. They filed a letter bearing the signatures of well-known personalities like Dia Mirza, Kiran Bedi, etc. Bhavreen Kandhari, one of the core members, represented the group at the COP 26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow last year. The "Warrior Moms" also work with women who live in rural areas. The group has teamed together with several self-help organizations to spread awareness about environmental degradation. Believing that the word "mom" evokes a variety of emotions, the group is accessible to anybody who wishes to contribute in some way to a better future for the next generation.

17 Nov 2022
Good News

Bengal Warriors Clinch Their Maiden Pro Kabaddi League Title With a Stellar Performance

The EKA arena in Ahmedabad was packed with spectators and none was left disappointed as they were treated to an exciting match between the Bengal Warriors and Dabang Delhi as the two rivals fought it out in the finals of the Pro Kabaddi League 2019. Delhi Dominated In The First Half Delhi star Naveen Kumar played an impeccable match scoring 18 raid points. He certainly seemed charged up for the event and Delhi’s cover combination of Anil Kumar and Vishal Mane also appeared keen to stop any raider coming their way. The combined team efforts saw Delhi dominate the match with a 6-0 lead in the starting minutes of the game. For the Warriors, Esmaeil Nabibakhsh scored 10 points — highest for the side. Although their star captain Maninder Singh couldn’t play the match, he made his presence felt as the assistant coach of the team in the final match. Stand-in captain Mohammad Nabibakhsh secured valuable raid points, as the Warriors quickly reduced Delhi’s lead. Both teams were levelled at 17-17 in the first half. Exciting Second Half The Warriors kept up with the momentum in the second half and got into the lead. Sukesh Hegde got the better of Ravinder Pahal in Delhi’s left corner with some mature raiding. Although Naveen Kumar managed to bring Delhi back into the game, some uncharacteristic errors in the defence made his efforts futile. On the other hand, the Warriors’ defence held tight in the final minutes and Bengal claimed their first Pro Kabaddi League title defeating Dabang Delhi 39-34 in an exciting finish. Image Source: Mysuru Today

21 Oct 2019
Good News

First Live Talk By PM Modi On Exam Stress

Pareeksha Pe Charcha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first interaction with the students of India will be telecasted on February 16 at 11am. The live chat would be addressing the students at Talkatora Stadium but will be made available through live telecast and webcasting to all institutions. Modi's book Exam Warriors which was recently published asks students to enjoy the exam season and not stress about the same. There will be a facility which will allow the students to ask questions directly to the Prime Minister till 2pm on February 11th.  

9 Feb 2018
Good News

Exam Warriors By Narendra Modi

Narendra Modi is taking all the steps to make our country a better place to live. His constant efforts and schemes have only made our country reach the top 20 most forward-looking countries. Narendra Modi has now published a book for the students in India and across the globe.Exam Warriors is a book by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the students who go through exam stress and hate the concept of exams. Exam Warriors was published by Penguin India. It is a fun and interactive book for students. Narendra Modi's book is not preachy, practical and thought provocating. Narendra Modi in his monthly radio talk, Mann Ki Baat asked students to enjoy the exam season and asked parents to create a good environment for their children during exams.

2 Feb 2018
Good News

Know More About the Iconic Rainbow Warrior’s Maiden India Tour

The iconic ‘Rainbow Warrior’ – a ship that has traveled the world for environmental protection is all set for its maiden India tour. The ship which has been made under the technological support and watch of NGO Greenpeace International has been spreading the message of environmental protection for the past four decades. The Rainbow Warrior will arrive on the shores of Mumbai on October 26. Jitendra Kumar who is Greenpeace India’s media in-charge said that the aim of the ship is to prevent environmental pollution in oceans and rivers. He said that the ship will be in India for four days and special arrangements have been made for the same. He added that prominent people from the fields of environment, entertainment and communication will visit the ship and be apprised about her capabilities in tackling illegal hunting of marine animals to effects of nuclear tests. The ship’s presence in India entails sharing of expertise in preventing the exploitation of marine resources and strengthening public support in its monitoring system. Kumar also said that during the Rainbow Warrior's visit, symposiums will also be organized and public participation will be ensured through programmes related to films, photography and arts. Social activist Tushar Gandhi, filmmaker Shyam Benegal, photographer Raghu Rai, Ad guru Prahlad Kakkar, actors Waheeda Rahman, Nandita Das, Ali Fazal, among others have all planned to visit the ship.

16 Oct 2017
Good News

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