Good News: Made in India, An Inspiring Comeback, Where Duty Calls and Officer Woof Reporting for Duty
Inspiring stories from across the country that celebrate the power of the human spirit
In an effort to help producers of traditional Indian art and handicrafts flourish, a New Delhi-based architect couple, Rajeev and Sheela Lunkad, have created Direct Create—an online platform where designers, creators and buyers can find and connect with each other, co-create, showcase designs and sell products without middlemen. Makers are also offered a space to exhibit their work through visual profiles that overcome language barriers. Officially launched in January 2020, the website enables artisans to break into the digital space and harness technology—both areas in which they are typically left behind—to transact more equitably and reach a wider market. “For individuals without the necessary tools or skills for fulfilment, we offer the services and support to bridge the gap,” co-founder Rajeev tells RD. “We currently have around 3,000 makers, 1,500 designers and more then 15,000 buyers who interact through the platform,” he adds. With Indian art and crafts gaining widespread patronage, here’s hoping efforts like these give talented artisans their long awaited due too.
Source: Associated Press, 08.12.20
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Two years after an accidental fall left Arshid Ahmad Wani—a resident of the Malpora village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district—paralysed, confined to a wheelchair and unable to make ends meet, the 34-year-old carpenter broke out from the shadow of despair to start a business that has not only given him a new lease on life, but also offers livelihoods to others in need of a lifeline. With help and guidance from the Pulwama Deputy Commissioner and financial aid from the District Industries Centre, Wani was able to set up a door- and window-making business, that now employs six workers. The district administration also provides Wani a monthly pension of Rs 1,000 per month. Wani’s inspiring come-back teaches us that with ...
In an effort to help producers of traditional Indian art and handicrafts flourish, a New Delhi-based architect couple, Rajeev and Sheela Lunkad, have created Direct Create—an online platform where designers, creators and buyers can find and connect with each other, co-create, showcase designs and sell products without middlemen. Makers are also offered a space to exhibit their work through visual profiles that overcome language barriers. Officially launched in January 2020, the website enables artisans to break into the digital space and harness technology—both areas in which they are typically left behind—to transact more equitably and reach a wider market. “For individuals without the necessary tools or skills for fulfilment, we offer the services and support to bridge the gap,” co-founder Rajeev tells RD. “We currently have around 3,000 makers, 1,500 designers and more then 15,000 buyers who interact through the platform,” he adds. With Indian art and crafts gaining widespread patronage, here’s hoping efforts like these give talented artisans their long awaited due too.
Source: Associated Press, 08.12.20
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Two years after an accidental fall left Arshid Ahmad Wani—a resident of the Malpora village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district—paralysed, confined to a wheelchair and unable to make ends meet, the 34-year-old carpenter broke out from the shadow of despair to start a business that has not only given him a new lease on life, but also offers livelihoods to others in need of a lifeline. With help and guidance from the Pulwama Deputy Commissioner and financial aid from the District Industries Centre, Wani was able to set up a door- and window-making business, that now employs six workers. The district administration also provides Wani a monthly pension of Rs 1,000 per month. Wani’s inspiring come-back teaches us that with inner resolve and a little bit of help, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.
Source: The New Indian Express, 18.12.20
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When we think of essential workers on the COVID-19 front lines, doctors, nurses and deliverymen come to mind. But for the tiny communities living in Nandurbar, Maharastra, 28-year-old Relu Vasave from Nashik is no less so. One of thousands of Anganwadi workers helping people in remote areas get the medical guidance they need but are unable to receive from far-flung towns and cities. Vasave rows 14 km thrice a week to reach villages in the state’s interiors, where roads do not go, to do her job—help expecting mothers and young children get health-care and nutrition advice as well as monitor the weight, condition and growth of newborns—despite the pandemic. “The government has given me an important responsibility, and I have to fulfill it,” she tells The Better India.
Source: The Better India, 01.12.20
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In December 2020, the Raigarh unit of the Chhattisgarh police showed admirable inclusivity by naming sniffer dog Ruby, a devoted and dutiful member of the force, one of three recipients of the ‘cop of the month’ award, which celebrates exemplary service by police personnel. Ruby shares the distinction with her handler constable Virendra Anand. According to Raigarh Superintendent of Police, Santosh Singh, Ruby helped solve several robbery cases, including one in which her clue-detecting efforts helped recover stolen goods worth Rs 6 lakhs and nab the culprit. While the two-legged awardees received a cash prize, we think maybe Ruby would prefer her reward in treats and belly rubs.
Source: The Better India, 01.12.20