The Better India

D Sivakumar’s journey began not with the promise of childhood, but in the harsh reality of bonded labour. At just six years old, he was forced to toil in a brick kiln, a stark contrast to the carefree days most children experience. Reflecting on his early years, he shares, “After my father passed away, I was sent to work at a brick kiln. I was just six years old. I had to work from 5 am to 8 pm every day, carrying bricks. The physical and emotional toll was immense.” Rescued from the kiln, Sivakumar’s desire for education was reignited. “I wanted to study,” he recalls. Thanks to the support of an NGO, he was able to attend school and later pursue a master’s degree in social work. Today, Sivakumar is dedicated to helping other child bonded labour survivors. “I want to do the same for these children,” he says. As part of the NGO's 'After Care' wing, he provides coaching, tutoring, and skill training to young survivors. “We conduct regular follow-up meetings, and offer typing classes, internships, and English classes,” he explains. “This year, we enrolled 12 children in college and helped many families find jobs.” You can help Sivakumar make a difference. Your contribution will support the education of children rescued from bonded labour and those vulnerable to exploitation. DONATE to Sivakumar's cause and read more about his journey: https://lnkd.in/d5NbwgK9 Donatekart #ChildLabour #BondedLabour #ChildRights #Education #SocialChange #Empowerment #HumanRights #ChildRescue #DoanteNow [D Sivakumar, bonded labour, child labour, NGO, education, social work, child rescue, empowerment, children’s rights]

“Earlier, we only had enough means to manage only one or two square meals. Today, we have a shelter, a home that we call our own, and our own clothes that are not worn out. I do not have to go to others’ fields and homes to get food for my kids,” says Rukmani Devi, through sign language. #womempowerment #inspiring #EcoFriendlyIndia #TribalPrideDay #Jharkhand [Tribal Pride Day, Inspiration, Jharkhand, Women Empowerment]

The Taj Mahal, obscured by smog, is a stark reminder of our polluted reality. But there's hope. Here's how 22-year-old Krrish Chawla's innovative solution is changing the game. #Airpollution #DelhiAirCrisis #AirQuality #IndoorPollution #CleanAir #FreshAir #innovation #smog #airpurifier [Air pollution, air purifiers, Delhi Air Crisis, Smog, Innovation in India]

Want to live more sustainably? Look to India’s tribes for inspiration! From zero-waste habits to natural water harvesting, they have been eco-warriors for centuries. #TribalPrideDay #SustainableLiving #IndigenousWisdom #EcoFriendlyIndia [Tribal Pride Day, Sustainable Living, Eco Friendly, Inspiration, Water Harvesting]

As winter sets in, indoor air quality can take a hit, making it important to find ways to keep the air fresh and clean. Do you rely on air purifiers to clear the air, or are you a fan of houseplants for their natural air-purifying powers? Perhaps you have other tricks up your sleeve? Share your go-to methods for keeping indoor air fresh this winter! #Airpollution #DelhiAirCrisis #AirQuality #IndoorPollution #CleanAir #FreshAir #AirPurifiers [Air pollution, air purifiers, Delhi Air Crisis]

Nestled away from Rishikesh's bustling heart, 'Aashraya on the Ganga' is more than a sustainable homestay; it's a vision that Depi Chaudhry built with love for his three daughters. The eco-friendly retreat features uniquely named cottages — Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, and Ganga — designed to inspire a life closer to nature. “I thought this [the cottages] would encourage them to spend more time outdoors,” says Depi. Powered by solar energy, constructed with recycled materials, and sustained by a thoughtful greywater system, every detail reflects a commitment to eco-friendly practices. Produce from neighbouring farms and cultural elements woven into each cottage offer guests an authentic regional experience. “For many years, it remained a personal home for us. But over time, I began to feel the pinch of it becoming a ‘white elephant’. I wanted it to have a life. That’s when I decided to start a homestay,” he added. Surrounded by fruit trees like oranges, brinjals, guava, pumpkins, mangoes, dragon fruit, custard apples, and cherries, Aashraya is a sanctuary where nature and comfort meet. “For us, it’s home — a place that connects us to nature and each other,” says Aditi, Depi’s daughter. Read more about this sustainable retreat: https://buff.ly/4f7zqiM #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyTravel #HomestayLife #Rishikesh #SustainableTourism #IndiaTravel #Aashraya [Sustainable Homestay, Eco-Friendly Travel, Rishikesh, Eco-Conscious Travel, Green Tourism, Homestay]

Sania Mirza, a name synonymous with Indian tennis, has carved her place in the annals of sports history. Her remarkable achievements have solidified her position as one of the most recognised and celebrated athletes of her generation. As a former professional tennis player, Mirza has made an enduring impact on the landscape of women’s tennis. Her journey, however, was not without its challenges. “Being a pioneer in my field, especially as a girl, wasn’t easy,” she told India Today. “I had to not only learn the nuances of the game but also fight against the deep-rooted mentality of preferring boys over girls in sports.” A key figure in her early career was her father, Imran Mirza, who served as her coach and mentor. “My father was the one who always wanted his child to play a sport, whether it was a boy or a girl,” she said. This progressive mindset was instrumental in shaping her career. Mirza often credits her father’s unwavering support as a driving force behind her accomplishments. “My dad taught the world that you don’t need a boy to bring pride and laurels to your family,” she shared on social media. #SaniaMirza #HappyBirthdaySania #TennisLegend #IndianTennis #WomenInSports #Inspiration [Sania Mirza, Indian tennis player, Women’s tennis, Tennis champion, Gender equality, Inspiration, Imran Mirza]

Meet Ritika Tirkey, a 27-year-old trailblazer from Jharkhand and the first tribal woman to serve as an Assistant Loco Pilot for the prestigious Vande Bharat Express. On September 15, 2024, she made history by co-piloting the inaugural run of the Tatanagar-Patna Vande Bharat Express alongside Loco Pilot S S Munda. A mechanical engineering graduate from BIT Mesra, Ritika began her railway career in 2019 as a shunter at the Chakradharpur Division of South Eastern Railway. She later drove goods and passenger trains before being promoted to Senior Assistant Loco Pilot, earning her the opportunity to assist in operating the Vande Bharat Express. Reflecting on her role, she told IANS, “I believe that women in India can achieve everything so long as they have that passion inside them.” Hailing from a humble background near Gumla, Jharkhand, Ritika’s journey has not only set a remarkable example but has also broken barriers for women, especially from tribal communities, across India. #RitikaTirkey #VandeBharatExpress #TribalPride #WomenEmpowerment #IndianRailways #BITMesra #Jharkhand #BreakingBarriers #Inspiration #Trailblazer [Jharkhand, Vande Bharat Express, Ritika Tirkey, Women Empowerment, Indian Railways]

Ready to meet the woman behind a 36-year-long fight that’s saved over 74,000 lives from human trafficking? Hasina Kharbhih’s story is one of grit, compassion, and a 12-step system that’s breaking chains and rebuilding communities. Stay tuned to see how one promise turned into a life-changing mission. MG Changemakers: Season 5 #UnchartedRoads in partnership with Morris Garages India

"I want young women and girls to believe that sports can be one of their first career choices. I have been doing this for 30 years since I picked up a tennis racquet I once hadn't even heard of. The local club coach wasn't sure to let me on the court as I was too small & couldn't hold the racquet. Then, six months later, he called my parents and said he had never seen the child progress so quickly. I want you all to believe in yourself and that you can achieve your goals if you back yourself, no matter how many odds are against them. To excel at the sport, you have to assume it. Also, you have to learn to embrace the pressure. The biggest champions in any sport are the ones that play best under pressure." #SaniaMirza started playing tennis on courts made of cow dung and, despite all the struggles, became India's most successful women’s tennis player, inspiring generations to dream big. Thank you for your contribution. #Inspiration #WomenInSports #happybirthday #IndianAthlete #makingindiaproud [Sania Mirza, Women in Sports, Happy Birthday, Making India Proud]