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05/19/2025 10:07:15 AM
rwxr-xr-x
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00075c93132acf7a6e46e48d2291ce41.spc
5.69 KB
03/06/2025 09:42:25 AM
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0102169e52b6a27a410e7b237202fe84.spc
140.81 KB
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027d4dde1e82475da3d9afe4844afb1d.spc
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03036edfece701eaa1537fea4014dd44.spc
56.35 KB
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0446f65691fba260d3eabbd1377240f8.spc
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04d0c6cc2bf146b1318b78f84416b912.spc
124.45 KB
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0582678c8cfff117f770f9368b70c2b5.spc
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0601d608f5e2ea8e198130b17fe6ef01.spc
157 bytes
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124.09 KB
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0802b12194f292de0e9d9617ac014785.spc
290.02 KB
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70.63 KB
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0b5e5f226006af7e46d02ba8ce216a45.spc
54.71 KB
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33.59 KB
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0b8a46fca237497cfc90498f9eb909ab.spc
686.66 KB
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0ce2bdd7061489c6136e7614d421b874.spc
47.7 KB
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0de8a2204854bb5dd311607494c671e4.spc
828.58 KB
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0e15494dca4aeb24ea769582482c5162.spc
150.58 KB
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0eaec40cfb584fcb55fcdfb5d76684b9.spc
16.95 KB
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0ed254d4d9db6e3afe193b00bc6471bb.spc
89.85 KB
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34.42 KB
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42.06 KB
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0ffc1fa29a6bad7fb49e55940c374610.spc
75.61 KB
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1071b4a15b6c2fe6f7a96f194d0ba524.spc
196 bytes
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13.15 KB
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45.34 KB
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59.6 KB
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100.76 KB
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22.7 KB
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121.15 KB
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95.45 KB
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16e016e3ca27d793aa9172c1913c3f23.spc
26.74 KB
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19f3a21c36072f501f634db8e658bc9f.spc
16.6 KB
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1b8954ae7aab6fd9784cbcc827133f80.spc
186 bytes
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1c0bbac8beea30e555f26fd02994e7a5.spc
19.96 KB
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1c1a63fc25720b7c22c9c28fa2aa9379.spc
236.54 KB
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1f1672e0ecc5e7a6d278c930015520ab.spc
166 bytes
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1f4cf3ae9ba91935f556711c1cfc34d4.spc
88.33 KB
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1f5e96e3f1a01f95ab611ec1458fe470.spc
169.16 KB
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20a75b688975a2d5d342eae9f4c33411.spc
1.22 MB
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225d97aca36305a8b407ea6d8d5b187e.spc
55.08 KB
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242d3dabf79d13154fcc384ff8b2d25e.spc
113.19 KB
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25512b0d18ae6e4d20d027abbc467365.spc
31.2 KB
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25948504a82cd8da1985fddd4500c1c7.spc
153.7 KB
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26e0c631724f3653c10c3123546ab5e2.spc
110.09 KB
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2704664dff0e40e19de087fe00892bc2.spc
24.51 KB
03/06/2025 09:42:28 AM
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274ae07ff50cfde2bda57a71703b62f4.spc
2.54 KB
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2799184659106c88b5072a3e3f763a4d.spc
2.54 KB
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154.53 KB
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28099e26c5c9a06acb85a41ccd789efc.spc
500.36 KB
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2aabe0323264e3f60916621039be0e76.spc
42.37 KB
03/06/2025 09:42:29 AM
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2abcd685295b4a261ad2e866188e5e11.spc
125.3 KB
03/06/2025 09:42:29 AM
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151 bytes
03/06/2025 09:42:29 AM
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96.1 KB
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87.25 KB
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147.19 KB
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286.38 KB
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23.75 KB
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141.02 KB
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443.64 KB
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31f817c15425941589a9819216265501.spc
68.33 KB
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20.99 KB
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84.5 KB
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181 bytes
03/06/2025 09:42:30 AM
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180.5 KB
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142.35 KB
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42.02 KB
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46.18 KB
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614.85 KB
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25.24 KB
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407.55 KB
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307.02 KB
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19.87 KB
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163 bytes
03/06/2025 09:42:33 AM
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39.14 KB
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3.18 KB
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103.66 KB
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67.86 KB
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170 bytes
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155 bytes
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22.31 KB
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88.77 KB
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31.56 KB
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87.42 KB
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181 bytes
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134 bytes
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42.22 KB
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148.14 KB
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35.08 KB
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18.89 KB
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134.37 KB
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22.07 KB
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31.16 KB
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154 bytes
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22.35 KB
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Editing: 71f0008f42879a3e550851568b3494d0.spc
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a:4:{s:5:"child";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:3:"rss";a:1:{i:0;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:3:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:7:"version";s:3:"2.0";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:7:"channel";a:1:{i:0;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:322:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:7:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:60:"The Better India - Media for Good News and Positive Stories ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:27:"https://thebetterindia.com/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:108:"The Better India is the world’s largest positive stories & solutions-based content driven impact platform.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:13:"lastBuildDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Wed, 19 Jun 2024 13:11:06 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"language";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:5:"en-US";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:5:"image";a:1:{i:0;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:11:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:1:{s:0:"";a:5:{s:3:"url";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:84:"https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2019/10/cropped-tb-favicon-new-32x32.png";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"The Better India";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:27:"https://thebetterindia.com/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:5:"width";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:2:"32";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:6:"height";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:2:"32";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}}s:4:"item";a:100:{i:0;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:78:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:82:"Edible Mandap, Heirloom Sarees: How a Doctor Planned Her Sustainable, Farm Wedding";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:127:"https://thebetterindia.com/353331/sustainable-farm-wedding-zero-waste-no-plastic-composting-shivamogga-dr-poorvi-bhat-shamanth/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Wed, 19 Jun 2024 13:11:04 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:8:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Sustainability";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"composting";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"farm wedding";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"indian traditions";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"no plastic";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"sustainable events";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"sustainable wedding";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"Zero Waste";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=353331";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:233:"Dr Poorvi Bhat and Shamanth's wedding on a picturesque farm in Shivamogga, Karnataka, featured eco-friendly practices with no plastic or unnecessary waste. Here’s how they ensured a traditional celebration rooted in sustainability.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:24380:" <p>One didn’t need a machine to travel back in time at Poorvi Bhat and Shamanth’s wedding. Held on a picturesque farm in Shivamogga, Karnataka, the event felt like a scene straight out of a 1960s wedding.</p> <p>It had everything a wedding needed: two people in love, happy families, loads of joy, scrumptious food, and abundant happiness. What it didn’t have was plastic or <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/291582/plan-green-eco-friendly-indian-wedding-with-ebikes-cycles-in-delhi/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unnecessary waste </a>of any kind — whether food, plastic, or paper. The beauty of the union was enhanced by the simplicity of the setting, surrounded by coconut trees, areca palms, mangoes, and lush greenery.</p> <p>It was everything the bride had dreamed of since she was a little girl! Whenever anyone asked Poorvi, a nutritionist and naturopath, what she wanted for her big day, her answer remained the same over the years: a simple, eco-friendly wedding at her family farm.</p> <p>When she decided to marry her husband, an organic farmer, his family readily agreed to her non-negotiable requirement of a sustainable wedding.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-33-1718768243.jpg" alt="The sugarcane mantapa doubled up as a meal for the cows!" class="wp-image-353338" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-33-1718768243.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-33-1718768243-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-33-1718768243-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-33-1718768243-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-33-1718768243-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The sugarcane mantapa later doubled up as a meal for the cows!</figcaption></figure></div> <p>From a sugarcane <em>mantapa </em>(wedding pavilion) to decorations using mango and coconut leaves from the farm, to a handwash where the water was recycled into the farm, to steel cutlery and banana leaves, every aspect was meticulously planned. All the wet waste was composted in the farm’s vermicompost pit, and the <em>mantapa </em>was chopped up and served as a delicious meal for cows!</p> <p>At the end of the two-day event, the venue was spotlessly clean, with all waste returned to mother nature. Here’s how the family pulled it together:</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-going-back-to-the-basics">Going back to the basics</h2> <p>Dr Poorvi’s childhood was rooted in sustainability, where it was a way of life.</p> <p>“My father has been running this organic farm for over 40 years. Everything there is composted and these are general practices followed in villages. My parents follow these principles in their everyday life too,” Poorvi tells <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" width="500" height="881" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-11-at-19.04.13-1-min-1718768381-500x881.jpeg" alt="The decorations were all locally sourced and were later composted at the farm" class="wp-image-353340" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-11-at-19.04.13-1-min-1718768381-500x881.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-11-at-19.04.13-1-min-1718768381-170x300.jpeg 170w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-11-at-19.04.13-1-min-1718768381-768x1353.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-11-at-19.04.13-1-min-1718768381-872x1536.jpeg 872w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-11-at-19.04.13-1-min-1718768381-150x264.jpeg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-11-at-19.04.13-1-min-1718768381.jpeg 908w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The decorations were all locally sourced and were later composted at the farm.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>When it came to her wedding, it was clear that she wanted to follow the same principles. She realised that all she needed to do was seek inspiration from weddings held three to four decades ago, like her parents’. Before the advent of small plastic bottles and large budgets, weddings were <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/323755/mothers-anupama-charulatha-swmrt-bengaluru-plastic-free-low-waste-wedding-composting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">generally sustainable</a>, weren’t they?</p> <p>Wanting to have a simple wedding with a few guests, the chosen venue was the family farm. The next step was decorations.</p> <p>“We decided to go local. We chose locally available mango and coconut leaves for decorations, which could be composted too. While reusable steel <em>mantapas</em> are available, we chose to go with a sugarcane one as it is traditionally used and grows in Shivamogga. It is also something that our cows love,” says Poorvi.</p> <p>When she shared her vision with the decorators, they came up with more ideas and were excited about not using plastic. They ensured that the aesthetics weren’t compromised.</p> <p>The next and biggest step was catering, where most of the waste is generated during weddings. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6d2_KetPkV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6d2_KetPkV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6d2_KetPkV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Dr.Poorvi Bhat | Nutrition & Wellness (@herbeshwari)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>A Down to Earth report suggests that 10 to 15 percent of food is wasted at every wedding, with a minimum of 50 kg and up to 800 kg. During the 23-day ‘<em>shaadi </em>season’ from November to December 2023, the country witnessed over 3.5 million weddings. Imagine the amount of food wasted.</p> <p>To prevent any waste, the family decided against using plastic bottles or paper cups. They rented steel cutlery and used an auto-clean machine to wash and sterilise it. They also served food on traditional banana leaves.</p> <p>“We opted for a local menu using freshly grown seasonal ingredients. We had the machine to ensure that the cutlery was clean. We had big reusable water cans for drinking water,” adds the bride.</p> <p>For washing hands, they placed drums of water with mugs in a strategic location where the water would directly go to the mango trees. They refrained from installing taps to prevent excess water usage.</p> <p>To prevent food wastage, they instructed the caterers to serve in small quantities and as per the guest’s wishes. “We usually have a habit of serving large quantities of food which most people can’t eat. We wanted the guests to be happy and therefore served small portions, which could be refilled at will,” she adds.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7vpU43pyIL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7vpU43pyIL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7vpU43pyIL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Dr.Poorvi Bhat | Nutrition & Wellness (@herbeshwari)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Additionally, all the food that remained was packed and given to neighbours and farm workers in their own steel dabbas. The used banana leaves and food were composted in the vermicompost pit on the farm. To ensure that the cows too didn’t miss the feast, the <em>mantapa </em>was chopped up and fed to them.</p> <p>The garlands too were made using local flowers and a cotton thread, shares Poorvi. The flowers, along with the leaves used for decorations were <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/335502/ideas-for-eco-friendly-wedding-event-management-decor-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">also composted.</a></p> <p>The return gifts were given in reusable jute bags. And the boxes, which carried the sarees and clothes bought for guests, were sent for recycling.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-minimalist-bride">A minimalist bride</h2> <p>The bride did her own makeup, with her aunts helping with saree draping and friends doubling as hairstylists. Nearly 80 percent of her bridal trousseau consisted of old sarees and sarees from her family members.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-32-1718768532.jpg" alt="Poorvi wore her grandmother's friend's 50-year-old saree as part of her bridal trousseau." class="wp-image-353343" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-32-1718768532.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-32-1718768532-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-32-1718768532-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-32-1718768532-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-32-1718768532-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Poorvi wore her grandmother’s friend’s 50-year-old saree as part of her bridal trousseau.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>She even wore a 50-year-old saree! (Insert pic) “My grandmother had gifted this saree to her best friend 50 years ago. She in turn gifted it to me now,” smiles the Bengaluru resident.</p> <p>The two-day wedding was a joyous time for the families, guests and most importantly, the environment too! “We just need to look back a few years ago and draw inspiration from our ancestors. We didn’t innovate, just followed what our parents have been doing!” she remarks.</p> <p>While many might feel that sustainable weddings are more expensive, the nutritionist begs to disagree. She shares that rentals are not very costly, when compared to the cost of one bottle of packaged drinking water.</p> <p>“There are many <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/296376/plan-ecofriendly-green-wedding-zero-waste-ideas-vendors-bengaluru/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eco-friendly wedding planners</a> who help with planning such events in larger cities. There are people who help compost and recycle your waste too. Focus on enjoying the wedding the way it was meant to be,” advises Poorvi.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat; Images Courtesy Poorvi Bhat</em>.</p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"353331";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:1;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:61:"How to Make Cocopeat at Home? Gardener Shares 10 Simple Steps";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:109:"https://thebetterindia.com/353316/how-to-make-cocopeat-at-home-easy-steps-guide-reshma-ranjan-gardening-tips/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:20:34 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:21:"Sustainability How-To";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"coconut husks";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"coconut shells";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8:"cocopeat";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"gardening tips";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"soil fertility";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=353316";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:159:"Widely used as a growing medium for plants, cocopeat boosts root growth and soil fertility. Reshma Ranjan shares a step-by-step guide to make cocopeat at home.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:3331:" <p>Derived from coconut husks, cocopeat is a non-fibrous, spongy material that is widely used as a standalone substrate and a growing medium for plants.</p> <p>Compared to soil, cocopeat is lightweight and anti-fungal, making it an excellent choice for gardeners. It increases the porosity of the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/231791/how-to-make-potting-mix-home-terrace-garden-organic-soiless-sustainable-expert-easy-ros174/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potting mix </a>and helps boost root growth by keeping the soil loose. Rich in minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium, cocopeat also increases the fertility of the soil.</p> <p>Over the years, cocopeat has become a garden essential. Today, gardeners buy cocopeat from the offline and online markets, but did you know it can also be prepared at home in simple steps?</p> <p>For this, all you need are <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/341516/chennai-startup-global-green-coir-anees-ahmed-turns-coconut-husk-into-cocopeat-grow-bags/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coconut shells</a>.</p> <p>Gardening expert Reshma Ranjan says, “Many people make cocopeat by grinding the upper peel of coconut in a mixer jar but this technique does not give good results. It takes a little more time and effort to make good quality cocopeat.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cocopeat-1-1718719588.jpg" alt="Cocopeat is derived from coconut husks." class="wp-image-353319" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cocopeat-1-1718719588.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cocopeat-1-1718719588-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cocopeat-1-1718719588-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cocopeat-1-1718719588-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cocopeat-1-1718719588-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cocopeat is derived from coconut husks.</figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-she-shares-a-step-by-step-guide-to-making-cocopeat-at-home">She shares a step-by-step guide to making cocopeat at home:</h2> <ol> <li>Collect upper peels from two to three coconuts.</li> <li>Mix the peels in soil and water.</li> <li>Keep the mixture aside in a jar or a bucket.</li> <li>It is crucial to keep the coconut peels immersed in water for two months.</li> <li>After about two months, strain the peels from the water.</li> <li>Do not throw the leftover water; pour it into plants as it acts as a good liquid fertiliser.</li> <li>Remove all excess water from the coconut peels and cut them into small pieces.</li> <li>Grind these chunks with the help of a mixer.</li> <li>Your homemade cocopeat is ready for use.</li> <li> You can store and use it for more than a year.</li> </ol> <p>Finally, Reshma advises, “Do not throw away chunks that could not be converted into fine powder. You can use this coconut fibre for mulching plants.”</p> <p><em>Edited by Khushi Arora.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"353316";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:2;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:75:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:102:"‘I Promised My Husband on His Deathbed’: At 67, This Mom Started a Pickle Biz With Daughter-In-Law";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:129:"https://thebetterindia.com/353263/philos-pickles-kerala-delivery-india-how-to-start-a-homemade-pickle-business-tips-tincy-thomas/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:07:35 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:7:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Startup How-To";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"homemade pickle";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"Kerala";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"philos pickles";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"prawn pickle";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Senior Citizen";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=353263";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:223:"Philo and Tincy Thomas run 'Philo’s Pickles' from their house in Alappuzha, Kerala. A fan favourite, they sell prawns, fish and beef pickle without any artificial preservatives. Here’s a look into their startup journey.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:24450:" <p>Philo Thomas’ husband, KJ Thomas, had one last wish that his wife should run a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/342261/woman-entrepreneur-saroj-prajapati-founder-moms-magic-pickle-mango-madhya-pradesh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pickle business</a> and make a name for herself. </p> <p>It’s been six years since, and the 67-year-old has left no stone unturned to making him proud. </p> <p>But why a pickle business, you might wonder. Well, shouldn’t we all bat to our strengths? </p> <p>Philo is a passionate cook whose family get-togethers and weekend brunches usually comprised guests fawning over her food. Everyone returned home with a bottle of her latest batch of pickles; especially those visiting from abroad.</p> <p>These small gestures and words of appreciation meant a lot for the Alappuzha resident. Unable to pursue her education post class 12, the homemaker harboured a deep desire to do something. But how, what and when were the questions that eluded her. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="491" height="500" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-14-at-15.58.34-1718718102.jpeg" alt="Philo with KJ Thomas" class="wp-image-353284" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-14-at-15.58.34-1718718102.jpeg 491w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-14-at-15.58.34-1718718102-295x300.jpeg 295w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-14-at-15.58.34-1718718102-150x153.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 491px) 100vw, 491px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Philo with KJ Thomas</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Her husband and daughter-in-law, Tincy, were keen to see her happy and provided her with the answer — a pickle business. They gently nudged her into that direction as well. </p> <p>Up for the challenge, Philo started her eponymous pickle venture in 2015. Shutting down and reviving the business multiple times, here’s how the mother and daughter-in-law duo started a successful small business from home. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tale-of-two-women-ups-and-downs-and-a-pickle">A tale of two women, ups and downs, and a pickle</h2> <p>Tincy shares that what sets her <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/300822/senior-citizen-entrepreneur-sheila-pickles-jams-traditional-kerala-recipes-home-business-earns-lakhs/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mother-in-law’s pickles</a> apart, besides the flavour, is the fact that they have a long shelf life. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="899" height="1599" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/philoo-min-1718718943.jpeg" alt="Philo turned into an entrepreneur in her 60s" class="wp-image-353308" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/philoo-min-1718718943.jpeg 899w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/philoo-min-1718718943-169x300.jpeg 169w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/philoo-min-1718718943-500x889.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/philoo-min-1718718943-768x1366.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/philoo-min-1718718943-864x1536.jpeg 864w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/philoo-min-1718718943-150x267.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 899px) 100vw, 899px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Philo turned into an entrepreneur in her 60s</figcaption></figure></div> <p>With just a Facebook page, they started the business on a small scale. Offering two to three varieties of pickles like chicken, sweet lime and beef, it ran entirely on word of mouth. </p> <p>But just as it started gathering pace, a major health problem brought it to a halt.</p> <p>“<em>Appa </em>(father) was diagnosed with cancer and was hospitalised for three months. We had to travel to Vellore for his treatment frequently, making it difficult to run the business,” Tincy shares with <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <p>When things looked bleak, Thomas shared his dying wish. </p> <p>Tincy recalls those words, “Look, Philo, you are very talented. You have an innate ability to give people joy through your food. Don’t give up, continue the business. 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7W0gSmvI_s/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by द बेटर इंडिया- हिंदी (@thebetterindia.hindi)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>She rebuilt and relaunched ‘Philo’s Pickles’ in a new avatar in 2018 by changing the logo and the packaging. Most importantly, she secured a food licence from the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India). With an investment of Rs 10,000, they bought all the necessary equipment. </p> <p>“We started giving our products to local supermarkets which helped spread the word,” 36-year-old Tincy adds.</p> <p>What really kicked things off though was the visit by a food blogger. Mrinal Das Vengalat, who runs Mrinal’s Blog posted a video about their products in 2019. The video brought in large orders for the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/304840/engineer-builds-online-marketplace-for-indian-mothers-to-sell-homemade-food-momskart/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homemade business,</a> and also led to the Instagram page, @philospickles. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-made-with-love">Made with love</h2> <p>The USP of these pickles is Philo’s recipes and the fact that they are made at home, in small batches. The duo has a designated area behind the kitchen that they use just for pickle-making. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzWjQDQvg4M/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzWjQDQvg4M/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzWjQDQvg4M/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Philo's Pickles | Philo Thomas (@philospickles)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Their bestsellers are the prawns’ pickle and their dried beef powder. Besides these, they also sell fish and meat pickles, and <em>chemmeen chammanthi podi</em> (dried prawn powder). They also make seasonal vegetable pickles like mango and sweet lime. Philo shares that they make small batches of 10 kg at a time, as per orders. </p> <p>“The sweet lime pickle recipe is something I learnt from my mother. The other recipes, like prawn and fish, are my own creations. All the ingredients are locally sourced including the meat, prawns and vegetables. We don’t use any frozen products. Even the chilli powder is made at home,” shares Philo, with a hint of pride in her voice. </p> <p>It is this love and effort that hooks the customers. Each order is prepared as if it is made for their own family, Mrinal shares in his blog. </p> <p>“Everything is very tasty and packed with flavour. All you need is some pickle or dried prawns’ powder with rice and you can survive in any country,” Mrinal wrote in his blog.</p> <p>During the COVID-19 pandemic, they had to shut shop for two years as they couldn’t deliver orders due to the lockdown. Most of their orders were from abroad. But they rose yet again in 2022, with renewed gusto. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="625" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/165849472_2854142828159848_8359527231355433845_n-1718718101-500x625.jpg" alt="Philo and Tincy manage the business from home" class="wp-image-353283" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/165849472_2854142828159848_8359527231355433845_n-1718718101-500x625.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/165849472_2854142828159848_8359527231355433845_n-1718718101-240x300.jpg 240w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/165849472_2854142828159848_8359527231355433845_n-1718718101-768x960.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/165849472_2854142828159848_8359527231355433845_n-1718718101-150x188.jpg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/165849472_2854142828159848_8359527231355433845_n-1718718101.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Philo and Tincy manage the business from home</figcaption></figure></div> <p>While they had help initially, now it’s just the two of them managing everything from production to packaging to marketing.</p> <p>Most of their orders are from NRIs based in the UK, USA, Australia and other countries. They hope to expand in the coming months by hiring some help and marketing themselves more aggressively. </p> <p>For the 67-year-old, it’s a fresh lease of life. The excitement and happiness in her voice is palpable as she talks about the business that she has <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/347639/senior-shubha-bhatnagar-shubhavni-smartfarms-indoor-saffron-cultivation-iot-aeroponics-kashmiri-kesar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">painstakingly built</a>. </p> <p>“We spend our entire lives buried in responsibilities. As we cross 60, we feel bored and tired and feel that we aren’t capable of anything. Change your attitude by focusing on your skill. My stress and anxiety have greatly reduced after I started Philo’s. It’s giving me immense recognition and love,” she shares. </p> <p>And somewhere from up above, KJ Thomas must be smiling from heaven. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Infographic-website-7-1718718337.png" alt="" class="wp-image-353290" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Infographic-website-7-1718718337.png 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Infographic-website-7-1718718337-300x157.png 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Infographic-website-7-1718718337-500x262.png 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Infographic-website-7-1718718337-768x402.png 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Infographic-website-7-1718718337-150x79.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande, Images Courtesy Tincy Thomas</em>.</p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"353263";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:3;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:66:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:89:"Started With Rs 300, How Rajni Bector Turned Her Backyard Bakery Into a Rs 7000 Cr Empire";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:116:"https://thebetterindia.com/353280/history-of-cremica-food-rajni-bector-multi-crore-brand-ice-creams-biscuits-bakery/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 18 Jun 2024 13:54:22 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:4:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:34:"Women Entrepreneurs & Homepreneurs";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"bakery business";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"cremica foods";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"Rajni Bector";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=353280";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:167:"Meet Rajni Bector, the trailblazing founder of Cremica foods who built a multi-crore food empire by selling ice-creams, breads, biscuits and sauces, from her backyard.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:3710:" <p>Born in Karachi, Rajni Bector came to Ludhiana during the partition. At the age of 17, she was married into a Ludhiana-based business family.</p> <p>After her children went to boarding school, she enrolled for a bakery course in Punjab Agriculture University and used the spare time to sharpen her cooking skills.</p> <p>Soon, she became popular for her baking recipes and ice-creams among her friends. She started a small business with an investment of Rs 300 to buy an oven, and churned ice-cream in her own backyard.</p> <p>However, overwhelmed by the number of orders and unable to make profits, Rajni soon incurred losses. It was then that her husband, Dharamvir, supported her with Rs 20,000 to start an <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/244880/rajni-bector-mrs-bectors-cremica-ipo-biscuits-sauces-bread-ice-cream-women-entrepreneur-success-story-him16/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice-cream manufacturing unit </a>in 1978.</p> <p>She chose the name Cremica for her brand as it sounded similar to ‘cream ka’ (made of cream). She started selling ice-creams and eventually grew the business into making breads, biscuits and sauces.</p> <p>It was a big success.</p> <p>Back in the 1980s, women rarely stepped into business, and she had to battle many naysayers. However, with her family’s support, she took Cremica to new heights.</p> <p>Today, the brand is India’s second largest exporter of biscuits with its products available in more than 60 countries and became the sole supplier of western desserts to most weddings in the entire North India. The company’s annual turnover stands at Rs 7,000 crore.</p> <p>In 2021, Rajni was honoured with the Padma Shri — India’s fourth-highest civilian award — becoming an inspiration for millions of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/268130/aruns-bakery-delhi-organic-cakes-breads-order-free-surgery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indian women </a>who dream of becoming entrepreneurs.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-watch-her-inspiring-story-here">Watch her inspiring story here:</h2> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="epyt-video-wrapper"><div style="display: block; margin: 0px auto;" id="_ytid_24337" width="480" height="270" data-origwidth="480" data-origheight="270" data-facadesrc="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-BPQ8rrksi0?enablejsapi=1&autoplay=0&cc_load_policy=0&cc_lang_pref=&iv_load_policy=3&loop=0&modestbranding=0&rel=0&fs=1&playsinline=1&autohide=2&theme=dark&color=red&controls=1&" class="__youtube_prefs__ epyt-facade epyt-is-override no-lazyload" data-epautoplay="1" ><img decoding="async" data-spai-excluded="true" class="epyt-facade-poster skip-lazy" loading="lazy" alt="YouTube player" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-BPQ8rrksi0/maxresdefault.jpg" /><button class="epyt-facade-play" aria-label="Play"><svg data-no-lazy="1" height="100%" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 68 48" width="100%"><path class="ytp-large-play-button-bg" d="M66.52,7.74c-0.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79,.13,34,0,34,0S12.21,.13,6.9,1.55 C3.97,2.33,2.27,4.81,1.48,7.74C0.06,13.05,0,24,0,24s0.06,10.95,1.48,16.26c0.78,2.93,2.49,5.41,5.42,6.19 C12.21,47.87,34,48,34,48s21.79-0.13,27.1-1.55c2.93-0.78,4.64-3.26,5.42-6.19C67.94,34.95,68,24,68,24S67.94,13.05,66.52,7.74z" fill="#f00"></path><path d="M 45,24 27,14 27,34" fill="#fff"></path></svg></button></div></div> </div></figure> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande;</em> <em>Photo credit: Cremica.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"353280";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:4;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:75:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:84:"9 Street Food Favourites in Delhi for the Best Gol Gappas, Chole Bhature & Chaat";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:138:"https://thebetterindia.com/352975/best-street-food-shops-delhi-ashok-chaat-corner-old-famous-jalebi-wala-jama-masjid-kebabs-chole-bhature/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 18 Jun 2024 07:49:55 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:7:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4:"Food";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:5:"chaat";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"chole bhature";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"delhi restaurants";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"delhi street food";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Food and culture";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"food history";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352975";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:148:"Delhi's best-kept secrets — its chaat corners where legacy recipes meet modern palates. This weekend, head to these nine famous street food spots.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Krystelle Dsouza";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:20389:" <p><em>7 pm, Chandni Chowk, Delhi. </em></p> <p>The enthusiasm for putting work behind them is telling on the faces of those who gather in this bustling area of the national capital. Traces of tiredness blur into smiles as Delhi readies itself for what few call ‘the hour of madness’. After all, 7 pm marks the beginning of a show.</p> <p>In a few seconds from now, spherical deep-fried shells will line the counters of the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/174197/varanasi-tamatar-chaat-places-to-eat-food-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">various <em>chaat</em> (savoury snacks) outlets</a>. Potatoes and onions will be diced with finesse, and then waltz into these <em>puris</em>. Tamarind<em> chutney </em>(a kind of spread) will rain down on the mix adding its flavour. While one outlet witnesses this act, another watches as dollops of butter wear their dancing shoes as they glide onto the stage that is <em>aloo paratha</em> (flatbread filled with potato). The dance is seamless.</p> <p>The audience too is obliging — generous with their praise, demanding an encore. Plates upon plates of <em>chole bhature </em>(a curry made with chickpeas and spices, eaten with deep-fried flatbread), <em>gol gappas</em> and <em>parathas</em> are doled out.</p> <p>And if you want a front-row seat to this show, here’s where you should be heading.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-aloo-tikki-at-ashok-chaat-corner">1. <em>Aloo tikki</em> at Ashok Chaat Corner</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="586" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-13-152511-1718272547-500x586.jpg" alt="Aloo tikki is a favourite snack in the national capital," class="wp-image-352983" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-13-152511-1718272547-500x586.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-13-152511-1718272547-256x300.jpg 256w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-13-152511-1718272547-150x176.jpg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-13-152511-1718272547.jpg 607w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Aloo tikki</em> is a favourite snack in the national capital, Picture source: Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7qlHa5ndxp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"> Yashvi Agrawal</a></figcaption></figure></div> <p>A dish beloved across the national capital, the <em>aloo tikki</em> (a croquette made with boiled potatoes, peas and curry spices) is at the heart of its street food scene. And if there’s one outlet that outdoes itself in this regard, it is Chawri Bazar’s Ashok Chaat Corner. Since 1948, the outlet has been hailed as a reference point for the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/tags/aloo-tikki-recipe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fresh potato pattice</a>.</p> <p>The <em>chaat </em>corner is a testament to Delhi’s love affair with snacks. Don’t believe us? The influx of customers is proof. The menu is void here, as customers are ready with their orders as soon as they arrive. One more <em>aloo tikki</em>, please!</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-rama-chole-bhature">2. Rama Chole Bhature</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="725" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2021-01-25-1718272686-500x725.jpg" alt="Chole bhature is a spicy curry made with chickpeas and spices eaten with flatbread, " class="wp-image-352984" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2021-01-25-1718272686-500x725.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2021-01-25-1718272686-207x300.jpg 207w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2021-01-25-1718272686-150x218.jpg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2021-01-25-1718272686.jpg 703w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Chole bhature </em>is a spicy curry made with chickpeas and spices eaten with flatbread, Picture source: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=rama+chole+bhature+delhi&sca_esv=7a2c727ac526d59d&sca_upv=1&rlz=1C1YTUH_enIN1048IN1048&ei=aMJqZoqtOdn3seMP6M-O8As&ved=0ahUKEwiKgdenqNiGAxXZe2wGHeinA74Q4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=rama+chole+bhature+delhi&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiGHJhbWEgY2hvbGUgYmhhdHVyZSBkZWxoaTIREC4YgAQYkQIYxwEYigUYrwEyBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeMgYQABgWGB4yBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeMgYQABgWGB4yBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeMgsQABiABBiGAxiKBTIgEC4YgAQYkQIYxwEYigUYrwEYlwUY3AQY3gQY4ATYAQNI8QxQpARYnwpwAXgBkAEAmAGTAaAB1waqAQMwLja4AQPIAQD4AQGYAgegAosHwgIKEAAYsAMY1gQYR8ICDRAAGIAEGLADGEMYigXCAg4QABiwAxjkAhjWBNgBAcICGRAuGIAEGLADGEMYxwEYyAMYigUYrwHYAQLCAhMQLhiABBiwAxhDGMgDGIoF2AECwgILEC4YgAQYxwEYrwHCAgoQABiABBhDGIoFwgIFEAAYgATCAhoQLhiABBjHARivARiXBRjcBBjeBBjgBNgBA5gDAIgGAZAGE7oGBggBEAEYCboGBggCEAEYCLoGBggDEAEYFJIHAzEuNqAHvUE&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#lpg=cid:CgIgAQ%3D%3D,ik:CAoSLEFGMVFpcE50YmZoT2I1S1Z0azVWYlJYWjFoSmRnVVhMaFY4Nld5d0pORFRl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Vibhu Jain</a></figcaption></figure></div> <p>The origins of <em>chole bhature</em> is a point of contention, with some stories suggesting its roots trace back to Haryana while others say it was Delhi where it was born. But the fact that Delhi does <em>chole bhature</em> better than any other city lies undisputed. And Rama Chole Bhature manages to impress.</p> <p>A fan of the fare here is none other than Delhi lad Virat Kohli who shared in an interview, “Hands down they are <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/295271/origin-of-chole-bhature-in-india-partition-food-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the best <em>chole bhature</em></a> I have tasted. You should go and have it fresh. The <em>bhaturas </em>are so soft that a finger’s touch can flatten them. Paired with onions, green <em>chutney </em>and<em> mirch ka aachar</em> (chilli pickle), it’s just fabulous.”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-paranthe-wali-gali">3. Paranthe Wali Gali</h2> <iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zGdEv7B9c2o?si=WpVF6-n0Sf81bZvI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p>This iconic street in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk is a history lesson whose pages are filled with timeless recipes of the beloved <em>aloo paratha</em>. “Legendary” is how it is described by many who flock to get a taste of their <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/333562/assam-daily-wager-diganta-das-launches-paratha-startup-inspiring-entrepreneur-in-food-business/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">favourite comfort food</a> at the outlets that dot the lane. With <em>matar</em> (peas), <em>khoya</em> (dried whole milk), bitter gourd, and <em>rabdi</em> (a sweet made with condensed milk) making up the filling, the choice of <em>chutneys</em> is equally compelling. Stop by at Kanhaiyalal where the<em> bhindi paratha</em> (bread<em> </em>stuffed with lady’s finger) is a bestseller, or at Sharma Bhojnalaya where the <em>lassi</em> (sweetened milk) is said to rival its <em>parathas</em> or at Babu Ram Parantha where the <em>papad paratha</em> is a crowd puller.</p> <p>An article by <em>The Times of India</em> highlighted how actors Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan and Rajat Barmecha confessed to being fans of the <em>parathas</em> here.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-kebabs-at-jama-masjid-area">4. <em>Kebabs</em> at Jama Masjid Area</h2> <p>If you’re looking to sample Delhi’s best non-vegetarian food aka <em>kebabs</em> (meat roasted on skewers) and <em>nalli nihari</em> (a stew made with mutton and spices), head to Jama Masjid. The bazaar outside is a foodie’s paradise. The air around agrees too. Aromas of succulent meats, <em>paya soup</em> (soup made with goat trotters) and mutton delicacies waft out of the <em>dekchis</em> and <em>bhagonas </em>(traditional vessels), lending this area the name of a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/68542/khau-gallis-street-food-mumbai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food haven</a>.</p> <p>During the holy month of Ramadan, the outlets capitalise on the time, offering <em>iftar</em> (fast-breaking evening meal) to the Muslims who offer prayers at the Mosque. Chef Manish Mehrotra shared in an interview with <em>Conde Nast</em>, “In Delhi I go to eat <em>kebab</em> at Qureshi Kabab near Jama Masjid. The <em>kebabs </em>here are very regular but the way he finishes it in butter and <em>masala</em> takes it to another level, it is <em>kebab</em> in a new avatar and I say hats off to his innovation!”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="846" height="634" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/03-1718272909.jpg" alt="The nalli nihari is a delicacy served at the Al Jawahar restaurant near Jama Masjid, " class="wp-image-352986" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/03-1718272909.jpg 846w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/03-1718272909-300x225.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/03-1718272909-500x375.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/03-1718272909-768x576.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/03-1718272909-150x112.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 846px) 100vw, 846px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The <em>nalli nihari </em>is a delicacy served at the Al Jawahar restaurant near Jama Masjid, Picture source: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=kebabs+al+jawahar&sca_esv=7a2c727ac526d59d&sca_upv=1&rlz=1C1YTUH_enIN1048IN1048&ei=WMNqZourI5ShseMP_K68yAY&ved=0ahUKEwiLt_mZqdiGAxWUUGwGHXwXD2kQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=kebabs+al+jawahar&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiEWtlYmFicyBhbCBqYXdhaGFyMgcQIRigARgKMgcQIRigARgKMgQQIRgVSII6UIILWIk3cAN4AZABAZgBzgGgAbwUqgEGMC4xNS4yuAEDyAEA-AEBmAIPoALND8ICChAAGLADGNYEGEfCAgcQABiABBgNwgIGEAAYFhgewgIIEAAYFhgKGB7CAhEQABiABBiRAhixAxjJAxiKBcICCxAAGIAEGJIDGIoFwgILEAAYgAQYkQIYigXCAgsQLhiABBjHARivAcICBRAAGIAEwgIOEAAYgAQYkQIYyQMYigXCAhoQLhiABBjHARivARiXBRjcBBjeBBjgBNgBAcICDRAuGIAEGMcBGA0YrwHCAhwQLhiABBjHARgNGK8BGJcFGNwEGN4EGOAE2AEBwgIIEAAYFhgeGA_CAggQABgIGA0YHsICEBAuGMcBGAgYChgNGB4YrwHCAgoQABgIGA0YHhgPwgILEAAYgAQYhgMYigXCAgUQIRifBZgDAIgGAZAGCLoGBggBEAEYFJIHBjMuMTAuMqAH540B&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#lpg=cid:CgIgAQ%3D%3D,ik:CAoSLEFGMVFpcE5KMUVkSFg5amw0cTdRbjRGSWs0REZscVVjTnBnYkhvY3pHbnVF" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Al Jawahar </a></figcaption></figure></div> <p>While <em>kebabs</em> take centre stage here, the<em> nalli nihari</em> beckons for attention too. Celebrity chef Ritu Dalmia has also time and again reiterated her love for the dish at Al Jawahar near Jama Masjid.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-hira-lal-chat-corner">5. Hira Lal Chat Corner</h2> <iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DuJwrI9S3MY?si=TmisqLXMoai4PHPG" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p>India’s <em>chaat</em> scene has dramatically evolved through the ages. Food historian K T Achaya’s book ‘A Historical Dictionary Of Indian Food’ speaks of the <em>dahi vada</em> (lentil fritters soaked in curd) being over 500 years old, while another tale suggests that <em>chaat </em>was actually an antidote to a cholera outbreak — during Emperor Shahjahan’s reign when the royal physician Hakim advised mixing the contaminated Yamuna water with spices like tamarind, coriander, mint and red chillies to kill the bacteria.</p> <p>History has witnessed numerous <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=whose+samosa+is+it+the+better+india&rlz=1C1YTUH_enIN1048IN1048&oq=whose+samosa+is+it+the+better+india&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigAdIBCDUzNzZqMGo5qAIAsAIB&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reincarnations of the simple <em>vadas</em> and <em>chaat </em></a>and Old Delhi’s Hira Lal Chaat Corner has been one of the foreplayers in serving these. Out of its many renditions, the <em>khera kulle ki chaat</em> trumps everything else. Guests are lured by the promise of age-old recipes and legacy culinary secrets finding their way into the <em>chaat</em> here. And the dish comes recommended by blogger Aayush Sapra who couldn’t stop gorging on it. Here’s a peek.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-khemchand-daulat-ki-chaat">6. Khemchand Daulat Ki Chaat</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="625" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2024-01-13-1718273164-500x625.jpg" alt="Daulat ki chaat is a delicacy available during the winter months," class="wp-image-352989" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2024-01-13-1718273164-500x625.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2024-01-13-1718273164-240x300.jpg 240w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2024-01-13-1718273164-768x960.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2024-01-13-1718273164-150x188.jpg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2024-01-13-1718273164.jpg 816w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daulat ki chaat is a delicacy available during the winter months, Picture source: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=khemchand+daulat+ki+chaat&rlz=1C1YTUH_enIN1048IN1048&oq=khemchand+d&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyDQgBEC4YrwEYxwEYgAQyBggCEEUYOzIGCAMQRRg5MgcIBBAuGIAEMg0IBRAuGK8BGMcBGIAEMggIBhAAGBYYHjIICAcQABgWGB4yCggIEAAYDxgWGB4yCggJEAAYDxgWGB6oAgCwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#lpg=cid:CgIgAQ%3D%3D,ik:CAoSLEFGMVFpcFBRenl2YXNoZTRkMUticlllc1p5N0l2bUo4U2EzUHdNTWRublpS" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Khemchand Daulat Ki Chaat</a></figcaption></figure></div> <p>Available only during the winter from November to February, the <em>daulat ki chaat</em> (a fluffy dessert made of milk) is the season’s protagonist. Legend says it is the dew from the cold winters of the national capital that turns a pot of milk into the <em>daulat ki chaat</em>.</p> <p>Reality has it that it takes more than just dew. Generous helpings of sugar, saffron, nuts and silver foil also play their part well. The dish is said to be the invention of the Botai tribe of Kazakhstan that makes it using mare’s milk. And if you want to sample one of the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/248432/daulat-ki-chaat-recipe-delhi-street-food-history-c24/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best <em>daulat ki chaat</em></a>, head to Khemchand’s.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-ram-laddu-in-lajpat-nagar">7. Ram Laddu in Lajpat Nagar</h2> <iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-BR-1xMy2QU?si=mxrPOdNLp02h_Tj3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p>Where can I get <em>Ram laddu</em> in Delhi? There’s only one right answer. As any true Delhiite will know, Lajpat Nagar is the stop for you. In one of his videos, celebrity chef Ranveer Brar shared that he discovered the joy of these sweets much later in life and sorely missed not having tasted them earlier. Nevertheless, he is making up for it now.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-prabhu-chaat-bhandar">8. Prabhu Chaat Bhandar</h2> <iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchef.saransh%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02QuFNj6hn8c2JKuPiqiXb6ZgC2GjfwCyLVpzkqnRo8zpBVL6gsHprVAUP3dRUr9hGl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe> <p>Along Delhi’s Mansingh Road, an 89-year-old outlet started by a gentleman Nathu Laal has been delighting its patrons. The outlet is strategically located opposite the UPSC Bhavan, giving it the moniker ‘UPSC Chaat’. The story goes that <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=chaat+the+better+india&rlz=1C1YTUH_enIN1048IN1048&oq=chaat+the+better+india&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggAEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg7MgYIARBFGEAyBggCEEUYPDIGCAMQRRg80gEIMzY1MWowajSoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#ip=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the outlet has seen a rebellion of its own</a>, paralleling the freedom struggle as founder Nathu fought the British Raj to continue keeping his shop open.</p> <p>It is hearsay that celebrities like Manoj Kumar and Rajesh Khanna have also frequented the stall. Chef Saransh Goila took to Facebook to share his love for the<em> aloo tikki</em> and <em>aloo chaat</em> here. “My favourite was the <em>aloo tikki </em>and the <em>aloo chaat</em>! The <em>tikki </em>had an amazing crunch, as it was double-fried. Topped with some <em>lacha pyaaz</em> (crunchy onion rings), chutney and <em>dahi</em> (curd) it will satisfy your palate like there is no tomorrow!”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-old-famous-jalebi-wala">9. Old Famous Jalebi Wala</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="765" height="1020" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2023-09-11-1718273542.jpg" alt="The jalebis and rabri at Old Famous Jalebi Wala come recommended by many food bloggers," class="wp-image-352992" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2023-09-11-1718273542.jpg 765w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2023-09-11-1718273542-225x300.jpg 225w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2023-09-11-1718273542-500x667.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2023-09-11-1718273542-640x853.jpg 640w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2023-09-11-1718273542-150x200.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 765px) 100vw, 765px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The <em>jalebis</em> and <em>rabri </em>at Old Famous Jalebi Wala come recommended by many food bloggers, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=old+famous+jalebi+house&rlz=1C1YTUH_enIN1048IN1048&oq=old+famous+jale&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggAEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg7Mg0IARAuGK8BGMcBGIAEMgYIAhBFGDkyBggDEEUYQDIHCAQQABiABDIHCAUQABiABDIGCAYQRRg8MgYIBxBFGDzSAQgzODE2ajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#lpg=cid:CgIgAQ%3D%3D,ik:CAoSLEFGMVFpcE1iQXJIa1Y3UFhXeE1iOVJxRnladjdoY0E0WUNMdEtQTHlDWmp2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Picture source</a></figcaption></figure></div> <p>“We use <em>desi khandsari</em> sugar for making the syrup instead of regular sugar, and <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/229721/jalebi-food-history-origin-persia-indian-desserts-recipe-say143/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the <em>jalebis </em></a>(an Indian sweet made with flour and curd) are prepared using <em>desi ghee</em>, cooked over coal-fire. The menu comprises only four items – <em>jalebi</em>, <em>rabri</em>, <em>aloo samosa</em> (fried Indian pastry with potato stuffing) and <em>matar samosa</em> (fried Indian pastry with pea stuffing),” reads the website of this legendary place started in 1884. The place is recommended by Delhi Food Walks’ Anubhav Sapra.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352975";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:5;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:84:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:97:"‘Dad Quit His Job to Coach Me’: India’s 1st Female Sumo Wrestler on Her Journey to The Ring";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:121:"https://thebetterindia.com/353156/hetal-sudhir-dave-first-female-sumo-wrestler-india-sports-father-coach-daughter-mumbai/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 14 Jun 2024 15:12:49 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:10:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8:"Trending";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:23:"father daughter stories";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"fathers day";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"inspiration";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"sports";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"sports heroes";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"sports inspiration";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"women empowerment";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:8;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"women in sports";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:9;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"wrestling";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=353156";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:232:"People often celebrate the accolades and glory that sumo wrestler Hetal Dave brought to India. Today we take a moment to celebrate the man who made it possible, Hetal's 'papa' who became a coach so his daughter could live her dream.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Krystelle Dsouza";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17983:" <p>Sometimes, superheroes wear capes. Sometimes they wear a <em>mawashi</em> belt.</p> <p>Hetal Dave — the country’s first and only professional female sumo <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/319760/hamida-banu-female-wrestler-from-aligarh-uttar-pradesh-colonial-india-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrestler</a> — testifies to this. Growing up, she watched her ‘<em>Papa</em>’ wear this belt many a time, sometimes to train her, other times to play the opponent. This core memory continues to be etched in the 37-year-old’s mind, as she settles down for a tête-à-tête with <strong>The Better India</strong>.</p> <p>Sudhir Dave did not ever want his daughter to give up on her passion for want of a good coach. And so when in 2008, Hetal showed signs of wanting to pursue a career in sumo wrestling, Sudhir made one thing clear. If there wasn’t a coach available, he would become one.</p> <p>Through her four-year-long career in the Japanese-origin sport, Hetal has enjoyed the resounding cheers of the audience, the thrill of adrenaline while in the <em>dohyo</em> (the ring where sumo wrestling happens), and the adulation of the country. But outshining all of these is one thing — the lengths to which her father went to show his support.</p> <p>“My father was working when I first got interested in sumo wrestling. The day he decided to be my coach, he <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/338546/millet-startup-revenue-in-crores-ready-to-eat-food-health-sutra-hyderabad/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quit his job</a> to devote all his time to training me,” Hetal recounts. How tough was it to take this life-altering decision on the spur of the moment? Sudhir responds, “Humans have crazy minds and when the mind decides it wants something, nothing is an obstacle anymore.” </p> <p>Piecing the story together of how she went from being a child who was an ace in judo (Japanese martial arts) to putting India on the sumo wrestling map, she says her parents have always been her biggest inspiration and cheerleaders. In fact, she says, she gets her love for sports from them. “It is in my DNA. My parents lived in a village all their lives. So, in many ways, sport was a big part of their lives. And when I was five years old, it became a big part of mine too.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-1718375371.jpg" alt="Hetal Dave, India's only professional female sumo wrestler with her mother, father and brother," class="wp-image-353187" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-1718375371.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-1718375371-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-1718375371-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-1718375371-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-1718375371-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hetal Dave, India’s only professional female sumo wrestler with her mother, father and brother, Picture source: Hetal </figcaption></figure></div> <p>But while the two generations bonded over this passion for sports, circumstances distinguished the fortune of pursuing it.</p> <p>Hetal explains, “In the village, my parents did not have much exposure to facilities or opportunities. Later on, family responsibilities took over and they couldn’t live their <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/331464/sports-for-women-empowerment-naandi-foundation-organises-toofan-games-for-girls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sports dreams</a>.” So early on, the couple decided they would not let their children face the same fate.</p> <p>“When my brother and I showed interest in sports, they made sure they were there at every practice sitting on the front row seats,” she adds.</p> <p>While some days, sports was a passion, other days, it was Hetal’s safe space. Her chubbiness, which had been adored when she was little, was ridiculed as she got older. “Why can’t I just fit in,” she thought many a time, opting to stay at home instead of going out since she did not want to endure endless taunts about her weight.</p> <p>And so, in isolation, she struck an unusual — albeit special — friendship with sports. It was during this phase that the club Hetal attended for judo organised a sumo wrestling championship. The more she learned about <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/topics/sports/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this new sport</a>, the more she resonated with it.</p> <p>“In India, we term people thin and fat. But in Japan, being the latter is not something bad. In fact, if one is a sumo wrestler in Japan, they are not called ‘fat’ but rather, ‘strong’. They are worshipped, they are celebrated, and they are seen as role models,” she informs.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1152" height="864" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-22-at-11.49.34-PM-1-1718375444.jpeg" alt="Hetal's father Sudhir turned coach when his daughter was unable to find a sumo wrestling coach in India," class="wp-image-353189" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-22-at-11.49.34-PM-1-1718375444.jpeg 1152w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-22-at-11.49.34-PM-1-1718375444-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-22-at-11.49.34-PM-1-1718375444-500x375.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-22-at-11.49.34-PM-1-1718375444-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-22-at-11.49.34-PM-1-1718375444-150x113.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hetal’s father Sudhir turned coach when his daughter was unable to find a sumo wrestling coach in India, Picture source: Hetal</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Unearthing these stories was illuminating for Hetal, who up until now had viewed her weight as a problem. “It made me realise that it was all about perception. From then on, I began to look at my weight as a symbol of strength,” she says.</p> <p>Stumbling upon sumo wrestling had ignited a fire in Hetal. She spent the next few days in cyber cafes, engrossed in research about the sport. She wanted to learn everything there was to it. But the more she read, the more she was startled to not find mention of any Indian women in the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/330180/indian-sports-legends-kapil-dev-hamida-banu-dara-singh-mahendra-sharma-history-in-pics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sport’s history</a>. She decided to find out why.</p> <p>“I went to the Sumo Wrestling Association in Churchgate, Mumbai, and spoke to them about my dreams of pursuing sumo wrestling professionally,” she recalls. Her enthusiasm was met with reluctance. “They told me that India did not have the infrastructure for the sport and the organisation was not supported by the Government.”</p> <p>Hetal would have to find her own sponsor if she was keen to follow her dream.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-her-mumbai-home-to-the-sumo-rings-of-estonia">From her Mumbai home to the sumo rings of Estonia</h2> <p>As Hetal details her journey out for me, I cannot ignore the fact that sumo wrestling is a sport steeped in <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=sports+history+in+pics+the+better+india&rlz=1C1YTUH_enIN1048IN1048&oq=sports+history+in+pics+the+better+india+&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIKCAEQABiABBiiBDIKCAIQABiABBiiBNIBCDg1OTJqMGo0qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">displays of strength</a>, not just physical but emotional. While Hetal struggled to find a coach to help her with the former, she relied on herself and her family for the latter.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-3-1718375875.jpg" alt="Hetal has always been inspired by her parents who were also passionate about sports, Picture source: Hetal" class="wp-image-353198" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-3-1718375875.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-3-1718375875-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-3-1718375875-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-3-1718375875-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-3-1718375875-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hetal has always been inspired by her parents who were also passionate about sports, Picture source: Hetal</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Many poked fun and taunted her about these lofty dreams. Her father interjects here saying, “Many people would often jeer saying ‘Hetal is a <em>Gujarati</em> girl and only eats <em>daal bhat </em>(steamed rice with cooked lentils). How will she achieve anything in sports with that diet?’” But the unwavering support of her parents and brother helped her tide through. Criticism was put on the back burner as her goal occupied the front — to participate in a sumo wrestling tournament.</p> <p>A <em>New York Times </em>article in 2022 emphasised how the greatest sports stories are the ones that transcend sports. And Hetal’s is an example. There was a hunger in her to prove to the world that girls can do anything they set out to, even if that sometimes means wrestling in a ring.</p> <p>“I would write down everything that I learnt from my research. I would watch videos and take notes,” she says. But the chasm between reality and simulation was evident. “How much can one learn from videos? I knew I needed to start<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/336172/sports-star-of-the-year-2023-virat-kohli-shubman-gill-satwik-chirag-sheetal-devi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> playing the sport</a> to truly learn.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-1-1718375627.jpg" alt="Hetal's father Sudhir quit his job to devote all his time to coaching his daughter in sumo wrestling" class="wp-image-353193" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-1-1718375627.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-1-1718375627-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-1-1718375627-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-1-1718375627-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-1-1718375627-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hetal’s father Sudhir quit his job to devote all his time to coaching his daughter in sumo wrestling, Picture source: Hetal</figcaption></figure></div> <p>And this was when Hetals’s father stepped in.</p> <p>“He saw how passionate I was about sumo wrestling and decided that we’re going to do this together. He bought me a laptop, and every day, we would watch videos on sumo wrestling, study the technique, and then practise. He and my brother would attempt the sport step by step and teach me. We followed this routine from morning to night for weeks. It became a sort of dance, there was a rhythm to it,” she notes.</p> <p>The trio were relentless in their practice.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the days leading up to the World Championship (2008) in Estonia were passing quickly and Hetal still hadn’t found a sponsor. Time was running out. But, as she emphasises, help always arrives when you least expect it. </p> <p>“A local Gujarati newspaper would often write about my achievements, and when I approached them with this dilemma, they put out an article asking if anyone would like to sponsor me to participate in <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/193355/national-sports-day-pv-sindhu-greatest-moments-sports-india-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the tournament</a>. And many came forward,” she shares.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-was-celebrated-for-my-strength">‘I was celebrated for my strength’</h2> <p>Just a teenager, the memory of standing on foreign ground when she landed in Estonia is still fresh in Hetal’s mind.</p> <p>“I was aware that no one from India would be there at the tournament and was nervous. Here I was, going for something that was so new, and in a strange place. While I managed to find a sponsor, the funds were limited, and I had to be extremely careful about budgeting. But while the fear of it all set in, so did luck,” she says.</p> <p>“The mayor of the town came personally to receive me at the airport and shared how happy he was that someone from India was participating. The organisers saw to it that my vegetarian food preferences were taken care of and that a representative accompanied me at all times so that language barrier wouldn’t be a problem,” she says.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-2-1718375748.jpg" alt="Following the success at the World Championship in 2008, Hetal was selected for World Games in 2009 where she excelled, " class="wp-image-353194" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-2-1718375748.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-2-1718375748-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-2-1718375748-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-2-1718375748-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/hetal-dave-2-1718375748-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Following the success at the World Championship in 2008, Hetal was selected for World Games in 2009 where she excelled, Picture source: Hetal</figcaption></figure></div> <p>As Hetal hadn’t had formal coaching, she was unaware of the <em>mawashi</em> (a sumo belt) that is worn by all wrestlers. “When I told the organisers that I did not have one, they gave me one and taught me how to tie it,” she smiles.</p> <p>Then she also got to be privy to the rituals that precede <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/web-stories/the-indian-pehlwan-who-saved-lives-during-partition-inspired-bruce-lee-with-his-regime/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a sumo wrestling event</a>.</p> <p>“I remember sitting intently and watching them train and observing their techniques,” she shares. The weight of the occasion dawned on her, but she points out that all fright lay forgotten when she set foot in the ring for the first time and was met by thunderous applause. “The whole stadium was cheering for me because the announcer had mentioned that I had come all alone from India to participate in the tournament,” she adds.</p> <p>The story is riveting and gives Hetal goosebumps. The success of this first global opportunity — she was among the top 10 — propelled her towards the ones that followed. At the World Games in 2009, she was the only female athlete from India out of 200 competing athletes.</p> <p>Following this win, Hetal had to retire in 2012 because of a lack of sponsorship. To this end, she underscores lack of support as the biggest hurdle that stops women from <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/318867/first-woman-indian-footballer-to-play-english-league-she-kicks-academy-underprivileged-girls-aditi-chauhan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pursuing sports</a> such as sumo wrestling.</p> <p>The last few years have kept her on her toes with the documentary film ‘Sumo Didi’, directed by Jayant Rohatgi. Hetal’s role in the film is essayed by Shriyam Bhagnani. And Hetal, who personally trained Bhagnani, says the intent was to bring forth every emotion that has coloured the canvas of her journey — </p> <p>“The pressure to make your country proud, the uncertainty of not knowing the opponent’s next move in the ring, the feeling of being alone sometimes at tournaments and not having anyone to look at in the stands, the desire to prove people who said ‘You’re fat, you cannot do anything in life’ wrong.”</p> <p>She is hopeful that her story will be a beacon for people to believe in themselves and follow their calling. And behind Hetal stands a proud father who never for once doubted that his daughter would achieve these feats — <em>“Mhari chori chore se kam hai ke?”</em></p> <p>And for all those who questioned how Hetal’s simple diet would let her achieve greatness in sports, her father has an answer ready, “<em>Ek marwari ne daal bhat kha ke history bana li</em> (A <em>Marwari</em> girl has created history despite a simple vegetarian diet).”</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"353156";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:6;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:89:"Aamoré: How 300 Small Farmers Are Taking Alphonso Mangoes to The World Without Middlemen";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:126:"https://thebetterindia.com/353061/aamore-alphonso-mangoes-brand-gi-tagged-ratnagiri-small-holding-farmers-no-middlemen-export/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 14 Jun 2024 14:53:34 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"aamore";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Alphonso mangoes";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"export mangoes";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"mangoes";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=353061";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:221:"Alphonso mango cultivators in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, took a bold step by forming a farmer producer company and launching the direct-to-consumer brand Aamoré — exporting 10 tonnes of the prized fruit to global markets.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17697:" <p>Considered the king of mangoes, Alphonso is highly sought after by mango lovers across the world for its distinct succulent flavour, aroma, and creamy and tender texture. For its cultivators in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, the GI-tagged fruit is one of the most prized possessions.</p> <p>This year, the fruit brought more sweet tidings for its farmers in Ratnagiri as 300 small farmers took a bold step of taking Alphonsos to the global stage.</p> <p>“Mango export is a highly untapped market in Maharashtra. We, local farmers, underestimated our capabilities initially, worrying about the possible chaos of export business. We knew the real worth of our authentic produce but feared getting into any kind of trap,” says Tejas Kawathekar, director of farmer producer company, Konkan Ratnagiri Boomi Agro Producer Limited.</p> <p>In a bid to tap the global market, the farmer producer company decided to get into the forward value chain and export the produce directly from India.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Aamore-1718354069.jpg" alt="Aamore exported its mangoes to London, Canada, the United States, and Kuwait." class="wp-image-353062" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Aamore-1718354069.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Aamore-1718354069-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Aamore-1718354069-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Aamore-1718354069-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Aamore-1718354069-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aamore exported its mangoes to London, Canada, the United States, and Kuwait.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>For this, 300 small landholding farmers from Jagar – who were dependent on middlemen for generations – came together and launched a direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand Aamoré (Italian word for love), to make people abroad fall in love with authentic <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/web-stories/most-expensive-mangoes-in-india-alphonso-miyazaki-noorjahan-kohitur-sindhri/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alphonso mangoes</a>.</p> <p>Owned by smallholder farmers, the brand exported 10 tonnes of its produce to London, Canada, the United States, and Kuwait by air. More exports meant more profits and happier farmers.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-bitter-tale-behind-the-sweet-tidings">A bitter tale behind the sweet tidings</h2> <p>Tejas grew up relishing Alphonsos, locally called <em>Hapus</em>, on his two-acre farm. While savouring the sweet fruit, he also saw what went behind cultivating this popular fruit variety.</p> <p>“I had seen my father toiling in the field. The process of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/web-stories/mango-farmer-maharashtra-kakasaheb-sawant-kesar-hapus-chikoo-custard-apple-earns-crore/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growing <em>Hapus</em> </a>is cumbersome. In our region, the soil is mainly lateritic and rocky, and mangoes are grown under rain-fed conditions. My father would first break the rocky soil and make the field favourable for mango plantation,” he shares.</p> <p>“Once the fruiting started, he would be out all day in summer heat protecting them from monkey attacks. If you are out of sight for even a few minutes, monkeys pluck the fruits and destroy the plantation. Farmers need to be very careful,” says Tejas.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Aamore-1-1718354143.jpg" alt="As many as 300 small farmers took a bold step of taking Alphonsos to the global stage." class="wp-image-353063" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Aamore-1-1718354143.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Aamore-1-1718354143-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Aamore-1-1718354143-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Aamore-1-1718354143-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Aamore-1-1718354143-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">As many as 300 small farmers took a bold step of taking Alphonsos to the global stage.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>After months of backbreaking work, farmers like Tejas’s father would hardly earn any decent incomes for their produce. “Farmers usually sold their mangoes in Pune and APMC <em>mandi</em> in Vashi – the largest agricultural market in Mumbai, where they are forced to sell produce via middlemen. This is how the industry works,” he adds.</p> <p>“There is a lot of scope of exploitation in this industry. Middlemen would sell our produce for Rs 800-900 per dozen but the growers would get only Rs 200. We were being cheated and this has been in place for generations!” says Tejas.</p> <p>The 28-year-old wanted to find a solution that put an end to this age-old agony. “Once, while watching the news, I came to know that Maharashtra only exports five percent of its Alphonsos whereas the rest of the bulk produce is consumed in the state itself. After studying, we found out that we could earn handsomely if we entered the export market,” he adds.</p> <p>After consulting with a bunch of farmers, Tejas went on to form Konkan Ratnagiri Boomi Agro Producer Limited, which was formally launched in December 2023.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-small-farmers-unite-against-big-players">When small farmers unite against big players</h2> <p>Entering the export business was a bold step for small farmers. “Initially, it was difficult to understand flight bookings, transportation, various kinds of food licences, and MRL (maximum residue level) tests for crops. As local farmers, we lacked that much knowledge and awareness. Many farmers feared and doubted their capabilities,” says Tejas.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Aamore-3-1718354958.jpg" alt="The farmers were able to earn up to Rs 1,200 per dozen for their produce." class="wp-image-353077" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Aamore-3-1718354958.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Aamore-3-1718354958-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Aamore-3-1718354958-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Aamore-3-1718354958-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Aamore-3-1718354958-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The farmers were able to earn up to Rs 1,200 per dozen for their produce.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>This is when the farmers sought help from a Bengaluru-based consultation company ‘Krushal’ that helps farmers with a wide range of value chain services.</p> <p>Aakash Kashyap, who works as a consultant with the company, tells <strong>The Better India</strong>, “It is not easy to export Alphonso mangoes as it is a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/349604/how-to-grow-japanese-mango-miyazaki-at-home-in-odisha-engineer-garden-with-rare-flower-fruit-plants-1000-petal-lotus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensitive crop </a>and requires a lot of care to transport. Its shelf life is also extremely short, hardly seven days. As mangoes are perishable, we could not export via sea but only via plane. In the 2024 season, air freight was prohibitively expensive and notoriously unreliable because of the spillover effects of the Red Sea shipping crisis. So the challenges of exporting got multiplied many-fold.”</p> <p>“Besides, one needs a lot of paperwork to be done to export fruits out of the country. While private companies have export experience and, therefore, the ability to manage these complex processes, it was the first time that these small farmers attempted exporting on their own. Exporting was an alien concept for them as they didn’t know who to sell, the payment mechanism, rules and regulations of exports,” he adds.</p> <p>With Krushal’s assistance in securing customer orders, finding airline slots, processing fruit meeting the stringent quality requirements of the export, export processing and documentation, and custom clearance management, farmers have been able to make five to six shipments and exported about 10 tonnes of produce to the United Kingdom, the United States, Kuwait, and other countries.</p> <p>They also launched their website aamore.co.in for online orders.</p> <p>“The result of this effort has been very encouraging, in terms of the level of customer delight and the demand for more shipments from trade partners and consumers alike. The FPC expects to expand its export activities multi-fold in the next year based on the experience gained and the brand traction achieved,” says Aakash.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6f2Z6RR3cN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6f2Z6RR3cN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6f2Z6RR3cN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Aamoré (@aamore.alphonso)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>“This was the first time we sold outside Maharashtra and India,” says Tejas with joy.</p> <p>Without any middleman, the entire money was transferred directly to their bank accounts. “Had it been any private company, the sales would have been distributed in multiple ways,” says Aakash.</p> <p>Collectively, the farmers were able to earn up to Rs 1,200 per dozen for their produce. “Each of us earned at least six times by entering into the export business [from Rs 200 to Rs 1,200]. It was a one-of-a-kind experience for all of us. We also sold 35 tonnes of our produce at Rs 900 per dozen domestically in Delhi, Lucknow, Gurgaon, Bangalore, and Punjab markets,” says Tejas.</p> <p>This year, the farmers tapped into an international customer base and aim to sell 100 tonnes of their produce domestically and internationally next season. “Initially, it was difficult to convince these farmers. But being from the community, I was able to gain their trust, and today, we are happy to have taken this decision. We got timely payments. The onboarding for next season has already started. Seeing our success, more and more farmers are joining us,” he smiles.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat. All photos: Tejas Kawathekar.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"353061";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:7;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:97:"As ‘Ammaji’ In ‘Panchayat’, 75-YO Abha Sharma Shows That Dreams Don’t Have an Age Limit";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:97:"https://thebetterindia.com/353118/panchayat-cast-members-amma-ji-actress-abha-sharma-wins-hearts/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 14 Jun 2024 14:39:47 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8:"Trending";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Abha Sharma";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"ammaji";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"Mumbai";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"Panchayat";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"panchayat web show";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=353118";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:236:"Ever since childhood, Abha Sharma dreamed of becoming an actor. Her family's disapproval led her to pursue a teaching career instead. She started acting at the age of 54, and is winning hearts as 'Ammaji' in the web series 'Panchayat'.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8969:" <p>The saying ‘<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/221305/india-senior-citizens-retired-age-is-just-a-number-inspiring-ana79/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">age is just a number</a>’ is widely known and accepted, and people have proven time and time again that age is, in fact, just a number. </p> <p>Abha Sharma’s life story also shows that there is <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/116770/masters-degree-97-man-proved-age-just-number/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">no right age </a>to live your dreams. Growing up, the 75-year-old only had one dream — to become an actor. </p> <p>However, her parents were strongly against it. Accepting her fate, especially her mother’s disapproval, Abha decided to quit her dream and become a teacher instead. </p> <p>Life took a different turn for Abha when she developed a gum infection and lost her teeth at just 35 years of age. To make things tougher, at 45 years of age, she developed a rare condition that made her limbs shiver.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8KJyobIiiS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8KJyobIiiS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8KJyobIiiS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Better India (@thebetterindia)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>However, nothing reduced the zeal that Abha had for life. At 54, when her mother passed away, she decided to give her <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/video/actor-durgesh-kumars-journey-shows-that-hard-work-triumphs-all-shorts-panchayat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">acting dream</a> another chance. Her journey started at a theatre in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. </p> <p>She was greatly praised for her acting which gave her the confidence to try her luck in Mumbai. She got roles in small ads before bagging the role of ‘<em>Amma Ji</em>’ in the web series, Panchayat. Her role and performance has been greatly appreciated by the audiences.</p> <p>In an interview with <em>The New Indian Express,</em> she said, “If you are passionate about anything, even a little bit, pursue it. I really hope God helps every artist the way he helped me.”</p> <p><em>(Edited by Padmashree Pade)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"353118";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:8;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:104:"‘Ode to My Mom-in-Law’: Woman’s 99% Upcycled Garden Has 300 Plants In Bottles, Utensils & More";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:96:"https://thebetterindia.com/353078/terrace-garden-upcycled-planters-diy-meerut-surbhi-yadav-tips/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 14 Jun 2024 13:58:13 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Sustainability";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"Best from Waste";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"organic farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Terrace Garden";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"upcycled planters";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=353078";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:180:"After her mother-in-law passed away, Surbhi Yadav from Meerut transformed her grief into a thriving terrace garden by repurposing cherished items into planters for over 300 plants.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:23027:" <p>“Why don’t you throw these old/waste items to the <em>kabadiwallah</em>?”</p> <p>This was a statement frequently told to Surbhi Yadav, but it often fell on deaf ears. How does one discard years of memories, carefully preserved by a loved one who passed away too soon? Instead, by <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/352038/how-to-grow-vegetables-at-home-small-garden-balcony-tips-pvc-pipes-chili-coriander-tomato/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reusing these items</a> and bringing them back to life, you not only help the environment but also honour the memory of your loved one.</p> <p>In Surbhi’s case, it was her mother-in-law who passed away during the second wave of COVID-19. She left behind a pall of grief in the life of the Meerut resident, along with a roomful of cherished belongings. Having joined the family just two years before this tragedy, Surbhi and her mother-in-law shared a strong rapport. Their bond was so profound that coping with the loss was particularly difficult for the 30-year-old.</p> <p>After moving from disbelief to despair, which later turned into depression, she began channelling her inner creativity as a coping mechanism. The devoted daughter-in-law found great solace in transforming her mother-in-law’s ancestral bottles, <em>matkas </em>(jars), lanterns, and even a fan into beautiful planters.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-30-1718355959.jpg" alt="Old bottles upcycled by Surbhi" class="wp-image-353092" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-30-1718355959.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-30-1718355959-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-30-1718355959-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-30-1718355959-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-30-1718355959-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Old bottles upcycled by Surbhi</figcaption></figure></div> <p>The logical next step was to add plants to the planters, which kicked off Surbhi’s journey into gardening in April 2023. Today, her thriving terrace garden boasts over 300 plants, with most of the planters made from repurposed materials. To share her tips with the world, Surbhi started a YouTube and Instagram channel called @chalocreativitykaren.</p> <p>Want to breathe life into your house too by making the most out of waste? Read on.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-creative-outlet-for-grief">A creative outlet for grief</h2> <p>Surbhi wasn’t a big gardening enthusiast growing up. It was her husband who introduced her to this world with his small garden. After their marriage, she would watch him tend to the plants. 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flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7lR1Cvv2hK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Surbhi yadav (@chalocreativitykaren)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>“Lack of oxygen was one of the major reasons for my mother-in-law’s death. I wanted to ensure that oxygen levels don’t reduce in our house henceforth. That’s how I started growing plants,” Surbhi tells <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <p>Going through her mother-in-law’s room, she found a ton of items. While everyone wanted to throw it, the young woman would hear none of it. She unleashed her inner Picasso and started making beautiful decorative items and planters using items like paint cans, bottles, lanterns and more.</p> <p>After she had a few planters ready and <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/349834/five-tips-to-grow-fruit-trees-at-home-mango-guava-on-terrace-gardening-indian-flowers-sushma-reddy-bengaluru/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">set them on her terrace</a>, she needed to add plants to them, didn’t she? Clear about doing this on a budget and sustainably, she started her garden using plant cuttings.</p> <p>“I started with a money plant, which is one of the most low-maintenance plants, followed by syngonium and other ornamental plants. As I gained more experience, I moved on to flowers and vegetables,” shares the gardener.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/surbhi-1718356298.jpeg" alt="Surbhi's garden has over 300 plants" class="wp-image-353096" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/surbhi-1718356298.jpeg 1500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/surbhi-1718356298-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/surbhi-1718356298-500x375.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/surbhi-1718356298-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/surbhi-1718356298-150x113.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Surbhi’s garden has over 300 plants</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Over the past year, the terrace has been enveloped in green with over 300 plants — including bougainvillaea, hibiscus, and various species of palms like areca, sago, and doum. These are complemented by succulents that add variety and texture to the garden’s panorama. Through much effort, the garden also boasts vegetables like tomatoes, brinjals, spinach, <em>methi (</em>fenugreek), green beans, and green chillies.</p> <p>This gardener’s approach to creating her lush garden has been rooted in sustainable practices. Besides being propagated from cuttings, making it economically efficient, the 30-year-old proudly shares that nearly 99 percent of her plants are grown in DIY planters or existing ones already at home.</p> <p>The fertility of the soil is maintained through organic methods, such as <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/351690/yash-dayal-sharma-fertile-beeghas-organic-waste-vermicompost-stubble-burning-train-farmers-soil-health/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homemade compost</a>, cow dung manure, and bioenzymes. Only vermicompost is purchased externally. Over the past year, Surbhi has been turning her kitchen waste into compost and making bioenzymes at home.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reuse-beautify-and-plant">Reuse, beautify and plant!</h2> <p>The creative reuse of materials plays a significant role in the aesthetic of this garden. Old lanterns, unused cooking pots, plates and even a hanging fan grill have been repurposed as planters. If they could speak, they would share umpteen stories of the Yadav family.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cvgx-Qpg-Xt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cvgx-Qpg-Xt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cvgx-Qpg-Xt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Surbhi yadav (@chalocreativitykaren)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Surbhi now starts her day early in the morning, spending an hour tending to the garden. After finishing her household chores, she works on creating more planters and spends another hour with the plants in the evening. Her husband, an advocate, supports her in this endeavour, and the two share many happy moments through their shared hobby.</p> <p>The <em>pièce de résistance</em> of the garden is a hanging planter of turtle vine made of 15 plastic bottles and an old fan, which belonged to her mother-in-law. She either turns waste into planters, or decorative figurines — like glass bottles turned into a Rajasthani couple or a tyre that adds much beauty to the wall!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Infographic-website-3-1-1718355279.jpg" alt="How to make DIY hanging planter using an old plastic bottle" class="wp-image-353080" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Infographic-website-3-1-1718355279.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Infographic-website-3-1-1718355279-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Infographic-website-3-1-1718355279-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Infographic-website-3-1-1718355279-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Infographic-website-3-1-1718355279-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p>Surbhi has embraced this endeavour as a therapeutic practice, helping her battle overthinking and depression. Her garden is also a sight for sore eyes! “<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/349257/bengaluru-residents-water-crisis-rainwater-harvesting-gardening-in-summer-rohit-malekar-suma-raj/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gardening got me out of a dark place</a>. I slipped into depression and would spend hours overthinking. My plants pulled me out of it and have made me a happier person,” she shares.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat; Images Courtesy Surbhi Yadav</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"353078";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:9;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:93:"Heatwaves in India: How One Simple Initiative Is Cooling Down Homes for 20,000 Women in Slums";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:119:"https://thebetterindia.com/353012/heatwave-mahila-housing-trust-reflective-solar-paint-ahmedabad-ignas-park-slum-homes/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:01 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"Changemakers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"Ahmedabad";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"Cool Roof";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"cooling techniques";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8:"heatwave";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:20:"Urban Slums in India";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=353012";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:256:"Mahila Housing Trust, an organisation dedicated to assisting women at the grassroots level, is using cool roof technology to help them escape the heat in Ahmedabad. This initiative has made over 20,000 homes cooler and more comfortable during the heatwave.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9997:" <p>“Heat was unbearable,” says Radha, who lives in the Ignas Park <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/100489/ahmedabad-slums-human-research-development-centre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">slum in Ahmedabad,</a> Gujarat. With heatwaves and ever-rising temperatures in the country, many others like Radha have been suffering without adequate ways to cool down. “With high temperatures come huge electricity bills. There is no respite,” she adds.</p> <p>As the temperature rose to 42 degrees in June 2024, the city has been bearing the brunt of the heat. “Since our house is at the corner of the slum where it gets particularly warm, we did not know how to cool it down,” she says.</p> <p>A <em>Financial Express</em> report suggests that “India has seen 16,344 suspected heatstroke cases since 1 March this year, with 486 suspected heatstroke cases on 22 May alone.” Another report in <em>Bloomberg </em>pointed out that in Ahmedabad alone, the city recorded 45 cases of heat strokes last summer with no comprehensive data on heat-related deaths.</p> <p>While home solutions like dampening the curtains of their entrances and throwing water to cool down the roof worked, they all were temporary fixes.</p> <p>Taking the situation into careful consideration, an organisation called Mahila Housing Trust (MHT) came up with a simple solution to the slum’s heat woes. If you now look at the roofs of most of these homes in <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/106622/mahesh-desai-helpline-education-home-ahmedabad/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the slums of Ahmedabad</a> from a bird’s eye view, you will find them all painted in solar reflective white paint so as to cool the indoors.</p> <p>“MHT representatives came to us and told us about the solar reflective white paint. We felt that it was a reasonable thing to do. After painting our roof white, we noticed a significant improvement in the temperature inside our house. It used to be unbearably hot, but now, it feels much more comfortable,” says Radha.</p> <p>“While I am at work, my mother stays at home all day, and she also feels much better now,” she adds with a smile.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helping-slum-dwellers-survive-the-heatwave">Helping slum dwellers survive the heatwave </h2> <p>Bhavna Maheriya, MHT’s programme manager, shares about the living conditions of slum dwellers. “Their main concern at this point is to survive. Even if it is 50 degrees outside and the Government issues warnings of a heatwave, they have to go out and earn their food for the night. Heat action is their last priority,” she says.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/mht-1-1718282529.jpg" alt="The Mahila Housing Trust has helped women in slums bring down the temperatures in their homes. " class="wp-image-353028" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/mht-1-1718282529.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/mht-1-1718282529-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/mht-1-1718282529-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/mht-1-1718282529-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/mht-1-1718282529-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Mahila Housing Trust has helped women in slums bring down the temperatures in their homes. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>When the heat is so much, the rooms heat up too, becoming hotter than outside due to lack of proper ventilation, she shares. “If they can’t take care of the heat, it becomes our duty to do it for them. The trust works in different areas and this is one of the initiatives that we have taken up,” she shares.</p> <p>The project started as a pilot in 2016 when the trust was looking into cheaper and innovative ways of reducing heat. “The organisation has been working in different areas such as pollution, climate change, etc for almost 30 years. In 2010, we started working for efficient energy and helped a lot of rural people in Ahmedabad have legal electricity,” she says.</p> <p>“Earlier they used to get electricity illegally from poles or from someone else’s connection by paying them a small amount. This was illegal and highly dangerous. However, once the people switched to legal connections with authorised metres, the bills started to flow in. Most of the people complained about high electricity bills,” she says. The MHT team inspected the homes of these people and realised that they were using 100-watt bulbs.</p> <p>“In a small home with one or two rooms, high bills are not possible. We noticed that the homes did not have proper ventilation due to shared walls. They have the kitchen in the same rooms, which also contributed to increasing the heat inside the home,” she says.</p> <p>To reduce the heat, people used to run fans and coolers the entire day at full speed, increasing the bill. “This made us realise that changing their bulbs would not solve the problem. We needed a heat action plan,” she says.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/mht-3-1718282525.jpg" alt="The UV reflective paint not only brings down the temperature but also reduces electricity bills due to less usage. " class="wp-image-353026" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/mht-3-1718282525.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/mht-3-1718282525-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/mht-3-1718282525-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/mht-3-1718282525-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/mht-3-1718282525-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The UV reflective paint not only brings down the temperature but also reduces electricity bills due to lesser usage. </figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-ray-of-relief">A ray of relief</h2> <p>Bhavna takes us through the various pilots and schemes it launched before the UV white paint pilot.</p> <p>“We introduced initiatives which modified their roofs. We introduced a fibre sheet roof, placed in a dome style with a <em>jaali </em>structure for ventilation. This not only improved the ventilation but also reduced the heat. This plan became very popular and we installed it in nearly 500 homes. In 2013, we introduced another pilot called modular roofs. The reduction in temperature was five to six degrees but the product needed a lot of modifications in the existing structure,” she says.</p> <p>“We also had pilots like thermocol false ceilings and bamboo ceilings too. It was in 2016 that we introduced the rooftop white paint. The paint reduced the temperature by five to six degrees inside the home,” she adds.</p> <p>Calling it the cool roof technology, she says, “The best thing about this initiative was that the application was very easy. The women could easily source it from us and apply it,” she says. The Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan committee also reached out to us to understand how the cool roof technology works. “They included our cool roof technology in their revised plan,” she says.</p> <p>When the various initiatives are launched, many steps are taken to ensure they benefit the people. “When there are structural changes in the homes of slum dwellers, we give them a 100 percent guarantee that if the technology does not suit them, we will reverse all the changes made to the house,” she adds.</p> <p>Currently, over 20,000 slum homes in Ahmedabad have benefitted from the organisation’s initiative.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/mht-2-1718282527.jpg" alt="The women in slum areas are given proper induction before a project is implemented in their homes. " class="wp-image-353027" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/mht-2-1718282527.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/mht-2-1718282527-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/mht-2-1718282527-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/mht-2-1718282527-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/mht-2-1718282527-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The women in slum areas are given proper induction before a project is implemented in their homes. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>“I learned about this white paint and its benefits during a Community Action Group (CAG) meeting supported by the Mahila Housing Trust (MHT). They gave us a poster that had details about the solar reflective white paint. We understood that it helps reduce the heat inside our houses,” she shares.</p> <p>“Our house doesn’t have proper ventilation. It used to be so hot during the summer that we couldn’t sit inside comfortably. But after we applied the paint on our roof, it feels much better,” says Suman who lived in the Ignas Park slum.</p> <p><em>The trust depends on funds and contributions to continue helping the people living in slums, </em><a href="https://bit.ly/3xicHzY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"><em>here</em></a><em> is how you can help them.</em></p> <p><em>(Edited by Pranita Bhat; All images credit: Mahila Housing Trust) </em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"353012";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:10;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:87:"3 Things The New Govt Must Do to Make Development Sustainable & Work For the Planet";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:116:"https://thebetterindia.com/352906/3-things-the-new-govt-must-do-to-make-development-sustainable-work-for-the-planet/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Thu, 13 Jun 2024 05:10:31 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Sustainability";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"Democracy";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Environment";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"new government";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"save the planet";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:23:"Sustainable development";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352906";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:337:"The new Government must rebuild trust by being tolerant to ideas, opinions and information. It needs to strengthen ground-level institutions because participatory democracy can ensure development delivery. In this age of climate risk, the Government also needs to re-engineer development to make it inclusive, affordable and sustainable.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Sunita Narain";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6673:" <p>The new Government must rebuild trust by being tolerant to ideas, opinions and information. It needs to strengthen ground-level institutions because participatory democracy can ensure development delivery. In this age of climate risk, the Government also needs to re-engineer development to make it inclusive, affordable and sustainable.</p> <p>The agenda for the new Government is the old one, but with a fundamental difference. The fact is that the list of priority action areas remains the same. We have unfinished business when it comes to virtually everything—from energy to water and sanitation to food and nutrition to, of course, health and education. We know that the Government has schemes in place and budgets allocated for all these issues. We also know that ensuring the welfare and well-being of people is a work in progress.</p> <p>During this election, as journalists fanned out to listen to the opinions of voters—perhaps the only time when their opinions count—we heard that unemployment is a major concern; lack of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/335025/clean-drinking-water-from-thin-air-scientists-breakthrough-revolutionises-access-to-pure-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clean drinking water</a> and sanitation tops the agenda; the energy crisis is still wicked as the price of the LPG cylinder is unaffordable and electricity unreliable. Farmers are still distressed. So, a lot of work still needs to be done.</p> <p>This should not come as a surprise. India is a vast country, with a massive deficit in governance. The last mile for any government scheme is about making sure that it reaches people—not once but every time.</p> <p>At the same time, we are seeing the impact of climate change. Our data shows that every day, some or the other part of the country is being battered by at least one extreme weather event. This has huge implications for development programmes—unseasonal and extreme weather lead to more droughts, floods and loss of livelihoods, putting additional strain on the resources of the government. This means that development will need to be more efficient and delivered at scale and speed.</p> <p>But for all this to change and more, the Government’s new agenda and must be different in the following respects.</p> <p>First, it must be based on rebuilding institutions for increased feedback and accountability. Anybody who has a differing perspective is not an enemy of the state. Alternative information is not dissent or targeted criticism of the Government. These sources of news and analysis must be seen as part of the tapestry of development. The more we learn about what is working and what is not, the more governance improves.</p> <p>Currently, most differing voices have been silenced—perhaps not deliberately but through the unsaid that makes it more acceptable to be acceptable if you have things that the powers want to hear. It is like an echo chamber where only cheerleaders thrive. In my view, this only makes a government poorer—they hear nothing and learn little. So, the agenda for the Government is to be open—this is not about inclusion in government committee rooms but in the tolerance of information, ideas and opinions. Rebuilding trust is key—not just for schemes to succeed but also for societies to thrive.</p> <p>Second, we need institutions for new India. Over the past few years, most conventional institutions have been deliberately, or by sheer neglect, allowed to decay. The reason, the Government may tell you, is that these agencies were not doing their jobs well; they needed to go. But the fact is that nothing has been done to replace the key functions that these institutions are required to play.</p> <p>Take the case of agencies set up to control pollution. They have become mute and meaningless. Maybe because when they had power, some indulged in making money from the business of combating pollution. But the fact is that combating pollution needs institutions that can apply deterrence with accountability and have the ability to navigate inconvenient and tough decisions. This is completely missing today. So, it should not surprise us that we have more pollution, not less, all across our rivers and in the air.</p> <p>For this to change, we need two next-generation reforms. One, we need to strengthen the ground-level institutions, where local people take part. We need participatory democracy to make development programmes work. It is now over 30 years since the country passed the 74th and 75th amendments to the Constitution to empower people’s institutions—the Panchayati Raj in rural areas and the municipal system for urban India. We have also experimented with deepening democracy through the strengthening of gram sabhas—village assemblies.</p> <p>But all this is unfinished work. We have much more to do to give control over natural resources to village and City Governments. We need them to manage funds and schemes; to create green jobs; to invest in natural resources for livelihoods. We need to celebrate the noise of democracy.</p> <p>Third, we need imagination in the design of development schemes. For too long, governments have been caught between the welfare approach—which is often dismissed as the handout—and the capitalistic minimum approach. In my view, this <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/328522/how-nature-based-solutions-can-help-build-climate-change-resilience-wri-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">age of climate risk</a> needs a new narrative.</p> <p>The Government needs to rework and re-engineer development so that it is inclusive, affordable and, thus, sustainable. This means reimagining the way we work in almost every sphere—from the supply of clean water, so that it is not resource- or capital-intensive, to the access to energy so that it is clean but, most importantly, affordable. This will require changes in design and then in delivery.</p> <p>We need a new development paradigm that can work for the Planet, but for this, it needs to work for every last person. This, then, is where we need the focus and attention of the old-new Government. This is our common agenda.</p> <p><em>This article was originally published by <a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/world-environment-day-2024-india-needs-new-imagination-in-design-of-its-development-schemes-says-sunita-narain-96525" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">@down2earthindia</a>. Published by The Better India with permission.</em></p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat; Image courtesy: @down2earthindia</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352906";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:11;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:75:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:105:"Real Story Behind Netflix’s ‘Maharaj’: When a Reporter Took On a ‘Messiah’ To Uncover the Truth";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:123:"https://thebetterindia.com/352892/inspiration-behind-netflix-film-karsandas-mulji-maharaj-libel-case-real-story-journalist/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Wed, 12 Jun 2024 14:52:38 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:7:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"History";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"Bombay High Court";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"bombay history";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"maharaj";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"maharaj libel case";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"messiah";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"netflix movie";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352892";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:242:"Netflix’s upcoming period drama ‘Maharaj’ is based on the real-life 1862 Maharaj Libel Case, where journalist Karsandas Mulji exposed the alleged sexual misconduct of a religious leader. Here’s how Karsandas won the sensational trial.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12481:" <p>A high-tension courtroom filled to the brim with onlookers keenly observing every move of the judges. The key players are a journalist and a renowned godman facing allegations of sexual assault. Sounds like a thriller, right? What if we told you this actually happened in the 1800s?</p> <p>Filmmaker Siddharth P Malhotra’s upcoming <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/289718/what-to-watch-on-netflix-amazon-prime-sony-liv-latest-release/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">period drama on Netflix</a> called ‘Maharaj’ — Starring Junaid Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sharvari Wagh, and Shalini Pandey — is based on a similar incident.</p> <p>Centred on the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862 in the Bombay High Court, the film highlights the efforts of real-life journalist Karsandas Mulji to expose the alleged sexual misconduct of religious leader Jadunathji Brijratanji Maharaj.</p> <p>Judge Joseph Arnould ruled in favour of Karsandas, making it sensational news at the time. In the words of Arnould, “A public journalist is a public teacher: the true function of the press, that by virtue of which it has rightly grown to be one of the great powers of the modern world—is the function of teaching, elevating and enlightening those who fall within the range of its influence.”</p> <p>So who was this brave journalist, and why did he involve <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/235308/supreme-court-daughters-sons-equal-right-property-coparcener-mishra-mary-roy-arundhati-educationist-hindu-succession-act-vid01/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">himself in a legal battle </a>against the ‘Maharaj’ — here is a bite of history.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-public-servant">A public servant</h2> <p>Born in Mumbai in 1832 to a family of the Kapol Caste, a trading caste of Western India, Karsandas was always dedicated to public service. He was an active member of the Gujarati Gnanprasarak Mandalli (Gujarati Society for the Spread of Knowledge), founded by the Students’ Society of Elphinstone College. Among his classmates were prominent reformers such as poet Narmad and educationist Mahipatram Neelkanth.</p> <p>According to an article by <em>The Print</em>, “In 1851, he penned an essay for a literary competition, advocating for widow remarriage. When the news reached Karsandas’ elderly aunt, who had cared for him following his mother’s death, she promptly evicted him from her home. At the time, Karsandas was married.”</p> <p>However, neither society nor familial pressure could stop Karsandas from following his journalistic instincts. Wanting to be more free with his writing and ideas, he decided to start his own magazine.</p> <p>With the help of some friends, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/171267/madurai-gandhi-iconic-dress-loincloth-freedom-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he started a Gujarati weekly </a>in around 1855 called <em>Satyaprakash </em>to further his work of social interest. The weekly magazine was known for boldly confronting outdated Indian traditions and societal evils.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="561" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-12-184745-2-1718203040-500x561.jpg" alt="Netflix Film Maharaj" class="wp-image-352922" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-12-184745-2-1718203040-500x561.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-12-184745-2-1718203040-268x300.jpg 268w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-12-184745-2-1718203040-150x168.jpg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-12-184745-2-1718203040.jpg 504w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Netflix Film Maharaj</figcaption></figure></div> <p>According to a report by <em>Indianliberals.in</em>, “The paper had a meagre subscription of 500, yet its impact on Bombay’s conservative Gujarati Hindu community can’t be overstated. In the 1850s, he went on to edit a series of newspapers.”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pushtimarg-sect-and-maharaj-s-role">The Pushtimarg sect and Maharaj’s role</h2> <p>Karsandas was a follower of the Pushtimarg sect, founded by Vallabhacharya in the 16th century, a prominent Hindu devotional sect in western India. By the 19th century, Pushtimarg had amassed significant wealth and influence, with its spiritual leaders, known as Maharajs, wielding considerable power over their followers. These leaders were revered as living incarnations of Krishna and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle supported by the donations of devotees.</p> <p>However, the Maharajas often faced allegations of sexual impropriety and corruption, leading to a growing rift between traditionalists and reform-minded individuals by the late 1800s.</p> <p>He himself also started to question the viability of the faith through his writings. In 1861, he published an article titled <em>Hinduono Asal Dharma ane Haalna Pakhandi Mato</em> (The Primitive Religion of the Hindus and the Present Heterodox Opinions), which delivered the heaviest blow on the Maharaj.</p> <p>Among other charges, it accused them of having sexual alliances with their female devotees. <em>The Print</em> report states, “It led to the Maharaj filing the famous libel case in the Bombay court; it was called the “greatest trial of modern times since the <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057/9780230306004_2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">trial of Warren Hastings</a>.”</p> <p>A paper posted by <em>The University of Toronto</em> said, “The article in question not only denounced the Pushtimarg as heterodox, a latter-day corruption of the original Vedic religion; it also specifically accused Jadunathji of imposing himself sexually on his female devotees.”</p> <p>Jadunathji Brijratanji Maharaj filed a lawsuit worth Rs 50,000 against Karsandas for harming his reputation.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-historic-ruling">A historic ruling</h2> <p>Maharaj might have hoped that the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/159978/abortion-india-rules-how-to-news/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bombay Supreme Court </a>would clear his “good name”, but he was sorely mistaken.</p> <p>The trial of the case in the Supreme Court was held before a full court, presided over by Chief Justice Mathew Sausse and Joseph Arnould. The case attracted significant interest from the press, and thousands of members of the public attended the court proceedings.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-14-1718203149.jpg" alt=" Karsandas Mulji " class="wp-image-352925" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-14-1718203149.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-14-1718203149-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-14-1718203149-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-14-1718203149-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-14-1718203149-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> Karsandas Mulji </figcaption></figure></div> <p>Karsandas who belonged to the same community faced a lot of pressure and was threatened to be excommunicated. “Thirty-one witnesses for the plaintiff and thirty-three witnesses for the defendants were examined; Jadunath Maharaj was brought to court, which ultimately dismissed his defamation charges,” said <em>The Print</em> report.</p> <p>During the trial, the sect’s philosophies were examined and compared with other Hindu texts by missionary orientalist scholars and philosophers like John Wilson. Doctors, including Bhau Daji who was a known Indian physician, Sanskrit scholar and an antiquarian, testified that they had treated the religious leader for syphilis, and several witnesses recounted his erotic escapades.</p> <p>The trial featured dramatic testimonies from various witnesses, including women who claimed to have been exploited by the Maharaj. These testimonies were crucial in substantiating Karsandas’ allegations and painted a stark picture of the abuses of power within the sect.</p> <p>The case came to a close on 22 April, 1862, with a judgment in favour of Karsandas Mulji. The court awarded him Rs 11,500, as he had to bear a total expenditure of Rs 14,000 during the trial.</p> <p>Closing the case Judge Arnould stated: “It is not a question of theology that has been before us! It is a question of morality. The principle for which the defendant and his witnesses have been contending is simply this: That what is morally wrong cannot be theologically right.”</p> <p>Karsandas passed away in 1871 and is remembered fondly as the social reformer-journalist for his journalistic work.</p> <p><em>(Edited by Padmashree Pande & Pranita Bhat)</em></p> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-sources"><strong><em>Sources:</em></strong></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-h-ow-to-defame-a-god-public-selfhood-in-the-maharaj-libel-case-by-j-barton-scott-published-on-18-august-2015"><em><strong><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00856401.2015.1050161?scroll=top&needAccess=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">H</a></strong><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00856401.2015.1050161?scroll=top&needAccess=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">ow to Defame a God: Public Selfhood in the Maharaj Libel Case: </a>by J Barton Scott, Published on 18 August 2015</em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-the-long-history-of-priestly-debauchery-by-anu-kumar-published-on-9-september-2017"><em><a href="https://www.epw.in/journal/2017/36/postscript/long-history-priestly-debauchery.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">The Long History of Priestly Debauchery: </a>By Anu Kumar, Published on 9 September 2017</em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-karsandas-mulji-the-forgotten-indian-luther-by-indian-liberals-published-on-23-july-2021"><em><a href="https://indianliberals.in/content/karsandas-mulji-the-forgotten-indian-luther/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">KARSANDAS MULJI – THE FORGOTTEN ‘INDIAN LUTHER’: </a>By Indian Liberals, Published on 23 July 2021</em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-karsandas-mulji-led-amp-won-the-most-famous-fight-against-gujarati-vaishnavite-leaders-in-1862-by-urvish-kothari-published-on-31-october-2023"><em><a href="https://theprint.in/opinion/gujarat-giants/karsandas-mulji-led-won-the-most-famous-fight-against-gujarati-vaishnavite-leaders-in-1862/1825216/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Karsandas Mulji led & won the most famous fight against Gujarati Vaishnavite leaders in 1862: </a>By Urvish Kothari, Published on 31 October, 2023</em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-netflix-amp-yrf-s-maharaj-promises-an-intriguing-tale-uncovering-the-truths-of-pre-independence-india-by-reema-chhabda-published-on-29-february-2024"><em><a href="https://www.ottplay.com/news/netflix-yrfs-maharaj-promises-an-intriguing-tale-uncovering-the-truths-of-pre-independence-india/63f051fd31830">Netflix & YRF’s Maharaj promises an intriguing tale uncovering the truths of pre-Independence India!</a>: By Reema Chhabda, Published on 29 February 2024</em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-luther-in-the-tropics-karsandas-mulji-and-the-colonial-reformation-of-hinduism-by-j-barton-scott-published-in-2015"><em><a href="https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/95442/4/2015-Scott-Luther_in_the_Tropics.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Luther in the Tropics: Karsandas Mulji and the Colonial ‘Reformation’ of Hinduism:</a> By J. Barton Scott, Published in 2015</em></h5> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352892";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:12;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:78:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:99:"Meet the Sarpanch of a Solar Village That Earns Lakhs by Composting & Has Won 5 National Awards";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:108:"https://thebetterindia.com/352853/gadge-meenakshi-mukhra-ecovillage-telangana-solar-power-plantation-drives/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Wed, 12 Jun 2024 14:29:57 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:8:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"Changemakers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"ApnaGharSolar";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"Innovation";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"sarpanch stories";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"solar power";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"solar square";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"sustainability";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"villages in India";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352853";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:178:"Gadge Meenakshi's efforts led to Mukhra village in Telangana being open defecation-free, solar-powered, and an oasis of greenery. How did she make it happen? The sarpanch shares.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Krystelle Dsouza";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10564:" <p><em>This June, check out our #ApnaGharSolar series, an exclusive deep dive by The Better India in collaboration with <a href="https://www.solarsquare.in/?utm_source=socialmedia&utm_medium=ad&utm_campaign=TheBetterIndia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">SolarSquare</a> on India’s solar power boom. Stay tuned for more interesting stories, data and information!</em></p> <p>Sarpanch Gadge Meenakshi’s journey is a testament to finding a window of opportunity in adversity. The head of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/343498/model-village-mukhra-k-telangana-was-transformed-by-sarpanch-meenakshi-gadge-womens-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">model village Mukhra</a> in Telangana has committed her tenure as <em>sarpanch</em> to transforming this rural heartland into one booming with potential. As someone who grew up in this village, Meenakshi observed the harsh realities from a young age.</p> <p>In a previous interview with <strong>The Better India</strong>, she articulated this, highlighting the poor drainage system — “Often, drains would overflow on the pathways, making it difficult to move about. This would also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes”, lack of educational facilities — “I had to travel 11 km daily to school”, and the problem of doctors leaving the village due to poor healthcare infrastructure.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/telangana-village-3-1709127524-1718197107.jpg" alt="Solar panels on every rooftop in Mukhra village ensure light in every school and on every street" class="wp-image-352855" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/telangana-village-3-1709127524-1718197107.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/telangana-village-3-1709127524-1718197107-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/telangana-village-3-1709127524-1718197107-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/telangana-village-3-1709127524-1718197107-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/telangana-village-3-1709127524-1718197107-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Solar panels on every rooftop in Mukhra village ensure light in every school and on every street, Picture source: Meenakshi</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Complaints of the villagers would fall on deaf ears.</p> <p>So, when Meenakshi was elected as <em>sarpanch</em> in 2019, she decided to flip the script. Her efforts were directed towards <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/217076/uttar-pradesh-woman-sanitation-revolution-toilet-ek-prem-katha-india-say143/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eradicating open defecation</a>, constructing soak pits in every house to prevent water leakage, and keep mosquitoes at bay, turning wet waste into vermicompost — the sale of which is earning the village lakhs — and installing rooftop solar panels.</p> <p>Not only does Mukhra generate zero electricity bills, but it has also bagged five national awards and recognition from President Droupadi Murmu.</p> <p>But as Meenakshi emphasises, it all began with a dream to see her village do better.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-here-s-her-story">Here’s her story:</h2> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C78j6Erhb8G/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C78j6Erhb8G/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Better India (@thebetterindia)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352853";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:13;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:78:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:106:"‘Took a Year & Many Lawyers’: A Gay Couple’s Road to Adopting Their Son & Living Their Dream";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:127:"https://thebetterindia.com/352820/fathers-day-gay-couple-adoption-srivatsan-saravanan-sendhan-canada-chennai-lgbtq-pride-month/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Wed, 12 Jun 2024 14:20:36 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:8:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Culture";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"adopt a child";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8:"Adoption";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"child adoption";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"gay adoption";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"gay couple";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"gay fathers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"pride month";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352820";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:179:"Srivatsan’s journey from Chennai to Toronto to find acceptance, find his partner Saravanan, and adopt their son Sendhan, highlights their struggles and triumphs as a gay couple.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15301:" <p><em>Trigger warning: Mentions of suicide</em></p> <p>“Papa, can a boy and boy get married?”</p> <p>“Yes, of course! Daddy and I are married.”</p> <p>“How about a girl and girl?”</p> <p>“Yes.”</p> <p>“Do you both love each other?”</p> <p>Srivatsan looked through the rear-view mirror in the car at his husband Saravanan, and said a resounding “yes”, as did Saravanan.</p> <p>“I’m glad you both are married,” said their son Sendhan.</p> <p>This seemingly nonchalant conversation was the only one that six-year-old Sendhan needed, to understand the relationship <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/337564/free-tiffin-service-meals-for-senior-citizens-rakesh-panchal-gujarat-donate-now/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">between his fathers</a>. There were no follow-up questions!</p> <p>“Kids don’t have inhibitions and they are not judgemental. Sendhan accepted us with open arms. He even painted a rock with the words, ‘My dads rock’, and presented it to us,” Srivatsan, based out of Toronto, Canada, tells <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <p>Anecdotes like this make one wish that adults, too, were as simple as children and understood that it’s completely okay for two men or two women to fall in love with each other. Wouldn’t life be much simpler if adults started thinking the way children do? It would have definitely made the lives of these two men easier as they embarked on a journey from Chennai to Singapore, finally settling in Toronto in search of a society that accepts them for who they are.</p> <p>It would have also made it easier for them or any other gay couple who wishes to adopt a child from India. But this couple wasn’t going to let any challenges deter them from living their best lives and adopting their son, who they now call “the light of their lives”.</p> <p>Srivatsan and Saravanan went through a year-long process and spent over 60,000 Canadian dollars to legally adopt Sendhan as their son.</p> <p>What was the journey like for 45-year-old Srivatsan? How did he come to terms with being gay and navigating life when his parents wanted him to marry a girl, no matter what? From trying to take his own life to being out and proud, here’s his incredible story.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choosing-myself-helped-me">‘Choosing myself helped me’</h2> <p>From his early childhood, Srivatsan knew that he was different. He felt more comfortable with his cousin sisters than his brothers. His first crush was on a blue-eyed boy with curly hair.<strong> </strong>“I hated playing cricket in the hot sun, especially fielding; this was my first clue. Also I just always knew that there was something different about me. I couldn’t relate to the boys in class and over time, I understood that <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/294409/i-am-gay-brothers-ashish-vishesh-chopra-coming-out-story-raksha-bandhan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">I was gay</a>,” explains Srivatsan.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1195" height="1600" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri3-1718194184.jpeg" alt="Srivatsan and Saravanan met in Singapore" class="wp-image-352845" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri3-1718194184.jpeg 1195w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri3-1718194184-224x300.jpeg 224w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri3-1718194184-500x669.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri3-1718194184-768x1028.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri3-1718194184-1147x1536.jpeg 1147w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri3-1718194184-150x201.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1195px) 100vw, 1195px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Srivatsan and Saravanan met in Singapore.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>This was a time before the advent of social media and phones and a thriving LQBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community in India. The young boy had no one to turn to understand how he felt and share his feelings with. The absence of someone who was openly gay cost Srivatsan a lot of pain in his 20s.</p> <p>The first time Srivatsan shared his sexuality with someone, all hell broke loose. Turns out that the person he shared it with was his father’s friend who violated Srivatsan’s trust by blurting out the information to his father.</p> <p>“My father is a priest and tried to do conversion therapy on me. They sent me to an uncle’s place and made me do some religious activities in the hope that I would ‘change’. It was a very low point in my life. I was denied everything I liked, even books,” shares Srivatsan.</p> <p>His parents refused to talk to him and were “ashamed” of what he had become, he adds. The only way out, they told him, was to marry a girl. To gain his parents’ acceptance and be a “good son”, Srivatsan even tried that.</p> <p>“I wanted my parents to accept me. I went the whole nine yards and even saw a girl my parents had chosen. They felt that once I got married to a girl, everything would be okay,” adds the digital solutions consultant.</p> <p>Yet, even though he wanted to make his parents happy, he realised that it couldn’t be done at the cost of his own happiness. He was torn between being true to himself and submitting to his parent’s expectations.</p> <p>Despite trying his level best to conform to the standards set by society and his parents, he couldn’t live a lie. At his lowest, he tried taking his own life. “I tried ending my life to avoid bringing shame to the family. It took me 48 pills to understand that I too am important in this world. Dying, in a way, helped me understand about living. I too deserved to live,” he says emphatically.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="702" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri1-1718194177-500x702.jpeg" alt="The couple with their son and two dogs" class="wp-image-352843" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri1-1718194177-500x702.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri1-1718194177-214x300.jpeg 214w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri1-1718194177-768x1078.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri1-1718194177-1094x1536.jpeg 1094w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri1-1718194177-150x211.jpeg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri1-1718194177.jpeg 1118w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The couple with their son and two dogs.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>After he chose himself and his mental health over conforming to his parent’s wishes, Srivatsan moved to Singapore when he was 26. It was here that he found himself in the truest sense. Through allies, he learnt to be <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/276039/india-first-gay-wedding-in-telangana-homosexuality-dating-love/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comfortable with himself</a> and love himself.</p> <p>“The person I am today is an output of the many challenging times that I faced. If I had somebody like me growing up to tell me that it is okay and normal to have feelings for a person of the same sex, I would have saved myself many years and all the heartbreaks,” says Srivatsan.</p> <p>It was here that almost a decade ago, he met his boyfriend and now husband, Saravanan.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-today-i-am-a-proud-brown-gay-man">‘Today, I am a proud, brown, gay man’</h2> <p>Srivatsan and Saravanan, who also hails from Chennai, met through a dating site in Singapore.</p> <p>While Saravanan was serious from the get-go, Srivatsan didn’t know that he had found ‘the one’ right at the beginning. The 39-year-old fire protection systems designer fell in love at the end of their first date. </p> <p>They found comfort in each other and eased into the relationship. While Srivatsan was “out and proud” to his family, Saravanan hadn’t come out yet.</p> <p>“To build a long-term relationship, I wanted him to come out to his family, which he did. His sister was incredibly supportive of our relationship. Our relationship naturally progressed to where it is today. I’m very grateful to have him in my life,” shares Srivatsan.</p> <p>They moved to Canada in 2018 and got married in May of the same year. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="671" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-23-at-20.19.00-1718194186-500x671.jpeg" alt="The couple got married in 2018" class="wp-image-352846" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-23-at-20.19.00-1718194186-500x671.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-23-at-20.19.00-1718194186-224x300.jpeg 224w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-23-at-20.19.00-1718194186-768x1030.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-23-at-20.19.00-1718194186-1145x1536.jpeg 1145w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-23-at-20.19.00-1718194186-150x201.jpeg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-23-at-20.19.00-1718194186.jpeg 1193w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The couple got married in 2018.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>What made the couple happiest was the presence of a few members of their family at their wedding. Srivatsan’s mother walked him down the aisle, finally accepting her son for who he is.</p> <p>The next few years were a whirlwind of happiness for the couple as they enjoyed wedded bliss. They soon adopted two dogs and considered adding a child to their family. During the same time, they found out about an accidental pregnancy of a relative in India.</p> <p>“The relative was 40 at the time and already had four children. She found out very late in the pregnancy. We decided to adopt her child,” shares Srivatsan.</p> <p>The adoption process was far from smooth for the couple. Since gay marriage is not legal in India, they had to adopt Sendhan through the Canadian legal system. They first brought Sendhan to Canada a few months before his fifth birthday in 2022.</p> <p>“The process was complicated because our son is an Indian citizen while I am a Canadian citizen and my husband is on his way to becoming one. We brought our son here and then started the process of adoption,” shares Srivatsan.</p> <p>It took more than a year, a lot of lawyers, and over 60,000 Canadian dollars before the adoption was legally processed. Yet, everything was worth it as they became parents to a beautiful, inquisitive, loving child, they share.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeing-life-in-a-new-light">Seeing life in a new light</h2> <p>Being a parent has been one of the most rewarding experiences, shares Srivatsan. Sendhan came to them when he was five and took some time to adjust to the new environment. He was also one of the only brown children in a predominantly white neighbourhood.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="667" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri2-1718194181-500x667.jpeg" alt="Srivatsan and Saravanan" class="wp-image-352844" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri2-1718194181-500x667.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri2-1718194181-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri2-1718194181-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri2-1718194181-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri2-1718194181-640x853.jpeg 640w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri2-1718194181-150x200.jpeg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/sri2-1718194181.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Srivatsan and Saravanan</figcaption></figure></div> <p>“He took some time to adjust as everyone around him spoke a different language, had different food habits, and a different skin tone. The journey was bumpy and we helped him by taking him on playdates and explaining that we all come from diverse backgrounds,” shares Srivatsan.</p> <p>Having this small human run around the house asking questions was fun for the new parents. They were also clear about explaining their sexuality and the fact that Sendhan was adopted by them. In a few months, he became comfortable in the new country and also with his ‘papa’ and ‘daddy’, as he calls his fathers.</p> <p>“We’ve messed up so many times but that’s one of the most beautiful things about being a parent. We are learning alongside our son. To be able to see the world through my son’s eyes is a privilege,” adds the 45-year-old.</p> <p>The parents enjoy taking a breather from their work to sit and play with crayons and legos and watch the world slow down as they immerse themselves into a six-year-old’s world. “How amazing and simple is the life of a child! All he cares about is playing, chasing butterflies and building sand castles at the beach. Being a parent is truly one of the most fantastic things in the world. I’m glad I got this opportunity and I am very happy,” he shares.</p> <p>He is also certain that his son will be raised gently and provided space to be who he is and not be pressured to conform to societal standards.</p> <p>To <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/334356/sadam-hanjabam-lgbtq-rights-manipur-queer-community-survive-drug-overdose-ya-all-rainbow-rishta-amazon-prime/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">every LGBTQ person</a>, Srivatsan has one message: “Your life is worth living and your happiness is worth being pursued.”</p> <p>He adds that while the journey is hard, it is worth it. “First things first, if you are in an environment that is not safe, don’t shout out from the rooftops. Get to a safe space and city, educate yourself, and find a supportive community. The gay world has evolved today and there are communities in different cities. Contact them and seek help. The first instinct should be to protect yourself,” shares Srivatsan.</p> <p><em>For anyone who needs help or guidance, Srivatsan can be contacted on </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/outrageously_me_/"><em>outrageously_me_</em></a><em> on Instagram.</em></p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat, Images Courtesy Srivatsan</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352820";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:14;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:78:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:99:"Tata to Britannia: Stanford Grad & Her Dad Help Industry Giants Treat 90 Mn Litres of 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Paani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"IIT-Delhi";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:22:"Sewage Treatment Plant";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"Stanford University";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:3:"STP";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:20:"wastewater treatment";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352664";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:268:"Mansi Jain, a graduate of environmental economics from Stanford University and her father Rajesh Jain, a product of IIT-Delhi, founded their startup Digital Paani to help industries and residential societies treat their wastewater more efficiently and at a lower cost.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:22:"Rinchen Norbu Wangchuk";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19538:" <p>After graduating from the prestigious <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/242789/kashmir-loc-poonch-district-shakeel-ahmed-stanford-university-rankings-iit-professor-chemistry-india-nor41/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> in 2019 with a degree in environmental economics, Mansi Jain returned to India to uncover opportunities in this space that could be transformative from both a problem-solving and entrepreneurial perspective.</p> <p>She didn’t have to look any further than her father Rajesh Jain, a graduate of chemical engineering from the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/329864/iit-delhi-grads-siddhant-jain-vibhav-sinha-founded-vdocipher-data-encryption-video-piracy-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi</a>, who had spent the last 25 years in the water and energy industry developing hundreds of water treatment facilities across India.</p> <p>Speaking to <strong>The Better India</strong>, Mansi recalls, “Incidentally, my father had been an engineer in the water and energy industry for over 25 years, and designed as well as operated over 400 wastewater treatment facilities in India with the consistent takeaway that 75% of these facilities failed operationally even though they were key to the local water ecosystem.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1079" height="720" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Digital-Paani-2-1718112270.jpg" alt="Water treatment by Digital Paani" class="wp-image-352673" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Digital-Paani-2-1718112270.jpg 1079w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Digital-Paani-2-1718112270-300x200.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Digital-Paani-2-1718112270-500x334.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Digital-Paani-2-1718112270-768x512.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Digital-Paani-2-1718112270-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1079px) 100vw, 1079px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Managing Water Treatment Infrastructure: Mansi Jain, co-founder of Digital Paani</figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-but-why-do-these-facilities-fail">But why do these facilities fail?</h2> <p>According to Mansi, most of these plants don’t work in the long run for a variety of reasons including biological disturbance, equipment failure like burnt pumps, or the choking of membrane filters that act as a barrier to separate contaminants from the water.</p> <p>So, is there a way for these plants to anticipate these problems and fix them in advance to improve their efficiency and longevity? Suffice it to say that there are a variety of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/topics/startup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indian startups</a> today that are developing technological solutions for wastewater management.</p> <p>“India has about 90,000 installed wastewater treatment plants. But today 95% of the market is managed entirely manually by deploying operators in each plant. This has several drawbacks; problems are detected about three weeks late after breakdowns and operators lack the expertise to tackle problems. Other technologies in the market only make dents in part of the problem; they only monitor data or automate the key equipment like pumps,” she says.</p> <p>After months of brainstorming to understand how they can solve this problem in a scalable manner, they started Digital Paani in end 2020, piloted an IoT-enabled software that manages end-to-end operations of a water treatment plant, and saw “incredible results”. </p> <p>Digital Paani is helping buildings and industries move towards water neutrality and reduce water losses across their campus. To do this, Digital Paani works in a stepwise manner:</p> <p>1) Maximise recycling by ensuring wastewater infrastructure is working well. </p> <p>2) Helping industries and residential societies do water accounting real-time, know where they are having water losses, and provide roadmaps to reduce those losses. </p> <p>3) Actually reducing those losses by providing operational excellence and management through technology for key assets contributing to water losses such as cooling towers.</p> <p>In other words, Digital Paani is a water management platform that tracks and manages a water treatment plant’s health and performs tasks like equipment automation, providing WhatsApp updates to users, and guiding process management. </p> <p>By offering real-time insights, complete control, and 24/7 management with actionable recommendations, they drive operational excellence for sustainable water management.</p> <p>As Mansi explains, “Think of our platform as a doctor for water infrastructure, telling buildings what’s wrong with their infrastructure and what it needs, as well as providing the medicine to fix it, whether it’s directing technicians on <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/344518/find-missing-children-raju-nepali-duars-express-mail-ngo-rescues-trafficked-children-counselling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WhatsApp</a> about the right amount of chemical dosage required, automating equipment to function properly or directing operators on the best next steps. Through our work, we help clients save crores in fines, but more importantly, they recycle their wastewater — 90 million litres of wastewater is treated daily at plants associated with us.”</p> <p>At present, over 40 industry giants, including Tata Power, Delhi Jal Board, Britannia, and Leela Hotels, are using the Gurugram-based startup’s technology.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="944" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Snapinsta.app_434552169_933189761637726_8367049811662365564_n_1080-1718112498.jpg" alt="How do you treat water Digital Paani style?" class="wp-image-352678" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Snapinsta.app_434552169_933189761637726_8367049811662365564_n_1080-1718112498.jpg 1080w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Snapinsta.app_434552169_933189761637726_8367049811662365564_n_1080-1718112498-300x262.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Snapinsta.app_434552169_933189761637726_8367049811662365564_n_1080-1718112498-500x437.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Snapinsta.app_434552169_933189761637726_8367049811662365564_n_1080-1718112498-768x671.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Snapinsta.app_434552169_933189761637726_8367049811662365564_n_1080-1718112498-150x131.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Understanding the elements that Digital Paani works with to address their water treatment needs.</figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-business-and-product-innovation">Unlocking business and product innovation</h2> <p>“Once we log in design inputs about the infrastructure into our software, we create standard operating procedures for operating the plant in real-time. Our client can visualise the asset (wastewater treatment plant) and can gauge its analytics from how much wastewater is getting treated to the quality of treatment being achieved and whether the equipment is functioning properly or not,” said Mansi during an episode of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3moOD09wNk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Shark Tank India</a> in April 2024.</p> <p>“In other words, the client has a complete online software before them to visualise their asset. If there is a problem inside the plant, our software can assess and interpret data using AI to detect it. The best part is that clients don’t even have to be on our software to manage these issues. Management actions are happening automatically, whether through equipment control or by telling operators directly what to do. Clients just receive alert notifications on their WhatsApp number to make things easy,” she added.</p> <p>Their product innovation, Mansi argues, also allows them to unlock business model innovation. “Instead of becoming an add-on cost for facilities like our competitors, we can de-risk adoption and offer guaranteed savings through two models which no one else in the market can do,” says Mansi, speaking to The Better India.</p> <p>“First, we enable plant owners to manage plants using their under-utilised staff like electricians with our system and team’s remote management rather than outsourcing operations for lack of expertise. This allows them to save up to 66% of operating costs,” she adds.</p> <p>Second, as Rajesh notes, “We take the entire operations contract of a facility and allow service provider partners that provide physical services like operators onsite to manage clusters of plants as a fleet with a small common workforce rather than individual deployments.”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-digital-paani-work">How does Digital Paani work?</h2> <p>Digital Paani “integrates every aspect of wastewater treatment operations and scales the expertise needed to handle facilities” in three steps.</p> <p>1) First, it ‘knows’ the needs of the plants by determining how each facility should operate given its unique physical configuration and needs. “We do this by doing a design assessment of each facility on our software as well as capturing operations information from each unit operation in a facility. This data spans a wide range, from using computer vision to look at biological process health, to looking at electrical data, energy data, pressure, vibration, flow, etc,” says Mansi.</p> <p>2) Second, it ‘tells’ the need to the relevant stakeholders by offering complete visibility through WhatsApp and live dashboards.</p> <p>3) Finally, it ‘solves’ the need by executing the required actions directly through automated workflows, whether it is training onsite teams, guiding their daily workflow and validating their work or managing the physical operation of equipment through our in-platform automation manager. When things start going wrong, it uses data streams from onsite sensors and electrical panels to diagnose the root cause of the issue and drive issue closure.</p> <p>“We even recommend operational and physical improvements. This approach has transformed defunct facilities while reducing their costs by up to 66%,” claims Rajesh.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Digital-Paani-Worker-and-Software-1718112556.jpg" alt="Here's how you can do water treatment with Digital Paani" class="wp-image-352680" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Digital-Paani-Worker-and-Software-1718112556.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Digital-Paani-Worker-and-Software-1718112556-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Digital-Paani-Worker-and-Software-1718112556-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Digital-Paani-Worker-and-Software-1718112556-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Digital-Paani-Worker-and-Software-1718112556-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Digital Paani looks to understand the physical water treatment infrastructure and develops unique tools to manage it.</figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-industry-giants-use-digital-paani">How do industry giants use Digital Paani?</h2> <p>Mansi argues that every building and factory can rely on local and renewable wastewater for up to 90% of their water needs, a vital response to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/346640/bengaluru-water-scarcity-crisis-solutions-lake-revival-open-wells-rainwater-harvesting-treated-wastewater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growing water scarcity</a> amid climate change. Unfortunately, as she stated earlier in this article, about 75% of treatment facilities end up dysfunctional because operations are manual and reactive, and the expertise and skills needed to manage such complex operations don’t exist at the ground level.</p> <p>“We’re solving the above issue by reimagining this industry through Digital Paani, which effectively scales the needed technical expertise to drive operational excellence in facilities. This results in the transformation of non or low-functioning plants to high-quality, compliant units treating 100% of water to high-water-quality standards, all while reducing operating costs by up to 30%. Many of our customers have been able to reduce breakdowns significantly (up to 85%) and reduce energy consumption in the range of 20 to 35%,” she claims. </p> <p>“Most importantly, they can now confidently reuse this water; many of our customers have gone from reusing 45% of their water on average to around 80%. This is why major players in the industry are adopting our technology,” she adds.</p> <p>Moreover, as Mansi notes, the ease of integrating Digital Paani, which functions on a plug-and-play model, “further enhances its appeal”. Treatment facilities of any size and type can be installed in three straightforward steps:</p> <p>1) Site survey</p> <p>2) [Parallel] Any IoT deployment needed on the ground</p> <p>3) [Parallel] Plant onboarding onto our software</p> <p>“This whole process only takes 30 to 45 days,” she says.</p> <p>Besides industries, Digital Paani has also made forays into the residential sector.</p> <p>“We provide continuous expertise for regular operations as well as guidance on the needed retrofits so that they can get their STP completely streamlined and treat and reuse their water. We have converted many residential STPs from dysfunctional to reusing 70% of water in flushing, horticulture, and more. Many customers used to receive notices and fines from the Pollution Control Board earlier because they were unable to manage their operations, and we have solved that for good,” she claims.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptable-to-different-environments">Adaptable to different environments</h2> <p>“Our software is highly flexible, featuring comprehensive configuration panels that simplify the integration of plants of different sizes and technologies. On the backend, we have onboarded each key unit operation in water management, be it biological treatment, chemical treatment, RO systems, UF systems or more, so when we onboard a new unit, we simply tick that module and get the relevant analytics, automation flows, alerts, and so on,” says Rajesh.</p> <p>“This makes it easy to adapt to facilities of all kinds. Moreover, our team is well-equipped to provide expert support for any plant management as required. For instance, at present, we serve diverse needs including STP management for Taj Hotels, ETP management for Britannia, total water management for Plaksha University, and a 70 MLD STP in Dwarka, Delhi,” he adds.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Digital-Paani-Shark-Tank-India-1718112700.jpg" alt="Mansi Jain and her father Rajesh recently appeared on Shark Tank India." class="wp-image-352685" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Digital-Paani-Shark-Tank-India-1718112700.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Digital-Paani-Shark-Tank-India-1718112700-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Digital-Paani-Shark-Tank-India-1718112700-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Digital-Paani-Shark-Tank-India-1718112700-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Digital-Paani-Shark-Tank-India-1718112700-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mansi Jain and her father Rajesh recently appeared on Shark Tank India.</figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pan-india-presence-and-funding-their-ambition">Pan-India presence and funding their ambition</h2> <p>Digital Paani is currently operational in about 14 states and has raised about $1.2 million from global investors like Elemental Excelerator and Echo River Capital as well as Indian investors like Enzia, Peer Cheque, SAE, DevC, Bharat Founders Fund, and leading angels like Ashish Goel (Urban Ladder), Yamini Bhatt (Wymo) and Mohit Tandon (Delhivery).</p> <p>As Karuna Jain and Shivam Jindal of Enzia Ventures, a venture capital fund, <a href="https://www.enzia.vc/perspective-posts/why-we-invested-in-digital-paani" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">say about their decision to invest</a> in the startup, “Digital Paani’s solution seamlessly integrates into existing facilities, analysing the infrastructure’s needs based on multiple performance parameters, making these needs transparent to all stakeholders, and solving for these needs by automating unit operations and managing all human workflows including training, SOPs, and troubleshooting. By doing so, it helps ensure continuous and efficient operation of these plants, reducing energy, breakdown, manpower, and chemical costs to the tune of ~25 to 35% over current costs.”</p> <p>Digital Paani is currently working with more than 40 wastewater treatment plants. In the previous financial year (2023-24) till February 2024, they earned revenues of Rs 2.2 crore.</p> <p>Looking ahead, Mansi says, “Our big ambition is to build the future of water and drive climate resilience by unlocking wastewater’s potential to be a key source of water globally. To do this, we intend to build the tech ecosystem for wastewater by not only working with 5,000 facilities in the next five years to ensure they operate well but also creating data products that replace the consultant industry that drives infrastructure decisions with a more data-driven approach. We also intend to enable each building and factory to be water-neutral.”</p> <p>Meanwhile, Rajesh notes, “Our eventual vision is to create water-positive buildings and industries that in turn significantly improve quality of life in our cities.”</p> <p><em>(Edited by Pranita Bhat; Images courtesy <a href="https://www.digitalpaani.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Digital Paani</a>/Instagram, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/digital-paani-making-watertech-work-alexander-hogeveen-rutter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">LinkedIn/Alexander Hogeveen Rutter</a>, <a href="https://x.com/BharatFounders/status/1775471473580286296" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Twitter/Bharat Founders Fund</a>)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352664";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:15;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:75:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:93:"With This Farmer’s Patented Grow Bags, You Don’t Need to Worry About Watering Your Plants";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:126:"https://thebetterindia.com/352674/grow-bags-growing-vegetables-eyyo-kuriakose-kottayam-kerala-organic-farming-drip-irrigation/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 11 Jun 2024 14:24:57 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:7:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"Drip irrigation";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4:"eyyo";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"gardening tips";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"grow bags";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8:"Kottayam";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"organic farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352674";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:192:"At 78, Eyyo Kuriakose from Kottayam, Kerala, has developed a patented, durable grow bag with an integrated drip irrigation system, which he claims reduces water usage and enhances crop health.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9901:" <p>In the lush landscapes of Malabar, amidst sprawling coffee, cocoa, and rubber plantations, Eyyo Kuriakose’s passion for farming blossomed. Growing up, he spent countless hours assisting his father and grandfather on their farm, an experience that sowed the seeds of a lifetime commitment to agriculture.</p> <p>Now at 78, Eyyo has witnessed significant shifts in farming practices, driven by alarming changes in <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/331849/gardening-dr-navdeep-singh-khurana-dentist-amritsar-flowers-vegetables-indoor-garden/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil quality</a> and increased pest attacks, which have impacted the quality and quantity of produce.</p> <p>This observation kindled in Eyyo a deep interest in organic farming, pushing him to explore sustainable and healthier methods of crop cultivation. Unlike conventional practices that often rely heavily on chemical inputs, organic farming presents a harmonious alternative, promising a return to eco-friendly practices without sacrificing productivity.</p> <p>Eyyo’s approach was always to stay abreast with the latest agricultural innovations, adapting and implementing new methods that could support the environment and yield healthy crops.</p> <p>This Kottayam resident made the switch to organic farming after relocating to Nedumkandam, driven by a commitment to avoid inorganic vegetables commonly available in markets. Starting with basic gardening using standard grow bags, he soon discovered the limitations of these products — they were prone to tearing and decayed within a few months.</p> <p>Determined to find a solution, he embarked on a journey to create a better grow bag that wasn’t just durable but also integrated a clever drip irrigation system.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="576" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/eyyo-2-min-1718113039.jpeg" alt="Eyyo's patented grow bags" class="wp-image-352692" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/eyyo-2-min-1718113039.jpeg 1280w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/eyyo-2-min-1718113039-300x135.jpeg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/eyyo-2-min-1718113039-500x225.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/eyyo-2-min-1718113039-768x346.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/eyyo-2-min-1718113039-150x68.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Eyyo’s patented grow bags.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>His efforts led to the creation of a patented grow bag that claims to transform the way vegetables are grown. These specially designed bags require only two litres of water to nourish the plants effectively, making them not only water-efficient but also cost-effective. Additionally, the innovative design of these grow bags reduces the risk of bacterial and fungal infections, ensuring healthier plant growth.</p> <p>The impact of these durable grow bags could be significant in promoting sustainable agriculture practices. By reducing water usage and enhancing the longevity of the grow materials, these bags represent a step forward in solving some of the persistent challenges in vegetable farming.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-organic-journey-leading-to-a-patented-grow-bag">An organic journey leading to a patented grow bag</h2> <p>Eyyo was first introduced to organic farming while still in Malabar, where he experimented with natural fertilisers to determine what worked best for various crops. After relocating to Nedumkandam, he expanded his organic farming practices to include livestock. On his three-acre farm, cows and goats coexist with vegetables. He notes that cow dung serves as an excellent fertiliser.</p> <p>“I didn’t like consuming the vegetables that were available in the market. Reading about the ill effects of consuming food with pesticides prompted me to start growing them myself,” Eyyo tells <strong>The Better India</strong>.</p> <p>While <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/296470/award-winning-kerala-terrace-farmer-grows-seasonal-veggies-zucchini-cauliflower/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grow bags</a> are typically used for indoor farming, the septuagenarian decided to try them outdoors. His initial experiments with traditional plastic grow bags were unsatisfactory. Concurrently, he was concerned about the rampant disposal of plastic bottles. This led him to wonder — could a plastic bottle be used to water his plants slowly, mimicking a drip irrigation system? The answer he discovered was a resounding yes.</p> <p>He initially began by modifying traditional plastic grow bags, making holes to add water. However, these bags didn’t last long. After months of trials, he found his solution in silpaulin — a durable, waterproof material.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="960" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/eyyo-3-min-1718113042.jpeg" alt="Eyyo with his patented grow bag" class="wp-image-352693" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/eyyo-3-min-1718113042.jpeg 1280w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/eyyo-3-min-1718113042-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/eyyo-3-min-1718113042-500x375.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/eyyo-3-min-1718113042-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/eyyo-3-min-1718113042-150x113.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Eyyo with his patented grow bag.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>“I wanted the bag to thrive in all weather conditions while keeping pests at bay. Grow bags are one of the most effective methods to grow vegetables and I wanted to make it even better. I designed the bag in such a way that it needs less water and provides a good harvest,” shares Eyyo.</p> <p>The rectangular grow bag features two large holes on the top for plastic bottles and smaller holes on the bottom and sides for excess water drainage. It is spacious enough to allow plants to grow freely. To use it, you fill a water bottle, turn it upside down, and quickly place it in the hole to prevent leakage. The farmer advises ensuring no air enters the bottle while pressing it into the soil. This method ensures that water is directed precisely to the roots.</p> <p>“It reduces water wastage and secures a consistent supply of moisture to the plant roots. All you need to do is leave the bottle after inserting. The water will slowly percolate as per the requirement. I generally use a one-litre bottle, which suffices for at least a week,” explains Eyyo.</p> <p>This also provides an optimum use of plastic water bottles. “If many use this method, we can prevent many plastic bottles from ending up in landfills,” he adds.</p> <p>Eyyo prepares a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/288760/how-to-grow-organic-ginger-in-grow-bags-and-sacks-kerala-farmer-shares-steps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">special mix for his grow bags</a>. He starts by ploughing some topsoil and mixing in some lime powder (<em>kummayam</em>). He then leaves this mixture out in the sun for 10 days, regularly sprinkling water on it.</p> <p>Meanwhile, he prepares another mixture using powdered cow dung, powdered bone meal (<em>ellupodi</em>), neem press cake (<em>vep pinnakku</em>), groundnut cake (<em>kadala pinnakku</em>), trichoderma, and super phosphate or mussoorie phos.</p> <p>This mixture is stirred daily for six to seven days, with water added periodically. Finally, the two mixtures are combined and transferred to the grow bag.</p> <p>The grow bag is designed so that the mixture does not come into direct contact with the soil beneath, effectively preventing bacterial and fungal infections from spreading. Eyyo shares that this grow bag is patented and much more durable than standard ones, lasting at least six to seven years, and potentially even longer when used in home gardens.</p> <p>Each bag is priced at Rs 100.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="461" height="1024" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/eyyo-4-1718112692-461x1024.jpeg" alt="The grow bags use a clever method of drip irrigation" class="wp-image-352684" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/eyyo-4-1718112692-461x1024.jpeg 461w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/eyyo-4-1718112692-135x300.jpeg 135w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/eyyo-4-1718112692-150x333.jpeg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/eyyo-4-1718112692.jpeg 576w" sizes="(max-width: 461px) 100vw, 461px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The grow bags use a clever method of drip irrigation.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>In addition to these grow bags, Eyyo has developed a UV sheet that can protect crops from harsh weather conditions.</p> <p>In addition to being an innovative farmer, Eyyo is a generous teacher who loves to share his knowledge. Although he has reduced his farming activities with age, he is always happy to host visitors and provide tips on organic farming. “It’s very important to consume organic food. Be mindful of what you’re eating; try to grow some basic vegetables at home. Use neem as a fertiliser for your kitchen garden,” he concludes.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat; Images Courtesy Eyyo Kuriakose</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352674";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:16;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:81:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:95:"Engineers Design 100% Solar EV Tricycle For Goods & Waste Transport; Can Carry Up to 300 Kg";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:117:"https://thebetterindia.com/352632/iit-madras-jacob-thekkekara-sugrah-mobility-ev-solar-powered-tricycle-kochi-kerala/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 11 Jun 2024 14:08:55 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:9:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Sustainability";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"ApnaGharSolar";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"electric vehicle";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"Kerala";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"solar energy";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8:"solar EV";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"solar EV tricycle";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"solar square";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:8;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"sustainable living";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352632";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:236:"Co-founded by Jacob Thekkekara, Azim Hashmi, and Abdul Hadi Mutheri, Kochi-based Sugrah Mobility Pvt Ltd has introduced a solar-powered electric three-wheeler designed for commercial use, particularly for small businesses and factories.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11148:" <p><em>This June, check out our #ApnaGharSolar series, an exclusive deep dive by The Better India in collaboration with <a href="https://www.solarsquare.in/?utm_source=socialmedia&utm_medium=ad&utm_campaign=TheBetterIndia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">SolarSquare</a> on India’s solar power boom. Stay tuned for more interesting stories, data and information!</em></p> <p>As the world, and particularly India, embraces the concept of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/231562/sustainable-living-experiments-activities-children-the-better-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable living,</a> numerous alternatives have emerged across various sectors. A notable example of this shift is in the realm of mobility.</p> <p>With companies and innovators introducing newer and more efficient electric vehicles (EVs), the market is expected to grow at a tremendous rate. “The India electric vehicle market size is projected to grow from USD 3.21 billion in 2022 to USD 113.99 billion in 2029, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 66.52 percent,” according to a report by <em>Fortune Business Insights.</em></p> <p>Jumping on the bandwagon are three young and innovative minds hailing from Kerala. Jacob Thekkekara, Azim Hashmi, and Abdul Hadi Mutheri, with their Kochi-based company Sugrah Mobility Pvt Ltd, have developed a one-of-a-kind solar-powered electric three-vehicle.</p> <p>“We realised that while there were e-rickshaws, there were not any with a load-bearing capacity for transporting goods,” says Jacob, the co-founder of Sugrah Mobility and the brains behind the tricycle.</p> <p>Available for sale in the country, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/258975/india-student-innovation-solar-electric-tricycle-smart-kisok-farmers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the tricycle is not just electric </a>but 100 percent solar-run. He talks about the innovation, the idea behind it, and what’s next in their plan with<strong> The Better India.</strong></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-sustainable-approach-to-business">A sustainable approach to business</h2> <p>Sugrah is co-founder of Jacob’s second stint at business. While he founded another company on similar lines earlier, he was keen on doing something in his home state. “It was along the same lines but I wanted to create something which was more tangible and had a real impact. This is when I decided to leave that startup and look for something else,” he says.</p> <p>Studying markets, Jacob realised how the country depends a lot on three-wheelers for low to medium-scale transportation. “There are so many odd <em>jugaads </em>that many three-wheeler owners have done such as making it mechanical from a local mechanic. However, I realised that those can be dangerous and harmful to the environment,” he says.</p> <p>The reason for such innovations was a lack of three-wheeler EVs with a good load-bearing capacity. “I realised the potential of a product like that and decided to head in the same direction,” he says.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="840" height="439" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-16-1-1718105928.jpg" alt="The tricycle can be used for advertisement purposes. " class="wp-image-352637" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-16-1-1718105928.jpg 840w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-16-1-1718105928-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-16-1-1718105928-500x261.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-16-1-1718105928-768x401.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-16-1-1718105928-150x78.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The tricycle can be used for advertisement purposes. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>A mechanical engineer with a master’s from IIT-Madras, Jacob was joined by his engineer friends, Azim and Abdul, who had a similar vision. In 2021, the group started to brainstorm and research process. The company was founded the same year, whereas the tricycle was eventually launched in May 2023.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-to-bear-the-load-of-indian-transportation">To bear the load of Indian transportation</h2> <p>The peddle-assisted three-wheeler can carry up to 300 kg of weight. Jacob, speaking about the vehicle’s various features, emphasises, “We are the only company that provides a working solar-powered three-wheeler for commercial purposes. For a solar-powered vehicle to run about 100 km a day, it needs to be pedal-assisted.”</p> <p>The vehicle runs entirely on <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/352016/how-to-harvest-solar-energy-panels-in-apartments-homes-rentals-guide-to-save-electricity-bills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar power.</a> “For an electric vehicle, we typically need to charge it from the grid, resulting in around 19 gm of CO2 emissions per passenger per kilometre. However, by using solar power to generate electricity, this emission was reduced drastically to just 0.5 gm. This demonstrates a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, allowing us to operate the vehicle on 100 percent solar power,” he says.</p> <p>He continues, “Comparatively, our vehicle saves a tremendous amount of CO2 emissions when compared to other electric vehicles. We utilise gas-powered generators to generate energy, thereby eliminating any additional carbon footprint. This is a standout feature that we proudly boast of.”</p> <p>The vehicle is also a bio-hybrid, meaning it can be charged both by pedal and by the portal. “Even if the battery is depleted and you do not have a source to charge it, you can simply pedal the vehicle and it will be recharged.”</p> <p>Additionally, the company also offers variable gears. “This is allowing users to shift to higher gears for heavier loads and lower gears for lighter loads, enabling faster movement. Additionally, all-wheel braking and robust tyres are provided with the vehicles. To maintain a lightweight yet sturdy structure, the vehicle features lightweight aluminium panels.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-17-1718106029.jpg" alt="The tricycle runs fully on solar power. " class="wp-image-352638" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-17-1718106029.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-17-1718106029-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-17-1718106029-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-17-1718106029-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-17-1718106029-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The tricycle runs fully on solar power. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>These features collectively make this peddle-assisted three-wheeler a sustainable and efficient choice for commercial purposes.</p> <p>When discussing the target audience for his innovation, Jacob explains, “Essentially, our product is designed for small business owners seeking<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/40151/electric-buses-in-gujarat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> sustainable transportation</a> solutions. However, it’s also suitable for large factory owners who can utilise it within their facilities.”</p> <p>“This vehicle can be used effectively inside warehouses for transporting goods, and it’s ideal for food and vegetable vendors. We also envision its potential in garbage collection. Imagine the logistical challenge of charging 13,000 e-rickshaws for<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/162019/innovation-garbage-collection-cart-uttar-pradesh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> garbage collection</a> in a city like Chennai. This scenario could lead to a significant failure. This is where our fully solar-powered vehicles come into play,” he concludes.</p> <p>While the innovation is now a finished product, Jacob recalls that figuring out the supply chain for the product was a nightmare for the team. “Starting something from scratch is always challenging but a lack of existing infrastructure in terms of supply chain made our operations a little difficult. We went to various vendors on the ground and tried to understand what they needed and then figured out how we can make it available to them,” he says.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-18-1718106206.jpg" alt="Founders of Sugrah Mobility -- Jacob Thekkekara, Azim Hashmi, and Abdul Hadi Mutheri. " class="wp-image-352639" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-18-1718106206.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-18-1718106206-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-18-1718106206-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-18-1718106206-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-18-1718106206-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Founders of Sugrah Mobility — Jacob Thekkekara, Azim Hashmi, and Abdul Hadi Mutheri. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>The company has sold about 20 vehicles so far in the country. “What makes us happy is that we are getting repeat orders from old customers. We currently have customers from South India — including Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. We are expanding our sales and are expecting to sell 500 vehicles in the upcoming year,” he says.</p> <p>Manikandan of BIOZ, who has used the tricycle says, “I was absolutely thrilled with the EV from Sugrah Mobility! The impressive 45 km mileage has exceeded my expectations, especially for a solar-powered EV. After two months of usage, it continues to be a reliable and eco-friendly choice. Kudos to the company for providing such a fantastic electric vehicle with so many utilitarian features.”</p> <p>The solar-powered vehicle is priced starting Rs 1 lakh — the electric variant is priced at Rs 1,50,000 and the manual variant is priced at Rs 30,000.</p> <p><em>You can book your ride </em><a href="https://www.sugrah.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em></p> <p><em>(Edited by Pranita Bhat; All pictures credit: Sugrah Mobility Pvt Ltd)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352632";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:17;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:92:"IIT Grad Helps 2 Lakh Farmers Sell Produce for Better Profits; Has A Turnover of Rs 50 Crore";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:108:"https://thebetterindia.com/352547/farmers-income-aneesh-jain-gram-unnati-value-chain-rajasthan-agri-startup/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Mon, 10 Jun 2024 12:33:11 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:25:"agricultural supply chain";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"aneesh jain";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Farmers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"gram unnati";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352547";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:236:"Gurugram-based Aneesh Jain quit his consulting job to become a ‘consultant’ for farmers. His startup, Gram Unnati, is an agricultural value chain services platform that bridges gaps between institutional buyers and marginal farmers.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9895:" <p>The real learning happens away from the confines of boardrooms and air-conditioned offices. </p> <p>Don’t believe me? Ask Aneesh Jain, the founder & CEO of Gram Unnati.</p> <p>Life was good for the IIT-Kharagpur engineer who was working as a consultant at Mckinsey & Company. However, Aneesh wasn’t too happy and wanted to get his hands dirty (quite literally) by understanding the problems of people on the ground. </p> <p>Hardly 25 then, with a high risk-taking ability, he <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/320228/pune-brothers-quit-job-to-start-organic-farming-venture-worth-crores/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quit his career</a> and worked in a project funded by the Gates Foundation in the agricultural fields of Rajasthan. </p> <p>The harsh realities that a small, marginal farmer goes through changed the engineer’s entire world view. His firsthand experiences of the challenges plaguing the agricultural supply chain and the struggles of farmers vis-a-vis low yields, high costs and poor returns gave the now 40-year-old a new purpose in life. </p> <p>This assignment wasn’t just another job; it became a defining chapter of Aneesh’s life, educating him on the nuances of agriculture and the significant potential for improvement in agricultural practices.</p> <p>“I had earlier planned to go back to my corporate career but my interactions with farmers changed my best laid plans. As an individual and professional, I felt welcomed by them. They were interested in working with me, and I therefore decided to explore this opportunity and find a solution to their woes,” Aneesh shares with <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/gram-unnati-1718021372.jpg" alt="Gram Unnati works with over two lakh farmers" class="wp-image-352573" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/gram-unnati-1718021372.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/gram-unnati-1718021372-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/gram-unnati-1718021372-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/gram-unnati-1718021372-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/gram-unnati-1718021372-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gram Unnati works with over two lakh farmers.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>In 2013, he started Gram Unnati, an agricultural value chain services platform bridging major gaps between institutional buyers and marginal farmers. In the past decade, the company has worked with over two lakh farmers across seven states, providing better quality produce to buyers and increasing the incomes of farmers. The venture earned a turnover of Rs 50 crore in the last financial year.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-farmers-the-right-value">Getting farmers the right value</h2> <p>His one-and-a-half year-long stint with the soybean farmers in Rajasthan opened his eyes to their myriad problems. It also enabled him to come up with the most pressing problem that he intended to solve – </p> <p>“Every industry knows where they are sourcing their raw materials or parts from. They can trace back the origin in case of any issues. This is not possible in case of an <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/310667/varun-khurana-iit-delhi-agritech-startup-otipy-helps-small-farmers-raise-income-sell-fresh-produce/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agricultural supply chain</a>,” he explains. </p> <p>“Almost every stakeholder in this value chain, from the processor to the financial institutions to the policy makers, have this problem. Since they don’t know where it’s coming from, it’s difficult to create a system,” adds Aneesh.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="452" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Gram-Unnati-1718021978.jpeg" alt="Gram Unnati employees visit farmers every week" class="wp-image-352581" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Gram-Unnati-1718021978.jpeg 1000w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Gram-Unnati-1718021978-300x136.jpeg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Gram-Unnati-1718021978-500x226.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Gram-Unnati-1718021978-768x347.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Gram-Unnati-1718021978-150x68.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gram Unnati connects farmers to buyers directly.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Armed with the problem statement, he spent the next two years understanding the agricultural market, credits and policies. With a mission to connect farmers with the large institutional buyers, he started Gram Unnati in 2013.</p> <p>The basic idea is to help create a system where the producer, i.e. the farmer, knows what the customer wants and grows according to the specifications. </p> <p>“We first understand what the demand is, where it is coming from, and then work with the farmers to help them produce accordingly. The next step is to ensure that they use the best seeds, build the supply chains around them to ensure that they receive a fair price for their produce,” he adds.</p> <p>Gram Unnati started working with soybean and mustard farmers in Rajasthan. </p> <p>Anand Singh, a farmer from Jawasa in Madhya Pradesh, shares that the growth of his crops has increased and crop infections have reduced, leading to an increase in income since his association with Gram Unnati.</p> <p>“I have been associated with them for two years. A Gram Unnati employee visits my field twice every week to check on the crops. They provide <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/312852/pune-entrepreneur-launches-renewable-energy-marketplace-for-farmers-agrivijay-startup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">better quality seeds</a>, fertilisers and solutions for most of our problems. They also buy all of our produce at a competitive rate,” he says.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-it-works">How it works</h2> <p>Aneesh explains that their 100-member team first zeroes in on a new location where they wish to work in. A few members of the team then spend around 3-6 months on the ground to understand the farmers’ pain point and build a rapport with them. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/gram-unnati-3-1718021368.jpg" alt="The company helps farmers with good quality seeds and fertilisers" class="wp-image-352571" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/gram-unnati-3-1718021368.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/gram-unnati-3-1718021368-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/gram-unnati-3-1718021368-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/gram-unnati-3-1718021368-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/gram-unnati-3-1718021368-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The company helps farmers with good-quality seeds and fertilisers.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Once the farmers are identified, Gram Unnati designs a cropping profile and starts running experiments on small portions of their land by adopting a few changes. </p> <p>Aneesh clarifies that they assure farmers 100 percent buyback where they ask them to either grow a new crop or grow it in a slightly different manner. Their aim is to improve the quality of the produce, thereby resulting in an increase in productivity and price, states Aneesh.</p> <p>“We work like consultants. We guide them through the production phase, helping them with the best seeds, best time to sow and more. After this, we take care of the aggregation by working with local infrastructure providers to ensure that the farmers sell their produce at a single point. We also take care of the payment systems by making optimal use of financial instruments,” adds the founder. </p> <p>Gram Unnati works in two ways —first, they make slight tweaks in the existing crop by changing the variety, sowing or harvesting windows. In the second case, they introduce farmers to new crops which might be suitable for that climate zone.</p> <p>Since climate change is a big problem faced by farmers today, the second option is rapidly gaining importance. </p> <p>“In the case of pulses and cereals, we create an increased income of 8-10 percent for the farmer. In the case of fresh produce, it goes up to 40 percent. In both cases, we ensure market access,” shares Aneesh.</p> <p>By ensuring access to organised supply chains, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/351690/yash-dayal-sharma-fertile-beeghas-organic-waste-vermicompost-stubble-burning-train-farmers-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farmers get fair prices</a> as well as security that their produce will be sold. </p> <p>Gram Unnati is working in eight states across 18-20 different commodities like cereals, oilseeds, pulses, spices, fresh fruits and vegetables. Their target is to reach a million farmers in the next two years. </p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande; Images Courtesy Gram Unnati</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352547";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:18;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:66:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:73:"Are the Spices in Your Kitchen Adulterated? 5 Easy Home Tests To Find Out";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:120:"https://thebetterindia.com/352550/how-to-check-spices-purity-at-home-adulteration-indian-red-chili-powder-hing-turmeric/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Mon, 10 Jun 2024 12:20:24 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:4:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4:"Food";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"Food adulteration";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"indian spices";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"spice test at home";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352550";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:150:"Artificial colours in turmeric powder, papaya seeds in pepper -- spices in our kitchen could be adulterated. Here's how to ensure food safety at home.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9311:" <p>The essence of any Indian meal lies in its spices. However, many spices that we buy from the market can contain impurities. Manufacturers often add colouring, flour, and even<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/234603/harmful-chemicals-laundry-detergent-you-should-avoid-the-better-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> harmful chemicals </a>to enhance the appearance of the spices. </p> <p>If you want to ensure that you are cooking with the best quality, here are some simple steps that you can try to test your spices at home.</p> <p><strong>1. Chilli Powder: </strong>A common spice used in almost every dish, the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/278976/mirchi-map-of-india-chillies-gi-tagged-health-benefits-history-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">purity of chilli powder </a>can be checked by mixing it with water. Pure <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/348039/best-organic-masalas-spices-in-india-mdh-everest-ethylene-oxide-satva-naturalland-organics-praakritik-himalaya/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chilli powder </a>will float for a while and then slowly start to dissolve. Adulterated chilli powder will start descending immediately, leaving red streaks of colour. </p> <p><strong>2. <em>Hing</em> (Asafoetida): </strong>To test hing, place it over the stove. Pure <em>hing</em> should immediately catch fire and burn with a bright flame. <em>Hing</em> mixed with resin will not catch fire as quickly.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C76g2faBEEb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C76g2faBEEb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C76g2faBEEb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Better India (@thebetterindia)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p><strong>3. Cumin: </strong>Rub the seeds vigorously on the palm of your hand. If the seeds leave a black residue, then they are adulterated. </p> <p><strong>4. Black Pepper: </strong>Black pepper is often mixed with papaya seeds. Good quality black pepper will sink when placed in water, but adulterated black pepper will have papaya seeds floating on top.</p> <p><strong>5. Turmeric Powder: </strong>Another common ingredient in Indian kitchens, pure turmeric powder will settle down slowly when dissolving in water. Turmeric powder often has artificial colouring. In that case, it will mix easily, leaving a dark yellow colour. </p> <p>Testing the purity of your spices ensures the quality of your cooking and the health of your loved ones. Happy cooking!</p> <p><em>(Edited by Khushi Arora)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352550";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:19;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:91:"‘UPSC Interviews Are Nothing Like Mock Interviews’: IAS Officer Shares Preparation Tips";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:119:"https://thebetterindia.com/352526/upsc-cse-ias-officer-aditya-pandey-personality-test-interview-round-preparation-tips/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Mon, 10 Jun 2024 11:38:05 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Civil Service";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"Aaditya Pandey IAS";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"upsc cse 2024";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:23:"upsc cse interview tips";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"UPSC interview";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"upsc mock interview";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352526";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:212:"Aaditya Pandey cleared UPSC CSE with AIR 48 after two failed attempts. He shares how to prepare for the UPSC personality test while cautioning candidates that they shouldn't fall into the trap of mock interviews.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17112:" <p>“No one in the real interview will ask you to propose a glass of water. Many YouTube Shorts go viral but such irrelevant questions are never asked in real interviews. Some people and institutes are making a mockery of the system. But mock interviews are nowhere close to real interviews,” says IAS Aaditya Pandey.</p> <p>“The interviewer panel comprises five experts in their 50s and 60s. They have a combined experience of five times our ages. Except for a few coaching institutes, several others make a fool out of aspirants, like asking them to propose a glass of water and what to do if this was their last day of life. Do not blindly rely on such videos. It cannot compete with the experience of the board,” he adds.</p> <p>After clearing Prelims and Mains, candidates are required to go through the final stage of the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam — the interview round. The goal of the interview and <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/281857/upsc-cse-interview-topper-ias-apala-mishra-score-personality-test/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personality test </a>is to evaluate their aptitude, ability to interact with people, and interest in current affairs.</p> <p>We sat down with Aaditya, who secured 190 marks in the interview round, to understand how to prepare for the UPSC interview, and spare candidates from falling into the trap of mock interviews.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/IAS-Aaditya-Pandey-2-1718008784.jpg" alt="Currently, Aaditya is posted as an assistant collector in Ranchi, Jharkhand." class="wp-image-352535" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/IAS-Aaditya-Pandey-2-1718008784.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/IAS-Aaditya-Pandey-2-1718008784-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/IAS-Aaditya-Pandey-2-1718008784-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/IAS-Aaditya-Pandey-2-1718008784-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/IAS-Aaditya-Pandey-2-1718008784-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Currently, Aaditya is posted as an assistant collector in Ranchi, Jharkhand.</figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-being-a-mischievous-kid-to-an-ias-officer">From being a mischievous kid to an IAS officer</h2> <p>Aaditya was born into a humble family in Vishunpur Pakri village in Patna, Bihar. Like most kids his age, he says he was quite impish. “Once, one of my teachers came to our home and straight away went to complain to my <em>baba </em>(father). He said if I ever became serious about my studies, he would shave his moustache,” he laughs.</p> <p>Growing up, Aaditya went on to pursue electronics engineering from Lovely Professional University, Punjab, and later on pursued higher education in business administration from IIT Roorkee. After working for two years in a private bank, he eventually quit his job to prepare for UPSC in 2020.</p> <p>What shaped his vision was a conversation with a bureaucrat at IIT Roorkee. “Coming from Bihar, I knew the charm that comes with being an IAS officer. But you cannot delve into the service just because of the charm. I was inspired to become an IAS after speaking to a bureaucrat who was working with the railway services. I learned about the ins and outs of UPSC from him and my peers,” he says.</p> <p>It took him two failed attempts to finally clear UPSC CSE in the 2022 examination with an impressive All India Rank of 48. Currently, he is posted as an assistant collector in Ranchi, Jharkhand.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct689mSPpct/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct689mSPpct/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct689mSPpct/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Aaditya Pandey, IAS (@aaditya.advait)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dos-and-don-ts-for-upsc-exam-and-interview">Dos and don’ts for UPSC exam and interview</h2> <p>Based on his experience, Aaditya shares five mistakes and learnings to prepare for the examination as well as the personality test.</p> <p><strong>1. Do not attempt fewer questions</strong></p> <p>“In my first attempt, I opted for only 57 to 58 questions whereas 64 to 66 questions in the second attempt. I missed the cut-off by 2.5 marks in the second attempt. So, I made sure to attempt 84 questions in my third attempt, which helped me score better,” he shares.</p> <p><strong>2. Prepare short notes</strong></p> <p>Sharing changes that he made in his strategy on the third attempt, Aaditya says, “I prepared notes for most of the subjects. Although note-making was additional work, it helped me understand concepts better. It helps to save time instead of checking source material repeatedly. It also helps for effective revision.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/IAS-Aaditya-1718010869.jpg" alt="After two failed attempts, Aaditya cleared UPSC CSE in 2022 with an impressive AIR of 48." class="wp-image-352537" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/IAS-Aaditya-1718010869.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/IAS-Aaditya-1718010869-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/IAS-Aaditya-1718010869-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/IAS-Aaditya-1718010869-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/IAS-Aaditya-1718010869-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">After two failed attempts, Aaditya cleared UPSC CSE in 2022 with an impressive AIR of 48.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>“I also did not pressurise myself much. If I did not wish to study, I would sit in a corner with my coffee mug, close my eyes, and recall my notes. If I missed some point, then I would immediately refer to my notes,” he adds.</p> <p>Aaditya suggests aspirants make notes only after first reading. “I would make notes majorly for Acts and rules. You can make notes by summarising the topic. Make sure that you do not end up writing another book. Final notes should be 33 percent of all topics,” he says.</p> <p><strong>3. Know your DAF well</strong></p> <p>Aaditya says the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/web-stories/upsc-cse-how-to-fill-detailed-application-form-daf-ias-irs-ifs-officers-share-tips-aspirants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Detailed Application Form </a>(DAF) is very crucial for the personality test round. “After Mains, candidates need to fill out DAF which contains details like hometown, date of birth, hobbies, and interests. Do not fill them recklessly as initial questions can be framed from DAF,” he adds.</p> <p>“Interviews are very subjective. The first question asked in the interview determines the interview flow and whether you will be able to mould it in your favour. If you have a command of your DAF, then you will be able to sail through the interview,” he adds.</p> <p>In his DAF, Aaditya mentioned listening to Ramcharitmanas (an epic poem that contains the deeds of Lord Rama) and watching Korean dramas as his interests. This framed his interview round.</p> <p>“I was asked about the similarities and differences between ancient values in the context of Indian and Korean societies. Another question was based on the division of Korea and its war history. Later on, we spoke on the Russia and Ukraine war, which I did not mention in my DAF,” he points out.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/IAS-Aaditya-Pandey-1-1718002304.jpg" alt="Aaditya secured 190 marks in the UPSC interview round." class="wp-image-352529" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/IAS-Aaditya-Pandey-1-1718002304.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/IAS-Aaditya-Pandey-1-1718002304-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/IAS-Aaditya-Pandey-1-1718002304-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/IAS-Aaditya-Pandey-1-1718002304-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/IAS-Aaditya-Pandey-1-1718002304-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aaditya secured 190 marks in the UPSC interview round.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>“My interviewer was a war veteran himself. So, you need to understand the interest of the interviewer as well,” he adds.</p> <p><strong>4. Be yourself</strong></p> <p>A few people warned Aaditya for his blunt and outrageous attitude. “They said it would cost me final marks and asked me to tone down my personality. Only a few mentors supported me. There is nothing to worry about if you express yourself properly and your views are backed with logic, moral, ethical, and legal support,” he says.</p> <p>Aaditya believes aspirants must seek one-on-one interviews with a known person who can really assess their personality and attitude in order to help build confidence for the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/281037/how-to-crack-upsc-interview-tips-ias-officer-twitter-personality-test/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">real interview</a>.</p> <p><strong>5. Find your salvation in chaos</strong></p> <p>What kept Aaditya motivated throughout his preparation journey and two failed attempts was his ability to calm himself. “Whenever I doubted myself or felt frustrated, I’d turn to listening to Ramcharitmanas, which was a pillar of self-motivation for me. Similarly, aspirants can find their own ways of keeping calm with music or meditation as such,” he adds.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat; All photos: IAS Aaditya Pandey.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352526";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:20;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:96:"How Myntra’s End of Reason Sale Is Empowering Delivery Partners & Augmenting Their Incomes";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:130:"https://thebetterindia.com/352476/myntra-end-of-reason-sale-gig-workers-delivery-partners-mensa-network-clothes-fashion-ecommerce/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Sat, 08 Jun 2024 08:03:33 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"delivery partners";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"end of reason sale";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"gig workers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"last mile delivery";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"Myntra";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352476";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:209:"With the support of Myntra's MENSA network, which enhances last-mile delivery through local partners, many delivery personnel can dream bigger and achieve their goals during the busy EORS (End of Reason Sale).";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6561:" <p><em>This article is sponsored by Myntra</em></p> <p>When you love what you do, work doesn’t seem quite a chore. One of the lucky few who attests by this adage is Manoj, a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/300976/bengaluru-startup-howdyy-provides-electric-vehicles-for-delivery-partners-at-amazon-blue-dart/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delivery partner </a>with Myntra. Hailing from Etawah in Uttar Pradesh, the 40-year-old has spent the last decade of his life with the fashion e-commerce company.</p> <p>He says his work has been his solace in good times and bad, helping him weather personal adversities. Introduced to Myntra during his stint at a courier company, which earlier handled shipments for Myntra, he switched after he found that it would help him rise professionally and financially.</p> <p>Starting his work at 8 AM every morning, Manoj has been delivering more than 70 packages every day. Besides daily work, what he looks forward to the most are the event days, as they provide a massive opportunity for income augmentation.</p> <p>Having been a part of almost all the editions of EORS (End of Reason Sale), currently in its 20th edition, these sale days have played a huge part in him being able to buy a new house. Despite the need for extra working hours and almost 20 to 30 extra deliveries per day during this time, his enthusiasm doesn’t wane, as he dreams of buying another house in the next few years.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1600" height="1200" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-07-at-23.13.12-1717829741.jpeg" alt="Manoj has been working with Myntra for 10 years" class="wp-image-352479" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-07-at-23.13.12-1717829741.jpeg 1600w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-07-at-23.13.12-1717829741-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-07-at-23.13.12-1717829741-500x375.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-07-at-23.13.12-1717829741-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-07-at-23.13.12-1717829741-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-07-at-23.13.12-1717829741-150x113.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Manoj has been working with Myntra as a delivery partner for 10 years.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>While Myntra’s EORS offers best of deals to its customers, the event also serves as an opportunity for the entire delivery ecosystem, comprising thousands of Kirana partners, to augment their income. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-opportunity-for-income-augmentation">An opportunity for income augmentation</h2> <p>Myntra Extended Network for Service Augmentation (MENSA), the Kirana program, launched in April 2017, is an initiative aimed at reaching customers in every nook and corner of the country. To do that, Myntra has tied up with the neigbourhood kirana shop owners across the country.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="361" height="328" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Nita-1717829744.jpg" alt="Myntra's MENSA network augments delivery partners incomes" class="wp-image-352480" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Nita-1717829744.jpg 361w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Nita-1717829744-300x273.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Nita-1717829744-150x136.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 361px) 100vw, 361px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Myntra’s MENSA network augments delivery partners incomes.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>These <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/293155/du-student-works-as-swiggy-delivery-agent-shares-viral-linkedin-post/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">last-mile delivery agents</a> can be your milk supplier, grocery store owner, or mobile repair shop owner among others. Recruiting such agents has two advantages — being a local to the area, they know the surroundings well and customers too have a familiar face delivering their orders.</p> <p>They store the goods in their shops and deliver them either before or after they open the store or in the afternoons, not affecting their business while getting a second income stream. During event days like the EORS, as the number of orders see a significant jump , it results in tangible monetary benefits.</p> <p>This network has allowed Myntra to expand its reach to over 19,000 pin codes across the country.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dreaming-of-a-brighter-future">Dreaming of a brighter future</h2> <p>While it has provided thousands of delivery partners l an opportunity to give the an enhanced life for their family and children, it is also helping young delivery partners dream bigger and be the providers for their families. .</p> <p>Usha, a delivery partner at the All Women Dexter, a load processing centre that helps with location-wise sorting of shipments and assigning them to delivery partners, in Ghaziabad is using this income to pursue her college education. All her extra hours on the ground are to fulfill her dream of getting a white-collar job.</p> <p>Over the past seven years, the MENSA network has helped thousands of people like Usha and Manoj with an opportunity to envision a brighter future.</p> <p> With the money that he will save, Manoj dreams of buying another house, as the earlier one he purchased was with his brother. His work has empowered him to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/275804/evage-electric-truck-startup-model-point-x-launch-amazon-delivery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dream bigger </a>and reach for a better life. From delivering packages on a bicycle earlier, today, he delivers them on a shiny motorcycle. He is proof that one can achieve their goals with dedication, persistence and hard work.</p> <p>As you check the website for great deals, do spare a minute to think about the hard work put in by these delivery partners to make it all happen.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352476";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:21;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:78:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:79:"A Blind Man Worked With 200 Homemakers to Revive Mangrove Forests of Sundarbans";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:142:"https://thebetterindia.com/352436/mangrove-plantation-sundarbans-afforestation-conservation-south-parganas-west-bengal-cyclone-blind-activist/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 07 Jun 2024 14:55:53 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:8:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:20:"conservation efforts";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:25:"development in sundarbans";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"mangroves";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:23:"mangroves in sundarbans";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"Rural West Bengal";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"Sundarbans";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"West Bengal";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352436";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:281:"Akul Biswas started planting mangrove saplings along the banks of the Bidyadhari river in 2005. Locals took notice of his work and joined his mission. Today, Biswas and over 200 women have formed the Jharkhali Sabuj Bahini that works towards revival of mangroves in the Sundarbans.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Hiren Kumar Bose";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17228:" <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Akul Biswas (extreme left) with volunteers of the Jharkhali Sabuj Bahini and a member of the Tiger Widows Organisation (in blue).</em></p> <p>Come June, the women of Jharkhali, South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, begin their day collecting mangrove seeds and depositing them in nursery bags. </p> <p>Three months later, when the saplings are knee-high, the volunteers of Jharkhali Sabuj Bahini (JSB) will plant them to protect their homes and hearths from the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/139481/sundarbans-digambarpur-best-gram-panchayat-bengal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cyclones faced by the Sundarbans.</a> </p> <p>And their timely action has aided in taming nature’s fury.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1040" height="780" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Women-preparing-nursery-bags_11zon-1717769908.jpg" alt="Women preparing the nursery bags." class="wp-image-352447" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Women-preparing-nursery-bags_11zon-1717769908.jpg 1040w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Women-preparing-nursery-bags_11zon-1717769908-300x225.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Women-preparing-nursery-bags_11zon-1717769908-500x375.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Women-preparing-nursery-bags_11zon-1717769908-768x576.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Women-preparing-nursery-bags_11zon-1717769908-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1040px) 100vw, 1040px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Women preparing the nursery bags.</figcaption></figure> <p>“The plantation is done between October and January. Each volunteer devotes around two hours a day to plant almost 200-250 saplings,” says Kalpana Sardar (45), an eco-warrior who has planted thousands of mangrove saplings ever since she joined JSB in 2021. </p> <p>Along with more than 200 JSB members spread across 23 villages, Sardar has planted lakhs of mangrove saplings so far under the guidance of Akul Biswas, a visually-challenged person. </p> <p>“We have been able to tame the <em>bonna</em> (flood) and the destruction from the cyclones only because of this practice,” explains Sardar, a mother of two. </p> <p>The <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/260147/initiative-saving-mumbai-mangorves-environment-godrej-and-boyce/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mangroves act as a natural barrier against flooding</a> and waves during the cyclones. The river embankments are protected as their roots hold the earth in place and prevent landslides. </p> <p>Having noticed that <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/305137/neelanjan-chakravarty-from-kolkata-builds-homestay-in-sunderbans-west-bengal-travel-vacation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">places in the Sundarbans</a> with less vegetation bore the brunt of the cyclonic winds, it was Biswas who motivated the locals to plant mangroves. A decade-and-a-half later, this movement has led to the rise of eco-warriors who are mostly the locals. Here’s their story.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1600" height="1200" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/A-Bahini-volunteer-tending-to-a-sapling_11zon-1717769845.jpg" alt="A JSB volunteer tending to a mangrove sapling." class="wp-image-352446" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/A-Bahini-volunteer-tending-to-a-sapling_11zon-1717769845.jpg 1600w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/A-Bahini-volunteer-tending-to-a-sapling_11zon-1717769845-300x225.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/A-Bahini-volunteer-tending-to-a-sapling_11zon-1717769845-500x375.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/A-Bahini-volunteer-tending-to-a-sapling_11zon-1717769845-768x576.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/A-Bahini-volunteer-tending-to-a-sapling_11zon-1717769845-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/A-Bahini-volunteer-tending-to-a-sapling_11zon-1717769845-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A JSB volunteer tending to a mangrove sapling.</figcaption></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-the-region">History of the region</h2> <p>The landscape of the Sundarbans region is unique and includes many water channels. The sea has a significant impact on the Sundarban island, and the tides shape the island’s physical features. Cyclone-prone, it receives heavy rainfall and is low-lying. </p> <p>The intensity of natural calamities has increased in recent years due to climate change. The region faces a significant threat from rising sea levels as many islands have already submerged underwater or are on the verge.</p> <p>The Sundarbans <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/331813/kochi-murukesan-plants-lakhs-of-mangrove-along-kerala-coastline-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mangrove forest</a> is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger along with a diverse range of mangrove species like the Sundari (Heritiera fomes), Gewa (Excoecaria agallocha), Goran (Ceriops decandra), Keora (Sonneratia apetala), Dhundul (Xylocarpus granatum) and Kankra (Bruguiera gymnorhiza). </p> <p>The <em>palli </em>(villages) in the Sundarbans are inhabited mostly by the scheduled caste communities who were rehabilitated here in 1957 from East Bengal (present-day Bangladesh).</p> <p>“Our forefathers migrated from Khulna in 1952 and after moving to refugee camps in Asansol, Serampore and Canning, we were settled here by the then Chief Minister of West Bengal, Dr Bidhan Chandra Ray in 1957,” explains Biswas. </p> <p>“Each family was given a land measuring nine <em>bighas</em> and as families grew, the plots were divided and distributed,” the 46-year-old adds.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="853" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Women-digging-land_11zon-1717770332.jpg" alt="Women digging to plant the saplings. " class="wp-image-352450" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Women-digging-land_11zon-1717770332.jpg 1280w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Women-digging-land_11zon-1717770332-300x200.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Women-digging-land_11zon-1717770332-500x333.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Women-digging-land_11zon-1717770332-768x512.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Women-digging-land_11zon-1717770332-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Women digging to plant the saplings. </figcaption></figure> <p>When Biswas began planting mangrove saplings along Bidyadhari river with the help of some children in 2005, a couple of homemakers, disabled people, senior citizens, and ‘tiger widows’ (women who lost their husbands to tiger attacks) joined him. </p> <p>And over the years, this band of people became the JSB which has grown to include more than 200 homemakers.</p> <p>“It’s Sundari which is dominant here and provides critical habitat and resources for the region’s diverse flora and fauna, including serving as a nursery ground for many aquatic species. Its leaves have glands that can excrete excess salt, allowing the tree to adapt to the saline environment of the Sundarbans,” explains Nivash Golder (36), a resident of Jharkhali, Ashrampada, who heads a group of 50 women of the JSB.</p> <p>“Interestingly, it is adapted to thrive in freshwater environments, which allows them to dominate areas with lower salinity levels,” she adds.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="853" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Wmen-preparing-land_11zon-1717770425.jpg" alt="Women preparing the land for plantation." class="wp-image-352452" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Wmen-preparing-land_11zon-1717770425.jpg 1280w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Wmen-preparing-land_11zon-1717770425-300x200.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Wmen-preparing-land_11zon-1717770425-500x333.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Wmen-preparing-land_11zon-1717770425-768x512.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Wmen-preparing-land_11zon-1717770425-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Women preparing the land for plantation.</figcaption></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-has-the-jsb-fared">How has the JSB fared</h2> <p>The Jharkhali Sabuj Bahini’s (JSB) efforts have proven beneficial as Biswas says, “When Cyclone Yaas hit in May 2021, it inundated several coastal villages in the Sundarbans. However, it failed to breach the river banks nor did it render the inhabitants of Jharkhali homeless despite it being a low-lying area.” </p> <p>“The same was not the case elsewhere,” he adds.</p> <p>With the Matla, Bidyadhari and Herobhanga rivers surrounding Jharkhali with a radius of 3-6 km, the area is cyclone-prone. The villagers here have previously witnessed cyclones including Aila (May 2009), Fani (May 2019), Bulbul (November 2019) and Amphan (May 2020).</p> <p>According to Ranjan Mondol, a former gram <em>pradhan </em>(head), around 5,00,000 <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/253954/s-sathish-forest-range-officer-tamil-nadu-wildlife-marine-mangroves-olive-ridley-turtle-poaching-underwater-clean-plastic-national-park-international-ranger-award-2021-switzerland-gop94/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mangrove saplings have been planted here </a>over the years covering 100 hectares, thanks to the efforts of both the JSB, and the forest department.</p> <p>This contributed to Jharkhali coming out relatively better than most other places, he says.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="985" height="656" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Woemn-of-Jharkali_11zon-1717770498.jpg" alt="The hardworking women of Jharkhali." class="wp-image-352455" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Woemn-of-Jharkali_11zon-1717770498.jpg 985w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Woemn-of-Jharkali_11zon-1717770498-300x200.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Woemn-of-Jharkali_11zon-1717770498-500x333.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Woemn-of-Jharkali_11zon-1717770498-768x511.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Woemn-of-Jharkali_11zon-1717770498-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 985px) 100vw, 985px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The hardworking women of Jharkhali.</figcaption></figure> <p>Despite a perpetual fund crisis and insufficient resources, Biswas continues to motivate the locals in activities like afforestation, rehabilitating Sundarbans’ ‘tiger widows’, and raising awareness about the environment. </p> <p>Biswas, who lost his sight to glaucoma years back, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/278313/sundarbans-hingalganj-island-english-medium-school-inspiring-teacher-kolkata/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">also runs a coaching centre</a> in a makeshift tent attended by kids and their mothers who dropped out of schools.</p> <p>“Cyclone Aila caught us unaware in 2009. The embankment was washed away due to the water surge damaging homes, uprooting trees, electric poles, destroying farmlands, washing away cattle, and even killing the fish in the <em>pukurs</em> (household ponds),” reminiscences Biswas. </p> <p>“We also noticed that the sparse areas with barely any mangroves had played spoilsport, letting the water inundate the surroundings. By planting mangroves, we decided to shield it.”</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1264" height="948" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Mangroeve-seedlings-ready-for-plantation_11zon-1717770739.jpg" alt="The mangrove seedlings ready for plantation." class="wp-image-352461" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Mangroeve-seedlings-ready-for-plantation_11zon-1717770739.jpg 1264w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Mangroeve-seedlings-ready-for-plantation_11zon-1717770739-300x225.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Mangroeve-seedlings-ready-for-plantation_11zon-1717770739-500x375.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Mangroeve-seedlings-ready-for-plantation_11zon-1717770739-768x576.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Mangroeve-seedlings-ready-for-plantation_11zon-1717770739-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1264px) 100vw, 1264px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The mangrove seedlings ready for plantation.</figcaption></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-way-ahead">The way ahead</h2> <p>The rising sea levels, cyclones, and water salinity has impacted the locals’ primary sources of income like agriculture and fishing, eventually resulting in forced migration. </p> <p>Many have left their family farms to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/250802/odisha-mangrove-planting-save-forest-village-cyclone-stop-how-bijay-kumar-kabi-environment-him16/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work as agricultural labourers </a>in places like Kolkata and other states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. </p> <p>Due to their salinity, most farmlands are suitable as paddy fields during the monsoon. This trend is driven by the decline of the farm-based economy and the increasing uncertainty of agricultural livelihoods due to climate change and government failures.</p> <p>The Sundarbans forest region, straddling West Bengal and Bangladesh, is spread over 10,000 sq km, with India having roughly 2,107 sq km of the mangrove cover. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1360" height="1020" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Bahini-members-on-their-way-to-embankments-to-plant-mangrivce-saplings_11zon-1717770601.jpg" alt="The JSB members on their way to the embankments to plant the mangrove saplings." class="wp-image-352458" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Bahini-members-on-their-way-to-embankments-to-plant-mangrivce-saplings_11zon-1717770601.jpg 1360w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Bahini-members-on-their-way-to-embankments-to-plant-mangrivce-saplings_11zon-1717770601-300x225.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Bahini-members-on-their-way-to-embankments-to-plant-mangrivce-saplings_11zon-1717770601-500x375.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Bahini-members-on-their-way-to-embankments-to-plant-mangrivce-saplings_11zon-1717770601-768x576.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Bahini-members-on-their-way-to-embankments-to-plant-mangrivce-saplings_11zon-1717770601-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1360px) 100vw, 1360px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The JSB members on their way to the embankments to plant the mangrove saplings.</figcaption></figure> <p>Though located at a mere 109 km from Kolkata, the Sundarbans are remote and not easily accessible. </p> <p>Despite being the epicenter of climate-associated risks, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/160734/bengal-sundarbans-electricity-cow-dung-news/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">only a handful of NGOs work here</a>. Of them, the Kolkata-based Society for Socio-Economic and Ecological Development (SEED) has been persistent and active here since 2008. </p> <p>Running six mangrove nurseries and extending livelihood support to ‘tiger widows’, they have installed micro-solar domes and encouraged fruit plantations to enhance the biodiversity.</p> <p>In recent months, SEED tied up with the Ireland-based Tiger Widows Organisation to augment JSB’s mangrove plantation efforts. </p> <p>“If only we could provide <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/58595/climate-change-sundarbans-women-photographers-future-health-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">some livelihood support</a> we would be able to encourage more women to become eco-warriors and help save the ecologically fragile Sundarbans,” says Biswas.</p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande.</em> <em>All pictures are sourced by the author.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352436";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:22;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:81:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:95:"Brothers’ 17th Century Haveli Offers 200-YO Recipes, Jawai Leopard Trails & Village Walks";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:119:"https://thebetterindia.com/352420/rawla-bisalpur-homestay-jawai-leopard-trails-rajasthan-ancestral-haveli-picnic-meals/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 07 Jun 2024 14:06:08 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:9:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"Travel";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"2024 travel";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"haveli homestay";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"jawai leopards";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"leopard safari";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"rajasthan palaces";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"Rajasthan tourism";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"travel list";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:8;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"village walks";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352420";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:272:"Bhanwar Paramveer Singh Deora and his brother, Bhanwar Veer Vinod Singh restored their 17th-century haveli into a new-age homestay. With its architecture, structure and charm intact, the Rawla Bisalpur offers authentic Rajasthani meals prepared using 200-year-old recipes.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:20312:" <p>When I was a kid, one of the stories my imagination would create was one where I would become a princess. While I grew up watching European princesses in their beautiful gowns, there was something about the idea of an Indian princess that always made me want to be like them.</p> <p>The dazzling dresses, the grand palaces, and the luxurious lifestyle always attracted me. On a trip to Jaipur, I found myself touching the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/188515/heritage-building-restoration-woman-award-winning-architect-inspiring-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">walls of palaces and havelis </a>and imagining what it would have been like to be one of the royals living in them.</p> <p>Well, this was a childhood dream, and while it might seem fanciful to many, you can actually experience this dream by staying in a 17th-century <em>haveli </em>(palace)<em> </em>in Rajasthan. </p> <p>Rawla Bisalpur, a boutique homestay located near the Jawai Bandh <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/184890/delhi-hero-reforests-aravalli-biodiversity-park-native-trees-inspiring-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on the Aravalli Range, </a>almost halfway between Udaipur and Jodhpur, is the royal <em>haveli </em>of your dreams. </p> <p>“If our walls could talk, they would tell you the brave tales of our ancestors who lived inside the <em>haveli</em>,” Bhanwar Paramveer Singh Deora, the current co-owner of Rawla Bisalpur tells <strong>The Better India. </strong></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-royal-homestay">A Royal Homestay</h2> <p>The bones of the homestay, which is a five-hour drive away from Jaipur, date back to the 17th century when Paramveer’s ancestors ruled the land. Running the place with his brother, Bhanwar Veer Vinod Singh, he recounts his initial idea of setting up the place. </p> <p>“The idea to convert our ancestral <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/349510/kalimpong-homestay-vacation-palighar-ahana-kabir-gurung-duo-terrace-gardening-composting-activity-treks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">home into a homestay</a> hotel came to me while I was pursuing my post-graduation in pharmaceuticals in Mumbai and working in pharmaceutical research and development. Despite having a science background with no prior experience in hospitality, I harboured a dream to create a homestay,” he says. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-12-1717768120.jpg" alt="Rawla Bisalpur Homestay" class="wp-image-352425" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-12-1717768120.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-12-1717768120-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-12-1717768120-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-12-1717768120-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-12-1717768120-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rawla Bisalpur Homestay</figcaption></figure></div> <p>The duo decided to move closer to home and start convincing their parents. “My elder brother, an engineer, and I faced significant challenges convincing our parents. They were sceptical and worried that I was too young and that leaving a stable job would waste both time and money,” he shares. </p> <p>He continues, “Their scepticism was also rooted in the belief that only large properties, like the grand <em>havelis </em>in Jaipur with 50 or 100 rooms, could attract guests. However, I was convinced that a smaller, more intimate setting would work just as well. After persistent persuasion, my father finally agreed during Diwali in 2017, offering to finance the project while leaving the execution up to me.” </p> <p>For several years, they remained deeply involved in the project, networking with individuals in the travel industry and inviting experts to provide feedback. </p> <p>“We began the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/335727/intach-bengaluru-convenor-meera-iyer-restoring-forgotten-heritage-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restoration process </a>and in 2019, we proudly opened our homestay, blending our rich heritage with modern hospitality, allowing visitors to experience the charm and history of our ancestral home,” he says. </p> <p>During the restoration, the duo decided to maintain the original structure while enhancing the ground floor, which was previously unused.</p> <p>“Our family continued living on the first floor, keeping our personal and guest spaces separate. The restoration aimed to preserve the original architecture, using local artisans without involving any architects, engineers, or designers due to the small and remote location,” he explains. </p> <p>The front façade of the <em>haveli</em> resembles a mud castle built from lime, mud, and bricks without any stonework.</p> <p>“This traditional construction method has a natural temperature-regulating effect, keeping the interiors warm in winter and cool in summer. We focused on restoring the flooring and ensuring the guests’ comfort while preserving the historical essence of the place.” </p> <p>Talking about the problems he faced during the restoration work, he says, “Removing the original big stones from the flooring was a difficult task. Additionally, restoring the area that used to serve as stables was particularly challenging due to its location at the base of a hill, which caused rainwater to flow naturally into the structure. 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6AkJzGydrz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Rawla Bisalpur JAWAI (@rawla_bisalpur)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>“Finding suitable stones and artisans capable of replicating the old techniques was tough. Fortunately, we found a villager, though he had issues with his knee and leg, who was experienced with stonework and helped us restore the flooring to its original condition.”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-of-royals-and-royal-stories-nbsp">Of royals and royal stories </h2> <p>Restoring the place to its original glory while keeping its soul intact was very important due to the rich history of the <em>haveli</em>. </p> <p>Recounting the fascinating story, Paramveer says, “Our story dates back approximately 500 years, rooted in the state of Sirohi, which is around 50 km from my current home. My ancestors lived in that area, and in those times, it was common to leave one’s place and fight to secure and travel across lands on the Maharaja’s instructions.”</p> <p>One notable ancestor of Paramveer <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/94978/udaipur-elderlycare-india-governmentsupport/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resided in Udaipur</a>, near the picturesque Pichola Lake, on a hill known as Haridas Ji Ki Makri—’Malri’ meaning a small hill.</p> <p>“He lived there with his army. The Maharana of Udaipur had issues with a troublesome tribe in the area where we now live, in Bisalpur. This area was on the border between Jodhpur and Udaipur at that time.”</p> <p>“The Maharana instructed my ancestor, Rao Haridasi, to suppress these rivals. He successfully conquered the land, and in 1705, this territory, comprising 24 villages, was granted to my family, making us direct subjects of the Maharana. Since then, from 1705 onwards, my family has resided in this area,” he adds. </p> <p>The construction of the property has evolved over generations.</p> <p>“If you look at the pictures, you will notice a distinctive white building with Indo-European architecture, built in 1938 by my great-grandfather. This architecture is unique compared to traditional Rajasthani styles, which often feature intricate <em>jharokhas</em> (overhanging enclosed balconies) and <em>jaali</em> (latticework) designs.” </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-13-1717768264.jpg" alt="The haveli was restored keeping intact the original structure and design. " class="wp-image-352427" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-13-1717768264.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-13-1717768264-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-13-1717768264-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-13-1717768264-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-13-1717768264-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The haveli was restored keeping intact the original structure and design. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>“Converting our ancestral home into a hotel in 2019 was a significant step, allowing us to share our rich history and heritage with visitors from around the world,” he adds.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-you-do-at-the-haveli">What can you do at the haveli?</h2> <p>Guests visiting the homestay can indulge in a variety of activities, primarily focused on leopard safaris and nature experiences. </p> <p>“We offer customised jeep safaris, ensuring a unique and immersive adventure. Upon checking in, guests have the option to enjoy lunch at the homestay or take a packed meal,” he says. </p> <p>“In the afternoon, we embark on the safari, bringing along a delightful high tea setup, complete with homemade tea, coffee, cookies, and other treats. We set up near Jawai Lake, a man-made lake constructed by the Maharaja of Jodhpur in 1952 for drinking and agricultural purposes. As the sun sets, we venture out in search of leopards,” he adds. </p> <p>After the safari, guests can relax with drinks and enjoy a campfire, sharing stories with fellow travellers.</p> <p>“For dinner, we offer a unique dining experience in a restored old stable, creating an authentic and cosy atmosphere. Our meals feature regional and seasonal dishes, prepared using 200-year-old family recipes. We source almost all ingredients locally, ensuring fresh and authentic flavours,” he says. </p> <p>If guests stay for multiple nights and are interested in bird watching, they organise bird-watching tours around the lake and nearby hilly areas in the mornings. </p> <p>‘Armed with high-quality binoculars and cameras, guests can spot and identify various bird species from our comprehensive booklet, which features over 100 birds,” he says. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-14-1717768365.jpg" alt="Bhanwar Paramveer Singh Deora and his brother, Bhanwar Veer Vinod Singh co-founders of the homestay. " class="wp-image-352430" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-14-1717768365.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-14-1717768365-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-14-1717768365-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-14-1717768365-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/feature-photos-14-1717768365-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bhanwar Paramveer Singh Deora and his brother, Bhanwar Veer Vinod Singh — co-founders of the homestay.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>“Additionally, we arrange picnics at our farm, where guests can enjoy a traditional farmers’ lunch, ‘<em>Dal Batti Churma</em>,; served in a small hut. This offers a peaceful and picturesque setting to spend the afternoon, weather permitting,” he adds.</p> <p>Gaby Deeming, who came from London to stay at the homestay, says, “The stay in the magical home was truly amazing. It feels rare and wonderful with very comfortable rooms and traditional decorations. The food was another delight during the stay which I had not experienced before. I also went for the leopard safari and was left absolutely stunned by the place’s landscape.” </p> <p>“The idea behind setting up the homestay was also to make sure that this is a place where future generations would want to stay. If I had spent most of my time in the city working a 9 to 5, my kids would not want to come back here. This cycle would repeat itself and the rich culture that this place has would be lost in the debris of time,” he says. </p> <p><em>(Edited by Padmashree Pande; All Pictures Credit: Rawla Bisalpur)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352420";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:23;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:82:"23-YO Is on a Mission To Save Birds From Heatwaves & You Can Join Him for Free";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:109:"https://thebetterindia.com/352370/save-birds-in-heatwaves-summer-free-bird-feeders-kapil-prajapat-sirohi-ngo/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:59:27 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"Changemakers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"bird feeders";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"heatwaves";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"ngo for birds";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"save birds";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352370";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:190:"Kapil Prajapat from Sirohi, Rajasthan, has been helping birds for nearly six years. Through his NGO, Expo Team Sirohi, he conducts various campaigns to protect birds from extreme heat waves.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8808:" <p>As massive <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/348728/heatwaves-imd-warning-architect-tips-keep-home-naturally-cool-air-conditioning-summer-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heatwaves sweep across the country</a>, we often overlook our smaller companions who are struggling to survive. Birds, dogs, and other animals can’t ask for help and frequently end up suffering in silence.</p> <p>Kapil Prajapat (23) from Sirohi, Rajasthan, has been caring for birds for nearly six years now.</p> <p>While he was still in school, he encountered a dying bird. He gave the poor creature some water, and within minutes, it revived and flew away. This experience left a lasting impression on the young boy, inspiring him to start the campaign ‘Aao Milkar Pyaas Bujhaye’.</p> <p>In 2019, he started his NGO ‘Expo Team Sirohi’ to protect and help<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/169780/ias-hero-ahmedabad-uttarayan-kite-flying-bird-rescue-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> thousands of birds</a> in the blistering heatwaves.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C73RDDLB2_a/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C73RDDLB2_a/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C73RDDLB2_a/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Better India (@thebetterindia)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>His team gives out free bird feeders all year round and runs several summer campaigns. So far, he has set up 9,000 <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/283772/bengaluru-man-feeds-sparrows-nature-lover-senior-citizen-inspirational/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird feeders</a> in the city so far. He reaches out to villagers and residents of the area to refill the feeders and take care of the birds.</p> <p><em>You can help Kapil in his good work too. Click </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kapilprajapat_0612/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"><em>here</em></a><em> to reach him.</em></p> <p><em>(Edited by Pranita Bhat; Feature image credit: Vishal Khandelwal)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352370";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:24;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:92:"Bubble Wrap Made of Coir? Woman Uses Seeds, Seaweed & More to Make Packaging Sustainable";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:129:"https://thebetterindia.com/352330/bubble-wrap-replacement-in-india-coconut-coir-sustainable-packaging-startup-seaweed-innovation/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:49:27 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"agri waste";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"coir uses";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"packaging waste";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"seaweed wrappings";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:21:"sustainable packaging";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352330";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:144:"Khushboo Gandhi runs ‘Go Do Good’, a Pune-based startup that repurposes agro-waste and finds innovative alternatives for single-use plastic.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12273:" <p>Did you know that India alone produces <a href="http://swachhbharaturban.gov.in/writereaddata/SBM%20Plastic%20Waste%20Book.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">9,400 tonnes </a>of plastic waste which ends up in landfills or streams? Despite recycling 60 percent of its waste, plastic waste, including packaging waste, remains littered and unmanaged, impacting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.</p> <p>From packaging films, wrapping materials, shopping and garbage bags to fluid containers, clothing, toys, and building materials, plastic waste has a broad range of applications.</p> <p>“Even in paper-based packaging for coffee and <em>chai</em> mugs, they are laminated with plastic to make them waterproof. Take, for example, paper-based pouches, boxes, trays, or cups. So, while the majority of the packaging is paper, this lamination makes them unfit to recycle or biodegrade,” says Khushboo Gandhi, founder of Pune-based startup ‘Go Do Good’ that develops <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/311118/pernod-richard-one-for-our-planet-initiative-encourages-sustainable-packaging-to-avoid-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable packaging</a>.</p> <p>“Similarly, the black ink, which is commonly used in printing newspapers and magazines, has carbon in it. It cannot go back to the planet without proper processing because it is full of heavy metals and chemicals that will affect the soil,” she adds.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/go-do-good-startup-2-1717687958.jpg" alt="Khushboo says these products are equally durable and keep items like powder, liquid detergent, and food items safe. " class="wp-image-352337" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/go-do-good-startup-2-1717687958.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/go-do-good-startup-2-1717687958-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/go-do-good-startup-2-1717687958-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/go-do-good-startup-2-1717687958-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/go-do-good-startup-2-1717687958-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Khushboo says these products are equally durable and keep items like powder, liquid detergent, and food items safe. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>In an innovative way, Khushboo has repurposed agro-waste to find alternatives for single-use plastic.</p> <p>“We work with an array of raw materials like natural pigments, seaweed, and coir to make eco-friendly inks and bubble wraps, along with providing insulation alternatives made from coconut and wool waste. We have also created an eco-friendly coating which replaces the laminated paper,” she says.</p> <p>With her company ‘Go Do Good’, she has replaced up to 10 tonnes of single-use plastic, printed 1.5 lakh products with eco-friendly inks, replaced 7 tonnes of bubble wrap with <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/312076/ardra-nair-started-greenamor-ventures-kerala-eco-friendly-biopolymer-packaging-from-coir-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodegradable coir</a>, and repurposed 5 tonnes of agro-waste.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-saving-ribbons-to-saving-planet">From saving ribbons to saving planet</h2> <p>Born and raised in Mumbai, Khushboo pursued higher education in design and material development at NIFT. This is where she became interested in packaging design and sustainable practices.</p> <p>“I’ve also been raised to live in a sustainable manner. I used to save little ribbons from gifts. I was one of those kids who would be fascinated to see the outside of a product more than the product itself,” she laughs.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/go-do-good-startup-4-1717688026.jpg" alt="Khushboo has repurposed agro-waste to find alternatives for single-use plastic." class="wp-image-352338" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/go-do-good-startup-4-1717688026.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/go-do-good-startup-4-1717688026-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/go-do-good-startup-4-1717688026-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/go-do-good-startup-4-1717688026-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/go-do-good-startup-4-1717688026-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Khushboo has repurposed agro-waste to find alternatives for single-use plastic.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>So, when she started her professional career, she often wondered about various ways to live sustainably and create a larger impact on the planet.</p> <p>On a trekking tour in Ladakh in 2015, Khushboo shares that she found plastic waste even in the remotest of all places there. “I saw leftover plastic like sachets being burned near a water stream. It really hit me how deep-rooted the problem had become. This needed to be solved,” she says.</p> <p>Following this, in 2018, she went to pursue her masters in material development in Barcelona, Spain, to formally educate herself in circular economy and design thinking. “This gave me the confidence to actually build materials that can replace plastic,” she adds.</p> <p>After a year spent in research and development, Khushboo formally launched her company in 2021 along with her brother Ronak Gandhi, and her husband, Chanakya Medh.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ink-from-seaweed-bubble-wrap-from-coir-amp-more">Ink from seaweed, bubble wrap from coir & more</h2> <p>Shedding light on the problems in the packaging industry, Khushboo says, “There are multiple types of plastic used for different applications. For example, ink printed on the packaging is toxic as well, and contains heavy metal additives, synthetic chemicals, and paraffin waxes. So even if you have a compostable material, you have to print on it with regular, toxic ink.”</p> <p>“Similarly, people fail to notice layers of plastic lamination on packaging and the synthetic glue used in the sticker industry. These are the areas we strived to work on,” she adds.</p> <p>Being a material innovation company, Khushboo’s aim was to solve industrial problems using natural materials which can be composted at home. For instance, the startup has innovated a coating compostable at home which naturally makes paper water-resistant and heat-fillable — two main properties that plastic offers.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/go-do-good-startup-3-1717687943.jpg" alt="The startup uses natural pigments and seaweed to make eco-friendly inks. " class="wp-image-352336" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/go-do-good-startup-3-1717687943.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/go-do-good-startup-3-1717687943-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/go-do-good-startup-3-1717687943-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/go-do-good-startup-3-1717687943-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/go-do-good-startup-3-1717687943-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The startup uses natural pigments and seaweed to make eco-friendly inks. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>“We have also utilised heavy coconut coir that are usually used to make mattresses, rugs, or doormats. This offers excellent cushioning properties for fragile products and acts as a direct replacement for bubble wrap. We also use tamarind seeds to make water-based glue and are replacing the toxic ink with our eco-friendly ink that has been developed from seaweed and natural pigments,” she explains.</p> <p>Sharing why she zeroed down on using seaweed, Khushboo says, “Seaweed has a polymer structure and behaves very similar to plastic in terms of stretchability, flexibility, and transparency. It can go back to the planet much more easily.”</p> <p>“These materials allow everything that is on the package and inside the package to be 100 percent biodegradable. and compostable at home. So, tomorrow when you’re done using the product, you can dump it in your backyard and it will compost within 30 to 45 days,” she adds.</p> <p>Interestingly, Khushoo says, the price difference is also at par with only a 10 percent difference. </p> <p>“In the market, a 250g paper pillow pouch with a plastic lamination (the pouches in which items like milk, chips, spices are sold in) costs Rs 7 whereas our natural pouch costs between Rs 7.5 to 8. We made our products affordable and compatible so that it would be easier for more and more people to switch to natural materials instead of plastic,” she adds.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Untitled-design-1717688331.jpg" alt="Khushboo's startup has innovated eco-friendly coating which replaces the laminated paper." class="wp-image-352340" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Untitled-design-1717688331.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Untitled-design-1717688331-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Untitled-design-1717688331-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Untitled-design-1717688331-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Untitled-design-1717688331-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Khushboo’s startup has innovated eco-friendly coating which replaces the laminated paper.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Talking about the limitations of the products, she says, “Our products are equally durable. We do not require any tape or synthetic glue and our packaging products keep your flowers, powder, liquid detergent, grains, and takeaway food items safe. The biggest advantage is that you are not compromising on any of the uses while also contributing towards the betterment of our planet.”</p> <p>As of now, the startup is commercialising its packaging solutions to 50 clients in the B2B sector, including restaurants and cafeterias.</p> <p>With her work, Khushboo has been able to divert tonnes of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/291567/mumbai-family-sells-honeycomb-packaging-alternative-to-plastic-bubble-wrap-earns-lakhs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic packaging </a>waste, but she believes a lot more work needs to be done in replacing multi-layer packaging. </p> <p>“We are now designing sheets using seaweed that are specifically supposed to replace the transparent plastic sheets directly which are used widely across the country,” she shares.</p> <p>Looking at the success of her startup, Khushboo says, “For me, it was a meaningful journey. It took time to make way through the packaging industry as it’s a male-dominated industry. As a female founder, you really have to be very headstrong in terms of leading the company.”</p> <p>“People doubted our capabilities. But we either could have held ourselves back or been enthusiastic about our work. I choose the latter. The impact that we see makes me very positive about the work we do and the amount of change it can bring in the society,” she adds.</p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande. All photos: Khushboo Gandhi.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352330";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:25;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:97:"Playground for Entrepreneurs: Initiative Helps Student Startups Win Seed Funding & Mentorship";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:123:"https://thebetterindia.com/352365/tech-for-change-nasscom-foundation-ciena-social-entrepreneurship-college-student-startup/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 07 Jun 2024 11:52:55 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"Education";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"college students";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"entreprenuership";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"social startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"tech for change";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352365";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:311:"The TechForChange initiative, spearheaded by Nasscom Foundation and Ciena, empowers college students to cultivate impactful social ventures through an intensive 18-month programme. Participating startups receive grants, funding, mentorship, and a host of other resources to support their growth and development.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12270:" <p><em>This article is sponsored by Ciena in collaboration with nasscom foundation.</em></p> <p>A young child is encouraged to explore the world and get their hands dirty in a playground. ‘Fall down seven times, stand up eight’, are words that every child lives by. Why then, do we lose this never-say-die attitude as we grow up? </p> <p>Pushing youngsters to harbour this attitude to solve real-life challenges is the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/350914/nasscom-foundation-lt-technology-services-rural-women-artisans-digital-upskilling-training/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TechForChange programme</a>, which provides them with a “geek playground”.</p> <p>The idea, Nidhi Bhasin, CEO, nasscom foundation, explains, is to encourage social innovations from the leaders of tomorrow. “We encourage children to play while teaching them that it’s okay to fall in a playground. We are creating a similar playground for entrepreneurs, where it’s okay to fail. We teach them to stand up by providing the necessary support needed for success.”</p> <p>Take, for example, 22-year-old Shivam Gupta who had a fantastic idea for building drones for the defence and agriculture sectors. In need for guidance and funding, he joined the programme as an engineering student in August 2022.</p> <p>The programme helped him refine his idea and learn the art of pitching to investors. His startup ‘House Technologies’ was one of the winners in Cohort 2 and is now up and running, blazing an impactful trail on the ground.</p> <p>Not just Shivam, this programme has helped 11 startups find their feet while accelerating the entrepreneurship journey for the students. This helps to make the challenging early stages of venture creation — from ideation to product development and marketing — easier to navigate.</p> <p>TechForChange is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative led by Ciena, a network hardware, software and services company, in collaboration with nasscom foundation as part of the nasscom ecosystem in its third year.</p> <p>The purpose is to equip young innovators with essential tools, support, knowledge, and opportunities, empowering them to make a meaningful impact. It is also to provide them with a platform to turn their ideas into prototypes and businesses. Spanning over 18 months, the immersive programme guides students, exposing them to cutting-edge technology and potential use cases.</p> <p>The top five high-potential startups are presented with a seed grant of Rs 5 lakh each through <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/337165/startup-leopard-tech-lab-helps-kerala-forest-department-combat-wildlife-crime/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technology Business Incubators</a> (TBI).</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empowering-tomorrow-s-leaders-to-drive-sustainable-innovation">Empowering tomorrow’s leaders to drive sustainable innovation</h2> <p>Today, the imperative for sustainable solutions that tackle critical social issues is undeniable. And this programme seeks to empower young leaders to catalyse global transformation through their innovative ventures and entrepreneurial spirit.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-22-1717758065.jpg" alt="College students refine their ideas and get them running through this programme" class="wp-image-352376" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-22-1717758065.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-22-1717758065-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-22-1717758065-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-22-1717758065-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-22-1717758065-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">College students refine their ideas and get them running through this programme.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>TechForChange strives to lead this charge by nurturing emerging entrepreneurs and providing them with the support and resources they need to soar. It is designed to foster solutions that not only tackle pressing challenges but also resonate with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thereby contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future.</p> <p>This programme was conceptualised to address the gap found in the skill set among college students. While they are well-prepared for placements, they are not equipped with the essential tools needed to start their own ventures.</p> <p>“Ciena’s Digital Inclusion programme aims to foster student development and entrepreneurship in technology, promoting it as a viable and sustainable career option,” says Amit Malik, VP & Sales Leader, Ciena India.</p> <p>Ciena India employees also engage in regular volunteering sessions to impart their own skills and knowledge to help boost the students’ confidence.</p> <p>Ciena, in collaboration with nasscom foundation, has conducted two successful cohorts in the past two years and nurtured over 157 ideas. Of these, 11 startups have materialised across various sectors — including healthcare, education, mental health, and agriculture technology.</p> <p>These 11 startups received mentorship from industry stalwarts<strong> </strong>and grants worth Rs 61 lakh<strong>.</strong></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1427" height="808" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2-1_11zon-1718014771.jpg" alt="The programme stands out by offering hands-on workshops and project-based learning." class="wp-image-352540" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2-1_11zon-1718014771.jpg 1427w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2-1_11zon-1718014771-300x170.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2-1_11zon-1718014771-500x283.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2-1_11zon-1718014771-768x435.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/2-1_11zon-1718014771-150x85.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1427px) 100vw, 1427px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The programme stands out by offering hands-on workshops and project-based learning.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>“We received a lot of help and support from the mentorship sessions. The programme helped us learn marketing and allocation of funds too. It has made me a more confident person who can present his idea better,” Shivam shares.</p> <p>He adds that the programme helped them launch the drones in the market and also led to grants worth over Rs 19 lakh from programmes in IIT-Mandi, NSUT IIF (Incubation and Innovation Foundation of Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi), and the Vimarsh 5G Hackathon.</p> <p>Since the third edition of the TechForChange programme commenced in January 2024, the top 124 ideas were chosen. The process was kick-started through hands-on workshops on design thinking and ideation, which helped in refining the ideas.</p> <p>The programme stands out by offering hands-on workshops and project-based learning, which are instrumental in developing expertise in cutting-edge technologies — such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).</p> <p>Going beyond technical skills, the TechForChange-Cohort 3 programme emphasises the importance of innovation, guiding participants to identify customer needs and market gaps. This ensures that the solutions are not just theoretical but are relevant, and it helps in finding the product-market fit.</p> <p>Through this, they hope to encourage youngsters to find solutions to the burning challenges in society today. The TechForChange-Cohort 3 programme has created a framework and support system that enables these solutions to become working prototypes through technology.</p> <p>However, coming up with an innovative idea is just the first step in the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/344429/solar-square-rooftop-panel-installation-iit-bombay-grads-neeraj-jain-shreya-mishra-nikhil-nahar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journey of entrepreneurship</a>. Recognising this, the programme offers extensive support in the critical early stages of venture creation. This includes mentorship, resources, and guidance on aspects — ranging from ideation to product development and marketing — ensuring that these young entrepreneurs have the best possible foundation to thrive.</p> <p>The heartening change observed in the programme over the past three years is the increasing number of women participants. TechForChange’s strong commitment to diversity and inclusion has played a key role in attracting more women. In the current cohort, 30 percent of the participants are women. “We hope that this number continues to increase over time,” says Vishal Thakur, CTO, nasscom foundation. </p> <p>The top five chosen startups from the third cohort will receive business mentoring, seed funding, and marketing help. At the end of 16 months, these five startups will be ready to launch.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-details-of-the-programme">Details of the programme</h2> <p>The TechForChange-Cohort 3 programme is open for college students in Delhi-NCR with a technical background. The students must come up with a technical solution for a social problem. The programme spans 18 months — including 11 months of cohort and seven months of incubation for the chosen five startups.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1388" height="807" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/6-1_11zon-1718014773.jpg" alt="Students working on building drones for the defence and agriculture sectors." class="wp-image-352541" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/6-1_11zon-1718014773.jpg 1388w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/6-1_11zon-1718014773-300x174.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/6-1_11zon-1718014773-500x291.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/6-1_11zon-1718014773-768x447.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/6-1_11zon-1718014773-150x87.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1388px) 100vw, 1388px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Students working on building drones for the defence and agriculture sectors.</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>Phase 1: Ideation track (2 months)</strong></p> <p>The chosen 124 teams get an opportunity to refine their early-stage concepts into viable ideas through workshops and webinars. This track focuses on refining the problem statement.</p> <p><strong>Phase 2: Product track (3-4 months)</strong></p> <p>Fifty teams with promising ideas will be selected for this exciting stage, where their ideas will come to fruition as prototypes. Mentors with relevant experience will guide the students and equip them with the necessary skills to do so. The programme will also provide resources for their prototyping journey, including a small fund to help students build their solutions.</p> <p><strong>Phase 3: Startup track (2 months)</strong></p> <p>Things get heated up as 20 promising prototypes move to the next phase, where the concepts will start becoming business models. Mentors will guide on product-market fit, development, company registrations, and more.</p> <p><strong>Phase 4: The final five</strong></p> <p>The top five startups will be chosen for incubation and a chance at seed funding. Their ventures will be on the cusp of becoming realities through a seven-month incubation.</p> <p>To get updates on upcoming webinars and events, click <a href="https://bit.ly/3Xu8mEH" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352365";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:26;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:66:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:75:"5 People Who Switched Careers to Farming & Earn Lakhs Growing Mushrooms";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:115:"https://thebetterindia.com/352297/mushroom-farming-in-india-earn-in-lakhs-growing-button-oysters-shittake-mushroom/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Thu, 06 Jun 2024 14:59:54 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:4:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:20:"Agriculture industry";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"mushroom farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"mushrooms";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352297";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:175:"In Indian agriculture industry, mushroom farming has emerged as a lucrative business. Here are stories of five agriprenuers who quit their conventional jobs to grow mushrooms.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7843:" <p>In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian agriculture, mushrooms have emerged as an unexpected hero. <strong>The Better India </strong>has curated an inspiring list of individuals who dared to dream differently, quit their conventional jobs, and embraced mushroom farming. Now, these individuals are earning lakhs of rupees per annum.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-hiresha-verma">1. Hiresha Verma </h2> <p>In 2013, moved by the Kedarnath flash floods, Hiresha Verma quit her IT job in Delhi to support the women affected in Uttarakhand. She chose mushroom farming due to the region’s favourable weather and invested Rs 2,000 to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/262333/uttarakhand-woman-startup-how-to-grow-mushroom-farming-earns-crores/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">start experimenting at home.</a><br><br>After training and establishing Hanzen International, she invested Rs 80 lakh for advanced setups. Now, her farm produces 1,000 kg of mushrooms daily and makes Rs 1.5 crore annually. Her initiative has empowered over 2,000 women, increasing their incomes by 30% and improving their social status. She also founded Han Agrocare to retail their produce across India.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2021/09/Hiresha3.jpg" alt="Techie turned mushroom farmer Hiresha Verma. " class="wp-image-262337" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2021/09/Hiresha3.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2021/09/Hiresha3-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2021/09/Hiresha3-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2021/09/Hiresha3-768x402.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Techie turned mushroom farmer Hiresha Verma. </figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-shanker-meena">2. Shanker Meena </h2> <p>Shanker Meena was born into a farming family in Rajasthan and wanted to pursue the profession himself. However, his father wanted him to do a corporate job with an assured stable income. While he decided to pursue an MBA as per his family’s wishes, his heart was always set on farming. </p> <p>In 2012, he left his MBA midway and returned home. Moved by the hardships his father faced, he founded ‘Jeevan Mushroom’ in 2017. Shanker focused on mushroom spawns, investing Rs 9 lakh from a MUDRA loan, and took his family’s support to set up a lab.</p> <p>His company now produces 80 tonnes of spawns monthly, generating Rs 13 lakh in revenue, and exports to Bhutan, Nepal, and the UAE. Despite challenges like a Rs 27-lakh loss due to contamination, Shanker’s dedication to quality and innovation has earned him multiple awards and kept his business thriving.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-nidhi-katare">3. Nidhi Katare </h2> <p>In 2016, Professor Nidhi Katare’s world was turned upside down when the college she taught at was shut down. Devastated, instead of accepting offers from other colleges, she decided to try something new. </p> <p>She pursued her passion for farming and started a mushroom farming business. With her MSc in microbiology and teaching experience, Nidhi ventured into entrepreneurship, setting up ‘Natural Bio Impact and Research Pvt Ltd’ in 2017.<br><br>Despite initial challenges, including poor-quality spawns, she persevered, establishing a lab in her ancestral house. Today, she produces <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/329202/gwalior-professor-nidhi-katare-becomes-successful-mushroom-farmer-earns-lakhs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1,000 kg of spawns monthly, </a>selling to 150 farmers across different states. Nidhi’s innovative approach earns her Rs 1.5 lakh monthly.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2023/09/Nidhi-Katare-2-1694005146.jpg" alt="Mushroom grown at Nidhi's farm. " class="wp-image-329209" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2023/09/Nidhi-Katare-2-1694005146.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2023/09/Nidhi-Katare-2-1694005146-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2023/09/Nidhi-Katare-2-1694005146-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2023/09/Nidhi-Katare-2-1694005146-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2023/09/Nidhi-Katare-2-1694005146-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mushrooms grown at Nidhi’s farm. </figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-rohhaan-gawde">4. Rohhaan Gawde</h2> <p>“Only the commonly available button variety is popular among customers in the market. But there are so many varieties of mushrooms that we can consume,” says Rohhaan. So when he attempted to introduce oyster mushrooms to people back in 2014, they questioned if they were even mushrooms. </p> <p>Working in the same industry, Rohhaan was forced to quit his job. He decided to start his own venture, T<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/242060/farmer-earns-lakhs-gourmet-mushrooms-the-mushroom-company-mumbai-mushrooms-chemical-free-rohhaan-gawde-him16/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he Mushroom Company, </a>and grow mushrooms organically. Initially, he grew oyster mushrooms in Lonavala, about 150 km from Mumbai. </p> <p>Today, he operates three facilities in Pune, Nagpur, and Lonavala, cultivating a variety of mushrooms including the Shiitake, Grey, Pink and Blue Oyster, King Oyster, Ganoderma, Milky Mushrooms, Lion’s Mane, and Reishi.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2020/11/Wild-Oyster-Mushroom.jpg" alt="Wild Oyster Mushroom. " class="wp-image-242065" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2020/11/Wild-Oyster-Mushroom.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2020/11/Wild-Oyster-Mushroom-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2020/11/Wild-Oyster-Mushroom-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2020/11/Wild-Oyster-Mushroom-768x402.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wild Oyster Mushroom. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>On average, The Mushroom Company sells about 70 kg of mushrooms daily. The company earns a profit of Rs 1.5-2 lakh per month, with monthly revenues reaching up to Rs 4 lakh.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-adam-shamsudeen-and-raeesa-manaal">5. Adam Shamsudeen and Raeesa Manaal </h2> <p>After working for several years as software engineers, Adam and Raeesa wanted to try something different. The couple shared a love for sustainable living which led them to grow mushrooms. </p> <p>As per an <em>Open Digest </em>article, their startup, ‘GrowtheFunguy’, is a “one-stop destination to help people grow mushrooms and make a living from it”. Currently, they have collaborated with over 300 farmers who grow different varieties of mushrooms and supply them.</p> <p>“Their innovative approach has enabled them to offer services that include grow kits of different types of mushrooms, supplements, and nutrients to increase their yield. They also provide an AI-driven chatbot, FungAI, to answer all queries related to mushroom farming,” the article says.</p> <p><em>(Edited by Padmashree Pande)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352297";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:27;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:99:"‘It’s 3-4 Degrees Cooler Inside’: This Gorgeous Sustainable Home is Surrounded by Mango Trees";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:138:"https://thebetterindia.com/352270/sustainable-home-in-maharashtra-naturally-cool-summers-mango-trees-shriya-parasrampuria-prashant-dupare/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Thu, 06 Jun 2024 13:56:31 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Sustainability";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"architecture";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"blurring boundaries";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"mango trees";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"sustainable home";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"sustainable living";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352270";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:227:"Designed by Shriya Parasrampuria and Prashant Dupare of Blurring Boundaries, this home is surrounded by five mango trees. Built using upcycled tiles, marble, and locally sourced bricks, the house exemplifies sustainable living.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16375:" <p>When Ajay Gharat decided to build a home for himself, one thing he was sure about was that he wanted a “home which was in sync with nature”. A second home, tucked in nature, for him and his wife and kids, he wanted a space where they could run freely and feel <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/57389/energy-efficient-house-natural-farm-medicine-free-life-couple-live-life-closest-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">close to nature. </a></p> <p>“I am an Ayurvedic doctor and have built my career around nature. So when it came to designing a home, I was sure that nature would play an integral part in it,” he shares in a conversation with <strong>The Better India. </strong></p> <p>While he was determined to make his home a natural paradise, what he needed was an architect whose thoughts aligned with his. He went online and stumbled upon Mumbai-based architects, Shriya Parasrampuria and Prashant Dupare of Blurring Boundaries. </p> <p>“My philosophy and ideas matched perfectly with what the duo and their firm stood for. It took one and half years for the home to be ready,” he adds. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-natural-home-around-mango-trees">A natural home around mango trees</h2> <p>Ajay had a piece of land in Pen, Raigad that he wanted to convert into a home. When the architects saw the piece of land, its natural beauty took them aback. </p> <p>“The property had a lot of greenery <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/350402/alphonso-mango-trees-ganesh-ashok-ranade-agro-tourism-ratnagiri-homestay-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and five mango trees.</a> While designing the house, we kept in mind that the mango trees should not be touched. We wanted to design a house that flowed through the land and covered the maximum area without disturbing the nature around it,” explains Prashant. </p> <p>The place has an open floor plan and interconnected spaces that offer versatility and flexibility, with each space transitioning seamlessly into the next. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-11-1717681254.jpg" alt="Shriya Parasrampuria and Prashant Dupare, Founders of Blurring Boundaries." class="wp-image-352276" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-11-1717681254.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-11-1717681254-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-11-1717681254-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-11-1717681254-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-11-1717681254-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shriya Parasrampuria and Prashant Dupare, Founders of Blurring Boundaries. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>“Since the land that we were given was not very large, and the client also wanted a backyard where he could do some organic farming, we wanted to utilise every inch and corner of the place. The open plan of the house is such that we were able to bring in more space for the kids to run around,” adds Shriya. </p> <p>A two-bedroom home with a dining, kitchen and hall area, the home is made keeping in mind the earthy tones and natural materials that Ajay requested. </p> <p>Talking about the name of the house, Asmalay, Ajay explains how it came about. “Our house isn’t square or rectangular; it’s not evenly distributed, which gives it a unique rhythm. This uniqueness has three meanings,” he says.</p> <p>“First, the word “<em>Asma</em>” means uneven, and “<em>laya</em>” refers to flow or rhythm, reflecting the house’s design. Second, in Marathi “<em>Asma</em>” means “ours” and “<em>alai</em>” means “house’, symbolising “our house”. Lastly, if you write it in English as “A S S M,” it represents our family: Ajay (me), Swara (my wife), Megha (our elder child), and Swaraj (our younger child). The “A A” comes from “Chakla”, tying it all together. Isn’t that sweet?” he says. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-modern-and-nature-friendly">Sustainable, modern and nature-friendly</h2> <p>“When the architects were designing the place, I mentioned that I did not want to use cement or, at least, wanted minimal use of it,” shares Ajay.</p> <p>So that is what the architects delivered. </p> <p>“In this particular project, we decided<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/208444/mumbai-architect-sustainable-homes-methods-booking-building-malaksingh-gill-gop94/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> to go for minimal cement </a>and go ahead with locally-sourced bricks. This was done to minimise the carbon footprint we leave behind while constructing a building,” shares Shriya. </p> <p>The home is a culmination of naturally shaped arches, beautifully carved brick walls and huge windows that blend the outdoors and indoors. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-10-1717681242.jpg" alt="The recycled glass wall glows up when the light hits it during the sunset. " class="wp-image-352275" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-10-1717681242.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-10-1717681242-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-10-1717681242-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-10-1717681242-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-10-1717681242-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The recycled glass wall glows up when the light hits it at sunset.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>“We felt that the materiality of bricks also allowed the natural light to act as a sculpting element, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the building’s curves and contours,” shares Shriya. </p> <p>Another interesting thing about the home is that it has a unique roof. “The north-facing ferro-cement roof has been carefully designed to accommodate existing trees whose horizontal canopies provide natural shading, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/210678/pune-couple-mud-house-sustainable-architect-anujna-dnyaneshwar-india-nor41/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">negating the need for air-conditioning. </a>We as architects wanted to reduce the use of mechanical ventilation as much as possible,” says Shriya. </p> <p>The idea behind using locally-sourced brick and stone was to provide a thoughtful blend of earthy colours with a unique spatial structure, including the vibrant greenery around the area. </p> <p>“We intentionally left the brick exposed so that the beauty of the bricks shows,” says Prashant. </p> <p>Another highlight of the property is a load-bearing glass wall along the staircase. “We asked the client to collect waste beer bottles for the structure. The idea behind the wall is to use upcycled materials in the home. The bottles were upcycled into a beautiful wall and when the sun is setting, the light passes through it, giving it an amazing glow,” explains Shriya. </p> <p>In a bid to not waste any materials, the architects made furniture using the leftover materials. “The beds and benches are made of bricks and are permanent. 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtMA_YHI-ZQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Blurring Boundaries (@blurringboundaries.design)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>“We ensured that there was no waste during the construction process too. We utilised every bit of materials that we were using. The foundation is made using stone, negating the use of steel. We have also upcycled tiles and waste marble chips for the flooring of the home,” she says. </p> <p>The property is now the loving home of Ajay’s family. It took nearly 1.5 years of sketching, designing and construction to complete the house and cost around Rs 45 lakh. </p> <p>“The best part about the house is that all the planning, incorporation of nature, and huge windows have made the house<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/318502/gujarat-eco-friendly-home-stays-cool-without-air-conditioners-sustainable-architecture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> 3-4 degrees cooler. </a>The area is quite hot during summers but you can feel the difference in temperature as you come inside the house,” Ajay points out. </p> <p><em>(Edited by Padmashree Pande; All Pictures Credit: <a href="https://blurringboundaries.in/team/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Blurring Boundaries</a>)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352270";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:28;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:75:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:57:"5 Cool Composting Hacks to Save Your Plants From the Heat";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:120:"https://thebetterindia.com/351820/five-composting-hacks-to-keep-your-plants-cool-in-the-summer-youtube-channel-heatwave/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Thu, 06 Jun 2024 07:26:58 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:7:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"compost for summer";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:21:"cool composting hacks";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:5:"Delhi";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"gardening tutorials";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"home gardener";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"unique farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351820";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:224:"Anju Singh runs a YouTube channel called ‘Unique Farming’ to explore her interest in gardening. Using simple ingredients like buttermilk, cow dung and leaves, she prepares compost that shields plants from excessive heat.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10849:" <p>In the soaring temperatures of 41 degrees in New Delhi, Anju Singh’s garden is thriving and booming with colourful flowers. She owns a small garden of 100 plants comprising medicinal ones like basil, <em>patharchatta </em>(Kalanchoe Pinnata),neem, <em>shami </em>(Khejri) and <em>harsingar </em>(night-flowering Jasmine).</p> <p>Her <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/286001/how-to-keep-plants-drying-summer-make-natural-cold-compost-at-home-tips/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cool composting hacks </a>are the secret to her flourishing garden in this scorching heat.</p> <p>Anju says, “Usually, potted plants need special care during summer as excessive heat can stress the plants causing them to wither out. Watering alone is not sufficient to save them from drying.”</p> <p>“Gardeners use several methods like a green net shade, shower systems that reduce temperature by five degrees, watering through drip throughout the day, changing the position of plants, mulching using rice husk, newspapers, and adding pebbles to the soil to shield them from harsh sunlight,” she adds.</p> <p>Anju points out that while there are chances of damage caused due to harsh sunlight, adding chemical fertilisers like DAP (Di-ammonium phosphate) and urea can further the damage, leaving plants burnt. “Organic fertilisers like mustard <em>khali </em>(cakes) and bone meal should also be avoided as they are warm in nature,” she says.</p> <p>She suggests making cool compost is an easy and effective way to prevent plants from drying up. In conversation with <strong>The Better India</strong>, she shares five cool <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/343673/hyderabad-pavani-lolla-innovates-odor-free-home-composter-for-kitchen-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">composting secrets </a>that retain moisture in the plants and help create a flourishing garden, even in the excessive summer heat.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-the-journalist-turned-urban-gardener">Meet the journalist-turned-urban gardener</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/unique-farming-4-1717387203.jpg" alt="Anju runs a YouTube channel called ‘Unique Farming’ with her college friend, Pankaj Saini. " class="wp-image-351823" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/unique-farming-4-1717387203.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/unique-farming-4-1717387203-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/unique-farming-4-1717387203-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/unique-farming-4-1717387203-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/unique-farming-4-1717387203-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Anju runs a YouTube channel called ‘Unique Farming’ with her college friend, Pankaj Saini. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>Before turning to urban gardening, Anju worked as a reporter. “I come from an agricultural background so I was always inclined towards it but was never at leisure to do so. Additionally, my beat as a reporter was also agriculture. I always thought that if I ever quit mainstream media, I would devote my time to farming,” she says.</p> <p>It was after her childbirth that she could focus on her passion for farming. “During my pregnancy, I had switched from reporting to a desk job. But still, the work was very hectic. I would be home by 1 am. It was difficult for me to spare some time for my daughter,” she adds.</p> <p>This continued for 1.5 years when Anju finally quit her job in 2022. Today, she runs a YouTube channel called ‘Unique Farming’ with her college friend, Pankaj Saini. They promote organic farming, small agro-businesses, and urban gardening.</p> <p>After actively working for the past one year, the duo has managed to garner 109k subscribers on YouTube and 145k followers on Instagram. “Within three months of actively working, we started earning through our YouTube channel. Although it was less compared to my previous jobs, this work gives me peace of mind and flexibility as now I spend most of my time with my family,” she adds.</p> <p>Recently, Anju created an informative video on cold composting hacks that take the least amount of effort and maintenance and do wonders for plants during the summers.</p> <p>“Like doctors first try to control their patients’ health using tablets and advise IV (intravenous) drips when the condition is critical, gardeners should give liquid composts to plants to improve their health during summer,” she adds.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-here-are-her-five-cool-composting-hacks-for-summer">Here are her five cool composting hacks for summer-</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buttermilk">Buttermilk</h3> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/unique-farming-2-1717387093.jpg" alt="Anju suggests giving 500 ml of buttermilk mixture to the plants once a month." class="wp-image-351821" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/unique-farming-2-1717387093.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/unique-farming-2-1717387093-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/unique-farming-2-1717387093-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/unique-farming-2-1717387093-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/unique-farming-2-1717387093-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Anju suggests giving 500 ml of buttermilk mixture to the plants once a month.</figcaption></figure></div> <ul> <li>Keep homemade buttermilk in a plastic container or bucket.</li> <li>Place a copper utensil in the container. </li> <li>Leave the buttermilk to rot for at least 10 days.</li> <li>Mix 200 ml of this buttermilk in 1 litre of water.</li> <li>Give 500 ml of this mixture to the plants once a month.</li> </ul> <p>“Keep in mind that you give this compost to the plants either in the evening or morning. Buttermilk is given to plants like curry leaves, <em>harsingar,</em> and bigger plants. Rich in calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, it boosts the growth of microorganisms and makes soil porous to improve air circulation,” says Anju.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cow-dung-slurry">Cow dung slurry</h3> <ul> <li>Soak fresh cow dung or its cake (250 grams) in a bucketful of water for the night.</li> <li>Dip it thoroughly in water and cover it with a lid.</li> <li>Keep the mixture for three days.</li> <li>After straining the mixture, pour a mugful of it into the pots.</li> <li>Give this mixture to the plants once every 2-3 days.</li> </ul> <p>“In summer, never add the fresh dung directly to the soil. Diluting it with water is a must. With the same cow dung, you can continue making the compost till the point it stops changing its yellowish colour and is out of use. Use the leftover cow dung for mulching,” advises Anju.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/unique-farming-3-1717387136.jpg" alt="Soak fresh cow dung or its cake (250 grams) in a bucketful of water for the night." class="wp-image-351822" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/unique-farming-3-1717387136.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/unique-farming-3-1717387136-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/unique-farming-3-1717387136-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/unique-farming-3-1717387136-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/unique-farming-3-1717387136-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Soak fresh cow dung or its cake (250 grams) in a bucketful of water for the night.</figcaption></figure></div> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vermicompost-tea">Vermicompost Tea</h3> <ul> <li>It is prepared similarly to cow dung liquid compost.</li> <li>Soak vermicompost in a bucketful of water.</li> <li>Leave the mixture for two days.</li> <li>Later on, strain the mixture and give it to the plants.</li> </ul> <p>“Considered one of the most cold composts, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/348522/vermicompost-made-by-award-winning-kashmir-organic-farmer-anantnag-units-earns-crores/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vermicompost tea </a>lowers the soil temperature, promotes the growth of necessary microorganisms, and boosts the plant growth in a controlled and long-lasting manner,” she adds.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neem-khali">Neem <em>khali</em></h3> <p>“Neem cake is listed among the top cold composts. It prolongs the availability of nitrogen to plants, builds long-term plant immunity, and retains moisture by controlling evaporation from direct sunlight,” says Anju.</p> <p>She advises adding a handful of neem cake powder to the soil, away from the plant stem. “It can also be directly mixed into the potting mix. Add a mixture of 50 percent garden soil, 30 percent cow dung compost, and 20 percent neem <em>khali </em>to prepare the soil mixture. Thereafter, spray some water,” she adds.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leaf-compost">Leaf compost</h3> <ul> <li>You can use small stems, bark, grass, leaves, and petals from the plants to make leaf compost.</li> <li>Do not use fruits and peels which are used to prepare kitchen compost.</li> <li>Keep leaves inside a container. Mix it in one litre of water.</li> <li>Do not add rotten parts of plants into this compost.</li> <li>Stir the mixture once every 2-4 days.</li> <li>The compost will be ready to use in 2 to 2.5 months.</li> </ul> <p>Anju says, “A plant requires at least 17 kinds of nutrients including nitrogen, calcium, sulphur, magnesium, manganese, boron, and molybdenum. Interestingly, this leaf compost contains all of these nutrients, and additionally helps in controlling unwanted weed growth as well as acts as a good mulching medium that retains moisture in the soil.”</p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande. 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Experts share 15 factors to consider for solar panel installation.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11462:" <p><em>This #WorldEnvironmentDay, check out our #ApnaGharSolar series, an exclusive deep dive by The Better India in collaboration with <a href="https://www.solarsquare.in/housing-society?utm_source=socialmedia&utm_medium=ad&utm_campaign=TheBetterIndia">SolarSquare</a> on India’s solar power boom. Stay tuned for more interesting stories, data and information!</em></p> <p>From Noida to Gurugram and Bengaluru to Kochi, apartment buildings and rentals are becoming increasingly common across India. One of the main concerns of these apartment owners and tenants is how they would affordably and sustainably power them for an extended period of time.</p> <p>Installing a solar system has emerged as the best investment for flats to reduce monthly electricity bills, and cater to the rising power demand in residential areas.</p> <p>One of the progressive societies, the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/194397/pune-society-eco-friendly-wind-energy-rainwater-harvesting-compost-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palash Co-Operative Housing Society </a>of Pune, stands out amid the concrete highrises in the city. It installed solar panels with a capacity of 66 kW that help light all the common spaces in the complex spanning across four acres.</p> <p>Similarly, a 19-storey-high rise <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/192742/mumbai-society-sustainable-home-rainwater-harvesting-solar-power-saves-lakhs-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bhoomi Arkade </a>in Mumbai has installed 40 solar panels, each with a 12-kW capacity, that generate 55-60 units of electricity daily which power common lights, fans, lifts, and water pumping stations. It saves the residents a whopping Rs 2.6 lakh on power bills annually.</p> <p>We sat down with Kiran Vadgama, the chairman of the Palash Society, and Harish Shakar Kate, the secretary of Bhoomi Arkade, to get an understanding of how residents of apartment complexes and rentals can harness solar energy to reduce their power bills.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/solar-1717589888.jpg" alt="Installing a solar system has emerged as the best investment for flats to reduce monthly electricity bills." class="wp-image-352172" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/solar-1717589888.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/solar-1717589888-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/solar-1717589888-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/solar-1717589888-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/solar-1717589888-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Installing a solar system has emerged as the best investment for flats to reduce monthly electricity bills.</figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-15-factors-to-consider-for-solar-panel-installation">15 factors to consider for solar panel installation</h2> <p>Kiran opines that if societies harness solar energy then it would be a big boon for flat purchases and the load on the grid would be very minimal in mega cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Delhi. </p> <p>It would be cost-effective for every individual flat purchaser and tenant as well. He points out that they can accommodate this kind of infrastructure easily.</p> <p><strong>Kiran and Harish share 15 key points to consider for solar panel installation for apartments and rentals</strong>:</p> <ol> <li>Firstly, look for organisations like Tata Power, Kosher, and Havells who will provide technical support and customer care services to guide and counsel you on the installation and financing of the panels.</li> </ol> <ol start="2"> <li>Conduct shadow analysis to assess how much solar energy can be captured in a specific place by checking how objects like trees and towers affect the solar setup. It takes about 3 to 6 months to conduct shadow analysis. The installation company comes every week to check the shadow and the sunlight being received in order to finalise the panel location before the infrastructure installation.</li> </ol> <ol start="3"> <li>A family of five living in a 2BHK can choose to install 2 kW for 100 percent dependency on <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/344429/solar-square-rooftop-panel-installation-iit-bombay-grads-neeraj-jain-shreya-mishra-nikhil-nahar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar energy</a>. It doesn’t require a lot of space and is ideal for properties with space constraints. It should suffice energy requirements for using two air conditioners, five lights, and fans. The cost of solar panel installation is expected to be Rs 1 lakh and it takes between 15 to 45 days for installation.</li> </ol> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/solar-1-1717589928.jpg" alt="Kiran says if societies harness solar energy then it would be a big boon for flat purchases." class="wp-image-352173" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/solar-1-1717589928.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/solar-1-1717589928-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/solar-1-1717589928-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/solar-1-1717589928-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/solar-1-1717589928-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kiran says if societies harness solar energy, then it would be a big boon for flat purchases.</figcaption></figure></div> <ol start="4"> <li>Usually, the life of the solar panels is 25 years. A majority of the inverters sold in India have a warranty lifespan of 5 to 6 years. You will have to replace them multiple times which would increase your cost capital tremendously. Opt for inverters with a replacement warranty of 10 years so that you only replace it once. While this would cost you an additional Rs 1 lakh, it will save you on recurring battery replacement costs.</li> </ol> <ol start="5"> <li>Bird droppings obstruct the sunlight that solar panels require to generate power. Therefore, you must routinely remove bird droppings from your solar setup. Install transponders that will transmit the live readings to you and show which panel is not generating enough electricity. Immediately, clean the panel to avoid malfunctions.</li> </ol> <ol start="6"> <li>Depending on the shadow analysis, you can recover the investment costs in 4-6 years from the year of solar installation. Once you get your return on investment, you’ll get free power.</li> </ol> <ol start="7"> <li>Apartment owners or tenants can install solar panels on their balconies provided they receive sufficient sunlight. A person living on the second floor and 20th floor will receive different amounts of sunlight. If you have a building surrounding your view and there’s no sunlight, then it won’t be a viable option as the efficiency levels will reduce.</li> </ol> <ol start="8"> <li>Consider the area of coverage on your balcony. If your balcony is 12-feet long, you will be able to place 3-4 panels. You also require space to keep inverters as well.</li> </ol> <ol start="9"> <li>As an apartment owner, you can choose to install solar panels on the terrace of your apartment complex and the society cannot refuse the request, provided there is a vacant space available on the rooftop. You can move the court if the society denies your request.</li> </ol> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/solar-2-1717590114.jpg" alt="Kiran suggests conducting shadow analysis to assess how much solar energy can be captured in a specific place." class="wp-image-352174" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/solar-2-1717590114.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/solar-2-1717590114-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/solar-2-1717590114-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/solar-2-1717590114-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/solar-2-1717590114-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kiran suggests conducting shadow analysis to assess how much solar energy can be captured in a specific place.</figcaption></figure></div> <ol start="10"> <li>It is to be noted that if you live on, say, the second floor of a 20-storey building, the cost of bringing the cable (wire) down from the terrace would be enormous. The add-ons could run into an additional Rs 1 lakh.</li> </ol> <ol start="11"> <li>In this case, you can opt for balconies which can minimise the cabling cost as the whole system would be drawn to your house including the net metre. It’s a viable proposition for apartment owners and tenants with rental agreements for 10 or 15 years. Tenants cannot remove the setup to take it somewhere else because it will again involve paperwork and installation costs.</li> </ol> <ol start="12"> <li>Let’s assume the monthly power expenses to be Rs 2,500 and the cost of installation and inverter (with a 10-year warranty) to be Rs 1.5 lakh. So, for a 15-year contract, the return on investment will be generated only after five years and residents can avail of eight years of free electricity provided the inverter lasts for say 13 years. Later on, the landlord will incur the capital cost for the new inverter.</li> </ol> <ol start="13"> <li>Highlighting the challenges on the terrace and balconies, Harish mentions that residents will have to bear metre and wiring expenses that can go up to Rs 1 lakh. Using balconies could not be very feasible if the energy generation will be small-scale compared to the requirement. In the case of balconies, there are safety risks from extreme weather events like lightning strikes, strong winds, and cyclones that can damage the panels.</li> </ol> <ol start="14"> <li>Kiran points out that there’s a lot of paperwork involved with the concerned electricity boards. For instance, the contract term with the concerned electricity provider and the subsidy. The service provider and the solar installation companies will help do the paperwork but ensure that you keep a copy of all the documents.</li> </ol> <ol start="15"> <li>He further asks residents to consider the maths on subsequent savings. If your monthly power bill is Rs 2,500 in a 2BHK, then you will recover the cost of solar installation in 10 years (assuming rooftop cable wiring expenses in addition to inverter and installation costs totaling Rs 3 lakh). It does not make sense if the monthly bill is Rs 1,000-1,200 and tenants move out shortly after.</li> </ol> <p><em>(Edited by Padmashree Pande; Photo credit: Adobe stock images, Bhoomi Arkade, and Palash Co-Operative Housing Society)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352016";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:30;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:78:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:78:"These Bottles Decompose in 180 Days & Look Like They’re Made of Plastic!";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:123:"https://thebetterindia.com/352011/nikhil-kumar-chintan-prajapati-greenevo-bio-bottles-plastic-free-sugarcane-biodegradable/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Wed, 05 Jun 2024 10:11:42 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:8:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:23:"Sustainable Enterprises";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:21:"biodegradable bottles";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:20:"eco friendly bottles";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"Plastic Bottles";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"plastic free";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"Say no to plastic";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"sugarcane bottles";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352011";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:172:"Delhi-based Nikhil Kumar started Greenevon Bio Bottles, a startup that makes plastic-like items using sugarcane. Their products are biodegradable and decompose in 180 days.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16934:" <p>From storing water to juices and various other daily essentials, plastic containers have become ubiquitous in our surroundings. Despite India’s ban on <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/202988/childrens-day-kids-fighting-climate-change-plastic-air-pollution-delhi-ncr-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single-use plastic, </a>we see little change in the amount of plastic waste in landfills. While many states have enforced bans on single-use plastic, plastic water bottles remain a common source of plastic waste ending up in landfills.</p> <p>According to a report by <em>Moneycontrol</em>, “Approximately 2.8 lakh tonnes of plastic bottle waste goes uncollected annually. The environmental impact is significant. Macroplastics, including PET, often clog sewage systems in urban and rural areas, pollute rivers, lakes, and beaches, and degrade the aesthetic and ecological value of tourist destinations and landscapes.”</p> <p>To combat the escalating issue of plastic waste, many individuals and changemakers have devised various solutions. Among these innovators is Nikhil Kumar of Greenevon Bio Bottles, who has pioneered a bottle made from sugarcane!</p> <p>“The bottle is 100% biodegradable and 100% <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/331134/gujarat-sustainable-startup-reroute-makes-ecofriendly-shoes-from-sugarcane-plastic-bottles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural made using sugarcane</a>. These bottles are environment friendly and only take 180 days to degrade when exposed to moisture and high temperatures,” Nikhil tells <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <p>So how did this innovator innovate a bottle using a plant? We were as intrigued as you are.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-is-my-dream-to-make-the-world-greener">‘It is my dream to make the world greener’</h2> <p>Born and raised in Delhi, Nikhil always harboured a passion for business. After completing his graduation, he resolved to embark on an entrepreneurial journey of his own.</p> <p>“This isn’t my first venture into the business world. I’ve always been driven to create something that’s uniquely mine. Initially, I ventured into the coffee industry, followed by a stint in the clothing business, before transitioning into eco-friendly ventures,” he shares.</p> <p>Like many of us, Nikhil grew up surrounded by the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/316563/tamil-nadu-sustsainable-home-with-plastic-bottles-and-mud-chuzi-vinu-daniel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prevalent use of plastic bottles. </a>“It wasn’t an overnight realisation, but I’ve always been conscious of environmental issues for as long as I can recall. However, when it came to taking action, I felt a sense of purpose,” he explains.</p> <p>Nikhil often stumbled upon articles highlighting the escalating plastic waste crisis in the country. “I became increasingly aware of the problem, and as an entrepreneur, I felt compelled to seek a solution,” he asserts.</p> <p>While he acknowledges that there are a few alternative options to plastic, he was determined to develop a product that resembled plastic in appearance and affordability but was <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/279849/sustainable-pune-startup-studio-alternatives-upcycles-old-shipping-container-houses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmentally friendly.</a></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-7-1717580167.jpg" alt="The bottles can decompose in 180 days. " class="wp-image-352144" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-7-1717580167.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-7-1717580167-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-7-1717580167-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-7-1717580167-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-7-1717580167-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The bottles can decompose in 180 days. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>“I wanted to take a break from my previous startup and focus solely on finding the right alternative,” he says. So, in 2021, he decided to sell his startup and concentrate fully on research.</p> <p>He delved into reading about alternatives that were currently available in the country and around the world. “There are alternatives like copper, bamboo, and various forms of wood that people are using instead of plastic. However, I realised that these alternatives have their own drawbacks — they are expensive for widespread use and tend to be heavyweight. These issues pose logistical challenges for manufacturers looking to use them in packaging,” he notes.</p> <p>Nikhil decided to look for alternatives that were lighter in weight and sturdier in nature. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-the-right-niche">Finding the right niche</h2> <p>In 2021, he co-founded Greenevon Bio Bottles.</p> <p>Sitting across from me, holding a bottle that resembled a typical single-use plastic bottle — with the words ‘I am a bottle but I am not plastic’ printed on it — Nikhil is confident that the bottle will decompose in nature within six months or 180 days.</p> <p>“You can tap the bottle, and it will sound like plastic; you can touch it, you can feel it — it looks identical. The only difference is that it’s<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/340584/karnataka-suresh-maithili-bhoomi-agri-ventures-turns-areca-palm-leaf-into-vegan-leather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> biodegradable, plant-based, and environmentally friendly</a>,” he says.</p> <p>Speaking about the material and the manufacturing process, Nikhil explains, “During my research, I explored how plants could be utilised to create various materials. Just as plants can be used to make leather, I was investigating similar possibilities when I stumbled upon the remarkable properties of sugarcane.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-8-1717580383.jpg" alt="The bottles are made using sugarcane." class="wp-image-352146" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-8-1717580383.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-8-1717580383-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-8-1717580383-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-8-1717580383-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/asan-cup-8-1717580383-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The bottles are made using sugarcane. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>“Sugarcane possesses an incredible stretch ratio and durability, and can also be made transparent. The combination of polycarbonate from the plant and starch forms the raw material for the bottles,” he elaborates.</p> <p>It took him nearly two and a half years to refine the bottles to their present state. “Currently, the bottles can be moulded into various shapes, capable of holding both liquid and solid foods, and can withstand different temperatures,” he concludes.</p> <p>However, this stage was achieved after a lot of trial and error. “The biggest hurdle that I faced while law designing these bottles was making them transparent under different temperatures and environments. The material reacted differently to the sun, cold, and rain, and it was a challenge to stabilise it,” shares Nikhil.</p> <p>The bottles can hold liquids such as water and juices, semi-liquids, pharma products, dairy products, as well as solid food items. They can be shaped and moulded in any form such as containers.</p> <p>“The three key factors that the bottle brings to the table are — It is 100% degradable, it is stable under 55-degree Celsius temperatures, and it has zero polycarbonate leaking,” he adds.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0sDR4IyS_i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0sDR4IyS_i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0sDR4IyS_i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by GreenEvon Bio (@greenevonbio.in)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Regarding the affordability of the bottles, he explains, “Anything produced in smaller quantities tends to be slightly more expensive. While plastic bottles are very cheap, we are striving to make our product more affordable. Currently, our bottles are nearly eight times more expensive than single-use plastic bottles.”</p> <p>“We’re in contact with many eco-conscious companies, like ours, who are interested in utilising our product. The niche we’ve identified comprises individuals focused on both the cost and sustainability aspects of the product,” he adds.</p> <p>Reflecting on his journey thus far, Nikhil says, “When I started, I approached it with an innovator’s mindset. If I had been overly concerned about the affordability and market for the product, it would have been challenging for me to focus on the product itself. My motivation was to create something eco-conscious, and I left the rest to fate at that time. It was the passion to innovate that kept me going.”</p> <p>The company is currently in the manufacturing stage and is aiming to launch the product in Indian markets within the next four months.</p> <p><em>If you wish to know more about these unique plastic-like products, you can reach out to the team </em><a href="https://www.greenevonbio.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em></p> <p><em>(Edited by Pranita Bhat; All pictures credit: Greenevon Bottles)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352011";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:31;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:96:"From Villages to Cities: How Coca-Cola Uses Coolers to Transform Businesses for Indian Retailers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:110:"https://thebetterindia.com/352095/coca-cola-beverage-cooler-superpower-retailer-program-small-medium-business/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Wed, 05 Jun 2024 07:44:25 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"coca-cola coolers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Indian retailers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"our planet matters";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:27:"superpower retailer program";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352095";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:204:"Coca-Cola coolers are becoming ubiquitous across India’s urban and rural retail outlets, driven by the country’s village electrification and boosting revenues for small to medium retailers. Know more.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8:"TBI Team";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6765:" <p><em>This article has been sponsored by Coca-Cola</em></p> <p>At first glance, it looks like a regular refrigerator. However, Coca-Cola’s coolers, easily recognisable by their red and white design, stocked with a variety of beverages, are becoming increasingly common in India. We are not just talking about their growing visibility across cities but through the towns to the villages, where these coolers stand tall in kiranas, hotel corners, or retail aisles.</p> <p>With its vast network of providing beverages to over 5 million outlets across the country, Coca-Cola is expanding the presence of its coolers to every corner of India. With India achieving 100 percent electrification of villages, the <em>kiranas</em> and the fast-growing network of small, medium, and large retailers now effortlessly use the Coca-Cola coolers as part of their shop front.</p> <p>This is bringing to reality what the company’s former president Robert Woodruff famously said about winning in the beverage market — delivering its products “within an arm’s reach of desire”.</p> <p>Not any desire: The desire for a cool, refreshing beverage — be it any occasion — after a delightful lunch, an exciting evening of cricket, or a quick gulp after a shopping stroll.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boosting-retailer-revenue-and-consumer-experience">Boosting retailer revenue and consumer experience</h2> <p>Coca-Cola’s coolers are now contributing to increased revenues for retailers — especially micro, small, and medium players, many of them having access to coolers following the electrification drive.</p> <p>For consumers, the benefits are evident: Not only do they have a chilled beverage, but they are also assured of its purity and hygiene. They also present them with an array of options, the kind of diversity that a Coca-Cola cooler, with exclusive rack space for its products, provides.</p> <p>And for retailers, the benefits are manifold. One, the advent of more coolers, especially in remote areas, has helped attract new consumers, increasing their share of revenue.</p> <p>India’s non-alcoholic beverages market is growing at a CAGR of 8.7 percent to INR 1,47,233 crores by 2030, and by product categories, Indians consume carbonated beverages the most, according to a report by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations.</p> <p>The introduction of coolers has given many retailers a boost — vis-à-vis those who continue to sell them either stored in the open or tucked into ice bags. It is not just the optics of flaunting a cooler, it is the purity and hygiene associated with a refrigerated cooler that influences consumer behaviour.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empowering-retailers-through-the-superpower-retailer-program">Empowering retailers through the Superpower Retailer Program</h2> <p>Anil Prasad, a retailer on Park Street, Kolkata, says that introducing the Coca-Cola coolers has helped reshape his business, enabling him to stock up more products, all resulting in more sales. Lucknow’s Abhishek Pathak says beverage sales have soared since the installation of Coca-Cola India coolers, which keep the beverages refreshingly chilled and help attract more customers.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Untitled-design-5-1717573892.jpg" alt="Retail business owners with Coca-Cola coolers in their kirana stores" class="wp-image-352124" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Untitled-design-5-1717573892.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Untitled-design-5-1717573892-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Untitled-design-5-1717573892-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Untitled-design-5-1717573892-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Untitled-design-5-1717573892-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Abhishek Pathak (L) and Anil Prasad (R)</figcaption></figure> <p>Across India, approximately 20 percent of a retailer’s income is generated from beverage sales, with 6 percent specifically attributed to the sale of Coca-Cola beverages. The introduction of coolers has ramped up sales further.</p> <p>Coca-Cola India’s Superpower Retailer Program is at the heart of this transformation — a three-year collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Skill India Mission, focusing on empowering small retailers in the states of Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, with plans to expand to more states.</p> <p>This initiative empowers retailers by building their capacity and capability in modern retailing and provides training to small and micro retailers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to better understand consumer behaviours and preferences. Amanpreet, the owner of the ‘9 to 9’ store, says the programme has helped in providing customers with refreshing beverages using coolers.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovation-in-cooler-technology">Innovation in cooler technology</h2> <p>As 100 percent rural electrification was being implemented, when many villages remained unconnected in the 2010s, Coca-Cola distributed eKOCool solar coolers free of cost to its vendors. A product innovation that was not only used for chilling beverages but also for charging mobile phones. This model was replicated across several countries globally.</p> <p>The possibilities of digital technologies have now become further evident. With the remarkable advances in cooler technology, Coca-Cola coolers stand out for their digital signage and enhanced design, in addition to an ongoing focus on replacing older ones with hydrofluorocarbon-free and more energy-efficient coolers.</p> <p>Globally for Coca-Cola, in 2022, 88 percent of all new coolers placed were HFC-free. This is an increase from 61 percent of coolers placed in 2016.</p> <p>This further builds on Coca-Cola’s commitment to the environment and society as part of its ‘Our Planet Matters’ strategy. The bottom line of this is to bring transformational and radical change through a comprehensive approach to social, environmental, and economic stewardship.</p> <p>All of these are being realised on the ground with the humble cooler — that is bringing more revenue to grassroots-level retailers, adding to the happiness quotient of customers, and enabling economies with a more vibrant retail sector.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352095";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:32;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:75:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:94:"Meet the 22-YO Indian Techie Who Received ‘Hall of Fame’ Recognition from NASA & Apple";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:141:"https://thebetterindia.com/352024/ethical-hacker-muneeb-amin-bhat-apple-nasa-hall-of-fame-cybersecurity-data-breach-bug-bounty-india-kashmir/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 04 Jun 2024 14:08:47 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:7:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"Education";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"cybersecurity";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Ethical Hacker";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Kashmir";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"muneeb amin bhat";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4:"NASA";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"techie";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352024";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:237:"Muneeb Amin Bhat, a 22-year-old from Zungalpora, Kulgam in Kashmir, started by finding security breaches in his friends' and neighbours' computers. Today, he is doing this for over 60 international organisations including Apple and NASA.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14015:" <p>“Dear Mr Bhat,</p> <p>Thank you for your report. We have confirmed that this is indeed a vulnerability.”</p> <p>These are one of the many mails that Muneeb Amin Bhat, a cyber security analyst and <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/262644/chennai-student-ethical-hacker-irctc-bug-bounty-hunter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ethical hacker</a>, receives in his mailbox. The first of such mails that he received, which included a bounty, added to the young hacker’s happiness. He realised that “hey, this could be a legitimate career!”</p> <p>The senders of these emails include from multinational companies like Oracle, Apple, Intel, Mcdonald’s and the latest one from NASA (The National Aeronautics and Space Administration). </p> <p>The self-taught 22-year-old from Zungalpora, Kulgam in Kashmir, has carved a path for himself in the ethical hacking and cyber security space. He worked hard towards his goal while grappling with limited access to the internet and spotty electricity. </p> <p>The feather on his cap has been his work for Apple and NASA. In 2023, he discovered a critical vulnerability in Apple which could have compromised the data of thousands of its users. Apple acknowledged his discovery and featured him in its Hall of Fame in August 2023.</p> <p>For the US space agency, he discovered unknown vulnerabilities through their vulnerability disclosure programme which earned him a name in their Hall of Fame as well. </p> <p>He has spent hours helping these companies secure their data, earning him millions of dollars besides validation.</p> <p>Here’s his story:</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-go-to-techie">A go-to techie</h2> <p>Muneeb’s interest in computers began at the age of nine. 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6rJQ9XPgHJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Muneeb Amin Bhat (@bhatmuneeb_)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>“I would inform my friends to secure their social media accounts. When I informed the shop owners or neighbours about the security leak in their Wi-Fi, they would appreciate my efforts and thank me,” Muneeb tells <strong>The Better India</strong>, understanding the importance of his work.</p> <p>He was also the go-to ‘gadget fixer’ in his village for any problems in mobile phones and computers.</p> <p>Despite living in a village which lacked facilities and faced challenges ranging from electricity to internet connectivity, he pursued his passion in the era of 2g cellular network. Watching movies like The Matrix, Live Free or Die Hard, opened his eyes to the world of ethical hacking. </p> <p>His father bought their first computer in 2012, post which, the young boy would spend hours on the internet learning the basics of hardware, networking and programming. He learnt from tutorials on Google and YouTube, following the likes of the late Kevin Mitnick, one of the most famous hackers.</p> <p>“I learnt that we can secure data for organisations. Even though companies have their own security teams, they invite ethical hackers to report vulnerabilities in their data through their responsible disclosure programme,” he adds.</p> <p>Over 343 million people have been the victims of cyber attacks in 2023, according to a Forbes report. Data breaches also saw a 72 percent increase in 2023 compared to 2021, which makes the need for ethical hackers and cyber security experts all the more necessary.</p> <p>After Class 12, Muneeb pursued a B.Tech in Computer Science in a college which was 80 km away. The daily travel and classes left him with no time to pursue his passion. Supported by his father, he decided to drop out in the second year to focus entirely on ethical hacking. </p> <p>“I could either complete my engineering degree or focus on <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/231525/cyfirma-startup-cybersecurity-chinese-hackers-india-cert-malware-phishing-dark-web-ros174/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cybersecurity</a>. To follow my passion, I decided to do a BCA degree in cyber security which also allowed me the time to hone my skills,” adds the 22-year-old.</p> <p>He is now pursuing BCA through correspondence from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-21-1717502240.jpg" alt="Muneeb Amin Bhat with his setup at home" class="wp-image-352032" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-21-1717502240.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-21-1717502240-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-21-1717502240-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-21-1717502240-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Cover-image-21-1717502240-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Muneeb Amin Bhat with his setup at home</figcaption></figure></div> <p>“For Apple, I discovered a user data leak on iCloud. I submitted my findings in July 2023 and received an acknowledgement from them a few months later,” he adds.</p> <p>He has developed his own interception tools that help him test data and find leaks.</p> <p>While his family was initially hesitant about his choice, the growth of cybersecurity as a viable career option and the financial rewards doled out by companies for identifying breaches in their data helped convince them.</p> <p>Called ‘bug bounties’, companies offer anywhere from $100 to $10,000 per vulnerability. The reward increases depending on the criticality of the breach.</p> <p>Muneeb wishes to join a company as a cybersecurity analyst after completing his degree. </p> <p>“My goal is to ensure the safety of user data and company websites and domains,” he says.</p> <p>The <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/340888/shark-tank-cybersecurity-app-artificial-intelligence-ai-pratyusha-vemuri-online-fraud-transactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cybersecurity</a> and ethical hacking space is a growing one with multiple jobs opening up for the same in India and abroad. For anyone interested in getting into this space, more than degrees, Muneeb states that self-learning and knowledge about the hardware, operating systems, and networking is essential.</p> <p>“A basic computer degree like a BCA or MCA or BTech would be good to enter into this field. Certifications like OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) and CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) will add value to your resume. What’s more important is to learn about computer hardware, networking, operating systems like Linux, programming languages, coding languages and more,” he shares.</p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande, Images Courtesy Muneeb Bhat</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352024";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:33;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:86:"How to Grow a Vertical Vegetable Garden Using PVC Pipes On Your Terrace & Balcony?";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:124:"https://thebetterindia.com/352038/how-to-grow-vegetables-at-home-small-garden-balcony-tips-pvc-pipes-chili-coriander-tomato/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 04 Jun 2024 13:22:44 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"balcony gardening";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:23:"grow vegetables at home";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8:"PVC Pipe";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"terrace gardening";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"vertical gardening";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=352038";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:170:"Gardeners Mithilesh Kumar Singh and Sunita Prasad show how to grow vegetables even in small spaces. Here's how they innovate using PVC pipes to grow mini-gardens at home.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:3646:" <p>Often those living in metropolitan cities hesitate to garden at home because of lack of space. However, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/303431/up-man-shows-how-to-grow-organic-vegetables-in-pvc-pipes-farming-startup-veg-roof/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mithilesh Kumar Singh</a> from Uttar Pradesh, and Sunita Prasad from Bihar, have defied this notion, especially in the urban areas. </p> <p>While Mithilesh has successfully cultivated a variety of crops including chilli, coriander, tomato, brinjal, okra, peas, and bitter gourd in his compact garden, Sunita has also found similar success in her home garden.</p> <p>Their secret? Vertical gardening using PVC pipes.</p> <p>Sunita has installed <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/284723/vertical-garden-pvc-pipes-bamboo-organic-vegetables-how-to-terrace-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PVC pipes </a>to create a vertical garden where she grows around 5 kg of vegetables every week.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Mithilesh says that using PVC pipes saves space as well as money. “In general, PVC pipes are cheap, easy to find, and can save up a lot of space. Moreover, it does not require a complicated set up,” he adds.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/pvc-pipe-gardening-1-1717506324.jpg" alt="Sunita harvests at least 5 kg of vegetables every week." class="wp-image-352048" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/pvc-pipe-gardening-1-1717506324.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/pvc-pipe-gardening-1-1717506324-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/pvc-pipe-gardening-1-1717506324-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/pvc-pipe-gardening-1-1717506324-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/pvc-pipe-gardening-1-1717506324-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sunita harvests at least 5 kg of vegetables every week.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>The ingenious gardeners share gardening tips for creating a vertical garden using PVC pipes.</p> <p>1.Take a five-foot pipe and cut it into sections according to the number of saplings or seeds you have.</p> <p>2. Avoid drilling an excessive number of holes in the pipe. Maintain a distance of 18 inches between holes on one side and a gap of nine inches on the opposite side of the pipe. In total, there should be five evenly spaced holes along a six-foot pipe.</p> <p>3. Close the extra holes, if any, using a hot air gun. Do not forget to tape the extra holes to prevent water leakage.</p> <p>4. Fill three-fourth part of the pipe with soil and plant the seed or sapling.</p> <p>5. Add a mixture of vermicompost or any other organic fertiliser to the soil.</p> <p>6. Create a hole in the centre of the soil and fill it with sand.</p> <p>7. Water the sand so that it stays wet and the moisture reaches the bottom easily.</p> <p>8. There is no need to change the soil for the next three years.</p> <p>9. New saplings or seeds can be planted by simply making a hole in the soil.</p> <p>10. Neem water can be used to avoid pests.</p> <p>Gardening in two five-foot PVC pipes typically costs around Rs 1,000. With this setup, you can cultivate four to five varieties of vegetables, ranging from leafy greens to tubers.</p> <p>Happy gardening!</p> <p><em>Edited by Khushi Arora</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"352038";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:34;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:71:"8 Best Vada Pav Spots in Mumbai For That Authentic Taste; Bookmark Now!";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:138:"https://thebetterindia.com/351102/best-vada-pav-places-mumbai-ashok-vaidya-aram-shankar-gajanan-swati-snacks-jai-maharashtra-shivaji-park/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 04 Jun 2024 09:46:56 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4:"Food";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Food and culture";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"indian snacks";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"mumbai food";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"mumbai restaurants";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8:"vada pav";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351102";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:238:"'Vada pav', the beloved Indian snack, never fails to evoke nostalgia and emotional connections. Mumbai boasts iconic spots like Aram, Ashok Vaidya Vada Pav, Swati Snacks, and more, each offering unique renditions of this culinary classic.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Krystelle Dsouza";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:20113:" <p>This<em> desi</em> snack has found its ranks among the ‘best sandwiches in the world’, is the monsoon season’s perfect companion, a quick fix for a bad day, and one of the best time machines ever made — it immediately transports you back to your college days.</p> <p>Let’s face it: the emotional implications of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/303199/mumbai-duo-started-shree-krishna-vada-pav-food-chain-in-london-turned-millionaires-watch-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the <em>vada pav</em> </a>are many. And this deep-fried potato dumpling hugged by a bread bun deserves the adulation.</p> <p>Everyone has a <em>vada pav</em> story. After all, it is a culinary narrative that connects Indians across the world. And no matter how many luxurious cuisines we tick off our bucket lists, truth be told, we’re coming home to a <em>vada pav</em>.</p> <p>And it’s almost a sacrilege to speak of this iconic snack without mentioning the city where it was born — Mumbai. </p> <p>Here’s a list of <em>vada pav </em>spots in the city to dash to when you crave your old, familiar friend.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-aram">1. Aram</h2> <iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ACZnlSp2YEk?si=TbKHU0X6F2vb0oNm" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p>For Mumbaikars, Aram’s <em>vada pav</em> is an all too familiar flavour. One of the oldest <em>vada pav</em> haunts in the city, it is located right outside Mumbai’s iconic CST Station and nostalgia reverberates through the walls. Customers recommend the cheese rendition, the butter cheese grill <em>vada pav</em>, and the butter cheese grill <em>kothimbir wadi pav.</em></p> <p>In an interview with <em>Condé Nast</em>, archaeologist and culinary anthropologist Dr Kurush Dalal, said, “For the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/251171/maharashtra-startup-mumbai-jumboking-burger-vada-pav-earns-crores-make-in-india-dheeraj-gupta-entrepreneur-him16/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quintessential <em>vada pav</em></a>, I would say a good spot to get one is Aram. They’ve always been known for their ‘big’ <em>vada pavs</em> owing to the generous size of the fried potato patties. So, it’s truly value for money. The <em>vadas</em> always come out piping hot and fresh.”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-ashok-vaidya-vada-pav">2. Ashok Vaidya Vada Pav</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="951" height="714" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Classic-Vada-Pav-1-1716555449.jpg" alt="The vada pav is a quintessential Mumbai snack" class="wp-image-351104" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Classic-Vada-Pav-1-1716555449.jpg 951w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Classic-Vada-Pav-1-1716555449-300x225.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Classic-Vada-Pav-1-1716555449-500x375.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Classic-Vada-Pav-1-1716555449-768x577.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Classic-Vada-Pav-1-1716555449-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 951px) 100vw, 951px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The vada pav is a quintessential Mumbai snack, Picture source: The Better India </figcaption></figure></div> <p>How can we pen a story about <em>vada pav</em> without an ode to the man who invented it? A gentleman Ashok Vaidya is said to have come up with the snack during the 1960s at a stall right outside of Dadar Station. It wasn’t planned!</p> <p>One day, in an attempt to innovate, Ashok put the <em>vada</em> into a <em>pav</em> with a side of <em>garlic chutney</em>. Voila! History was created. Today it is Ashok’s younger son Narendra Vaidya who carries on the legacy. The <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/247750/goli-vada-pav-venkatesh-venky-iyer-street-food-franchise-inspirational-made-in-india-earns-crores-vid01/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sizzle of <em>vadas</em></a> is a comforting sound to all the patrons who still stop by this legendary outlet.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-parla-vada-pav-samrat">3. Parla Vada Pav Samrat</h2> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ci7WkY7gUAo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ci7WkY7gUAo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ci7WkY7gUAo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Shubhra Banker (@gastronomicjournal)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>“Unpretentious” is the word that has been used to describe this eatery in the Vile Parle area of Mumbai. It’s been more than three decades now that the spot has been creating magic with their makes.</p> <p>In an interview with <em>Knocksense</em>, owner Ajeet recalled, “My father Mancharaam started <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/277094/gujarat-food-chilli-cheese-woman-entrepreneur-induben-rajput-home-business/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">selling <em>vada pav</em> </a>out of a <em>hath gaadi</em> (handcart) right here on the side of this <em>chowk</em> (open market). After five years of selling on the street, he decided to take a leap and opened a permanent shop at the spot where we are now.” Ajeet has inherited the knowledge well. The queue of customers outside the eatery is proof.</p> <p>Fun fact: With cheese tumbling out of the <em>vada</em>, the cheese <em>vada pav</em> is a crowd-puller.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-shankar-vada-pav">4. Shankar Vada Pav</h2> <iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9R2E0qh6Nl8?si=MU2BnnOtC03T631l" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p>When celebrity Ranveer Singh, Australian celebrity chef Sarah Todd, and food journalist Kunal Vijaykar concede on how amazing the <em>vada pav</em> at this eatery is, we aren’t going to challenge this. Started in 1975 by a mill worker Shankar who doled out <em>vada pavs</em> from his hand cart, the cooking here is intuitive, with recipes being improvised to suit the palates of customers.</p> <p>If hearsay is to be believed, the outlet still maintains<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/246868/maharashtra-thane-entrepreneur-food-business-success-story-gaurav-londhe-traffic-vada-pav-him16/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> its menu of <em>vada pav</em></a>, <em>moong dal bhajias</em> (a fried snack made of lentils), <em>mirchi bhajias</em> (fritters made with chillies) to date. Despite the limited fare, the food is indulgent.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-gajanan-vada-pav">5. Gajanan Vada Pav</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mumbai-vada-pav-1716555577.jpg" alt="The vada pav from Gajanan comes recommended by Amitabh Bachchan," class="wp-image-351106" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mumbai-vada-pav-1716555577.jpg 800w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mumbai-vada-pav-1716555577-300x225.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mumbai-vada-pav-1716555577-500x375.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mumbai-vada-pav-1716555577-768x576.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mumbai-vada-pav-1716555577-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The vada pav from Gajanan comes recommended by Amitabh Bachchan, Picture source: The Better India </figcaption></figure></div> <p>The <em>vada pav</em> here is a classic, a tale that has been spinning since 1978 when the outlet was started. With a side of <em>chutney</em> — that the family says is a time-tested recipe which cannot be replicated — the snack holds a certain magic. An article in <em>DNA</em> mentioned that the outlet uses 100 kilos of potatoes every day and about 200-250 <em>ladis</em> (a block of bread buns).</p> <p>It also highlights how the <em>vada pav</em> shop is an extension of a <em>farsan</em> (snack) shop idea that that family had started. And a fan of the outlet is none other than Amitabh Bachchan himself, who recommended the place to a contestant on the sets of the reality game show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-shivaji-park-vada-pav">6. Shivaji Park Vada Pav</h2> <p>The<em> </em><a href="https://thebetterindia.com/243528/mumbai-best-vada-pav-stall-food-origin-ashok-vaidya-maharashtra-history-san196/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>vada pav</em> and garlic<em> chutney</em></a> create a beautiful symphony. The duo has found favour in Sachin Tendulkar. As he shared in an interview with <em>Curly Tales</em>, it was an integral part of his growing-up years. “After hours of practising on the field, I used to have <em>vada pav</em> from the canteen and would eat four to five of them every day.”</p> <p>The years haven’t diminished the love it seems. In an interview with a Marathi portal in 2011, Tendulkar reiterated, “I and my son (Arjun) love to eat <em>vada-pav</em> at Shivaji Park Gymkhana and there is nothing that can beat this snack, laced with <em>chutney</em>.”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-swati-snacks">7. Swati Snacks</h2> <p>In the belly of Mumbai’s Tardeo lies an eatery that has stuck to one philosophy: home food is the best food. Minakshi Jhaveri, a single mother started <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/252694/swati-snacks-minakshi-jhaveri-iconic-eatery-india-inspiring-single-mother-success-stories-authentic-homemade-food-chaat-gop94/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swati Snacks</a> without any prior business acumen, serving four items — <em>sev puri, bhel puri, ragda pattice and pani puri</em> — priced at four <em>aanas</em> (a currency unit used in British India). But with this simple formula, she created history and a multi-crore brand.</p> <p>Her son Anand once shared with <strong>The Better India</strong>, “My mother treated all her customers the way she would guests who visit our home. For a guest, who is equivalent to God, you will prepare the food with the best intentions and a positive attitude, which automatically reflects in the taste. While growing up, I watched her spend that extra hour just so she could inspect the ingredients multiple times, or even walk kilometres to procure fresh ingredients like coriander. That dedication and care is what we have inherited from her.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/MadhuriDixit?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@madhuridixit</a> for introducing me to my very first Vada Pav — it was delicious! <a href="https://t.co/Th40jqAEGa">https://t.co/Th40jqAEGa</a></p>— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) <a href="https://twitter.com/tim_cook/status/1647969544437399554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <p>The guest list has seen the likes of legendary painter M F Husain and <em>tabla</em> maestro Zakir Hussain. In a 2020 article by <em>Bloomberg</em>, Michelin star chef Ravinder Bhogal of Jikoni in London hailed the eatery for its <em>vada pav</em>.</p> <p>The most recent addition to this list was Apple CEO Tim Cook who snacked on a <em>vada pav</em> along with actress Madhuri Dixit while on his visit to Mumbai in April 2023.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-jai-maharashtra-vadapav">8. Jai Maharashtra Vadapav</h2> <iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchef.saransh%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0N149N6gQ3eiHBExBBaaNeQtuUcRASDJ7yRNKSYcy9RrrGkPngVquyB6xqZP2LUPEl&show_text=true&width=500&is_preview=true" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe> <p>Located in Andheri West, the eatery serves no-nonsense <em>vada pav</em> that manages to hit it off with one’s taste buds almost instantly.</p> <p>As celebrity chef Saransh Goila took to Facebook to share, “The <em>aloo vada</em> is seasoned perfectly with lots of coriander in it and is really crisp on the outside with a thick <em>besan</em> (chickpea flour) coating, I suspect some rice flour in the batter! The <em>pudina chutney</em> (mint-flavoured sauce) consistency kinda <em>thecha</em> is the real star and adds a lovely kick, also the garlic <em>chutney</em> is on point. I gobbled down three of these and yet I want one more. Probably the best lunch you can buy in Rs 15!”</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"351102";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:35;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:63:"How to Use Cardboard Boxes to Protect Your Plants From The Heat";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:126:"https://thebetterindia.com/351944/how-to-use-discarded-carboard-delivery-boxes-waste-at-home-garden-mulching-compost-heatwave/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Mon, 03 Jun 2024 13:53:29 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"cardboard waste";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"gardening";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Kolkata";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Paper waste";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351944";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:126:"Looking for ways to resolve your pile of cardboard boxes at home? Kolkata woman shares tips on how to use them in your garden.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9223:" <p>Every time you receive a package, what do you do with the cardboard waste? In India, households, itinerant waste merchants, and garbage collectors jointly recover 2.4 to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0921344915300082#:~:text=Households%2C%20itinerant%20waste%20merchants%20and,tonnes%20of%20plastic%2C%20more%20than1." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">4.3 million tonnes </a>of cardboard and mixed paper annually. Overall, 30–60 percent of all paper and cardboard is recycled.</p> <p>Kolkata-based Krishna Khuku has found an innovative way to transform used delivery boxes into plant protectors. She shares three possible and easy solutions.</p> <p><strong>1. As a protective layer against heat waves</strong></p> <p>Krishna says cardboard protects plants from heat waves while keeping the soil moist and preventing pest attacks. “<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/186864/mumbai-girl-recycles-waste-organic-compost-raises-lakhs-dharavi-kids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Using cardboard </a>reduces evaporation from the top exposed soil, preventing it from drying out by holding the moisture in. It promotes more steady soil temperature overall. It will suppress weed growth as well,” she says.</p> <p><strong>2. As a mulch to nourish soil</strong></p> <p>Krishna says using cardboard as mulch nourishes the soil while it’s decomposing. She also advises using cardboards that are 100 percent recyclable or compostable.</p> <p><strong>3. As a filling for large grow bags for composting</strong></p> <p>Krishna says filling grow bags with <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/278855/urban-garden-homemaker-grow-vegetable-fruits-flowers-organic-composting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardboard for composting </a>helps them transform into rich fertilisers with the help of worms. When tossed in the soil, worms munch through the cardboard until it breaks as it is biodegradable.</p> <p>She also advises using cardboard boxes as seedling boxes and hard ones for planters as well. “Next time you get them, don’t throw them away,” she advises.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7JSwPTos9b/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7JSwPTos9b/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7JSwPTos9b/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Better India (@thebetterindia)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"351944";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:36;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:103:"‘I Moved To Delhi With Rs 1200’: A Man’s Startup Dream & a Popsicle Biz That Earns Rs 8 Crore";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:120:"https://thebetterindia.com/351903/ice-popsicle-startup-scuzo-chai-delhi-ncr-fruit-gelatos-live-dessert-cafe-gagan-anand/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Mon, 03 Jun 2024 13:47:27 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"dessert cafe";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"gagan anand";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"ice cream";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"ice popsicles";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"scuzo ice-o-magic";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351903";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:244:"Gagan Anand moved to Delhi when he was 17 and picked up a job at Pizza Hut. Starting with a salary of Rs 1500, he now runs a dessert cafe called Scuzo Ice-O-Magic, which serves popsicles and gelato. Here's a look at his entrepreneurial journey.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17131:" <p>The bell of the ice-cream seller was one of the most anticipated sounds in most of our childhoods. As soon as Gagan Anand would hear the bell back in the 90s, he would rush to his mother to borrow Re 1, run behind the ice-cream man down the roads of Jharkhand (then Bihar). Other summer treats included <em>‘barf-ka-gola’ </em>(snowcones). </p> <p>The <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/349369/siri-millet-vegan-ice-cream-trichy-non-dairy-healthy-frozen-dessert/">love for ice-creams</a>, ice-candy and <em>gola </em>continued well into his adulthood, and became ‘all-weather friends’ for the 37-year-old. He rose from being a team member at Pizza Hut to managing big brands like Gloria Jeans Coffee and Rasna, and now runs a successful ice-cream company. </p> <p>The youngest of four siblings, Gagan grew up in a middle-class home with lofty dreams of becoming an actor. However, his father retired when he had just completed Class 10, which propelled him towards making his own life through sheer hard work.</p> <p>With Rs 1,200 in his pocket, he moved to New Delhi to pursue acting at just 16. He soon realised that making a name for yourself in this field was rather difficult. Roaming around Connaught Place in Delhi, the doors of Pizza Hut beckoned him towards a more stable career path. </p> <p>Starting as a part-time team member at 17 after completing his Class 12, the ambitious young man rose through the ranks to become a restaurant general manager at 21. From there on, he worked with international and Indian brands for over 18 years before deciding to build a company himself.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="750" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-03-at-18.45.33-min-1717420586-500x750.jpeg" alt="Gagan Anand, Founder, Scuzo Ice-O-Magic" class="wp-image-351939" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-03-at-18.45.33-min-1717420586-500x750.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-03-at-18.45.33-min-1717420586-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-03-at-18.45.33-min-1717420586-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-03-at-18.45.33-min-1717420586-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-03-at-18.45.33-min-1717420586-150x225.jpeg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-03-at-18.45.33-min-1717420586.jpeg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gagan Anand, Founder, Scuzo Ice-O-Magic</figcaption></figure></div> <p>And the business idea was a no-brainer. It had to be something in ice-cream – but with a twist. </p> <p>Launched in September 2020, ‘Scuzo Ice-O-Magic’, a dessert cafe, serves ‘live’ popsicles and gelato. Over the past four years, the company has grown to having over 30 stores across the country with a turnover of Rs 8 crores in the last financial year 2023-24.</p> <p>From not having money to afford rent to providing employment to over 140 people today, here’s Gagan’s journey.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-dreams-humble-beginnings-nbsp">Big dreams, humble beginnings </h2> <p>Gagan’s father worked as a block agriculture officer which meant frequent transfers and postings in rural Bihar/Jharkhand where electricity was a luxury. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/scuzo2-1717419614.jpg" alt="Scuzo specialises in ice popsicles and gelato" class="wp-image-351924" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/scuzo2-1717419614.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/scuzo2-1717419614-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/scuzo2-1717419614-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/scuzo2-1717419614-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/scuzo2-1717419614-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scuzo specialises in ice popsicles and gelato</figcaption></figure></div> <p>“We rarely had electricity growing up as we used to stay in Naxal areas. It was a precarious situation and as safety itself was such a big issue, lack of electricity didn’t seem to be a big problem then. The first time we had uninterrupted electricity was when I was 12 years old,” Gagan shares with <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <p>Despite this, they had a happy childhood, he shares, as they had each other’s company. </p> <p>While in Delhi, he became a shift manager at Pizza Hut in 2006. This was quickly followed by the restaurant general manager post in 2008, at the age of 21. </p> <p>Interestingly, when he was chosen as the best manager, the video was circulated to Pizza Hut stores across the world, which led to his next stint at one of its centres in Afghanistan at the Kandahar airfield.</p> <p>“I was handling Pizza Hut, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) stores at Kandahar as a general manager for 2.5 years,” he adds.</p> <p>This stint propelled his career, leading to his next stint at Gloria Jeans coffee in Dubai. He returned to India to build a company called Honey Hut, which gave him a ground up idea into franchising. </p> <p>“I had to build their franchise vertically. I created 15 stores in two years and developed their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), how to work, what to do and what not to do,” he adds.</p> <p>From here on, he worked in other franchising verticals at the Chocolate Room and Rasna.</p> <p>“I created the food and beverage verticals at Rasna as they wanted to make cafes. We opened over 70 stores for them,” he adds.</p> <p>After creating brands for others, Gagan desired to create his own brand. “Despite being in a high position, I couldn’t make my own decisions. I wanted to create my own brand where I could have the liberty to do whatever I want,” he adds.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taking-a-trip-down-memory-lane">Taking a trip down memory lane</h2> <p>His childhood memories, coupled with the continuing craze for <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/250305/barath-jaiyanth-food-truck-ice-cream-startup-tickle-truck-chenna-besant-nagar-beach-him16/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">popsicle sticks</a> across the world, led to an idea of creating a ‘live’ popsicle brand. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1n_uV4y2EO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1n_uV4y2EO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1n_uV4y2EO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by @scuzo_thrissur</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>If pizzas were being made in front of customers, why not popsicles?</p> <p>“In the US, there are many brands selling popsicle sticks. In India though, I found that it’s still being sold on the streets. I decided to work on making it an immersive experience, taking people down the memory lane,” he adds. </p> <p>The idea was implanted in his mind since 2016-17 and Gagan worked on it for over four years before launching the venture.</p> <p>The first wave of COVID-19 and the lockdown gave him the perfect opportunity to experiment and create these popsicles. In an attempt to provide a healthier alternative to ice-cream, he worked with chefs to create recipes made out of fruits. He also got his team ready. </p> <p>Most importantly, he worked on developing a popsicle machine that would freeze them in a matter of minutes. Months of trials and four prototypes later, he had the perfect machine ready, which “freezes a popsicle within 7 to 8 minutes in front of you with a temperature of minus 31 degrees”.</p> <p>His experience in the franchising business and QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) led him to develop a string of processes that can easily be replicated across stores. </p> <p>Investing Rs 70 lakh of his savings, Gagan started the first Scuzo Ice-O-Magic store in Netaji Subhash Place, Pitampura, New Delhi in November 2020. </p> <p>Understanding that just popsicles might not work, he also developed gelato, an Italian frozen dessert, in a manufacturing unit. In order to cater to a wider audience, the dessert cafe serves waffles, milkshakes, hot beverages, sundaes in addition to popsicles and gelato. </p> <p>The store had a great response, according to the founder, with people enquiring for franchisees in the first three months itself. The first franchise store was opened in March 2021. </p> <p>Today, Scuzo has 30 stores in 25 cities across the country, of which 27 are franchisees and 3 are company-owned. </p> <p>The <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/273408/skippi-ice-popsicles-ravi-anuja-kabra-win-million-shark-tank/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">popsicles start at Rs 65 </a>a piece while the gelato starts at Rs 110. Their bestseller is the <em>chatpata jamun </em>popsicle<em>. </em>Gagan shares that the popsicles are made from ‘100 percent fruit’. Additionally, they also offer shakes, which are served with edible rice straws.</p> <p>The journey has been far from smooth as the second wave of COVID-19 brought a halt to his growth. The first store, which was in a mall, had to be shut down and moved to Noida. </p> <p>Delivery too, is a big challenge, according to Gagan. Most food delivery companies don’t provide the cooling pouch, which has led to just 5 percent of sales from online channels. To combat this, Gagan hopes to start his own delivery service to ensure proper delivery of the popsicles.</p> <p>So, what was his happiest moment? “My father told me that he was very proud of me because I achieved so much without taking a single rupee from him. He passed away in 2021, but he got to see all this,” he shares.</p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande; Image Courtesy: Gagan Anand</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"351903";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:37;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:78:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:97:"This Doctor Returned From The UK & Inspired 2.5 Million Indians to Become Future Organ Donors";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:127:"https://thebetterindia.com/351914/organ-donation-in-india-donor-mohan-foundation-dr-sunil-shroff-kbc-episode-kidney-transplant/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Mon, 03 Jun 2024 13:45:49 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:8:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"Changemakers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"body donation";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"cadaver donation";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"dr sunil shroff";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"kidney donation";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"kidney transplant";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Mohan Foundation";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Organ donation";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351914";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:246:"Dr Sunil Shroff, a renal transplant surgeon, established the MOHAN Foundation in 1997 after facing criticism abroad over the rising kidney transplant scams in India. His organisation educates and empowers people to take the organ donation pledge.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Aruna Raghuram";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:24811:" <p>“The year was 1996.” </p> <p>Dr Sunil Shroff’s voice softens as he narrates a life changing incident that happened back then. </p> <p>The 70-year-old urologist and renal transplant surgeon was about to perform one of his first few ‘deceased <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/310277/abhinav-pangtey-shares-myths-about-organ-donation-india-world-transplant-games/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organ donations</a>’ on a 12-year-old boy who died of a cobra bite. The surgery was scheduled at the Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute (SRMC & RI) in Chennai.</p> <p>Dr Shroff explains how after the initial treatment failed, the young child was declared brain dead at the hospital. The doctors there waited for five days for him to recover, but he, unfortunately, did not. </p> <p>They hesitantly approached the grief-stricken father and asked him whether he would donate the boy’s organs, which he consented to. Two kidneys, a heart and two corneas were harvested and transplanted in five individuals, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/139488/organ-donation-india-youth-awareness-increase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giving them the gift of life</a>.</p> <p>It made the hospital famous as it was only the fourth hospital to perform such a procedure in the country. This unique case of organ donation from a snake bite victim was published in an international journal as well. </p> <p>From there began Dr Shroff’s dedicated mission to promote deceased organ donation and transplantation in India. To facilitate his mission, he established the not-for-profit MOHAN (Multi Organ Harvesting Aid Network) Foundation in 1997. </p> <p>At present, Dr Shroff is a senior consultant of urology and transplantation at the Madras Medical Mission Hospital in Chennai. He is also the managing trustee of MOHAN Foundation. Notably, he was the first Indian surgeon to perform a successful kidney transplant on an HIV positive patient. </p> <p>According to data with the MOHAN Foundation, 10 lakh people in India suffer from end-stage organ failure every year. Only 16,041 receive live-saving organs annually.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="755" height="422" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Launch-of-MOHAN-Foundation-in-1997-in-Chennai-1717420294.jpg" alt="At the launch of the MOHAN Foundation in 1997, Chennai." class="wp-image-351936" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Launch-of-MOHAN-Foundation-in-1997-in-Chennai-1717420294.jpg 755w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Launch-of-MOHAN-Foundation-in-1997-in-Chennai-1717420294-300x168.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Launch-of-MOHAN-Foundation-in-1997-in-Chennai-1717420294-500x279.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Launch-of-MOHAN-Foundation-in-1997-in-Chennai-1717420294-150x84.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">At the launch of the MOHAN Foundation in 1997, Chennai.</figcaption></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-it-all-started-nbsp">How it all started </h2> <p>Dr Shroff was born and brought up by his grandparents in Sahibganj, a small railway town in Bihar. </p> <p>He describes himself as a fearless, risk-taker and a free-spirited child. “I once saved a friend who was drowning in the Ganga river. Also, responding to a dare from my brother, I jumped from the first floor. I am surprised I survived! <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/140465/mumbai-schools-spread-organ-donation-awareness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">These qualities in me shaped my life and career</a>,” he says. </p> <p>Years later, when he got married and became a father, he found that he could not support his family as doctors did not get paid well in India at the time. He left for the UK where he lived for 12 years and completed his Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) and Diploma in Urology in the UK in 1990. </p> <p>“I had promised my mother I would return to India. Also, I felt a strong sense of belonging to India though I was well-settled in the UK. My colleagues would often tease me about the kidney transplant scandals in India. That hurt my feelings as when you are abroad, you become the representative of your country. I wanted to come back home and <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/270029/india-longest-coma-survivor-dr-jaideep-sharma-organ-donation-register/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">do something to change the situation</a>, so I returned in 1995,” he explains. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1784" height="1180" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Receiving-postgraduate-degree-in-urology-and-transplantation-in-the-UK_11zon-1717420391.jpg" alt="Receiving his PG degree in the UK." class="wp-image-351937" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Receiving-postgraduate-degree-in-urology-and-transplantation-in-the-UK_11zon-1717420391.jpg 1784w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Receiving-postgraduate-degree-in-urology-and-transplantation-in-the-UK_11zon-1717420391-300x198.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Receiving-postgraduate-degree-in-urology-and-transplantation-in-the-UK_11zon-1717420391-500x331.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Receiving-postgraduate-degree-in-urology-and-transplantation-in-the-UK_11zon-1717420391-768x508.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Receiving-postgraduate-degree-in-urology-and-transplantation-in-the-UK_11zon-1717420391-1536x1016.jpg 1536w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Receiving-postgraduate-degree-in-urology-and-transplantation-in-the-UK_11zon-1717420391-150x99.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1784px) 100vw, 1784px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Receiving his PG degree in the UK.</figcaption></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boost-for-deceased-organ-donation">Boost for deceased organ donation</h2> <p>It was an opportune time to return. The government then had just passed the Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994. The law accepted brain death as legal death which was a huge boost for deceased organ donation. </p> <p><a href="https://thebetterindia.com/311982/mumbai-hansa-raghwani-fought-stage-four-cancer-chemotherapy-surgery-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">After a natural cardiac death</a>, only a few organs and tissues can be donated (like the cornea, bones, skin and blood vessels), but after a brain death, eight solid organs, including the vital organs like kidneys, heart, liver and lungs, and almost 50 tissues, can be donated as well.</p> <p>“The Act also made commercial dealings in human organs a punishable offence. It is the toughest law in the world as far as organ donation is concerned. The number of scams in kidneys have come down considerably,” says Dr Shroff. </p> <p>As a renal transplant surgeon, he became aware of the huge shortage of kidneys in India. “I would see the agony and desperation in the eyes of caregivers and family members when no suitable kidney donor was available in the family. So, we had to have an alternative to ‘live donations’. The answer was deceased organ donation,” he says. </p> <p>But there was no support system or awareness in the country at that time. The doctors themselves felt that brain death was too complex to be accepted by the public. They did not feel that deceased organ transplantation was possible in India, he rues. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Speaking-at-a-conference_11zon-1717421181.jpg" alt="Dr Shroff speaking at a conference." class="wp-image-351958" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Speaking-at-a-conference_11zon-1717421181.jpg 1500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Speaking-at-a-conference_11zon-1717421181-300x200.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Speaking-at-a-conference_11zon-1717421181-500x333.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Speaking-at-a-conference_11zon-1717421181-768x512.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Speaking-at-a-conference_11zon-1717421181-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr Shroff speaking at a conference.</figcaption></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-establishing-mohan-foundation">Establishing MOHAN Foundation</h2> <p>“That’s why we set up the not-for-profit MOHAN Foundation. It was meant <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/206018/how-to-donate-organs-body-in-india-process-rules-donation-eligibility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to raise awareness about brain death and deceased organ donation</a>. However, we soon realised that was not enough,” says Dr Shroff. </p> <p>“We needed to train ICU doctors and nurses in identifying brain death, organ retrieval, counselling and support families at the time of their grief. Along with this, we also had to put systems in place at hospitals, and sensitise not only the general public but also the medical fraternity on this topic,” he adds. </p> <p>The MOHAN Foundation focuses on deceased organ donation for two reasons. </p> <p>One, in the case of the heart, lungs, pancreas and intestines, the organs have to come from a deceased person. Live donations can only take place in the case of a kidney and part of the liver. </p> <p>Two, deceased organ donation and transplantation is a complex process that needs coordination between multiple stakeholders, he explains. </p> <p>“We have used technology extensively. We have software that finds out which patient on the waiting list should be given the next available organ. We use apps to identify and certify brain death. We also use AI to predict organ failure,” says Dr Shroff. </p> <p>The foundation has counselled more than 12,000 families successfully <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/208322/bengaluru-teen-teacher-death-blood-donation-community-inspiring-india-say143/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to donate the organs of their loved ones </a>who are declared brain-dead. The conversion rate of such cases is high at 60-70%. </p> <p>The organisation has sensitised over 250 million people on organ donation and trained around 4,000 grief counsellors or transplant coordinators and more than 61,000 medical professionals on organ donation. </p> <p>The foundation has issued over 2.5 million donor cards. It has a helpline number: 18001037100 where queries on kidney, liver and other transplants are answered. </p> <p>MOHAN Foundation has offices in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Imphal, Delhi-NCR, Chandigarh, Nagpur, Jaipur, Mumbai, and the USA.</p> <p>It has also inked MoUs with nine state governments, including Uttarakhand and Manipur. In 2011, when the law was being amended, the foundation came up with several recommendations. </p> <p>Now, the authorities ensure that hospitals have transplant coordinators before giving licences. Since April 2018, when a person applies for a driving licence, there is a pop-up from the transport authority asking whether he or she would like to pledge organs. The ICU doctors are also morally obligated to ask for organs from the family in case of a brain death. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="997" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/The-MOHAN-Foundation-team_11zon-1717421127.jpg" alt="The MOHAN Foundation team." class="wp-image-351954" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/The-MOHAN-Foundation-team_11zon-1717421127.jpg 1500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/The-MOHAN-Foundation-team_11zon-1717421127-300x199.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/The-MOHAN-Foundation-team_11zon-1717421127-500x332.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/The-MOHAN-Foundation-team_11zon-1717421127-768x510.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/The-MOHAN-Foundation-team_11zon-1717421127-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The MOHAN Foundation team.</figcaption></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-rise-in-numbers-nbsp">Significant rise in numbers </h2> <p>According to the Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation, India has witnessed a significant increase in deceased organ donations post COVID-19. It surpassed a milestone by transitioning from three-digit donations to four digits for the first time, having had a total of 1,037 deceased donors in 2023. </p> <p>In 2023, India conducted a total of 12,526 kidney transplants, 10,896 from living donors and 1,630 from deceased donors. Additionally, there were 4,173 liver transplants, including 3,338 from living donors and 828 from deceased donors. There were 221 total heart transplants, 191 liver, 21 pancreas and 14 small bowel transplants. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-faced">Challenges faced</h2> <p>According to the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, some of the challenges in deceased organ donation are:</p> <ul> <li>Huge demand-supply gap.</li> <li>Poor infrastructure, especially in government hospitals.</li> <li>Lack of awareness of brain death among stakeholders.</li> <li>Poor rate of brain death certification by hospitals.</li> <li>Lack of awareness and negative attitude towards deceased organ donation.</li> <li>Lack of organised systems for organ procurement from deceased donors.</li> <li>Maintenance of standards in organ retrieval, tissue banking, and transplantation.</li> <li>High cost of transplantation, especially for uninsured and poor patients.</li> </ul> <p>As per the DGHS, the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) takes responsibility for the following actions:</p> <ul> <li>Maintaining the waiting list of terminally ill patients requiring transplants – with details of hospital, organ needed, blood group and age of patient, urgency, and seniority in the waiting list.</li> <li>Matching recipients with donors.</li> <li>Networking with transplant centres, retrieval centres and tissue banks.</li> <li>Coordination of all activities required for procurement of organs and tissues, including medico-legal aspects.</li> <li>Assigning the organ retrieval team and making arrangements for transporting the organs to the allocated locations.</li> </ul> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="796" height="530" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Actress-Revathi-holding-up-a-donor-card-1717420930.jpg" alt="Actress Revathi holding up her donor card." class="wp-image-351951" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Actress-Revathi-holding-up-a-donor-card-1717420930.jpg 796w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Actress-Revathi-holding-up-a-donor-card-1717420930-300x200.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Actress-Revathi-holding-up-a-donor-card-1717420930-500x333.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Actress-Revathi-holding-up-a-donor-card-1717420930-768x511.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Actress-Revathi-holding-up-a-donor-card-1717420930-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 796px) 100vw, 796px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Actress Revathi holding up her donor card.</figcaption></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-counselling-the-family">Counselling the family</h2> <p>Initially, Dr Shroff set up a protocol called the ‘Ramachandra Protocol’ while asking the family’s consent for organ donation. The doctors would start by asking for eye donation first since it was already popular, and then for the other organs. </p> <p>“Talking about organ donation is not easy at a time of grief. We need to treat the grieving family sensitively and support them. We have to first convey to the family that their loved one is brain dead. We need to then explain what brain death is. We let the message sink in,” he explains. </p> <p>“After five to six hours, before we switch off the ventilator, we ask the family whether they wish to donate the organs. We tell them that they can save many lives,” he adds. </p> <p>Most brain deaths are <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/131027/blood-donation-record-rotary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">due to road accidents</a>. Doctors have two to three days after brain deaths to do a transplant surgery. Certifying a brain death is a complex process. </p> <p>After that, the counsellors start a conversation with the family. If the family is convinced, multiple organs are harvested and distributed for transplant as per the waiting list of recipients. There is a lot of team work involved which is done by coordinators trained by the MOHAN Foundation. </p> <p>“Age is no bar for organ donation. Our oldest donor was an 88-year-old trustee of the Gangaram Hospital. When he was declared brain dead, his kidneys and liver were transplanted. However, we are cautious about taking the heart and lungs of a donor who is above 60,” explains Dr Shroff. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1768" height="1156" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/With-a-donor-family-in-Seattle-US_11zon-1717420865.jpg" alt="At a function to felicitate organ donor families in Seattle." class="wp-image-351949" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/With-a-donor-family-in-Seattle-US_11zon-1717420865.jpg 1768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/With-a-donor-family-in-Seattle-US_11zon-1717420865-300x196.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/With-a-donor-family-in-Seattle-US_11zon-1717420865-500x327.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/With-a-donor-family-in-Seattle-US_11zon-1717420865-768x502.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/With-a-donor-family-in-Seattle-US_11zon-1717420865-1536x1004.jpg 1536w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/With-a-donor-family-in-Seattle-US_11zon-1717420865-150x98.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1768px) 100vw, 1768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">At a function to felicitate organ donor families in Seattle.</figcaption></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance-on-kbc">Appearance on KBC</h2> <p>In line with his work, Dr Shroff appeared on the Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) show in October 2020. </p> <p>“The programme was aired without a live audience on account of COVID-19. I had requested for the set to be lit fully in green as that’s the colour for organ donation, and I won Rs 25 lakh for the foundation,” he shares.</p> <p>“After the episode was aired, the MOHAN Foundation helpline kept buzzing for several days. We had 30 counsellors answering these calls 24×7. Some people donated huge sums of money to the foundation, while the organ pledges went up as well. It was very good publicity for our cause,” he relates. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2449" height="1632" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Participating-in-Kaun-Banega-Crorepati_11zon-1717420744.jpg" alt="Participating in Kaun Banega Crorepati." class="wp-image-351945" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Participating-in-Kaun-Banega-Crorepati_11zon-1717420744.jpg 2449w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Participating-in-Kaun-Banega-Crorepati_11zon-1717420744-300x200.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Participating-in-Kaun-Banega-Crorepati_11zon-1717420744-500x333.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Participating-in-Kaun-Banega-Crorepati_11zon-1717420744-768x512.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Participating-in-Kaun-Banega-Crorepati_11zon-1717420744-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Participating-in-Kaun-Banega-Crorepati_11zon-1717420744-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Participating-in-Kaun-Banega-Crorepati_11zon-1717420744-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 2449px) 100vw, 2449px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Participating in Kaun Banega Crorepati.</figcaption></figure> <p>For their work, Dr Shroff and the MOHAN Foundation have been felicitated with several awards over the years. </p> <p>To name a few, in 2015, the foundation was honoured with the British Medical Association South Asia Award for establishing a cadaver programme in India. In 2021, he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from Grant Thornton Sabera. </p> <p>In 2023, Dr Shroff received the Dr K C G Verghese Excellence Awards for Community Service. The MOHAN Foundation also received the ‘Best NGO Award’ in 2023 from NOTTO, DGHS on the occasion of National Organ Donation Day. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1144" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Dr-Sunil-Shroff-receiving-Dr.-K.C.G.-Verghese-Excellence-Awards-2023_11zon-1717420609-scaled.jpg" alt="Dr Sunil Shroff receiving Dr K C G Verghese Excellence Awards 2023." class="wp-image-351941" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Dr-Sunil-Shroff-receiving-Dr.-K.C.G.-Verghese-Excellence-Awards-2023_11zon-1717420609-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Dr-Sunil-Shroff-receiving-Dr.-K.C.G.-Verghese-Excellence-Awards-2023_11zon-1717420609-300x134.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Dr-Sunil-Shroff-receiving-Dr.-K.C.G.-Verghese-Excellence-Awards-2023_11zon-1717420609-500x223.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Dr-Sunil-Shroff-receiving-Dr.-K.C.G.-Verghese-Excellence-Awards-2023_11zon-1717420609-768x343.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Dr-Sunil-Shroff-receiving-Dr.-K.C.G.-Verghese-Excellence-Awards-2023_11zon-1717420609-1536x687.jpg 1536w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Dr-Sunil-Shroff-receiving-Dr.-K.C.G.-Verghese-Excellence-Awards-2023_11zon-1717420609-2048x915.jpg 2048w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/06/Dr-Sunil-Shroff-receiving-Dr.-K.C.G.-Verghese-Excellence-Awards-2023_11zon-1717420609-150x67.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr Sunil Shroff receiving Dr K C G Verghese Excellence Awards 2023.</figcaption></figure> <p>Dr Shroff is the Asia convenor of the ‘Tribute to Life for Commonwealth Organ Donation Project’. He is primarily responsible for establishing the ‘Indian Organ Transplant Registry’ in collaboration with the Indian Society of Organ Transplantation. This registry, a first in Asia, has been crucial for compiling data on kidney transplants in India and analysing their outcomes.</p> <p>Dr Shroff believes that Indians are very emotional people; very giving people. “There is just some distrust with the healthcare system that has to be taken care of. More people will definitely come forward to donate the organs of loved ones,” he says with conviction. </p> <p>“As a surgeon, I am deeply humbled to be part of this programme. During organ donations, I witness both ends of the spectrum – the profound grief of losing a loved one and the overwhelming joy and hope when a family member receives an organ. It truly embodies the cycle of life,” he says.</p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"351914";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:38;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:78:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:81:"For Just Rs 350, #DonateAnUmbrella to Street Vendors Working in Extreme Heatwaves";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:98:"https://thebetterindia.com/351758/donate-an-umbrella-for-street-vendors-in-delhi-extreme-heatwave/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 31 May 2024 14:11:10 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:8:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"Changemakers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"beat the heat";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"college students";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"donate an umbrella";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"donate now";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"extreme heatwave";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"New Delhi NGO";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"street vendors";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351758";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:151:"By donating just Rs 350 towards an umbrella, make a difference in the lives of street vendors trying to make a living in this record-breaking heatwave.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8:"TBI Team";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6260:" <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p><em><strong>“No one thinks like this for us; we have just gotten used to the heat every year.” – A Delhi Street Vendor</strong></em></p> </blockquote> <p>Imagine working tirelessly under the scorching sun with no escape from the heat. This is the harsh reality for countless street vendors, rickshaw pullers, and labourers across India.</p> <p>But hope arrives in the form of ‘Warriors Without a Cause’, a remarkable NGO founded by four young friends from Delhi — Anusha Attree, Bhavini Singh, Khushi Singh, and Vanshikha Mehta. </p> <div class="inner-btn-link"> <a href="https://www.donatekart.com/The-Better-India/Donate-An-Umbrella" target="_blank" class="inner-link-btn" rel="noopener">Donate Now</a> <em style="display:block;">Unable to view the above button? <a href="https://www.donatekart.com/The-Better-India/Donate-An-Umbrella">Click here </a></em> </div> <p>These college students, barely out of their teens, didn’t let their age stop them from making a real difference.</p> <p>Moved by the struggles they witnessed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, they decided to do something to help people. They began by using their own money to provide masks and sanitisers in slum areas.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1600" height="1066" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG_3093-1717164179.jpg" alt="'Warriors Without a Cause’ NGO was founded by four young friends from Delhi — Anusha Attree, Bhavini Singh, Khushi Singh, and Vanshikha Mehta." class="wp-image-351775" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG_3093-1717164179.jpg 1600w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG_3093-1717164179-300x200.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG_3093-1717164179-500x333.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG_3093-1717164179-768x512.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG_3093-1717164179-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG_3093-1717164179-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">‘Warriors Without a Cause’ NGO was founded by four young friends from Delhi — Anusha Attree, Bhavini Singh, Khushi Singh, and Vanshikha Mehta.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Having witnessed and understood the urgent needs of underprivileged people firsthand, the four of them established a Government-registered NGO dedicated to social welfare.</p> <p>Since then, their efforts have expanded rapidly.</p> <p>They now operate in six cities including Delhi NCR, Noida, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Chandigarh.</p> <p>Their work encompasses education and awareness, healthcare and sanitation, and employment initiatives. They teach children in slums, conduct financial literacy workshops, hold free medical boot camps, organise sanitary pad distribution drives, and provide employment opportunities to the jobless.</p> <p>In the CRRI Delhi slum, the NGO teaches skills like crocheting and knitting to over 30 women, selling their products at markets and exhibitions, thereby providing these women with consistent monthly employment.</p> <div class="inner-btn-link"> <a href="https://www.donatekart.com/The-Better-India/Donate-An-Umbrella" target="_blank" class="inner-link-btn" rel="noopener">Donate Now</a> <em style="display:block;">Unable to view the above button? <a href="https://www.donatekart.com/The-Better-India/Donate-An-Umbrella">Click here </a></em> </div> <p>Through these initiatives, they have helped a staggering four lakh people in the last three years.</p> <p>Last year, they launched the ‘Beat the Heat’ campaign to help street vendors and cart owners endure the sweltering summer heat. They distributed umbrellas, caps, drinks, and water to those working under the scorching sun.</p> <p>The campaign has already reached over 50,000 people, providing essential relief to those most affected by the heat.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="652" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-31-193859_11zon-1717164592-500x652.jpg" alt="The volunteers distributed umbrellas, caps, drinks, and water to those working under the scorching sun." class="wp-image-351780" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-31-193859_11zon-1717164592-500x652.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-31-193859_11zon-1717164592-230x300.jpg 230w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-31-193859_11zon-1717164592-150x196.jpg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-31-193859_11zon-1717164592.jpg 693w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The volunteers distributed umbrellas, caps, drinks, and water to those working under the scorching sun.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>This year alone, they have distributed 5,000 umbrellas, but the need is still great, considering the extreme heatwaves India is currently witnessing.</p> <p>Join the movement to make a difference in the lives of street vendors trying to make a living in this record-breaking heat! </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-with-a-donation-of-just-rs-350-you-can-give-them-an-umbrella-to-protect-themselves-from-the-scorching-sun">With a donation of just Rs 350, you can give them an umbrella to protect themselves from the scorching sun.</h2> <p>Donate now to become a part of this life-changing initiative:</p> <div class="inner-btn-link"> <a href="https://www.donatekart.com/The-Better-India/Donate-An-Umbrella" target="_blank" class="inner-link-btn" rel="noopener">Donate Now</a> <em style="display:block;">Unable to view the above button? <a href="https://www.donatekart.com/The-Better-India/Donate-An-Umbrella">Click here </a></em> </div> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"351758";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:39;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:75:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:66:"Summer Travel: 8 Jungle Homestays in India to Cool Off This Season";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:98:"https://thebetterindia.com/351646/jungle-homestays-summer-travel-escape-heatwave-meghalaya-tadoba/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 31 May 2024 12:29:39 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:7:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"Travel";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"homestays";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"homestays in india";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"jungle adventure";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"jungle homestays";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"summer travel";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"travel adventure";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351646";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:165:"From staying right next to the living roots bridge in Meghalaya to exploring the jungles of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger reserve in a boat -- there's something for everyone.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:35791:" <p>Waking up to the chirping of birds, the rustle of leaves, and a gentle breeze carrying the scent of wildflowers — this was what my mornings would look like living in a remote eco stay in the Jim Corbett National Park. While the mornings brought in a scent of freshness, the nights brought a serene silence with a blanket of stars staring at me. </p> <p>Currently, I am stuck sitting in front of my laptop working and enduring the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/300827/heat-stress-waves-kills-indians-but-mud-homes-lattice-buildings-sustainable-architecture-can-help/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increasing summer heat</a> but the memories of the good old days keep me happy. But even if I have to work, you don’t have to!<strong> The Better India </strong>did the heavy lifting for you and has collected a list of jungle stays for a perfect nature escape. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-jungle-hut">1. Jungle Hut</h2> <p>In the ’80s, Tamil Nadu natives Joe and Hermie Mathias, who wanted to live a quiet life, retired and used their savings to settle in the Nilgiris’ foothills. In 1986, leveraging the region’s tourism appeal, they established Jungle Hut, a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/90205/10-sustainable-homestays-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable homestay.</a> Currently run by their son Vikram and his wife Anushri, the homestay is surrounded by wildlife and is a bird-watching haven. </p> <p>The homestay offers trekking, jungle safaris, and a swimming pool. Accommodations include classic, premium, and deluxe tent rooms, focusing on a minimalist, eco-friendly setup with homemade food.</p> <p>Book your stay <a href="https://www.junglehut.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-kanarkha-homestay">2. Kanarkha Homestay </h2> <p>Located amid the lush green<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/295759/best-himalayan-treks-in-autumn-valley-of-flowers-kashmir-great-lakes-plan-vacation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Himalayan forests</a> near Padampuri in the Kumaon region, Uttarakhand, the homestay is a peek into the local cultures. Only a short trek from the Oak tree forests, if you are lucky, you will get a glimpse of the majestic leopards. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0vdbmYrz9f/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0vdbmYrz9f/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0vdbmYrz9f/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by ARKA (@photographybyarka)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Surrounded by fruiting trees such as apricots, plums, peaches and pears, nature is in its most raw form in the area. The homestay offers activities such as horseback riding, trekking, nature walks, jungle walks, hiking, bird watching, stargazing, and milking their domestic cows! </p> <p>Call on this number — 81783 35056 to book your stay. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-the-nature-inn">3. The Nature Inn</h2> <p>If you wish to enjoy real solitude and quiet, then ‘The Nature Inn’ sitting on the border of a forest in the hills of Wayanad, Kerala, is the perfect place. After a small trek along the steep uphill track, you finally see the homestay covered with mist and greenery. </p> <p>The caretaker James cooks delicious meals for the guests, which often end up being the highlight of their trip. Indulge in the food prepared using locally-grown tapioca and other vegetables or the local-style fish curry sitting on the veranda of the property. </p> <p>Call on this number —- 98470 24957 to book your stay. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-dhole-s-den">4. Dhole’s Den</h2> <p>Dhole’s Den, located 250 km from Bengaluru in Bandipur, offers a unique eco-friendly safari experience located in the Bandipur National Forest. Founded by Karthik and Ingrid Davey in 2009, the homestay focuses on sustainability, using solar and wind energy, composting kitchen waste, and recycling sewage water. </p> <p>It features five living spaces inspired by<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/312182/making-of-odisha-krushi-bhavan-sustainable-architecture-local-craftsmanship/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> local architecture,</a> designed for natural cooling and light. Guests can explore the surrounding wildlife through safaris and hikes to enjoy the nature around it. </p> <p>Book your stay <a href="https://dholesden.com/guest-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3bhfXNSLe7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3bhfXNSLe7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3bhfXNSLe7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Dhole's Den Bandipur N.P (@dholesden)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-nongriat-homestay">5. Nongriat Homestay </h2> <p>Nestled amid the beautiful hills of Khasi in Meghalaya, Nongriat Homestay is a magical escape from the city’s chaos. After following a trail of 5 km crossing the forest with River Umshiang on the side, you reach the cottage. An interesting fact about the homestay is that it is located adjacent to a 180-year-old living root bridge. </p> <p>The guests can go for a swim in the natural pools located near the property, they can also take guided nature and forest walks, trekking and star gazing at night. </p> <p>Book your stay <a href="https://www.homestaysofindia.com/meghalaya-nongriat-homestay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-forest-side-farm">6. Forest Side Farm</h2> <p>For as far as the eye can see, at this homestay, you will only see forest and nature. The Forest Side Farm located near Jim Corbett National Park, is every nature lover’s dream destination. Located in Kotabagh, a quaint village in Uttarakhand, the homestay sits on a 2.5-acre large farm next to a dense Sal forest in the Kaladhungi Range. </p> <p>The guests can go for walks in the farmland and learn about farm life. They can also travel to the Jim <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/128955/corbett-elephants-retirement-party/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Corbett National Park for a safari.</a> The homestay also has a library with over 200 books to pick from and several board games to enjoy a night in with your family.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C68q7FeyVuo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C68q7FeyVuo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C68q7FeyVuo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Forest Side Farm (@forestsidefarm)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Book your stay <a href="https://www.forestsidefarm.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-mystic-himalayan-homestay-urgam">7. Mystic Himalayan Homestay Urgam</h2> <p>Located in the scenic Urgam Valley of Uttarakhand, amid dense Deodar forests, the mystic Himalayan Homestay offers panoramic views of snow capped Himalayas. The homestay wakes up with the colourful hues of the sun peeking through the dense forest and sleeps under the blanket of stars. With a double story traditional mud home with 6 functioning bedrooms, the place is great to spend a getaway with your family and friends. </p> <p>The place offers amenities like yoga, meditation, bird watching, hiking, guided village tours, forest walks and trekking. </p> <p>Book your stay <a href="https://www.homestaysofindia.com/uttarakhand-chamoli-urgam-valley-mystic-himalayan-homestay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-the-spotted-owlet-farm-house">8. The Spotted Owlet Farm House</h2> <p>The homestay located close to the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve gives an experience of living in a jungle with the best amenities. Started by Avantika Chandra and Hans Dalal fueled by their passion for wildlife conservation, the homestay is located in a lush orchard with 700 trees.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CcSyPxPDfeD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CcSyPxPDfeD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CcSyPxPDfeD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Spotted Owlet Homestay, Tadoba (@thespottedowlet)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>The couple with their homestay aim to harmonise with nature and local wildlife by following sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting and permaculture. </p> <p>Book your stay <a href="https://www.thespottedowlet.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>. </p> <p><em>(Edited by Padmashree Pande)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"351646";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:40;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:81:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:92:"Sisters Took Up Farming in Their 40s; Earn Rs 11 Lakh Growing Gooseberry, Mangoes & More";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:141:"https://thebetterindia.com/351707/doon-gooseberry-farm-dehradun-sisters-amla-farming-growing-mangoes-brinjals-tomatoes-lemons-in-hilly-areas/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 31 May 2024 12:27:15 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:9:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"Amla Candy";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"amla farmer";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8:"Dehradun";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:22:"farming in uttarakhand";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"gooseberry farms";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"lemon trees";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"mango farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:8;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:20:"turmeric cultivation";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351707";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:299:"A chance visit to Manisha Gosain's land in Dehradun during the COVID-19 pandemic gave her and her sister, Namita Rawat Negi, the idea to convert it into the Doon Gooseberry Farm. They grow vegetables like tomatoes, brinjals, pumpkins, spinach, and more, and sell value-added products made from them.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"Guest Contributor";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10237:" <p>In 2021, when Namita Rawat Negi and Manisha Gosain, two sisters from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, decided to pursue farming, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/351525/farming-profitable-how-to-make-natural-pesticides-himachal-couple-zero-budget-natural-earns-double/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">their decision raised more eyebrows than smiles</a>. </p> <p>However, driven by their strong self-belief and a desire to protect agricultural land, they ventured into what is widely regarded as one of the toughest occupations — farming. </p> <p>This journey demands immense perseverance and patience, but their determination has remained unwavering.</p> <p>In their 40s, many believed that Namita and Manisha would only dabble in farming for a few months before returning to their previous lives and jobs; possibly selling the land. However, they defied expectations and persisted in building their agricultural venture. </p> <p>Today, they proudly operate Doon Gooseberry Farm, a cozy setup born from their dedication and passion, supported steadfastly by their husbands. </p> <p>“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we first visited my sister’s land in Dehradun. The scene was not promising. We were faced with 10 <em>bighas</em> of land covered in unruly grass and creepers,” shares Namita. </p> <p>“However, what immediately caught our attention were the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/298849/history-and-origin-of-amla-murabba-recipe-indian-kitchen-winter-dish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gooseberry trees (<em>amla</em>) laden with fruit</a>, much of which were going to waste. We instantly felt the need to take action, not only to protect our land but also to nurture it and reap the rewards of its bounty,” she adds.</p> <p>The two sisters entered the world of farming with no prior experience or exposure. However, through trial and error, they have learned to plant and nurture their crops effectively. Here’s their story.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="608" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sisters-pose-at-the-farm-1717157740.jpg" alt="The two sisters at the farm." class="wp-image-351720" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sisters-pose-at-the-farm-1717157740.jpg 1080w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sisters-pose-at-the-farm-1717157740-300x169.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sisters-pose-at-the-farm-1717157740-500x281.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sisters-pose-at-the-farm-1717157740-768x432.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sisters-pose-at-the-farm-1717157740-150x84.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The two sisters at the farm.</figcaption></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-combined-effort">A combined effort</h2> <p>The two sisters are ably helped by their husbands, Vineet Singh Negi and retired army Colonel Vikas Gosain.</p> <p>“Harvesting the trees has evolved into a family affair,” Namita shares. “We even invite our friends to join us as it’s a great opportunity to spend the day together and enjoy the fruits of our labour.” </p> <p>From chutneys and pickles to jams crafted from the fresh produce such as amla, mango, turmeric, garlic and lemon, Doon Gooseberry Farm has expanded its offerings to include a diverse array of products, making a net profit of Rs 5 lakh. Their total income was Rs 11 lakh for the last financial year.</p> <p>In addition to this, the farm also houses poultry and cultivates various vegetables such as tomatoes, brinjals, pumpkins, spinach, mustard, and lady’s fingers. While they sell products made from <em>amla</em>, mango, turmeric, lemon, and tomatoes, the other vegetables fulfill their household needs, ensuring a self-sufficient and homely environment.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1118" height="1490" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Namita-at-the-poultry-farm_11zon-1717157929.jpg" alt="Namita at the poultry section of the farm." class="wp-image-351728" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Namita-at-the-poultry-farm_11zon-1717157929.jpg 1118w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Namita-at-the-poultry-farm_11zon-1717157929-225x300.jpg 225w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Namita-at-the-poultry-farm_11zon-1717157929-500x666.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Namita-at-the-poultry-farm_11zon-1717157929-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Namita-at-the-poultry-farm_11zon-1717157929-640x853.jpg 640w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Namita-at-the-poultry-farm_11zon-1717157929-150x200.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1118px) 100vw, 1118px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Namita at the poultry section of the farm.</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1990" height="1327" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Raw-mangoes_11zon-1717158157.jpg" alt="The raw mangoes cultivated at their farm." class="wp-image-351735" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Raw-mangoes_11zon-1717158157.jpg 1990w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Raw-mangoes_11zon-1717158157-300x200.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Raw-mangoes_11zon-1717158157-500x333.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Raw-mangoes_11zon-1717158157-768x512.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Raw-mangoes_11zon-1717158157-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Raw-mangoes_11zon-1717158157-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1990px) 100vw, 1990px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The raw mangoes cultivated at their farm.</figcaption></figure> <p>“At Doon Gooseberry Farm, our mission is simple and yet profound: to provide the world with delectable, healthy food options that are <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/277260/organic-farmer-veljibhai-bhudia-earns-lakhs-through-food-processing-gujarat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free from harmful preservatives</a>. Our journey began with the desire to embrace a lifestyle rich in vitality, where we could savour all these flavours nurtured in our very own backyard,” says Manisha.</p> <p>She adds, “Our produce flourishes under the sun, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/332094/rajasthan-rubi-pareek-doubles-profit-with-organic-farming-gives-free-training/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">untouched by chemical sprays or insecticides</a>. It is here that the roots of Doon Gooseberry Farm run deep, where our dedication to purity and quality is firm.” </p> <p>They use shells of organic eggs, vegetable peels, and cow manure as the prime source of nourishment for their cultivation. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1455" height="1092" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Amla-trees-at-the-farm_11zon-1717158064.jpg" alt="The amla (gooseberry) trees lining the farm." class="wp-image-351732" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Amla-trees-at-the-farm_11zon-1717158064.jpg 1455w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Amla-trees-at-the-farm_11zon-1717158064-300x225.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Amla-trees-at-the-farm_11zon-1717158064-500x375.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Amla-trees-at-the-farm_11zon-1717158064-768x576.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Amla-trees-at-the-farm_11zon-1717158064-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1455px) 100vw, 1455px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The amla (gooseberry) trees lining the farm.</figcaption></figure> <p>However, the journey has been far from smooth. “Water availability is a critical issue,” Namita explains. </p> <p>“Being in a hilly area with a non-perennial river nearby, water scarcity is a significant challenge. This is a primary reason why many people around us are abandoning their agricultural lands.” </p> <p>Despite the government’s efforts to create canals for water supply, Namita notes that there is still a severe shortage, particularly during the summer months. “We are currently exploring rainwater harvesting as a potential solution to create a reliable source of water,” Namita shares. </p> <p>“However, we sincerely hope that the water situation improves. While the river has some water at certain points, other areas remain completely dry. We believe that if the government addresses this issue earnestly, it will not only benefit us but also many others who wish to pursue farming with greater ease and happiness.”</p> <p>Currently, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/298011/gurugram-retired-woman-starts-ayurvedic-veena-jis-hair-oil-business-to-reduce-hair-fall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Doon Gooseberry Farm </a>collaborates with local women and small processing units to manufacture its products. However, the farm aspires to establish its own processing unit staffed entirely by women in the future. </p> <p>“We initiated our venture with the assistance of an agricultural loan and help from family,” Namita explains. “This enabled us to make the land cultivable and fulfill our basic requirements. Now, our goal is to expand further, with a focus on providing employment opportunities to locals, particularly women.”</p> <p><em>This article has been written by Shweta Bhanot Mehrotra. Picture credits: Manisha and Namita. </em></p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande. </em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"351707";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:41;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:75:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:101:"At 25, This Agripreneur Has Converted 2500 Tons of Waste into Vermicompost & Trained 2500 Farmers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:137:"https://thebetterindia.com/351690/yash-dayal-sharma-fertile-beeghas-organic-waste-vermicompost-stubble-burning-train-farmers-soil-health/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 31 May 2024 12:20:15 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:7:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"agripreneur";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:22:"help farmers earn more";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"organic farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"soil health";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"vermicompost";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"waste management";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351690";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:176:"Yash Dayal Sharma from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is on a mission to improve the soil health in Indian farms by creating vermicompost through his venture ‘Fertile Beeghas’.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17253:" <p>Yash Dayal Sharma grew up reading the books of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, developing a strong desire to serve the nation. When his first choice, a career in the armed forces didn’t materialise, he shifted his vision to agriculture. Hailing from a family of farmers in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, research during his college days revealed that one of the major problems that our country faces is <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/331849/gardening-dr-navdeep-singh-khurana-dentist-amritsar-flowers-vegetables-indoor-garden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil health</a>, leading to several lands becoming uncultivable.</p> <p>An FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) and UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) Global Outlook report states that over 29 percent (96.4 million hectares) of India’s total agricultural land is degraded, wherein the land has lost its top soil. This is a worrying trend as the Indian population is increasing at a rapid pace, while cultivable land is decreasing.</p> <p>Learning about this alarming fact made the 25-year-old return to his roots in Saharanpur to first understand the problems in the agricultural sector and look at possible solutions. From 2020 to 2021, armed with a certification in organic farming from the Ministry of Agriculture, he interacted with farmers, scientists, and other stakeholders to understand the root causes of soil degradation.</p> <p>With a firm understanding that soil health had to be improved, a deep dive into the topic led to the understanding that the solution was staring right in his face the entire time — the earthworm.</p> <p>It is the earthworm that decomposes organic waste into vermicompost.Starting with a trial batch of vermicompost on one acre of his farm, he founded Fertile Beeghas in June 2021.</p> <p>Over the past three years, the enterprise has transformed over 2,500 tonnes of cattle dung and organic waste into vermicompost. Yash shares he has also provided training to over 2,500 farmers in organic farming so far.</p> <p>Here’s how he plans to improve the soil fertility of degraded soils.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treat-soil-as-a-living-entity">‘Treat soil as a living entity’</h2> <p>Yash always harboured a vision to create a better India. While pursuing his BA in history from Delhi University, he started a school for underprivileged children called ‘Free School Under The Mowgli Tree’. Here, he encouraged children to think out of the box and develop practical skills as most of them didn’t have access to a formal education.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4NqJz7yjS_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4NqJz7yjS_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4NqJz7yjS_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Fertile Beeghas | Organic Farms | Vermicomposting (@fertilebeeghas)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>The imposition of the COVID-19 lockdown brought a halt to the school and led to Yash contemplating his future plans.</p> <p>“My great-grandfather and grandfather were farmers. I grew up close to nature in a boarding school in Pune. When I was considering what path I wanted to take after my graduation, I chose agriculture as this sector needs a lot of work,” Yash tells <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <p>Another major reason for choosing agriculture was <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/299979/books-loved-and-recommended-by-apj-abdul-kalam-fiction-science-spirituality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr A P J Abdul Kalam</a>. The former president stressed his vision 2020 for the nation. Although he had written these books decades ago, Yash realised that we are far from reaching that.</p> <p>“Dr Kalam spoke about the importance of youth and how we should contribute to the betterment of the nation. Inspired by him, I decided to do something good for the country by focusing on agriculture and improving the lives of farmers as well as agricultural land,” reiterates Yash.</p> <p>When he started visiting farmers in Saharanpur, he was appalled by the ‘cocktail of pesticides’ being used in their farmlands. Constant use of pesticides also has a detrimental effect on soil health.</p> <p>In 2022, National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) CEO Ashok Dalwai said that the Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) content in India had come down to 0.3 percent from one percent in the past 70 years. SOC is one of the major indicators of robust soil and gives soil its fertility, water-retention capacity and more.</p> <p>“Soil is the root cause of most of our problems. While healthy soil should have at least five to 10 percent SOC, the benchmark in India is one percent. As the statistics show, our farms have less than 0.5 percent. I was shocked by this; visiting farms in Saharanpur was an eye-opener,” he shares.</p> <p>“I saw many documentaries, read books and met stakeholders. I compared the soil status of farmlands in Western Uttar Pradesh and Haryana with soil samples from Europe. The results were shocking,” shares Yash.</p> <p>Unless steps are taken to improve the SOC and fertility of the soil, in a few years it will also become non-arable. Realising this, he met farmers, producers, microbiologists, Government officials, and scientists over a year to understand the possible solutions to improve soil health.</p> <p>Charles Darwin published the solution several centuries ago in his book ‘The Formation of Vegetable Mould, through the Actions of Worms’. “Earthworms improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. They are a farmer’s best friend and no fertiliser works quite like <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/348522/vermicompost-made-by-award-winning-kashmir-organic-farmer-anantnag-units-earns-crores/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vermicompost</a>,” explains Yash.</p> <p>Yash then went in search of vermicompost. Unsatisfied with the ones he found in the market, he developed one following “the best scientific practices”.</p> <p>From 2021 to 2022, he worked on making vermicompost on one acre of his own land in Saharanpur. He distributed samples in nearby farmlands, and once he was satisfied with the results, he started selling them through his company Fertile Beeghas in October 2022.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-different-about-his-vermicompost">What’s different about his vermicompost?</h2> <p>Yash states that what differentiates his vermicompost is the manufacturing process.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/fertile-beeghas2-1717155322.jpg" alt="Vermicompost being prepared at Fertile Beeghas" class="wp-image-351702" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/fertile-beeghas2-1717155322.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/fertile-beeghas2-1717155322-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/fertile-beeghas2-1717155322-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/fertile-beeghas2-1717155322-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/fertile-beeghas2-1717155322-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vermicompost being prepared at Fertile Beeghas</figcaption></figure></div> <p>“We treat soil as a living entity, something that most of us have forgotten to do. We invested a lot in research and development to develop the most scientific vermicompost. We use a mix of greens, browns, organic materials, cow dung, and of course, earthworms,” shares Yash.</p> <p>The secret sauce is enriching it with organic carbon, he states. “While other vermicomposts in the market would have 10 to 20 percent organic carbon, our product has 30 to 35 percent.”</p> <p>They also introduce crop-specific microbes after harvesting the produce. For example, if the vermicompost is required by apple growers in Himachal, microbes are introduced accordingly.</p> <p>Fertile Beeghas uses a big storage zone to store, treat and cure the compost. Yash works with over 200 farmers who produce the vermicompost. He works closely with the district agricultural officers in Western Uttar Pradesh who connect him to organic farmers who may benefit from the training. He has also trained over 2,500 farmers in organic farming and making vermicompost.</p> <p>Kuldeep, a farmer in Saharanpur, shares that he has completely shifted to using vermicompost on his land, which had been ruined by the excessive usage of fertilisers and pesticides.</p> <p>“The soil health had deteriorated and I had to keep using growth promoters to ensure a good harvest. Over the past three years, I’ve been able to phase out the pesticides slowly, and today, I use only vermicompost. My costs have reduced while my production and soil health have improved,” shares Kuldeep.</p> <p>The icing on the cake is that Kuldeep now produces his own vermicompost, trained by Yash.</p> <p>Farmers working with Yash start by making <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/341515/iit-guwahati-organic-vermicompost-for-farmers-fast-biodegradation-technique-ajay-kalamdhad-mati-dhan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vermicompost</a> on as little as 1/4th of an acre, which would suffice for their own use. If they want to do it commercially, they would need at least one to two acres of land.</p> <p>So far, Fertile Beeghas has transformed over 2,500 tonnes of cattle dung and organic waste into vermicompost, earning an income of Rs 13.5 lakh in the last two months. They’ve also prevented the burning of over 950 tonnes of rice straws from 100 acres of land.</p> <p>Yash hopes to train over 10,000 farmers across the country and help them improve their soil health. “Farmers are the torchbearers of our country. Just like we give importance to our physical health, it’s time to devote time and effort to improving the health of our country’s soil.”</p> <p><em>You can contact Yash at <a href="tel:+919711254856" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">+91 97112 54856</a> or email him at <a href="mailto:yash@fertilebeeghas.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">yash@fertilebeeghas.com</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat; Images Courtesy: Yash Dayal Sharma</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"351690";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:42;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:82:"How to Make Farming Profitable? Himachal Couple Earn Double with 25 Kinds of Crops";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:133:"https://thebetterindia.com/351525/farming-profitable-how-to-make-natural-pesticides-himachal-couple-zero-budget-natural-earns-double/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 31 May 2024 09:08:37 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:27:"farming in Himachal Pradesh";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"natural farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"natural pesticide";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:27:"Zero Budget Natural Farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351525";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:224:"For the past six years, Jaswinder Kaur and Ranjit Singh from Himachal have been using zero-budget natural farming to cultivate at least 25 kinds of crops. Here's how they made farming profitable and train others around them.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11822:" <p>It was almost midnight. </p> <p>Ranjit Singh was half-asleep when his wife, Jaswinder, woke him up and reminded him about the workshop on natural farming. He wondered what she was yapping about and went to sleep.</p> <p>The next morning when Ranjit enquired, he got to know about the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/55881/zero-budget-natural-farming-subash-palekar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subhash Palekar Natural Farming </a>workshop that could benefit the couple immensely. On her advice, he immediately left for Solan, 150 km away from his village in Kanshipur, Sirmaur, in Himachal Pradesh.</p> <p>After training, Ranjit’s perspective on farming took a complete U-turn. “For decades, we had been growing crops using chemical fertilisers like urea, weedicides, and chemical insecticides. I never knew the gravity of the harm that we were causing ourselves and to those buying crops from us,” the 57-year-old tells <strong>The Better India</strong>.</p> <p>Considering inorganic farming a sin, the couple decided to convert their entire seven-bigha (1.4 acre) land into a natural farm. “Before training, I thought of growing crops on a small part of our land using natural farming, but later, I swore never to use any chemical fertilisers in the field again,” he adds.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-2-1717133412.jpg" alt="With zero cost of production, the couple has doubled their income by selling vegetables and fruits. " class="wp-image-351657" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-2-1717133412.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-2-1717133412-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-2-1717133412-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-2-1717133412-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-2-1717133412-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">With zero cost of production, the couple has doubled their income by selling vegetables and fruits. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>After a month-long training, Ranjit returned to his wife with secret tips and techniques of natural farming. Jaswinder, meanwhile, knew it was the training that could have convinced her husband to shift to natural farming.</p> <p>Since 2018, the couple has been cultivating at least 25 kinds of fruits, vegetables, grains, and spices including lemons, moringa, Caprica chilies, pomegranate, sugarcane, turmeric, wheat, paddy, guavas, cauliflower, spinach, onions, beetroot, ginger, carrot, and more through <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/197256/telangana-couple-zero-budget-natural-farming-organic-mango-navara-rice-india/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zero budget natural farming</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zero-input-cost-double-income">Zero input cost, double income</h2> <p>For Jaswinder and Ranjit, using chemicals to boost production from the field was the only way to farm. But the soil kept asking for more. “We noticed that our fertiliser usage kept increasing every year. Initially, we were able to grow our produce using 5-7 kg of urea, however, we were later forced to add 10-12 kg per <em>bigha</em>,” she shares.</p> <p>“Also, there were additional input costs for recurring fertiliser and pesticide usage. The input costs for us were Rs 2,000 per <em>bigha</em> in a season. Now, this has been reduced to zero,” she adds.</p> <p>As the name suggests, there are zero production costs in zero-budget natural farming. It is the practice of growing crops that eliminates the application of chemical inputs like urea.</p> <p>“There are a lot of advantages of natural farming, the first one being the availability of toxin-free food and rejuvenated soil health,” says Jaswinder.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-3-1717133467.jpg" alt="Jaswinder and Ranjit converted their entire seven-bigha land into a natural farm. " class="wp-image-351658" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-3-1717133467.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-3-1717133467-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-3-1717133467-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-3-1717133467-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-3-1717133467-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jaswinder and Ranjit converted their entire seven-bigha land into a natural farm. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>In the first year of application, the production for the couple was one-third less than the inorganic farming. </p> <p>However, the couple was not demotivated.</p> <p>“We were aware of the losses in the initial years. People would comment how we incurred losses switching to natural farming but we were happy to incur these instead of spending lakhs in medical treatments from eating toxic food,” she adds.</p> <p>It took them 1.5 years to reap the benefits, the couple shares.</p> <p>“Today, we get three quintals of produce per <em>bigha</em>. One of the advantages of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/321571/amith-kishan-quits-job-to-start-hebbuvu-organic-and-natural-farming-earns-crores/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural farming </a>is that although the production is the same, the rate of this produce is double. For instance, our wheat is sold at Rs 4,000 whereas the inorganic wheat is for Rs 2,200 per quintal. Similarly, our sugar is priced at Rs 100, compared to Rs 50-60 per kg from the market,” she points out.</p> <p>With zero cost of production, the couple has doubled their income from Rs 55,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh by selling vegetables and fruits. Their produce has earned a huge demand among the local schools, teachers, and officials.</p> <p>Jaswinder also processes the low-grade vegetables into pickles, vinegar, and chutneys. Annually, she processes up to eight quintals of vegetables like lemons, cauliflower, reddish, beetroot, and ginger into value-added products. This earns them an additional income of Rs 1 lakh annually.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-1717133355.jpg" alt="The couple cultivates at least 25 kinds of fruits, vegetables, grains, and spices through natural farming. " class="wp-image-351656" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-1717133355.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-1717133355-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-1717133355-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-1717133355-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-1717133355-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The couple cultivates at least 25 kinds of fruits, vegetables, grains, and spices through natural farming. </figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bijamrit-brahmastra-agnihastra-components-of-natural-farming"><em>Bijamrit, brahmastra, agnihastra </em>– components of natural farming</h2> <p>Instead of buying chemical fertilisers and insecticides, the couple makes their own natural products using simple ingredients like cow dung and urine, and agro-waste like leaves and jaggery.</p> <p>“Firstly, we make <em>bijamrit </em>which is a formulation of cow dung, urine, and <em>chuna </em>(lime). It is used to treat seeds before sowing. After germination, which takes about 15 days, we fertiliise the soil with <em>jivamrit</em>,” she says.</p> <p>Sharing the technique to prepare <em>jivamrit</em>, Jaswinder asks to start with five kg of cow dung and mix it with seven litres of cow urine in a 200-litre drum. </p> <p>“To this, add 1.5 kg of <em>besan</em> (chickpea flour) and jaggery each. Fill the water to the rim and stir the mixture. Take 40 litres of <em>jivamrit </em>to fertilise one <em>bigha </em>of land,” she explains.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Ranjit shares his secrets to preparing natural insecticides such as <em>brahmastra </em>and <em>agnihastra </em>that enhance plant disease resistance, provide nutrients, and control insects.</p> <p>“To make <em>brahmastra, </em>take one kg of four kinds of leaves and neem. Crush them and add in four litres of cow urine and dung. Boil the mixture. After two boils, cool it down and strain it into a tank. It will be ready to be sprayed on crops after 48 hours. You can also store this insecticide for six months,” he shares.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-1-1717133339.jpg" alt="The couple makes their own natural fertilisers using simple ingredients like cow dung and urine." class="wp-image-351655" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-1-1717133339.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-1-1717133339-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-1-1717133339-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-1-1717133339-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/himachal-1-1717133339-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The couple makes their own natural fertilisers using simple ingredients like cow dung and urine.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>“If insects are still not controlled, we use our <em>agnihastra. </em>It is prepared using spicy green chillies, peppers, and garlic. It is sure to control pest attacks,” he adds.</p> <p>Jaswinder points out, “In addition to the natural fertilisers, ensure to make the <em>medh </em>(field boundary) wall higher so that chemical water from neighbouring fields does not seep into your soil.”</p> <p>Interestingly, the couple has received immense recognition for their work. In April this year, they were awarded by the Agriculture University of Sirmour. On the occasion of the International Women’s Day in 2022, they were honoured by the Deputy Commissioner of Sirmaur, IAS Sumit Khimta.</p> <p>“We are small farmers who are receiving so much recognition. It is a big achievement for us. We never knew we would get opportunities to address thousands of people in front of the officials like the governor,” says Jaswinder.</p> <p>More than recognition, Jaswinder takes pride in receiving compliments from her guests. </p> <p>“Earlier, if I ignored the <em>phulke </em>(wheat chapati) for some time, they would harden and dry out. But those prepared from the naturally grown wheat remain soft. We get lots of praise from guests for the taste and aroma of our chapati and vegetables. When asked, we tell them the magic behind it is natural farming!”</p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande. All photos: Ranjit Singh.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"351525";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:43;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:67:"Why Gardening? ‘It Helped Channel My Grief After I Lost My Dad’";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:138:"https://thebetterindia.com/350743/five-tips-to-maintain-vegetable-garden-in-indian-monsoon-mayank-sharma-terrace-garden-delhi-home-garden/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 31 May 2024 07:53:27 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4:"Food";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"gardening";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"gardening tips";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"How To";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"recipes";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"vegetables";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350743";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:162:"Mayank Sharma started gardening to channel his grief after losing his father. Today, his terrace is a thriving ecosystem with veggies, fruits, creepers, and more.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Krystelle Dsouza";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:37551:" <p>Mayank Sharma’s apartment terrace in Delhi’s Vikas Puri is a cross between a forest, a garden and a passion project. Just as you think the place has revealed all its surprises, you turn a corner to find out you were wrong. </p> <p>Pumpkins, cherry tomatoes, beetroot and broccoli grace <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/349834/five-tips-to-grow-fruit-trees-at-home-mango-guava-on-terrace-gardening-indian-flowers-sushma-reddy-bengaluru/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the garden patch </a>that Mayank has spent the last decade nurturing. His creation seems almost like a rainbow, with green interspersing the riot of colours every now and then. A penchant for nature has always been in his DNA, he tells <strong>The Better India,</strong> adding that it was losing his father in 2015 that prompted him to embark on this green adventure. </p> <p>“We weren’t prepared to let go of my father or his memories. He had planted an aloe vera plant on the terrace the day before he passed away. As kids too, he was always growing <em>okra</em> and brinjal to educate us about how food is grown,” he says. </p> <p>The way Mayank saw it, he was faced with two choices: wallow in his grief and resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms or channel it into something productive. </p> <p>It is a no-brainer which path he chose and <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/270107/terrace-gardening-tips-how-to-grow-vegetables-at-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the thriving garden space</a> is a testament to it. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-now-or-never-moment-nbsp">The ‘now or never’ moment </h2> <p>While it does seem like Mayank perfected his green fingers in no time, he argues otherwise. There were multiple learning experiences, he points out. In retrospect, he made many mistakes while trying to get his plants to fruit, he says. </p> <p>“Take creepers like bottle gourd or bitter gourd for example. What I have now understood is that there is always a male and a female flower in the plant. So, even while the fruit is being borne on the female flower, there has to be a male flower for pollination to occur,” he explains. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="879" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-22-at-10.13.23-PM_11zon-1716443739-500x879.jpeg" alt="Mayank Sharma has cultivated a thriving terrace garden in his Delhi apartment." class="wp-image-350879" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-22-at-10.13.23-PM_11zon-1716443739-500x879.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-22-at-10.13.23-PM_11zon-1716443739-171x300.jpeg 171w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-22-at-10.13.23-PM_11zon-1716443739-768x1350.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-22-at-10.13.23-PM_11zon-1716443739-874x1536.jpeg 874w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-22-at-10.13.23-PM_11zon-1716443739-150x264.jpeg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-22-at-10.13.23-PM_11zon-1716443739.jpeg 910w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayank Sharma has cultivated a thriving terrace garden in his Delhi apartment, Picture source: Mayank</figcaption></figure></div> <p>To this, he adds, “You can make all the arrangements for bees and other pollinators to be attracted to the flowers. But don’t forget about the male flowers.” He terms the period between 2015 and 2020 as his biggest learning curve. It was only during the COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdown that gardening went from being <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/226879/organic-terrace-gardening-fight-depression-mother-kitchen-heartwarming-say143/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a passion project</a> to Mayank’s way of life. </p> <p>“My daughter was born during this period and it got me thinking about how the air we breathe isn’t the best, and neither is the food we eat the healthiest. I began thinking deeply about the world we were bringing our kids into and decided to be better.” </p> <p>A corollary of that thought is the kitchen garden that Mayank has cultivated. Filled with every kind of local vegetable as well as seasonal produce, the garden he says is an example of a complete ecosystem. </p> <p>“All peels that are generated in the kitchen go into the compost bin. <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/343673/hyderabad-pavani-lolla-innovates-odor-free-home-composter-for-kitchen-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This compost</a> then goes into the garden to nurture the plants, which ultimately grow into the food that we consume.” While Mayank does admit that picking his favourite greens is like picking a favourite child, he lets us in on a secret — “Vegetables are my forte.” </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-veggie-interesting-story-nbsp">A <em>veggie </em>interesting story </h2> <p>If you are a gardening enthusiast looking to begin your journey, or even if you are a seasoned one, one cannot deny that monsoons are a challenging time. While Mayank’s garden seems the picture of health, he says every garden has rough days. </p> <p>The secret lies in knowing how to channel the weather to your plant’s advantage. This was what he learned at the outset of when he started <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/272981/how-to-grow-vegetables-in-pots-terrace-gardening-tips/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultivating vegetable plants</a>. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ctyp98-AruV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ctyp98-AruV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ctyp98-AruV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Mayank Sharma – Sustainability | Terrace Farming | Cooking (@baking_gardener_vlogs)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>“Let’s be honest. You can have all the ornamental plants around you. But if we are speaking of an urban area where space is limited, the idea is to use the smallest of spaces well. That’s where vegetable plants come in,” he says. </p> <p>Not only are you cutting off the chemicals from your life — by consuming the vegetables you grow organically — but you’re also saving on costs. </p> <p>Here’s what Mayank recommends growing in the late summer/monsoons: </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-bottle-gourd-nbsp-nbsp">1. Bottle gourd </h2> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C63fv3vSOWH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C63fv3vSOWH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C63fv3vSOWH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Mayank Sharma – Sustainability | Terrace Farming | Cooking (@baking_gardener_vlogs)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Mayank speaks of how creepers are the best bet for monsoon. “They love humid climes and rainwater is the best source of nitrogen for these plants. It increases their growth.” <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/132392/narendra-shivani-bottle-gourd-developed-by-prof-sheo-pujan-singh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">These vegetables </a>are versatile and you can even start growing them right now, as they are said to be tolerant to high temperatures. The same applies to bitter gourd. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-zucchini-nbsp">2. Zucchini </h2> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrYMgV_gr52/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrYMgV_gr52/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrYMgV_gr52/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Mayank Sharma – Sustainability | Terrace Farming | Cooking (@baking_gardener_vlogs)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Often touted as an exotic vegetable, zucchini is abundant in carotenoids, fibre and potassium, making it a green that you want to add to your dietary palate. The summer squash pairs well with a number of other vegetables and ingredients and the recipes featuring it are endless. One pointer to keep in mind is that zucchini plants require at least five hours of sunlight and well-draining soil, both factors that go a long way to prevent root rot. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-brinjal-nbsp-nbsp">3. Brinjal </h2> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cub4mEnAwH7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cub4mEnAwH7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cub4mEnAwH7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Mayank Sharma – Sustainability | Terrace Farming | Cooking (@baking_gardener_vlogs)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Love whipping up some fried brinjal in the monsoons? Mayank says growing the plants is equally exciting. A fact to know before you start <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/264154/brinjal-farmer-india-variety-chhattisgarh-seed-variety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growing brinjals</a> is that they can survive in dry spells. But they thrive in moisture. Pro tip: Ensure your eggplants are well watered, receiving at least an inch of water every week. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-pomegranates-nbsp">4. Pomegranates </h2> <p>A gardener’s favourite plant, pomegranates do not require as much water as its counterparts. While you may take a while to spot the fruit of your efforts, it will all be worth it when you reap the rich red harvest. In addition to being a delicious fruit, pomegranates can be used in a multitude of recipes, juices and desserts. Rich in vitamins A, C, E and B-complex, the fruit is what you need to add to your daily intake. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-guavas-nbsp">5. Guavas </h2> <p>The litmus test of being <em>desi</em> is whether you enjoy guava with chilli and salt. This monsoon, enjoy <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/297880/uttarakhand-mba-grad-quits-job-to-farm-thai-guavas-earns-crores/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the delicacy</a> of your very own plant. All you need to do is soak guava seeds in water for 24 hours before placing them in moist soil. The fruits are rich in dietary fibre and have high levels of vitamin C, making them great for health. </p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350743";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:44;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:97:"Woman Distributes 15000 Free Menstrual Cups, Offers Regional Language Training On How To Use Them";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:133:"https://thebetterindia.com/351606/menstrual-cups-made-in-india-asan-cup-how-to-use-ira-guha-period-hygiene-for-rural-women-karnataka/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Thu, 30 May 2024 14:26:46 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"Changemakers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"#freeperiod";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"menstrual cups";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"menstruation";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:23:"Replacing sanitary pads";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"rural india";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351606";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:78:"The cups come with a cloth bag and a instruction manual in the local language.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13018:" <p>Remember when as a young girl you had just started to menstruate, the biggest concern was if we stained our clothes. A secret code ‘look’ was developed and passed to best friends or any other female to check if there was a leakage. </p> <p>While the inconvenience becomes more bearable with age, the horror of staining continues for most of our lives. This is a familiar story to any woman, and it was the same for Ira Guha, the founder of Asan, a menstrual cup company.</p> <p>“I used to be quite athletic as a kid and run around. I loved being outdoors and was an active basketball player in my school. I remember <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/337583/tulsi-village-chhattisgarh-youtube-village-hummer-studios-being-chhattisgarhiya-alwa-jalwa-gold-cg04/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">being in Chhattisgarh</a> for a state-level game and being on my period. There were no bins in the school, so I had to carry the soiled pad in my bag,” she shares with<strong> The Better India. </strong></p> <p>Walking around feeling disgusted and embarrassed all day are some of her core experiences that shaped her as a woman in the menstrual hygiene business, she says. With her company Asan, she has helped over 15,000 women in 60 villages in Karnataka switch to menstrual cups so far. </p> <p>“The cup is designed to make periods comfortable for every woman. When it comes to rural women, menstrual cups can help make periods easier and healthier for them,” she emphasises. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-foundation-of-asan-nbsp">The foundation of Asan </h2> <p>Born in Bengaluru, Karnataka, she moved to the UK when she was 18 to pursue her higher education. “I was working as a management consultant in London and kept visiting home every once in a while. In 2016-17, the movie Padman was getting very popular and there was a lot of conversation around menstrual hygiene,” she says. </p> <p>Recalling one of her visits during this time, she says, “I remember that our cook was on leave and I had called to ask the reason. She told me that she had a rash due to using cheap sanitary pads.”</p> <p>Curious, Ira asked her to bring the pad once she recovered to check its quality. </p> <p>“I could never imagine using that pad, as it was very harsh and the material did not seem to be absorbent. It was at that time that I introduced her to menstrual cups. I was using one in the UK but there were no brands at the time selling them in India,” she explains. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/asan-cup-1-1717078112.jpg" alt="The company has distributed Asan cups to over 15,000 women in rural Karnataka. " class="wp-image-351631" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/asan-cup-1-1717078112.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/asan-cup-1-1717078112-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/asan-cup-1-1717078112-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/asan-cup-1-1717078112-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/asan-cup-1-1717078112-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The company has distributed Asan cups to over 15,000 women in rural Karnataka.</figcaption></figure> <p>The maid had questions and Ira patiently answered all of them. “When I asked her if she wanted to try one as I was carrying a spare, she instantly agreed. Over the course of her next period, I asked her if she noticed any difference and she had some good reviews,” she says. </p> <p>The maid was able to do her work better and in her words “didn’t feel like she was on her period”. </p> <p>This struck Ira and she continued to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/208745/kerala-muhamma-village-women-sanitary-pads-harmful-menstrual-cup-use-environment-gop94/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carry menstrual cups for women in India</a>. “At one point, I was carrying 10-15 menstrual cups on one trip,” she recalls. </p> <p>“It was quite organic, I was distributing them among gardeners in the society, more domestic workers who heard about it etc. Fast forward a couple of years, I quit my job and went to study at Harvard. I was telling about my work in India to a professor who suggested that I should design my own cup,” she says. </p> <p>She shares, “So I developed the Asan cup by working with an engineer at the Harvard Innovation Lab. We thoroughly studied existing menstrual cups in great detail, focusing on the highest quality cups available globally.”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-asan-different-nbsp">What makes Asan different? </h2> <p>Talking about the research process and the hurdles she faced, she says, “During product development, I faced the challenge of getting qualitative feedback on the usage of my cups, as I had distributed many cups throughout India. I needed detailed feedback about issues like leaking, overflowing, and comfort, but people weren’t sharing these openly with me.”</p> <p>To solve this, Ira included every single one of her friends in the user group. “I had women across the US and UK, primarily contacts of my friends, who were willing to provide detailed feedback,” she says. </p> <p>Another major challenge was the scepticism around people using menstrual cups.</p> <p>“Many people told me that India wasn’t ready for such a product and that women should stick to traditional methods. I overcame this challenge because I am a user of the Asan Cup myself, and it has transformed my life. I can sleep through the night,<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/261342/arpita-double-amputee-yoga-fitness-instructor-inspiring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> swim, do yoga, and run half a </a>marathon comfortably.” </p> <p>She adds, “My experience, along with the positive feedback from my early user group—including domestic workers and other women who adapted to the cup instantly—showed me that not only are women ready for this, but they are also calling out for it because the current products are of poor quality.” </p> <p>It is Ira’s personal experience and the experiences of women around her that gave her the conviction to challenge those who said “Indian women weren’t ready and insertable products”.</p> <p>“As a woman, I knew the need was there,” she asserts. Ira came out with the Asan Cup in the year 2017.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/asan-cup-2-1717078454.jpg" alt="The cups come with a cloth bag and an instruction manual in the local language." class="wp-image-351638" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/asan-cup-2-1717078454.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/asan-cup-2-1717078454-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/asan-cup-2-1717078454-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/asan-cup-2-1717078454-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/asan-cup-2-1717078454-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The cups come with a cloth bag and an instruction manual in the local language.</figcaption></figure> <p>A utility-based product, Ira enlists the benefits of using an Asan Cup. “First, the Asan Cup costs just as much as six months’ worth of pads but can be reused for ten years. Secondly, sustainability: One Asan Cup’s life is equal to using 2,500 pads or tampons. Thirdly, effectiveness: One Asan Cup holds up to three times more than your average pad, so you can go up to 12 hours without changing it,” she says.</p> <p>“Number four is safety. Unlike pads and tampons which may contain undisclosed ingredients, the Asan cup is made of medical-grade silicone, certified safe for health.” </p> <p>“And finally discretion and convenience. The compact size of the Asan cup ensures discreet use, allowing users to maintain privacy about their menstrual cycle, avoiding the potential stigma associated with visible pads or cloth rags,” she adds. </p> <p>Not to mention the reduction of sanitary pad waste which is reversed by the use of a menstrual cup, she explains.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-reach-rural-women-nbsp">How to reach rural women? </h2> <p>To reach women in rural areas, Asan also has a comprehensive behavioural change model.</p> <p>“We have a programme to onboard and educate people on using the Asan Cup. The key to our behavioural change model is that education must come from a trusted source. For example, as someone from Bengaluru whose first language is English, I might not be a trusted source in a village.”</p> <p>She adds, “This is why we hired local social workers and asked them to use the cups themselves. They then trained rural women on how to use the cup, which eliminated scepticism because the information was coming from a trusted source.”</p> <p>For every Asan Cup the company sells, they donate one for free, primarily<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/317722/mumbai-entrepreneurs-start-marketplace-for-ngo-products-jhappi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> through their NGO partners</a> in rural areas. “We also collaborate with various NGO partners, offices, and factories to offer subsidised schemes, making the Asan Cup more accessible.”</p> <p>Ira engages with women from SHG, trains them and then sends them to villages to introduce women with the Asan Cup.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/asan-cup-3-1717078377.jpg" alt="Ira Guha, founder of Asan Cup. " class="wp-image-351636" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/asan-cup-3-1717078377.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/asan-cup-3-1717078377-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/asan-cup-3-1717078377-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/asan-cup-3-1717078377-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/asan-cup-3-1717078377-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ira Guha, founder of Asan Cup. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>“Each recipient receives a clutch storage pouch, a user manual in their local language, and a detailed educational session conducted by a local health worker. They also receive the health worker’s contact for follow-up sessions over the next six months. This comprehensive programme ensures that everyone has the resources and support needed to safely use the Asan Cup,” she says.</p> <p>So far, she has reached out to 15,000 women in 60 villages in Karnataka and Kanakapura. “Every single woman in those areas are using the Asan cup,” she says. </p> <p>Nagamma, 36, who hails from Kanakapura, complained that she can’t wear her favourite white sarees fearing stains during her periods. </p> <p>“But I have been using the Asan cup for several months now and the scenario has changed. The line between the period and non-period days has blurred. I have recommended it to my niece now as well. The pads used to give me rashes on the thighs but now there are no such issues. The best part is I wear whatever colour saree I want without any fear of stains,” she says. </p> <p>Jayalakshmi, 38, highlighted that she had to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/321703/iit-material-scientists-innovate-biodegradable-super-absorbent-sheets-for-sanitary-pads/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">put the used pads in a plastic bag </a>and burn them. “I had no other choice, I just burned them when no one was watching. But not with the Asan cup, there is no need for that. Additionally, I used to hate travelling to work while wearing a pad in the heat but now I don’t feel any discomfort,” she shares.</p> <p>While Asan continuously reaches women in rural India, Ira believes that her work is not over. “There are still hundreds of thousands of women using rags and lacking any access to menstrual hygiene. If even one woman is without access to menstrual hygiene, my job is not over. As a company, we want to eradicate period poverty in India.”</p> <p><em>(Edited by Padmashree Pande; All pictures credit: Ira Guha)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"351606";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:45;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:104:"Organic Tea Tasting & Waterfall Picnics: Eco-Stay in Coonoor Is a Nature Lover’s Dream Destination";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:141:"https://thebetterindia.com/350726/oland-plantation-stay-coonoor-tamil-nadu-vacation-waterfall-picnic-tea-tasting-nilgiris-eco-tourism-travel/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Thu, 30 May 2024 10:59:43 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"Travel";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"coonoor homestays";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"niligiri tourism";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"ooty homestays";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"sustainable tourism";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350726";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:180:"Vinati and Pavan Sukhdev established O'Land Plantation Stays in Coonoor — a sustainable eco-tourism estate in the Nilgiris that offers lush biodiversity and enriching activities.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Krystelle Dsouza";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:22197:" <p>On the eve of her 10th birthday, Mahima Sukhdev’s parents Vinati and Pavan posed a very important question to her: How would you like to celebrate? They had imagined a wide variety of coloured responses — think along the lines of a little girl’s greatest fantasies — and weren’t prepared for the ask to be a trip to Mumbai’s Borivali National Park.</p> <p>“She had a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/325308/rare-wildlife-conservation-photos-from-across-the-world-nature-infocus-kalyan-varma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep love for nature</a> since back then,” Vinati reminisces. </p> <p>Though humoured by their daughter’s request, the couple went ahead and planned the nature trip. That day, Mahima’s friends returned home with beautiful return gifts — books that spoke of the birds and fauna at the national park. As Mahima grew older, her fascination for the outdoors only deepened. And whether it was nature trails, hikes, trips to safaris or afternoon picnics, her parents would always oblige.</p> <p>Telling these stories gets Vinati chuckling. After all, she sees them as jigsaw pieces that played a role in fortifying the family’s tryst with nature. She says it was only a matter of time before Mahima’s passion rubbed off on her, her husband, and their daughter Ashima, and they grew as intrigued by nature.</p> <p>Vinati, who is currently based in London, sees those years of innocence as the fabric that wove together the story of O’Land Plantation Stays — a 120-acre estate which she manages. Set in the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/297379/couple-set-up-eco-friendly-homestay-in-nilgiris-jungle-hut-harvests-solar-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart of the Nilgiris</a>, a geographic salient that is spread across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, the stay is an ode to responsible tourism.</p> <p>If you ever happen to be in Coonoor, here’s what we recommend: Get into the car, stock it up with provisions that will last you an hour, and then drive. Don’t let the unsealed roads daunt you. Look for company in the spectacular scenery instead. Keep driving until you spot a carpet of green. This will be your first indication of having arrived at the O’Land Plantation Stay. The place is a great draw for bids, who are attracted by the glorious view — a set of three cottages hugged by a verdant landscape.</p> <p>And as Vinati and Pavan, the brains behind this oasis emphasise, it makes for a great relaxing stay.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-1716369929.jpg" alt="The O'Land Plantation Stay in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu is set against the backdrop of the Niligiri mountains" class="wp-image-350729" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-1716369929.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-1716369929-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-1716369929-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-1716369929-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-1716369929-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The O’Land Plantation Stay in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu is set against the backdrop of the Niligiri mountains, Picture source: Vinati</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-1-1716370028.jpg" alt="Organic farming is practised at the homestay and the fruits and vegetables go into the dishes," class="wp-image-350730" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-1-1716370028.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-1-1716370028-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-1-1716370028-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-1-1716370028-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-1-1716370028-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Organic farming is practised at the homestay and the fruits and vegetables go into the dishes, Picture source: Vinati</figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-foray-into-green-endeavours">A foray into green endeavours</h2> <p>If the land could talk, it would tell a compelling story. It would begin by sharing how it was conceived by a journalist (Vinati) — who was heading the fundraising arm of one of India’s largest <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/254622/lenovo-technology-agastya-international-meghshala-door-step-school-technoserve-medha-social-impact-innovation-oniline-education-c24/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">education NGOs </a>‘Pratham’ till 2022 before she was selected for a fellowship at Stanford University — and an economist (Pavan) — who is at the helm of his startup GIST Impact, a platform focusing on environmental economics.</p> <p>It would then regale you with stories about how the family set their sights on the concept of a green economy, all thanks to Mahima’s constant coaxing. The homestay has been privy to the family’s greatest moments — which include Pavan being awarded the ‘Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement’ in 2020, and Vinati’s book ‘East or West: An NRI Mother’s Manual on How to Bring up Desi Children Overseas’ getting global acclaim.</p> <p>And while the family may now be settled across the globe — Vinati lives in London, Pavan in Switzerland, Mahima in England, and Ashima in Seattle — a reverence for the environment ties them together. It lies at the heart of everything they undertake.</p> <p>And, the O’Land Plantation is proof.</p> <p>It was the stunning landscapes and the desire to not let them be infiltrated with irresponsible tourism that attracted the couple in 2007 when they set out to buy the land. “Pavan felt that if we purchased a crucial piece of territory, which is the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/260553/wildlife-conservation-elephants-save-school-teacher-hero-west-bengal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephant corridor</a>, it could be preserved,” Vinati explains. Dotted with tea and pepper plantations at the time, the couple was responsible for adding to this lush vegetation with fruit trees, vegetable crops, cloves, coffee and other spices.</p> <p>They were well aware that the economics of organic agriculture aren’t lucrative. The prices did not justify the efforts they were putting in. “But we saw this as our chance to make the authorities wake up and realise the difficulties that organic farmers are facing,” she adds.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-2-1716370122.jpg" alt="A variety of birds make their way to the homestay. These include the thrush (L) and the white-cheeked barbet (R)," class="wp-image-350731" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-2-1716370122.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-2-1716370122-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-2-1716370122-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-2-1716370122-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-2-1716370122-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A variety of birds make their way to the homestay. These include the thrush (L) and the white-cheeked barbet (R), Picture source: Vinati</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-3-1716370328.jpg" alt="The pepper plantations are abundant at the O'Land Plantation Stay as is coffee, tea and cloves" class="wp-image-350732" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-3-1716370328.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-3-1716370328-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-3-1716370328-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-3-1716370328-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-3-1716370328-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The pepper plantations are abundant at the O’Land Plantation Stay as is coffee, tea and cloves, Picture source: Vinati</figcaption></figure></div> <p>In 2011, to sustain their efforts, the couple decided to venture into eco-tourism and started the homestay on the land.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thrushes-and-bulbuls-for-neighbours">Thrushes and bulbuls for neighbours</h2> <p>At the precipice of starting the eco-friendly stay, Vinati was keen that it be sustainable. “There was already a bungalow on the property called ‘Estate House’, which was built around 1851. We went on to build two more,” she says. She credits architect Chitra Vishwanath of Biome Environmental Solutions — a Bengaluru firm focusing on ecological architecture, for the ingenious construction, and installing solar panels on the land, and the biomass water heaters.</p> <p>One of the bungalows ‘Pepper House’, she says, is built entirely of CSEB (compressed stabilised earth blocks). “We compressed soil from the property into these blocks instead of transporting bricks from far away areas to the site.” The other bungalow ‘Hornbill House’ is another <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/231643/sustainable-architecture-cardboard-building-how-to-build-bengaluru-school-reggio-emilia-upcycle-reuse-india-ana79/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable rendition</a> built with brick, stone and wood. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-10-1716370836.jpg" alt="The rooms at O'Land Plantation Stay have a colonial setting but are filled with all modern amenities" class="wp-image-350737" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-10-1716370836.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-10-1716370836-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-10-1716370836-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-10-1716370836-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-10-1716370836-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The rooms at O’Land Plantation Stay have a colonial setting but are filled with all modern amenities, Picture source: Vinati</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-9-1716370917.jpg" alt="Pepper House has been built using compressed earth blocks using mud on site, thus limiting transportation" class="wp-image-350738" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-9-1716370917.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-9-1716370917-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-9-1716370917-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-9-1716370917-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-9-1716370917-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pepper House has been built using compressed earth blocks using mud on site, thus limiting transportation, Picture source: Vinati</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-8-1716370991.jpg" alt="O'Land Plantation Stay prides itself on solar panels and sustainable water harvesting" class="wp-image-350739" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-8-1716370991.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-8-1716370991-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-8-1716370991-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-8-1716370991-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-8-1716370991-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">O’Land Plantation Stay prides itself on solar panels and sustainable water harvesting, Picture source: Vinati</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Don’t be fooled by the colonial setting of the bungalows. They have all the modern amenities to make your stay comfortable.</p> <p>The couple rents out a total of seven rooms shared between the three buildings on the land.</p> <p>The names of the bungalows, Vinati points out, are an ode to the flora and fauna that one can expect on their trip. Pepper House, for instance, is named after the lush plantations, while Hornbill House is an ode to the ‘vulnerable’ Great Indian Hornbill. The bird comes to nest on the property, along with Nilgiri laughingthrush, yellow-throated bulbul, pied thrush, Nilgiri wood pigeon, Malabar barbet, orange minivet, grey junglefowl, Rufous Babbler and other avian beauties.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-6-1716370630.jpg" alt="The land is frequented by squirrels and the Nilgiri langur among other species," class="wp-image-350735" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-6-1716370630.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-6-1716370630-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-6-1716370630-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-6-1716370630-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-6-1716370630-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The land is frequented by squirrels and the Nilgiri langur among other species, Picture source: Vinati</figcaption></figure></div> <p>When you aren’t being <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/web-stories/where-to-go-bird-watching-in-india-top-ten-sites-for-your-travel-bucket-list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thrilled with birdsong</a>, you will be paid visits by bison, langur, Malabar squirrels, and sloth bears. As Vinati explains, these rendezvous are a result of the strategic location of the land on the border of the sanctuaries. Through time, the land has come to nurture them as its own.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-solitude-plays-the-perfect-host">Where solitude plays the perfect host</h2> <p>Vinati maintains that while they encourage guests to relax and unwind in this lap of nature, the place isn’t without its own slice of adventure. The rising mountains cradle yawning valleys; a duo that makes for the perfect backdrop against which the tea gardens are set. “You can watch tea leaves being plucked and help out too,” says Vinati, adding that their tea-tasting sessions are an instant hit.</p> <p>Prepare to have your sight, smell, taste, and touch delighted as you embark on an afternoon of tea tasting. Let the aroma of steeped tea leaves be your guide as you make your way through green, black, and white teas, and their <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/web-stories/best-artisanal-tea-startups-in-india-dorje-teas-kolkata-chai-co-garden-street/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flavours and essences</a> to find the perfect one. Then raise a toast to the glorious view as you sip on it.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-7-1716370721.jpg" alt="Owing to its proximity to the sanctuary, O'Land Plantation is often visited by wild animals," class="wp-image-350736" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-7-1716370721.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-7-1716370721-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-7-1716370721-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-7-1716370721-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-7-1716370721-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Owing to its proximity to the sanctuary, O’Land Plantation is often visited by wild animals, Picture source: Vinati</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-11_11zon-1716371166.jpg" alt="The tea tasting sessions are a hit at the homestay and guests can also pluck their own tea leaves" class="wp-image-350740" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-11_11zon-1716371166.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-11_11zon-1716371166-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-11_11zon-1716371166-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-11_11zon-1716371166-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-11_11zon-1716371166-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The tea-tasting sessions are a hit at the homestay and guests can also pluck their own tea leaves, Picture source: Vinati</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-12-1716371271.jpg" alt="One of the tea tasting sessions organised at O'Land Plantation Stay," class="wp-image-350741" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-12-1716371271.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-12-1716371271-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-12-1716371271-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-12-1716371271-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/coonoor-homestay-12-1716371271-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">One of the tea tasting sessions organised at O’Land Plantation Stay, Picture source: Vinati</figcaption></figure></div> <p>While at O’Land Plantation, Vinati encourages a visit to Sims Park – home to thousands of species of flora, Dolphin’s Nose — a hill that resembles its namesake, Lady Canning Seat — a viewpoint named after Countess Charlotte Canning, Rose Garden, Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, Tribal Museum, and an afternoon of golf at Wellington Gymkhana Club.</p> <p>Then head back to the homestay for lunch, which has hearty accompaniments of lemon pickles, mango pickles, pomelo salad, and generous portions of jackfruit curries.</p> <p>One of the region’s biggest flexes is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway started in 1899. As the train chugs through the rolling hills with waterfalls mischievously winking through the curtains of blue, make sure you drink the beauty of it all in. Afterall, as Vinati says, the place is a treasure trove to be savoured time and again. “<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/298606/ecosphere-encourages-sustainable-tourism-in-spiti-solar-power-homestays-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tourism can be responsible</a>,” she reaffirms, and we cannot disagree. O’Land Plantation underscores sustainability in every corner.</p> <p>As the blue streaks in the sky deepen to match the shade of the Nilgiri slopes, and clouds scurry home, Vinati seems proud of their creation. She reminisces how a passion for nature led them to start this, and everything that followed has been a step in that direction.</p> <p><em>Book your stay <a href="https://olandplantation.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>. </em></p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat </em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350726";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:46;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:81:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:82:"8 Techies Who Switched Careers to Organic Farming & Found Ways to Make Profits";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:126:"https://thebetterindia.com/351436/how-to-start-organic-farming-techies-switching-to-farming-roja-reddy-nanda-kishore-in-india/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Wed, 29 May 2024 11:43:52 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:9:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"Bengaluru farmers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"chemical-free food";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Farming in India";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"organic farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"profits in farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"sustainable living";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"techies";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:8;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:21:"techies turned farmer";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351436";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:117:"Does leaving your 9 to 5 job and moving to organic farming sound interesting? These stories will leave you motivated.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12801:" <p>A pleasantly surprising trend is taking root in India’s fields. </p> <p>Imagine switching the familiar click-clack of a keyboard for the earthy thud of a shovel and a hoe. A growing number of individuals, especially techies, are making this switch and embracing <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/306330/satyam-jha-instagrammer-from-bihar-teaches-organic-farming-to-youth-sprouted-jungle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic farming practices.</a></p> <p>While some may yearn for a return to nature, the statistics paint a compelling picture: India has become the world leader in organic producers, boasting nearly 3 million hectares dedicated to this method.<br><br>This marks a significant departure from the historical reliance on chemical fertilisers. Regardless of the driving force, organic farming is undeniably gaining momentum in India, with a particularly interesting contingent of<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/98564/icici-digital-villages-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> tech-savvy </a>pioneers at the forefront. </p> <p>Here is a list of techies-turned-farmers, many of whom are earning better than their salaries. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-roja-reddy-and-her-toil-in-the-soil-nbsp">1. Roja Reddy and her toil in the soil </h2> <p>Like most parents, Roja Reddy’s parents, who have been farmers for their entire lives, wanted her to get a job in the city. As per her family’s wishes, she did her bachelors in engineering and got a job in Bengaluru. </p> <p>However, her wish to become a farmer never left her. After working for a few years, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to move back to her hometown and do organic farming on her ancestral land in Donnehalli. </p> <p>She was, however, struck with scepticism and mocked for leaving her high-paying job farming. But she persevered and formed a network of 500 organic farmers throughout the country. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="537" height="281" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2023/05/Roja-Reddy-owner-of-Nisarga-Native-Farms-1663076088-1-1683120242.jpg" alt="Roja Reddy with her organic produce. " class="wp-image-317013" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2023/05/Roja-Reddy-owner-of-Nisarga-Native-Farms-1663076088-1-1683120242.jpg 537w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2023/05/Roja-Reddy-owner-of-Nisarga-Native-Farms-1663076088-1-1683120242-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2023/05/Roja-Reddy-owner-of-Nisarga-Native-Farms-1663076088-1-1683120242-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2023/05/Roja-Reddy-owner-of-Nisarga-Native-Farms-1663076088-1-1683120242-150x78.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 537px) 100vw, 537px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Roja Reddy with her organic produce. Picture credit: Roja </figcaption></figure></div> <p>Roja’s dedication paid off, turning 50 acres of land into a profitable venture, earning around Rs 1 crore annually. Additionally, she has also inspired 25 farmers in her village to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/347227/farmer-lemon-man-of-raebareli-uttar-pradesh-anand-mishra-earning-five-times-more-in-lakhs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">switch to organic farming.</a> </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-nanda-kishore-reddy-s-covid-19-stint-nbsp">2. Nanda Kishore Reddy’s COVID-19 stint </h2> <p>While R Nanda Kishore Reddy was working a steady job as an IT professional for over three years, he felt something was amiss. So when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the country went into a lockdown, he decided to move back home to Railapur village, Hyderabad. </p> <p>“While I had seen my father work on our farm, I never pursued it. Back then, farming didn’t seem like a lucrative venture to me. However, when everyone was buying food to store in bulk during the lockdown, it became clear to me just how important agriculture is to our survival,” he says. </p> <p>Combining his knowledge of technology and his father’s farming, he started farming on over two acres, including a 1-acre polyhouse. The father and son duo primarily grows English cucumber and spinach, and obtain annual yields of approximately 30 tonnes. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-someshwar-singh-finding-joy-in-farming-nbsp">3. Someshwar Singh finding joy in farming </h2> <p>Similar to Nanda Kishore’s story, Someshwar also moved back to his village in <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/234147/india-squash-players-training-academy-best-vijay-kumar-goel-dhampur-sugar-mills-sports-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uttar Pradesh </a>to work from home. At the time, he did not have any plans of becoming a farmer but life, as he says, had different plans. </p> <p>“As a kid, I used to go to the farm with my father… so when I had some free time working from home, I decided to give it another try!” he says. After a lot of research as to which crop would be better to harvest, he realised papaya farming could be beneficial.</p> <p>Presently, he has a four-acre papaya farm that yields a revenue of about Rs 15 lakh a year. While he still works at his corporate job, Someshwar says that becoming a farmer in his hometown has helped him improve his mental health and find peace. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2021/11/Nanda-Kishore-Farmer-1-1635941472.jpg" alt="Nanda Kishore Reddy in his spinach farm. Picture credit: Nanda Kishore" class="wp-image-265217" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2021/11/Nanda-Kishore-Farmer-1-1635941472.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2021/11/Nanda-Kishore-Farmer-1-1635941472-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2021/11/Nanda-Kishore-Farmer-1-1635941472-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2021/11/Nanda-Kishore-Farmer-1-1635941472-768x402.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nanda Kishore Reddy in his spinach farm. Picture credit: Nanda Kishore</figcaption></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-nagendra-naidu-dharmavarapu-following-his-dad-s-footsteps">4. Nagendra Naidu Dharmavarapu following his dad’s footsteps</h2> <p>For Nagendra Naidu Dharmavarapu, one thing that he was sure about was that he will one day switch to farming. “I know that there is a certain perspective towards taking up farming. But I was very sure from the beginning of my career that I would end up in the agriculture industry,” says Nagendra. </p> <p>Born into a family of farmers, he lived in close proximity to problems that the farmers faced. Even when he was pursuing his engineering degree, he would return often to his family farms and work with his father. After working for a few years developing startups, he decided to quit his job and become an agri-preneur. </p> <p>He started Farmties India Private Limited and started growing yellow dates at his ancestral farm. Today, he makes Rs 3.5 lakh per acre in profits selling yellow dates. While he started with just 20 acres of farming land is now an empire of more than 1,400 acres of cultivation.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-alankrutha-chandra-and-meher-gundavarum-s-toxin-free-life-nbsp">5. Alankrutha Chandra and Meher Gundavarum’s toxin-free life </h2> <p>Living in the US Alankrutha Chandra and Meher Gundavarum wanted to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/331903/hyderabad-sustainable-brand-ex-techies-quit-jobs-eco-friendly-living-organic-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">live a toxin-free life</a>. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the couple saw an opportunity and time in hand to switch to a more sustainable life. They founded a brand, Elephant In You, which covers the three basics — food, shelter and clothing. </p> <p>Alankrutha moved to India and transformed Meher’s family’s 8-acre farm into an organic haven, growing diverse fruits, vegetables, legumes, and rice. The farm welcomes visitors to learn about organic farming and enjoy farm life.</p> <p>They also make naturally dyed clothing made from unbleached cotton, linen, and hem. And the cherry on the cake — they built a limestone house that stays cool in summer, saving energy. </p> <p>They plan to construct eco-friendly mud houses for guests to experience authentic farm living. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-mandeep-verma-s-farming-dream">6. Mandeep Verma’s farming dream</h2> <p>Mandeep Verma left his corporate job in Delhi to start Swaastik Farms, an organic fruit farm in Shilli village, Himachal Pradesh. The 5-acre farm, nestled in the Himalayan foothills, produces kiwis and apples without using any chemicals, and yields an annual revenue of Rs 40 lakh.</p> <p>With no prior farming experience, he learned through online resources and consultations with local agricultural experts, transforming his barren, sloped land which took five months. He planted 150 kiwi plants, using organic methods like <em>jeevamrut </em>and <em>sapta dhanyankur</em> for soil nutrition, and later added 1,200 apple trees.</p> <p>Presently, his farm now has 700 kiwi plants yielding 9 tonnes of fruit annually, with expected production increases. He also developed two nurseries with 12,000 saplings for additional revenue.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2022/03/Kiwi-farm1-1647262025.jpg" alt="Swaastik farms' organic kiwi." class="wp-image-279013" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2022/03/Kiwi-farm1-1647262025.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2022/03/Kiwi-farm1-1647262025-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2022/03/Kiwi-farm1-1647262025-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2022/03/Kiwi-farm1-1647262025-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2022/03/Kiwi-farm1-1647262025-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kiwis at Mandeep’s farm. Picture credit: Mandeep</figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-rohan-prakash-s-certified-mangoes-nbsp">7. Rohan Prakash’s certified mangoes </h2> <p>Growing up in a farming family watching his father and grandfather, Rohan Prakash felt an affinity for fields and farms. The engineer’s passion for agriculture led him to convert their farm into a completely organic operation. </p> <p>This shift to organic farming yielded immediate improvements in the quality and size of their mangoes. The transformation process started during his second year of college when he and his father decided to replace pesticides with Neem oil extract.</p> <p>Encouraged by the results, Rohan branded their produce as “Sure Organics”. Rohan’s farm grows various mango varieties, including <em>dasheri</em>, <em>langra</em>, <em>chaunsa</em>, and <em>safeda</em>, along with lychee and turmeric. Over three years, his farm achieved organic certification, boosting their revenue significantly and increasing overall productivity by 40%. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-s-sivaganesh-s-homecoming-nbsp">8. S Sivaganesh’s homecoming </h2> <p>Working as an engineer at an atomic station in Rajasthan, S Sivaganesh always felt something was amiss. Growing up in nature with a farmer father, he longed to go back home and start farming. </p> <p>After working for four years, he decided to move back to his hometown in Meenakshipuram, at the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, in 2010.</p> <p>Sivaganesh asked his father for 6 acres of land to practise organic farming. “I planted nutmegs as an intercrop along the coconut plantations of 1,600, and took up mango, turmeric, pepper, and areca nut plantations across my 6-acre farm along with it. I used organic methods for all the crops,” he says. </p> <p>His started meaning Rs 2 lakh per acre as a combined income from all plantations. His secret — farming techniques such as the intercropping method, a practice of growing multiple crops in close proximity, and the drip-irrigation technique, among other agriculture-allied practices.</p> <p><em>(Edited by Padmashree Pande)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"351436";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:47;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:75:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:97:"3 College Friends Take Uttarakhand’s Traditional ‘Pahadi’ Salt To The World, Earn Rs 1.5 Cr";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:139:"https://thebetterindia.com/351421/himfla-himalayan-flavours-pahadi-salt-pisyun-loon-sandeep-pandey-sourabh-pant-yogendra-singh-uttarakhand/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Wed, 29 May 2024 09:52:10 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:7:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"flavoured salt";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"pahadi salt";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"pisyun loon";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"salt business";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"traditional salt";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"uttarakhand startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351421";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:245:"Sandeep Pandey’s dreams of opening a restaurant were shattered by the 2013 Uttarakhand floods. Later, with his childhood friends Sourabh Pant and Yogendra Singh, he founded HimFla, a startup selling Uttarakhand's traditional ‘pahadi’ salt.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10240:" <p>After all the hard work, Uttarakhand-based Sandeep Pandey was delighted that his eatery would finally be inaugurated soon. But fate had other plans. “Unfortunately, my eatery was ravaged by floods in the 2013 natural disaster. The road was blocked for six months. Everything was reduced to ruins and my restaurant was shut a week before the opening,” he recalls.</p> <p>Sandeep was devastated.</p> <p>In 2009, he had quit his engineering career in Delhi to move back to his quaint hometown of Nainital and run a restaurant. Now, he was left without any plan.</p> <p>Three months after the floods, as he was passing through a field, he noticed a few women labourers eating <em>roti </em>(flatbread) with onions and <em>pisyun loon </em>— <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/187720/uttarakhand-flavoured-salt-pisi-loon-traditional-food-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>pahadi </em>salt </a>hand grounded on <em>silbatta</em> (traditional grinding stone).</p> <p>“They offered me the <em>chapati</em> and salt made with garlic and green chillies. It was extremely tasty. I also ate <em>kakdi </em>(Armenian cucumber) with this salt. Then, I realised it is this salt that makes <em>pahadi </em>food so flavoursome. I recalled how my mother would pack this salt whenever I went out of town for work,” he says, adding that he realised no one had thought of commercialising this salt so far.</p> <p>While relishing the meal, Sandeep also got a glimpse into the harsh lives of hill women. “These women were working under the MGNREGA scheme as labourers and their job was to dig ground and lift boulders — all for a daily wage of Rs 270. The work was said to guarantee 100 days of employment in a year but the system was corrupt at the village level. There was no surety on timely payments and number of working days,” he adds.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/HimFla-2-1716968175.jpg" alt="HimFla sources pink rock salt from Pakistan and the rest of the spices and herbs from 1,000 small farmers in Uttarakhand." class="wp-image-351424" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/HimFla-2-1716968175.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/HimFla-2-1716968175-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/HimFla-2-1716968175-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/HimFla-2-1716968175-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/HimFla-2-1716968175-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">HimFla sources pink rock salt from Pakistan and the rest of the spices and herbs from 1,000 small farmers in Uttarakhand.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Sandeep now knew what needed to be done.</p> <p>In August 2013, he decided to commercialise the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/310963/sashi-bahuguna-raturi-uttarakhand-pisyu-loon-salt-namakwali-video/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flavoured salt </a>and provide employment to rural women. Along with his childhood friends Sourabh Pant and Yogendra Singh, he launched HimFla – short for Himalayan Flavours.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-inception-of-a-multi-crore-business-with-just-rs-160">The inception of a multi-crore business with just Rs 160</h2> <p>Talking about the uniqueness of the flavoured salt, Sandeep says, “These days, kitchens are mostly modular; traditional <em>silbattas </em>have been replaced by grinders and mixers. Although electronic machines have made our lives easier, the taste achieved through grinding in <em>silbattas </em>can’t be got through modern equipment.”</p> <p>“On a <em>silbatta</em>, the salt is pounded without any heat. This keeps the natural taste and flavours intact. In a grinder, the food is just cut into very fine pieces and not pounded to be properly mixed. When you use a <em>silbatta</em>, you’re actually blending all the oils of the herbs and spices together to enhance the flavours,” he adds.</p> <p>Sandeep was determined to revive the traditional practice of using <em>silbatta</em>s. With an initial investment of Rs 160, he bought the grinding stone, a handful of fresh coriander, and green chillies, and kicked off the business.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/HimFla-1-1716968093.jpg" alt="Pisyun loon is a pahadi salt which is prepared by hand grounding spices and herbs on silbatta (traditional grinding stone)." class="wp-image-351422" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/HimFla-1-1716968093.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/HimFla-1-1716968093-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/HimFla-1-1716968093-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/HimFla-1-1716968093-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/HimFla-1-1716968093-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Pisyun loon </em>is a <em>pahadi </em>salt prepared by hand grounding spices and herbs on a <em>silbatta</em> (traditional grinding stone).</figcaption></figure></div> <p>To market the products, Sandeep and his friends set up a stall at a local fair. “Our products were so loved that we were out of stock on the third day. We got a great response from both locals as well as tourists. Later in Haldwani, we set up a stall and made sales of Rs 1.5 to 2 lakh in seven days. Our work was featured in local news, and with that, we earned fame and started getting more and more orders,” he informs.</p> <p>Since then, there has been no looking back for Sandeep.</p> <p>Every month, HimFla manufactures up to 20 quintals of flavoured salt to cater to their customers in India and worldwide — including Australia, the US, the UK, Dubai, Germany, Singapore, and Brazil. Today, the startup’s annual revenue stands at Rs 1.5 crore.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-employing-rural-households-with-dignity">Employing rural households with dignity</h2> <p>Starting with five flavours — garlic green chilli, garlic red chilli, garlic yellow chilli, hemp, and mint — today HimFla has 52 flavours. These include <em>timur </em>(Szechuan pepper harvested from the higher Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand) and hemp, which is a rich source of omega, Gandreni <em>kala jeera </em>(black cumin), and many more.</p> <p>The startup sources pink rock salt from Pakistan and the rest of the spices and herbs from 1,000 small farmers from 100 villages across Nainital, Bageshwar, Chamoli, and Almora. With this work, he has been able to financially empower 80 rural women who have dropped shovels to grind spices and herbs on <em>silbatta</em>.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/HimFla-1716968106.jpg" alt="Every month, HimFla manufactures up to 20 quintals of flavoured salt." class="wp-image-351423" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/HimFla-1716968106.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/HimFla-1716968106-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/HimFla-1716968106-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/HimFla-1716968106-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/HimFla-1716968106-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Every month, HimFla manufactures up to 20 quintals of flavoured salt.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>One of the workers Deepa Devi, who has been associated with HimFla for the past five years, tells <strong>The Better India</strong>, “I was dependent on farming and labour jobs but there were no fixed employment days. Some days, I would get jobs for two to four days in a month, and sometimes no days at all. It was difficult to manage household expenses.”</p> <p>“Today, I am able to improve our household condition and have a roof over our heads. I was able to make a pucca house for my family. I remember my mother and <em>dadi </em>(grandmother) would make this salt and I would relish it with <em>roti</em>. They taught me the procedure as well but I had never imagined this would become a source of livelihood to me later,” says the 36-year-old, who now earns up to Rs 10,000 per month.</p> <p>Selling the flavoured salt has changed not only the lives of these rural women but also Sandeep, who was once thrown out of his home for bringing disgrace to the family.</p> <p>“My father was in the Army. When I told my family that I intended to sell salt, they were disappointed in me. My relatives mocked us and asked me to do better jobs. For Army persons, dignity is very prestigious and no one found dignity in the idea of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/257903/uttarakhand-startup-himshakti-pahadi-namak-pink-salt-harshit-sahdev-ancient-food-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">selling salts</a>. My family thought that I was heading in the wrong direction and that I was possessed by some hill ghost!” he laughs.</p> <p>“They believed me only after six months when my work was featured in the news. Meanwhile, my friends, who are in the US, are buying luxurious cars. Often, they asked me to join them and earn handsome salaries. But here, when I see happy families getting financial independence through our work, it motivates me to work further. No other achievement could give us the contentment we experience through this work. Every night, I sleep well knowing 80 families are sleeping peacefully too,” he adds.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat; All photos: HimFla.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"351421";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:48;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:83:"7 Techies Who Engineered Success in Sustainable Tourism With Their Dreamy Homestays";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:124:"https://thebetterindia.com/350883/engineers-who-run-sustainable-homestays-in-india-bir-terraces-forest-side-farm-jungle-hut/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Wed, 29 May 2024 04:35:36 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:28:"engineers managing homestays";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"homestays in india";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:22:"inspiring changemakers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:21:"sustainable homestays";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"sustainable tourism";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350883";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:200:"When it came to choosing between the corner office and one in the midst of trees, these techies chose the latter. The gorgeous sustainable homestays they have created are a testament to their passion.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Krystelle Dsouza";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:29676:" <p>Years ago, seven individuals set out to pursue engineering and other tech-related fields. But mid-journey, they had a calling — a strong urge to adopt a<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/348074/sustainable-home-wayanad-kerala-george-ramapuram-earthitects-hillside-jungle-home-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> sustainable lifestyle</a> and build a home in nature, where they would welcome guests.</p> <p>These individuals are strangers to each other but bound by a deep love for the outdoors. Though having unique journeys, today, each of them is at the helm of a booming sustainable tourism venture.</p> <p>In this piece, we explore the different ways in which they engineered success. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-dushyant-vashisht-bir-terraces-nbsp">1. Dushyant Vashisht, Bir Terraces </h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/techie-1-1716445085.jpg" alt="Dushyant Vashisht converted his ancestral home in Uttarakhand into Bir Terraces" class="wp-image-350885" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/techie-1-1716445085.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/techie-1-1716445085-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/techie-1-1716445085-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/techie-1-1716445085-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/techie-1-1716445085-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dushyant Vashisht converted his ancestral home in Uttarakhand into Bir Terraces, Picture source: Dushyant</figcaption></figure></div> <p>The COVID pandemic-induced lockdown got Delhi engineer Dushyant Vashisht rethinking his life’s path. While Vashisht had set his sights on a master’s degree abroad, a trip to his Uttarakhand ancestral home was a turning point. The next few months saw Dushyant converting the cottage into Bir Terraces — a luxurious homestay tucked away in a seven-acre estate in Kumaon.</p> <p>Built using the random rubble masonry technique, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/311053/dushyant-vashisht-turned-cottage-to-sustainable-homestay-bir-terraces-uttarakhand-tourism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the homestay</a> imbues sustainability at its core. “Even the inner furnishings have been made from upcycled wood. When we demolished our old family <em>haveli</em> (a manor house) in 2015 to construct the cottage, we upcycled all the wood, which now serves as decor. For instance, the dining table was once a door,” adds Dushyant.</p> <p>The organic farm on the land has rosemary, thyme, lemongrass, sage, celery, peppermint, parsley, peaches, apricots, plums, and seasonal produce like strawberries, cherry tomatoes, radishes, broccoli, grapes, etc</p> <p><em>Book your stay <a href="https://www.birterraces.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>.</em></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-insha-qazi-the-cheese-cottage">2. Insha Qazi, The Cheese Cottage</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/techie-2-1716445144.jpg" alt="Insha Qazi returned from the UK to start The Cheese Cottage, a fairytale-like homestay in Tanmarg" class="wp-image-350886" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/techie-2-1716445144.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/techie-2-1716445144-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/techie-2-1716445144-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/techie-2-1716445144-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/techie-2-1716445144-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Insha Qazi returned from the UK to start The Cheese Cottage, a fairytale-like homestay in Tanmarg, Picture source: Insha</figcaption></figure></div> <p>If we were to describe a vacation at this Kashmir homestay, we’d summarise it by terming it a dream stay — complete with bonfires at night, walks in fruit orchards, and dinners filled with hot <em>yakhni kofta</em> (a yoghurt-based gravy featuring mutton and spices). </p> <p>The Cheese Cottage is engineer Insha Qazi’s brainchild, engineered into reality when she returned to Kashmir in 2015 following her marketing studies in the UK.</p> <p>Speaking of how she decided upon the name, Qazi says, “Tangmarg has a rich tradition of dairy, and my first thought was to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/319285/engineer-turns-land-in-ruins-into-cheese-cottage-homestay-in-kashmir/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">set up a cheese factory</a> and utilise the local resources and skills. With its pine-scented air, sunrises, and scenic beauty, Tangmarg would be a great place for tourists.”</p> <p>The homestay is constructed using local materials like deodar wood and walnut wood, and the decor features jewel-toned upholstery. “We sourced a local wicker man to design wicker plant holders, bathroom baskets, etc. We also used handcrafted Kashmiri carving copperware known as <em>traam</em>,” says Qazi.</p> <p>Vintage memorabilia dot the homestay’s interiors in the form of antique clocks, provincial French chairs, exquisite chandeliers, dramatic lighting, gilded mirrors, and paintings.</p> <p><em>Book your stay <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecheesecottage.tangmarg/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>.</em></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-athul-bos-jungle-hut">3. Athul Bos, Jungle Hut</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/techie-3-1716445220.jpg" alt="The Jungle Hut started by Athul Bos also provides car camping trips through India." class="wp-image-350887" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/techie-3-1716445220.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/techie-3-1716445220-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/techie-3-1716445220-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/techie-3-1716445220-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/techie-3-1716445220-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Jungle Hut started by Athul Bos also provides car camping trips through India, Picture source: Athul</figcaption></figure></div> <p>The Thrissur-based mechanical engineering graduate recalls how his college days were filled with rides across South India on his beloved Pulsar 220. In 2013, Athul began organising all-India trips for those interested, and soon, Himachal Pradesh was where he found himself driving to every other weekend.</p> <p>When he stumbled upon a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/302180/engineering-graduate-biker-turns-old-cottage-into-eco-friendly-mud-home-jungle-hut/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">20-year-old cottage</a> in ruins made completely out of stone, mud and wood, he decided to rebuild it into a homestay. “Upon the advice of the villagers, we used a unique mix of soil and cow dung with rock stones and recycled wood to beautify the cottage. It took us two months to complete the renovation works,” says Athul.</p> <p>Today, Jungle Hut not only welcomes guests but also provides car camping — a concept where food and stay are arranged in a car while travelling.</p> <p><em>Book your stay <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hilltroopers/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>.</em></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-srivathsa-govindaraju-nature-inspires-chiguru-ecospace">4. Srivathsa Govindaraju, Nature Inspires — Chiguru Ecospace</h2> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CL12nqbJHKB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CL12nqbJHKB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CL12nqbJHKB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Nature Inspires India Pvt Ltd (@natureinspires.india)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Growing up in a village in Bengaluru meant techie Srivathsa befriended nature at a young age. So, even as he pursued his studies in software engineering, his mind was constantly oscillating between the corporate world and the outdoors.</p> <p>It is a no-brainer which he chose. “The time I spent in my village had a very deep impact on me and the choices I made in life thereafter. I was sure of wanting to grow my own food for my immediate family. Eventually, that desire grew bigger and I wanted to involve as many people as possible in farming activities,” he adds.</p> <p>In 2012, Govindaraju quit the corporate sector and transitioned to being a full-time farmer. His passion project <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/273037/ecofriendly-farmstay-in-bengaluru-with-organic-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">‘Nature Inspires — Chiguru Ecospace’</a> at Singadasanahalli village near Magadi, has over 350 species of plants and trees and is a great spot for children to vacation. While at the farm stay, Govindaraju encourages the kids to engage in activities like soap making, bio-enzyme making, rafting and even nature walks.</p> <p><em>Book your stay <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NIChiguruecospace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>.</em></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-hans-dalal-the-spotted-owlet-homestay">5. Hans Dalal, The Spotted Owlet Homestay</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/5-techie-1716445393.jpg" alt="Avantika Chandra and Hans Dalal are both conservationists who spearheaded the project of The Spotted Owlet Homestay" class="wp-image-350889" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/5-techie-1716445393.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/5-techie-1716445393-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/5-techie-1716445393-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/5-techie-1716445393-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/5-techie-1716445393-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Avantika Chandra and Hans Dalal are both conservationists who spearheaded the project of The Spotted Owlet Homestay, Picture source: Avantika</figcaption></figure></div> <p>The guest list at The Spotted Owlet Farm House includes city folk from across India as well as the local wildlife — hare, mongoose, snakes, scorpions, lizards, over 60 bird species, over 20 butterfly species, tigers, leopards, wild boar and deer, to name a few. Located near the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve the homestay is the dream of duo Avantika Chandra and Hans Dalal, the latter a sound engineer turned conservationist.</p> <p>The homestay boasts <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/332168/tadoba-maharashtra-vacation-sustainable-homestay-by-wildlife-conservation-experts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">three private cottages</a> — Ranthambore, Tadoba and Bandhavgarh — whose decor and artwork are an ode to the geography of these respective national parks. The cottages are sustainable and constructed using locally sourced and recycled materials — stones, gravel, bamboo, and old Mangalore tiles.</p> <p>The land around the stay is nourished with natural fertilisers and vermicompost, the perfect recipe for a flourishing forest. The proof is in the 700 trees spanning 50 varieties — teak, <em>palash</em>, <em>tendu</em>, <em>mahua</em>, <em>babul</em>, <em>ber</em>, mango, guava, drumstick, coconut, and papaya.</p> <p><em>Book your stay <a href="https://www.thespottedowlet.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>.</em></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-hemanshu-joshi-forest-side-farm">6. Hemanshu Joshi, Forest Side Farm</h2> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C68q7FeyVuo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C68q7FeyVuo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C68q7FeyVuo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Forest Side Farm (@forestsidefarm)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>The locals of Kotabagh, a quaint village in Uttarakhand find themselves pointing many folk in the direction of Forest Side Farm — a secluded homestay that is a 40-minute drive from Jim Corbett National Park. The homestay is helmed by Joshi who spent 14 years in Dubai and Muscat working as a Project Manager for an IT and telecom company, before realising that nature is what he craved the most.</p> <p>An avid farming enthusiast, Joshi has cultivated a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/349336/himachal-kinnauri-apples-ashish-negi-kayang-help-farmers-earn-more-no-middlemen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable agricultural model</a> on the field with over 300 fruit and medicinal trees.</p> <p>The temperamental weather plays the perfect host. Choose to walk around the farm stay and revel in the green beauty or have a picnic at the banks of the Guruni River.</p> <p><em>Book your stay <a href="https://www.forestsidefarm.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>.</em></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-ashish-godara-slowness-himalayas">7. Ashish Godara, Slowness Himalayas</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/homestays-1716445755.jpg" alt="Slowness Himalayas is a beautiful homestay that is set amidst the Himalyas constructed with traditional Kumaoni architecture," class="wp-image-350891" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/homestays-1716445755.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/homestays-1716445755-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/homestays-1716445755-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/homestays-1716445755-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/homestays-1716445755-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Slowness Himalayas is a beautiful homestay that is set amidst the Himalayas and constructed with traditional Kumaoni architecture, Picture source:</figcaption></figure></div> <p>A complete ecosystem. This is what Kriti Bisht and Ashish Godara have managed to create at their Uttarakhand homestay inspired by traditional Kumaoni architecture. Dry stacked stone, mud and lime have gone into the construction with solar energy adding to the tune of sustainability.</p> <p>At the homestay, the chirp of birds is all the music you will hear and the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/295759/best-himalayan-treks-in-autumn-valley-of-flowers-kashmir-great-lakes-plan-vacation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breathtaking landscapes </a>are all the screen time you will need. </p> <p>Godara, an engineer and Bisht, a Commerce student created this space in 2019 when they decided to leave Delhi and move to the mountains. The homestay prides itself on permaculture, farmland that grows both local and seasonal vegetables, and delectable vegetarian meals.</p> <p><em>Book your stay <a href="https://www.slowness.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350883";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:49;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:75:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:87:"Entrepreneur Runs His All-Organic Icecream Factory on Solar Energy; Earns Rs 12 Cr/Year";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:140:"https://thebetterindia.com/351361/natural-organic-icecream-brand-suhas-b-shetty-desi-cow-milk-butter-no-preservatives-nellore-solar-factory/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 28 May 2024 13:31:39 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:7:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Sustainability";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"100% organic";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Andhra Pradesh";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:22:"Entrepreneurs in India";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"natural icecreams";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"organic icecreams";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:21:"Solar Energy in India";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351361";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:238:"Inspired by abundant milk in his hometown Nellore, Suhas B Shetty founded Iceberg Organic Icecreams to provide preservative-free, organic options to customers. Distributed across 70 outlets, here’s the story behind his ice cream empire!";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18406:" <p>Summer days stretch long and lazy, with the relentless sun casting a golden haze over everything. Amidst the current heat waves rippling through the air, relief options seem scarce.</p> <p>Despite the downsides of the heat, there is one thing we can indulge in without fear: icecream, the ultimate saviour. Its cool, creamy sweetness offers a momentary escape. Each lick is a refreshing reprieve, a blissful pause in the day’s blazing intensity, taking us back to the good old childhood days.</p> <p>However, these icy delights might also come with some guilt. Loaded with preservatives, artificial colouring, and sugar, most icecreams can be unhealthy.</p> <p>“If you look at the packaging of most brands, they do not even meet the standards of being an icecream. They are frozen deserts loaded with a lot of vegetable oils which are very unhealthy,” Suhas B Shetty, the founder of Iceberg <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/230356/mysuru-vegan-ice-cream-cheap-natural-recipe-pak-coimbatore-entrepreneur-ang136/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Organic Icecreams</a>, tells <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <p>Suhas too loved devouring icecreams but could not find healthy alternatives. This is when he decided to make his own brand — Iceberg Organic Icecreams based out of his hometown in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-road-to-home-and-entrepreneurship">Road to home and entrepreneurship</h2> <p>Born and raised in Nellore, Suhas moved away from home for education. “I moved to different cities for my senior schooling and graduation. I had spent so much time away from home that I had this longing to be back in my hometown,” he says.</p> <p>After completing my PhD in pharmacy, I decided that it was time for me to move back and stay closer to my parents. “But this move also meant that I had to look for different avenues of income,” he says.</p> <p>“I come from a humble background and setting up my own <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/190337/prafulla-chandra-ray-father-indian-chemistry-history-science-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pharma company </a>or outlet in Nellore was not a possibility. While I had never thought actively about entrepreneurship, it was along the way that I realised that it might be my calling,” he adds.</p> <p>When Suhas moved back home in 2013, he realised that he had something in abundance — access to pure milk. “In big cities, pure and organic milk can be very expensive, but here, I could buy it for as low as Rs 55. I decided to think in that direction and it dawned on me that an ice cream business might flourish in Nellore,” he recalls.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/suhas-1-1716901930.jpg" alt="The startup uses Mishri, a natural sweetener instead of sugar in the icecream. " class="wp-image-351376" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/suhas-1-1716901930.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/suhas-1-1716901930-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/suhas-1-1716901930-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/suhas-1-1716901930-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/suhas-1-1716901930-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The startup uses Mishri, a natural sweetener instead of sugar in the icecream. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>Additionally, Suhas’ grandparents made icecreams when he was a kid. “Almost two decades ago, they had a small local icecream business. My inspiration also comes from them. Initially, I turned to their recipes and knowledge to start my manufacturing business,” he says.</p> <p>With the main ingredient used in making icecream available to him in abundance and his grandparents’ recipes, he decided to open a small outlet and shop in Nellore.</p> <p>“At first, I made 45 litres of icecream and within two days of opening the store, the icecreams were sold out. The sales were quite organic; word spread around the town and we had a lot of people visiting the shop. I had to close my shop for one day and increase production. On the fifth day, we came with double the stock and have never looked back since,” he shares.</p> <p>“We were making great sales and opened another shop in Nellore. Within three years, I have established more than 15 stores across South India,” he says, adding that he was quick to get into the B2B business of franchising his icecream across the state.</p> <p>Currently the company makes six to seven lakh litres of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/345217/best-ice-cream-parlours-places-mumbai-snowman-taj-icecream-haji-ali-gokul-rustom-naturals-bachelorr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">icecream every month.</a></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-switch-to-organic-icecreams">Switch to organic icecreams</h2> <p>While Suhas was making good profits, the work began to feel monotonous. “I was reinvesting all the earnings from my business back into the same model. However, I soon realised that this wasn’t the direction I wanted for my business. I was looking for more; a satisfaction that I was doing something good. I wanted to stay in the food business but I wanted to do something more,” he says.</p> <p>“At the same time, the idea of sustainable and organic living was being circulated,” he shares, adding that that’s when he realised that it might be the right time to switch and give people an alternative to regular icecreams.</p> <p>“I thought, ‘Why not target the market for organic icecreams?’ Considering the popularity of organic products like biscuits, <em>namkeen</em>, and even <em>agarbatti</em>, I saw an opportunity. There are even brands for organic smokes, so why not icecream?” he recalls.</p> <p>In 2017, the company started producing organic icecreams. “Regarding the product, we majorly focus on the ingredients. We use only the desi cow milk, which is why I have set up my manufacturing facility in a tier 2 town like Nellore. In larger cities, this milk is sold at approximately Rs 150 per litre, but in tier 2 cities, I can get it for Rs 50 to 60 due to the lack of awareness and demand.”</p> <p>This strategy allows him to achieve sustainable business growth by utilising local materials and cutting cost, he informs. “We also replace sugar with <em>mishri</em>, a natural sweetener, in our icecream. We use organic butter and vegetable-extracted colours. Importantly, we do not use any preservatives or stabilisers in our products,” he informs.</p> <p>“We use a product called edible gum, also called <em>gondh, </em>as a preservative. We have developed a process to use <em>gondh </em>as a preservative ingredient in our icecream. This ingredient is organic and helps us achieve an average shelf life of six to eight months, depending on the flavour. We are also in the process of obtaining a patent for this method, which is currently pending. We expect to receive the patent within the next three to four months,” he says.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/suhas-2-1716902038.jpg" alt="Both of Suhas' manufacturing units run on solar energy. " class="wp-image-351379" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/suhas-2-1716902038.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/suhas-2-1716902038-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/suhas-2-1716902038-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/suhas-2-1716902038-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/suhas-2-1716902038-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Both of Suhas’ manufacturing units run on solar energy. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>Apart from producing 100 percent <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/231373/entrepreneur-vegan-ice-cream-how-to-make-at-home-delhi-tangelo-sugar-free-keto-vegetarian-online-order-vid01/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural and organic icecreams,</a> the company also follows sustainable practices in their production process. He shares, “I had always been egar to be as sustainable in my lifestyle as possible. In an effort to do so, I decided to utilise the abundant sun to power my factory. Both of my factories in Nellore are powered by solar energy. It cost me about Rs 45 lakh. Currently, my factories run on 80 percent solar energy.”</p> <p>Additionally, the wastewater generated from cleaning the machinery is recycled using an ETP plant, and the recycled water is utilised for gardening purposes.</p> <p>Talking about the various innovative flavours that the company makes, he says, “Our product range includes classic flavours like vanilla, butterscotch, and chocolate, as well as fruit flavours — such as pitaya, tender coconut, mango, chikoo, and jackfruit. We also offer innovative flavours like charcoal, which creates a striking black-coloured icecream. This unique flavour is a standout in our product lineup. We produce the charcoal by burning coconut shells and then using the resulting charcoal as an ingredient in our charcoal icecream.”</p> <p>“In addition to our existing range, we have recently introduced a traditional milk category — featuring camel milk icecream, goat milk icecream, and donkey milk icecream. We are proud to be the first brand to offer these unique categories,” he adds.</p> <p>Maheswaram Kumar, a regular customer says, “The best thing about their delicious icecream is the various unique flavours. I personally love the jackfruit, chilly guava and coconut-flavoured icecreams. There is no guilt to have as much as you want as they do not have any sugar and are made with organic butter and oil.”</p> <p>Currently, the company has around 70 physical outlets, which include both franchise and company-owned stores.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7bZzxboZC3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7bZzxboZC3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7bZzxboZC3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Iceberg Organic Ice Creams (@icebergorganicicecreams)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>“Additionally, we have around 100 ‘dark’ stores, which operate on platforms like Zomato and our own website. We refer to this as the dark model. These stores are targeted towards tier 1 cities such as Mumbai, Pune, NCR, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata. This approach falls under our B2C strategy,” he says.</p> <p>The brand currently makes a revenue of Rs 12 crore per year.</p> <p>Talking about the future, Suhas says, “We are also introducing icecream cakes with a completely organic touch, as well as whole wheat-based cakes. Unlike traditional cakes made with <em>maida</em>, our icecream cakes and other products will use whole wheat. This ensures a healthier option for our customers.”</p> <p><em>You can try their organic icecreams </em><a href="https://icebergicecreams.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"><em>here</em></a>.</p> <p><em>(Edited by Pranita Bhat; All images credit: Suhas)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"351361";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:50;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:95:"Meet the Man Who Quit His Job in London To Recycle 6 Lakh Litres of Greywater in Indian Schools";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:113:"https://thebetterindia.com/351304/chennai-bengaluru-water-crisis-prashant-sharma-grey-water-recycling-in-schools/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 28 May 2024 13:06:04 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"Changemakers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:22:"bengaluru water crisis";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Chennai";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"greywater recycling";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"Prashant Sharma";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"water crisis";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351304";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:237:"Prashant Sharma quit his job in London to launch a non-profit organisation called ‘Positive Action for Child and Earth Foundation’. Through this, he provides greywater recycling solutions to schools, colleges and other organisations.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:24812:" <p>One of the biggest nightmares for the residents of Chennai was on 19 June 2019 when the city was out of drinking water. Called ‘Day Zero’, it was one of the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/349257/bengaluru-residents-water-crisis-rainwater-harvesting-gardening-in-summer-rohit-malekar-suma-raj/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worst water crises</a> faced by the city as the municipality ran out of drinking water. </p> <p>Around the same time, Prashant Sharma, a programme manager in an IT firm, happened to be visiting his in-laws in Chennai with his wife and two-year-old son. The worried father had to scramble for water for over a week to provide for his toddler’s needs. </p> <p>He recalls how people rushed towards the water tankers and paid extra to ensure that they received it. However, the water they got was often salty and unclean which needed to be boiled several times before being used.</p> <p>This incident left him spending days in search of solutions. </p> <p>“I wondered about what we could do. Since water is a finite resource, how could we make its usage more circular?” Prashant shares with <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <p>The solution the 50-year-old found was using greywater, which is basically domestic wastewater from wash basins, washing machines, showers, kitchens. </p> <p>A DowntoEarth <a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/water/world-water-week-2023-reuse-of-greywater-can-be-an-answer-to-india-s-shortage-problem-91223#:~:text=In%20India%2C%20it%20is%20estimated,of%20the%20pollutants%20in%20each." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">report </a>estimates that India generates about 31 billion litres of greywater everyday. </p> <p>The sustainability enthusiast found that recycling greywater in schools, colleges, homes could be a viable solution that could help us tide over the water crisis in the future. This recycled greywater can be used to recharge groundwater, water plants, clean, in landscaping and gardening, in the toilet flush and more.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="1280" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG-20231120-WA0044-min-1716894257.jpg" alt="Prashant recycles greywater in schools" class="wp-image-351311" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG-20231120-WA0044-min-1716894257.jpg 1280w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG-20231120-WA0044-min-1716894257-300x300.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG-20231120-WA0044-min-1716894257-500x500.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG-20231120-WA0044-min-1716894257-150x150.jpg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG-20231120-WA0044-min-1716894257-768x768.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG-20231120-WA0044-min-1716894257-96x96.jpg 96w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Prashant recycles greywater in schools</figcaption></figure></div> <p>With his idea in place, Prashant quit his corporate career and founded a non-profit called ‘Positive Action For Child And Earth Foundation’ in 2022. Through a sustainable and natural recycling method developed by Prashant, he claims that the schools in Delhi and Uttarakhand are today saving six lakh litres of freshwater yearly.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-can-t-afford-to-be-passive-spectators-anymore">‘We can’t afford to be passive spectators anymore’</h2> <p>While Prashant was earlier working in IT companies in India and London, his tryst with sustainability and waste water recycling started in 2010. He became actively involved in sustainability initiatives in his borough (local authorities). </p> <p>He was the designated sustainability champion of the area, where he conducted awareness and waste segregation campaigns, recycling initiatives, and taught people <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/348522/vermicompost-made-by-award-winning-kashmir-organic-farmer-anantnag-units-earns-crores/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how to compost,</a> among other activities. </p> <p>He continued this work along with his job in different companies including Shell, IBM, Accenture, British Petroleum.</p> <p>The 2019 water crisis and his bad experience made him start looking for sustainable solutions. At the same time, he also realised that corporate life wasn’t for him anymore. </p> <p>“Working for a paycheck wasn’t cutting it for me anymore. When you reach a certain level of financial security, you should consider giving back to society, and for me, that was greywater recycling,” Prashant shares. </p> <p>He also shares that climate change has reached a stage where “we can now no longer afford to be a passive spectator to the carnage being done to our environment.”</p> <p>“Water is obviously one of the biggest problems in the world today. I saw firsthand in Chennai how desperate people can become when there’s no water. I also visited a lot of villages after 2019 and looked at ways I could contribute. I found my calling in water conservation,” shares Prashant.</p> <p>During his research, he found that greywater was something that could be recycled. </p> <p>“If 100 litres of water are being released, almost 70 litres of that is greywater, i.e. non-faecal water with minimum impurities, which can be easily recycled. Urban India generates about 70 litres of greywater per person per day, but in almost 100 percent cases, this greywater is simply mixed with sewage,” he adds.</p> <p>Usually what happens is that this greywater gets mixed with the sewage water and is sent to Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) or just discharged openly, impacting livelihoods, crop productivity and an increase in vector borne diseases, explains Prashant. </p> <p>He adds that STPs are one of the most polluting industries, “consuming about three percent of the world’s energy.” Therefore, recycling greywater near its source is sustainable and a possible solution to solve the global water crisis. The DownToEarth report also states that “reuse of greywater for toilet flushing alone can reduce the freshwater demand by 10-20 percent.”</p> <p>Greywater recycling is also very simple, starting with using cooking water to water plants, and for flushing. It also requires no electricity or chemicals. It treats the waste water at source, making it a decentralised solution.</p> <p>Once the idea was set, Prashant worked on a nature-based solution to recycle greywater- Constructed Wetlands (CW), which are built using natural filter materials like activated charcoal, stone, grit, sand. </p> <p>Constructed wetlands are man-made wastewater recycling systems which resemble natural wetlands in treatment. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CzIqrs2BjD9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CzIqrs2BjD9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CzIqrs2BjD9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Prashant (@water_recycle_reuse)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>“Wastewater is recycled through natural processes involving soil, vegetation, and microbial communities. We use natural filter materials and plants that are easy to integrate</p> <p>aesthetically into the existing buildings and are scalable,” explains Prashant.</p> <p>He first targeted schools as that is a place where a lot of greywater is generated and there is enough space to recycle it.</p> <p>“Each child generates about 8 litres of greywater every day in a school. So consider a school with 4,000 students, which is an opportunity to recycle 16,000 litres of water per day and create a positive impact,” he adds. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-it-works">How it works</h2> <p>The basic idea is to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/322812/pune-engineer-innovates-affordable-greywater-recycling-systems-for-indian-households/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">divert the greywater</a> before it mixes with the sewage water so that it can be recycled.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4zETOqSJAt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4zETOqSJAt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4zETOqSJAt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Prashant (@water_recycle_reuse)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>The first step that Prashant takes is to conduct a greywater audit to calculate the amount of water that the school or organisation generates per day. The second step is to identify the easiest way and place where this water can be recycled. The third and final step is to design, build, test and operationalise the solution. </p> <p>“Since schools have a lot of floors and many bathrooms, we need to find a source where we can recycle the water easily without much civil work and expenditure,” he adds.</p> <p>In Prashant’s model of constructed wetlands, all filtration activity occurs below the ground, alleviating the problems of water stagnation, bad odour and risk of mosquito breeding. </p> <p>So far, his foundation has worked with schools in Delhi and Uttarakhand, government colleges in Sundargarh, Odisha and Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Nainital, recycling over 6 lakh litres of water per year. This year, Prashant expects the number to increase to 10 lakh litres per year. </p> <p>The organisation is self-funded and Prashant charges the schools/colleges only for the civil work. He hopes to turn it into a consultation service with an annual maintenance contract like the ones that water filter companies charge. </p> <p>His working model is simple — providing <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/288886/sustainable-farmhouse-in-gujarat-gets-zero-power-bills-recycles-greywater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greywater recycling </a>as a service. </p> <p>For the first two school projects, Prashant borrowed money from friends and family to build the solutions. He is now working with village administrations and the ashram on a revenue-based model.</p> <p>“Wherever people can pay, we are taking a small fee. We want to generate revenue instead of depending on funds from larger players as this will enable us to fund initiatives in villages and communities who can’t afford it,” shares Prashant.</p> <p>So far though, he is managing as his wife has a corporate job.</p> <p>What keeps him going is the response on the ground. “The response has been very positive everywhere I’ve been. Right from villages to cities, people are fed up with stagnant water and want a solution,” shares Prashant.</p> <p>According to this water conservationist, “The purpose of living has to be more than making money, it has to involve fulfilling the needs of people who are within your sphere of influence.”</p> <p><em>You can email Prashant on <a href="mailto:pash.childrensearth@gmail.comor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">pash.childrensearth@gmail.com</a> or call him on 9711086014.</em></p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande, Images Courtesy Prashant Sharma</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"351304";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:51;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:75:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:64:"What After Paradise? 8 Best Biryani Places to Feast in Hyderabad";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:110:"https://thebetterindia.com/350190/best-places-for-biryani-in-hyderabad-hotel-shadab-shah-ghouse-adda-paradise/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 28 May 2024 09:47:11 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:7:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4:"Food";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Biryani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"biryani restaurants";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Culture";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4:"food";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"History";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:21:"hyderabad restaurants";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350190";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:81:"Paradise biryani and more—here’s where to find the best biryani in Hyderabad.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Krystelle Dsouza";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:30136:" <p>What would it take to convince you that Hyderabad is India’s <em>biryani</em> capital? Would a cumulative order of ‘13 million <em>biryanis</em> in a span of 12 months’ do it? In March this year, when food delivery platform Swiggy declared these statistics, the internet had a gala time. Afterall, everyone harbours a fondness for a good Hyderabadi <em>biryani</em>. </p> <p>Since time immemorial — the 18th century to be precise — the city’s love affair with the royal dish has been a well-celebrated one. Legend says it was Nizam-Ul-Mulk, the newly-appointed city ruler elected following Emperor Aurangzeb’s demise, who inspired the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/60553/history-biryani-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hyderabadi <em>biryani</em></a>. </p> <p>The chef is said to have created almost 50 different versions of the dish, transcending the obvious chicken, mutton and fish versions to experiment with quail, deer, and hare meat. </p> <p>Through time, Hyderabadi’s fascination with <em>biryani</em> has grown. And not just the locals, but even Michelin-star chefs, famed food bloggers, celebrities and sportspersons love themselves a good <em>biryani</em> from… </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-cafe-bahar-nbsp">1. Cafe Bahar </h2> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdLgKkBpzeZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdLgKkBpzeZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdLgKkBpzeZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Saransh Goila (@saranshgoila)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>The scrumptious menu at Cafe Bahar left celebrity chef Saransh Goila in awe. The eatery has been serving authentic Hyderabadi <em>biryani</em> since 1973 and a defining factor has been the long queue of patrons eagerly waiting outside the entrance. </p> <p>Started by a Persian settler who moved to the city, Cafe Bahar is hailed as one of the most iconic spots in the city for a meaty fiesta. Along with their <em><a href="https://thebetterindia.com/261268/biryani-map-of-india-taste-the-history-find-your-favourite-among-28-versions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biryanis</a>,</em> the chicken <em>tikka kebabs</em> (meat roasted on skewers) and mutton <em>boti kebabs</em> are said to draw guests from across the world. </p> <p>So, when chef Saransh Goila had to decide his next meal whilst in the city, it was a no-brainer which place to head to. </p> <p>In a post on Instagram, he writes, “I still remember Cafe Bahar family teaching me that the secret lies in sourcing good quality meat and A1 <em>chawal</em> (rice). They layer the rice in the<em> dum handi</em> (earthen pot) step by step; the bottom is filled with pre-boiled rice (the top half from the boiler) and the top of the <em>handi</em> has pre-boiled rice (that was at the bottom of the boiler) This ensures every grain cooks evenly and finds its true potential.”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-hotel-shadab-nbsp">2. Hotel Shadab </h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="500" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/400611173_827231162735350_8837289596775769245_n_11zon-1715857584-500x500.jpg" alt="Hotel Shadab serves traditional Hyderabadi biryani" class="wp-image-350201" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/400611173_827231162735350_8837289596775769245_n_11zon-1715857584-500x500.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/400611173_827231162735350_8837289596775769245_n_11zon-1715857584-300x300.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/400611173_827231162735350_8837289596775769245_n_11zon-1715857584-150x150.jpg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/400611173_827231162735350_8837289596775769245_n_11zon-1715857584-768x768.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/400611173_827231162735350_8837289596775769245_n_11zon-1715857584-96x96.jpg 96w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/400611173_827231162735350_8837289596775769245_n_11zon-1715857584.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hotel Shadab serves traditional Hyderabadi biryani, Picture source: Hotel Shadab</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Perfect and inimitable. This is how many describe the <em>biryani</em> at Hotel Shadab, one of the best spots to feast on the dish. </p> <p>As the hotel mentions, “Shadab was established with only one dream — a dream to have people from different communities enjoy <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/343305/best-local-food-in-hyderabad-recommendations-biryanj-andhra-meals-osmania-biscuit-nihari-paaya/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traditional Hyderabadi food</a>, as a collective family. Shadab’s long-standing legacy and success are truly due to the vision and hard work of its founder Mr. Khaja Pasha.” </p> <p>True to its name which translates to ‘evergreen’ and ‘joyous’ in Urdu, the 71-year-old eatery serves a plethora of dishes; each an ode to the cultural legacy of Hyderabad. You’ll be amused to know that the now multi-cuisine restaurant was once a spot where locals gathered over <em>chai</em> and Osmania biscuits (flaky, buttery tea biscuits popular in the city). </p> <p>The combination continues to be a popular draw. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-paradise">3. Paradise</h2> <iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HQt66gXwJM8?si=DCc9KHlRNxV7BZRC" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p>“<em>Kehte hai agar Hyderabad aaye aur Paradise ki biryani nahi khayi toh Hyderabad aana bekar hai</em> (They say if you visit Hyderabad and do not eat the <em>biryani</em> at Paradise, your visit was in vain),” this is what chef Sanjeev Kapoor emphasises in a video featuring him breezing through the city of Nizams, chronicling the best <em>biryani</em> hubs. </p> <p>The secret lies in a good formula, Dr Khazim Hemati, the owner of Paradise Restaurant explains to Kapoor. Over the sound of spices sizzling in hot oil in the background, Hemati shares the journey that the place has witnessed. </p> <p>What started as a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/68542/khau-gallis-street-food-mumbai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hole-in-the-wall café </a>in a cinema ‘Paradise’ in Secunderabad in 1953, turned into an eatery where residents of the city flocked for their fill of <em>biryani</em> in the early sixties. Since 1978, Hemati has been at the helm of things, and Paradise has expanded its operations to cities across India. </p> <p>The guest list has been coloured with visits from Dr Alexander Evans (OBE), British Deputy High Commissioner to India; Andrew McAllister, British Deputy High Commissioner to Hyderabad and badminton marvel, PV Sindhu. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-bawarchi">4. Bawarchi</h2> <iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5jONsktLVQ8?si=twXxNH-_Kene2eRQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p>Politicians, food bloggers, journalists and celebs, all find their common admiration for <em>biryani</em> at this spot in Hyderabad. <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/336383/homemade-hyderabadi-biryani-in-bengaluru-by-noons-biryani-couple-entrepreneurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Biryani</em> is the signature dish</a> here and the proof lies in the pudding — in 2019, food delivery platform Zomato released a report claiming that the joint receives over 2,000 orders a day, setting a world record. </p> <p>One of the most popular dishes is the chicken <em>biryani</em> with mutton and vegetable versions leading in tow. </p> <p>The eatery was paid a visit by food journalist and author Kunal Vijaykar who got chatting with Chef Salman Mansoori. The latter divulged, “We started with a bakery at first in 1994 but within the first 15 days, our <em>biryani</em> became very popular and we had to focus on that.” </p> <p>Mansoori emphasised that timing is of the essence in making a delicious <em>biryani</em>. “My staff can tell if the <em>biryani</em> is ready or not judging by the smell.” </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-hotel-nayaab-nbsp">5. Hotel Nayaab </h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="507" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-16-170352-1715859268-500x507.jpg" alt="Hotel Nayaab starts serving the breakfast menu at 4 am every morning and the main draw is the Osmania biscuits" class="wp-image-350232" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-16-170352-1715859268-500x507.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-16-170352-1715859268-296x300.jpg 296w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-16-170352-1715859268-96x96.jpg 96w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-16-170352-1715859268-150x152.jpg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-16-170352-1715859268.jpg 658w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hotel Nayaab starts serving the breakfast menu at 4 am every morning and the main draw is the Osmania biscuits, Picture source: Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/therawtextures/p/CYV2hbpBbWW/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Priyanshu Kumar</a></figcaption></figure></div> <p>Finding the best <em>biryani</em> spot in Hyderabad is akin to embarking on a treasure hunt. But if <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/336467/hyderabad-biryani-cloud-kitchen-business-woman-entrepreneur-naaz-anjum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the meat feast</a> at Hotel Nayaab is the prize, we’re all for it. While it is the breakfast that got Hotel Nayaab to the top of the food charts of the city, the lunch too is phenomenal. </p> <p>Located in the Ghansi Bazaar area, a 10-minute walk from the Charminar, Hotel Nayaab necessitates you be there on time. The food is wiped off pretty quickly. </p> <p>Some must-haves are the <em>nihari</em> (a slow-cooked meat stew), <em>paya</em> (trotters of a cow, goat or buffalo cooked in spices), <em>bhaji gurda</em> (kidneys of lamb in a spinach-based masala), <em>dum ka kheema</em> (mutton mince cooked in a vessel) and the <em>malai paya</em> (a masala laden lamb trotter dish topped with cream). </p> <p>Started in 1986, the outlet soon rose to fame as the first to offer Deccani <em>haleem</em> (a stew composed of meat, lentils, and pounded wheat made into a thick paste) commercially. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-adaa-nbsp">6. Adaa </h2> <p>As food blogger Pallab De shares in an interview with<em> Condé Nast</em>, “For the moments when you want to splurge, there’s no better place than Taj Falaknuma Palace. The painstakingly restored 130-year-old palace hotel is magnificent yet warm and welcoming.” The blogger goes on to add that Adaa sees luxury blended with good taste. </p> <p>“The velvety <em>patthar ka gosht</em> (a dish prepared by heating lamb on a wide stone and serving it with spices) and the Hyderabadi <em><a href="https://thebetterindia.com/243365/food-joint-biryani-akshay-parkar-parkar-biryani-house-mumbai-covid-19-lockdown-street-food-taj-hotels-international-cruise-him16/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kachhe gosht ki biryani</a></em> (a dish where partially cooked rice is layered on top of raw marinated meat and the duo is then cooked together in an earthen vessel) are reasons enough to justify the expense,” he notes. </p> <p>“The <em>biryani</em> at Adaa is impeccable. The impressive technique is a given, but it’s the restraint and the balance of flavours that makes it one of the finest renditions of a culinary gem,” he adds. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-shah-ghouse">7. Shah Ghouse</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/biryani-1715860017.jpg" alt="The biryani at Shah Ghouse is prepared using traditional recipes and the spot features among the best in India" class="wp-image-350247" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/biryani-1715860017.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/biryani-1715860017-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/biryani-1715860017-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/biryani-1715860017-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/biryani-1715860017-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The biryani at Shah Ghouse is prepared using traditional recipes and the spot features among the best in India, Picture source: Shah Ghouse</figcaption></figure></div> <p>The recipes at Shah Ghouse are a closely guarded secret. <em>Biryanis</em> and mutton curries here are sprinkled with a drizzle of their traditional special <em>masalas</em>, which render it their unique taste. </p> <p>Founded by Mohammad Rabbani, Mohammad Ghouse Pasha and Mohammad Irfan, the eatery organised a food-eating competition in 2008, which, according to an article in <em>The Hindu </em>witnessed 14 teams, each comprising two people, feeding one another three boxes of <em>haleem</em> within five minutes for a cash prize of Rs 3000. </p> <p>But these stories and the great food are not the only feathers in Shah Ghouse’s cap. The eatery was also featured in a list of ‘<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/web-stories/love-biryani-add-these-iconic-eateries-in-india-to-your-must-try-list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Best Biryani Hotels in India</a>’ put out by the Wall Street Journal, USA. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-biryaniwalla-and-co">8. Biryaniwalla and Co</h2> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CriBtJDO3oZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CriBtJDO3oZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CriBtJDO3oZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Gary Mehigan (@garymehigan)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Food is a shared language over which guests at this historic eatery bond. Also known as BWCO, the eatery began as a modest café in 1980 led by a gentleman Ashtarian. One of the most popular dishes here since day one has been the Hyderabadi <em>biryani </em>made using premium <em>basmati</em> (long slender-grained aromatic rice) and specially blended spices. </p> <p>Even against the landscape of cost-cutting, the eatery prides itself on its <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=biryani+the+better+india&rlz=1C1YTUH_enIN1048IN1048&oq=biryani+the+better+india&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggAEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg7MgYIARBFGEAyBggCEEUYPDIGCAMQRRg8MgYIBBBFGDzSAQgzODk2ajBqNKgCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#ip=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aromatic <em>biryanis</em></a><em>, </em>gratis saffron content. </p> <p>And one of the guests who thoroughly enjoyed the feast was MasterChef Australia’s Gary Mehigan. On his rendezvous through the city in April 2023, Mehigan stopped by and later took to Instagram to write, “Time to leave the ‘city of pearls’ Hyderabad but the memory of mountains of <em>haleem</em> and <em>biryani</em> remains. <em>Sofiyani</em> or white biryani is still my favourite but I figure one last post of our mutton & chicken biryanis @b.w.c.o is worth it. Can’t beat a mountain of chicken and fluffy rice with a big spoonful of lip-numbing chicken 65 on the top.”</p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350190";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:52;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:78:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:100:"‘I Was The 1st Blind Student in My College’: Lawyer On Improving Digital Inclusion For The Blind";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:159:"https://thebetterindia.com/351275/screen-readers-for-blind-visually-impaired-digital-accessibility-for-persons-with-disability-global-accessibility-day-lawyer/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 28 May 2024 09:36:32 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:8:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"Education";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"Blind and Visually Impaired in India";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"blind lawyers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"blind students";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:24:"disability and inclusion";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:24:"global accessibility day";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Screen Readers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"Visually impaired";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351275";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:277:"Anchal Bhateja lost her eyesight just before her board exams. She chose to keep her dreams alive and worked twice as hard as her peers to become a lawyer. Here's how she and others like her found their way in life using screen readers and other such tools of digital inclusion.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"Guest Contributor";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12725:" <p>“Once blindness takes over, it shatters your world and you don’t know what to do, where to go, especially after the doctor says that they can’t do anything at this point,” explains Anchal Bhateja when asked about how she coped after going completely blind as a school student. </p> <p>Anchal was born with low vision due to complications at the time of her birth. While she was able to cope in a mainstream school till class 10, she completely lost her vision right before her board exams. </p> <p>Following her diagnosis, Anchal had to chart out a path for herself on her own — from taking her exams with the assistance of a scribe to figuring out tools that would help her complete her education.</p> <p>At this point, she met another blind person in her hometown, Bhatinda, who used computers with a screen reader. Anchal learned quite a bit from him and thus, her journey with digital accessibility devices began. </p> <p>She completed her schooling by referring to audiobooks of her course and used a scribe to appear for the exams. </p> <p>The <a href="https://accessibility.day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Accessibility Day (GAAD)</a> is celebrated on the third Thursday of May every year. The day strives to get the international community together to talk and build awareness about Digital Accessibility for disabled persons. </p> <p>The mission for Digital Accessibility is spearheaded by <a href="https://webaim.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WebAIM (Web Accessibility in Mind).</a> </p> <p>Through GAAD, impacted communities worldwide make the case for digital accessibility for diverse disabilities. There are approximately <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/311815/kerala-woman-with-disability-rejected-from-jobs-launched-organic-food-biz-geetha-saleesh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one billion Persons with Disability (PwD)</a> in the world, and creating accessible digital technology is important from a civil rights as well as a business perspective.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Infographic-website-5-1716877656.png" alt="" class="wp-image-351277" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Infographic-website-5-1716877656.png 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Infographic-website-5-1716877656-300x157.png 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Infographic-website-5-1716877656-500x262.png 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Infographic-website-5-1716877656-768x402.png 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Infographic-website-5-1716877656-150x79.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-after-diagnosis">Life after diagnosis</h2> <p>“I had to figure it out all on my own. Most people, including my father, initially felt that I would not be able to continue my education. Despite my father being educated, he still didn’t know what was the way forward for me. I don’t blame them, that’s what any lay person feels about blindness,” she says.</p> <p>Determined to continue her education, Anchal appeared for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) and went on to become the first blind student to study at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru. </p> <p>With the admissions season upon us, every recent school graduate and their parents have been worried about the upcoming entrance exams. </p> <p>Anchal’s story is also a reminder to each one of us about how this too shall pass. In spite of all the hurdles, Anchal completed law school in 2023 and is currently working as a lawyer at one of the top law firms in India. </p> <p>However, her story doesn’t end with just clearing the CLAT Exams. In fact, that was the beginning in a number of ways. </p> <p>As a first-year student, Anchal used to write her exams with the help of a scribe until her Legal Theory professor recommended she type out her answers. </p> <p>Initially reluctant, Anchal took her laptop to the exam hall and began typing out her responses.</p> <p> Surprisingly, she was able to finish it within 3 hours. There was no looking back after this. Anchal went on to take all her exams on her laptop without the assistance of a scribe. “I was always offered half an hour extra but I never needed it; I was always one of the first students to finish writing,” gleams Anchal.</p> <p>“Now that I work in Telecom Media and Technology Law, my friends joke that my entire life is in virtual space. I use apps for grocery, for cabs, for everything!” she shares.</p> <p>Newer technological innovations and services, especially app-based deliveries and services, have made <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/311161/aneesh-karma-masc-kafo-device-won-infosys-aarohan-social-innovation-award-disabled-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">independent living more accessible for several persons with disability</a>.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Infographic-website-6-1716877825.png" alt="" class="wp-image-351279" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Infographic-website-6-1716877825.png 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Infographic-website-6-1716877825-300x157.png 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Infographic-website-6-1716877825-500x262.png 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Infographic-website-6-1716877825-768x402.png 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Infographic-website-6-1716877825-150x79.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-digital-infrastructure-a-major-challenge">Lack of digital infrastructure a major challenge</h2> <p>Not having the proper digital accessibility and awareness continues to pose a challenge. As per the latest Web Accessibility Report by <a href="https://webaim.org/projects/million/#errors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WEBAIM,</a> over 95% of the home pages of 1,000,000 most visited websites had accessibility issues. </p> <p>This means that even <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/340084/gujarat-school-for-the-blind-and-visually-impaired-inclusive-design-architecture-by-anand-sonecha-sealabs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">if persons with disability have the appropriate tools and training</a>, a number of web spaces remain inaccessible. </p> <p>This has an impact on their work as well. In her work as a lawyer, Anchal has to access case judgments using online archives. However, websites that the courts accept don’t have accessibility built into them. As a result, Anchal often has to rely on someone else to help her navigate through these websites. </p> <p>Other than this, Anchal mentions how even the IT staff is not fully aware of how a screen reader works and how it can be amalgamated with the softwares used at the workplace. </p> <p>Anchal’s journey underscores the critical need for widespread accessibility awareness. </p> <p>The Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016 mandates all institutions and workplaces to provide reasonable accommodation and accessible infrastructure. This includes offering accessible materials and resources and conducting regular accessibility audits to identify and address infrastructural barriers and providing training and support to employees with disabilities, along with conducting sensitisation programmes for other employees and people in the workplace or institution. </p> <p>Law is a competitive and demanding profession which requires one to do a lot of reading and documentation. The general understanding so far has been that this would not be appropriate for a visually-impaired person. </p> <p>However, digital innovations have made it possible for persons with disabilities to add to the diversity of the profession. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1021" height="1280" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-27-at-4.27.44-PM-1716887034.jpeg" alt="Anchal Bhateja's journey underscores the critical need for widespread accessibility awareness. " class="wp-image-351293" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-27-at-4.27.44-PM-1716887034.jpeg 1021w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-27-at-4.27.44-PM-1716887034-239x300.jpeg 239w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-27-at-4.27.44-PM-1716887034-500x627.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-27-at-4.27.44-PM-1716887034-768x963.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-27-at-4.27.44-PM-1716887034-150x188.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Anchal Bhateja’s journey underscores the critical need for widespread accessibility awareness. </figcaption></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inclusivity-irl">Inclusivity IRL</h2> <p>When asked about the disability inclusion journey at her organisation, Seema (name changed), a human resources manager based out of Delhi, says “Including persons with disabilities has helped the organisation in several unintended ways. Beyond just creating a more equitable workforce, having PwDs at the workplace has helped us relook at our policies, processes and infrastructure from a new perspective.”</p> <p>As more and more employers warm up to the idea of employing lawyers with disabilities, the industry is also moving towards becoming a more inclusive space for all. </p> <p>Echoing this sentiment, Amar Jain, a visually impaired lawyer and accessibility professional, says “As a lawyer with a disability, we face enormous barriers. The data provided by clients is not accessible, the physical case files don’t have digital copies. However, there are a number of progressive steps being taken by the judicial system.” </p> <p>“For instance, the Delhi High Court recently released a mandate to provide digital copies of case files to lawyers with disabilities. The landscape is changing, slowly but surely,” he adds.</p> <p>A little understanding can go a long way in such a situation. Anchal interned at Justice DY Chandrachud’s chambers as a student. She remembers how forthcoming they were with respect to offering ‘Reasonable Accommodations’ to help her work better. </p> <p>“We need to make case briefs with page number references. As a visually-impaired person, it is sometimes difficult to find the right page number, so I use paragraph numbers instead and this request of mine was accommodated and helped me better do my work,” she explains.</p> <p>Anchal also recollects how she received a letter from Justice Chandrachud upon completing the internship in his chamber. </p> <p>“He told me that my research skills were remarkable and that he faced no challenges in using the briefs prepared by me. He was also an understanding senior as he was open to me working in my own way and using slightly different formats to present my briefs,” she shares.</p> <p>Aanchal’s story is more than just an individual’s triumph over adversity, it is a powerful call to action for building a truly inclusive society. By promoting accessibility awareness and implementing robust support systems, we can empower everyone regardless of ability to reach their full potential. </p> <p>Anchal’s journey is just one of the many. <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/343534/sparsh-asian-paints-start-foundation-initiative-tactile-art-rajasthan-netraheen-kalyan-sangh-jaipur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">People with diverse disabilities benefit from digital accessibility</a>. This can be found in a number of different forms. From adaptive keyboards to speech to text softwares, technology has come a long way in finding ways to accommodate human diversity, all that is remaining is a sincere effort from us to integrate it into our lives.</p> <p><em>Written by V-shesh, edited by Padmashree Pande. </em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"351275";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:53;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:78:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:93:"Small Town, Big Dreams: How I Went From Earning Rs 9000/Month to Running a Rs 15 Cr Pizza Biz";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:121:"https://thebetterindia.com/351202/sandeep-jangra-pizza-galleria-vegetarian-gohana-haryana-startup-shark-tank-earn-crores/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Mon, 27 May 2024 13:40:28 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:8:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"entreprenuer";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:5:"pizza";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"sandeep jangra";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Shark Tank India";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"small town";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"veg pizza";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351202";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:239:"Inspired by his first bite of pizza, Sandeep Jangra opened the first Pizza Galleria outlet in Gohana, Haryana. Today, his vegetarian pizza chain has 72 outlets across India, selling over 20,000 pizzas daily, and employing over 700 people. ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:23824:" <p>When you sink your teeth into a slice of pizza, the harmonious blend of tangy sauce, fresh dough, and melty cheese explodes with flavour in your mouth. The satisfying crunch of the crust only enhances the entire culinary journey.</p> <p>In November 2014, Sandeep Jangra experienced a moment he would never forget — tasting his very first pizza with friends. Captivated by its deliciousness, Sandeep was inspired to share this culinary delight with his city. Within a few short months, his dream became a reality as he opened the inaugural Pizza Galleria outlet in December 2015, right in the heart of Gohana, Haryana.</p> <p>What sets this <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/293491/punjab-man-starts-pizza-truck-earns-lakhs-learns-from-ranveer-brar-youtube-videos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pizza chain </a>apart from others is that it is 100 percent vegetarian, and has pizzas starting from Rs 69.</p> <p>After turning the people of Gohana into pizza lovers, Sandeep started opening outlets in other parts of Haryana, and soon expanded to other parts of the country. Today, he has over 72 outlets that sell over 20,000 pizzas every day, with a turnover of Rs 15 crore in the last financial year 2023-24.</p> <p>Here’s how this 32-year-old went from having arrears in his engineering course to being a successful entrepreneur, providing employment to over 700 people!</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-introducing-a-city-to-the-taste-of-pizza">Introducing a city to the taste of pizza</h2> <p>Sandeep grew up in a joint family in Gohana where his father managed a construction material business — a setting that ignited his early entrepreneurial spirit. Following his schooling, he studied at NC College of Engineering in the nearby town of Israna.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C61mMzitPC6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C61mMzitPC6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C61mMzitPC6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Pizza Galleria (@pizzagalleria_india)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>However, Sandeep faced considerable obstacles during his academic journey. Struggling with certain subjects, he found himself having to retake exams, extending his engineering programme to six years. After four years, he encountered a dilemma — lacking his degree yet unable to disclose this to his parents. In a stroke of resourcefulness, he secured a position at Ericsson India in Gurugram through a friend, earning Rs 9,000 per month.</p> <p>It was here in November 2014 that the entrepreneur had his first bite of pizza with his friends, which changed his life forever. “I loved the taste of the pizza and wondered how it was made. It seemed to be a fatter version of a <em>roti </em>with a different sauce and cheese,” Sandeep recalls in a conversation with <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <p>Over the next few months, the idea of starting a food business crept into his mind. But how does one make a pizza and build a business around the same? To learn the nitty gritty of such a business, he approached a few pizza outlets in Gurugram and Haryana. It was Pizza Wings in Rohtak where he got a chance to learn the ABCs of running a pizza store.</p> <p>“I trained for about a month and a half at Pizza Wings. They taught me everything from how to make the dough and the sauce to how to deliver the pizza and run a store. I realised that making a pizza is not rocket science,” laughs Sandeep.</p> <p>Upon completing his training, Sandeep returned home and shared his ambitious business plan with his family — opening a pizza shop in the bustling city centre. However, his father was reluctant to invest in the venture. Undeterred, Sandeep sought support from his brother and friends, who collectively contributed the initial investment of Rs 6.5 lakh to establish his inaugural store in Gohana.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C61bd2stDl0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C61bd2stDl0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C61bd2stDl0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Pizza Galleria (@pizzagalleria_india)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>“My father was upset about me quitting and returning. He expected me to make a name for myself as an engineer,” shares Sandeep. While convincing his family was a big challenge, the next challenge was finding skilled labour for the store in a city where many hadn’t tasted a pizza.</p> <p>“I hired three boys who had completed Class 12 and trusted my vision. I taught them how to make the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/249937/gujarat-ahmedabad-jashuben-shah-old-pizza-best-food-dominos-pizza-hut-women-entrepreneur-success-him16/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pizza base</a>, sauce, pack the pizzas for service as well as delivery,” adds the CEO of Pizza Galleria.</p> <p>The next and most crucial step was to create awareness and market the product. For this, Sandeep rode his bike around the city, knocking on doors and distributing pamphlets. He also carried a mike and speaker and went around announcing, <em>‘Khul gaya, khul gaya, ab aapke sheher mein Pizza Galleria khul gaya </em>(Pizza Galleria is now open in your town/city)’.</p> <p>This practice is followed by him even today. Every time a new store opens, he rides around the city shouting these slogans, followed by distributing pamphlets.</p> <p>D-day arrived on 25 December 2015, when many people in Gohana tasted their first fresh-dough pizza. To entice customers, he offered the first 300 pizzas free, a practice followed even today at all new outlets. Slowly and steadily, thanks to the ambience and novelty of pizzas, a loyal customer base was created.</p> <p>He started with a limited menu of seven to eight pizzas, garlic bread, and some pasta. It took almost a year for Sandeep’s pizza venture to taste success in Gohana. The biggest challenge, he explains, was teaching people to try a new dish.</p> <p>“People didn’t know what’s so special about a fresh dough pizza or even how to eat it. Just like me, they too thought of it like a fat <em>roti </em>with a different <em>chutney </em>(sauce). I also had to ensure that the quality of the food was perfect in the absence of experienced chefs,” he shares.</p> <p>He overcame this challenge by building Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be followed for making the pizzas, and then serving, packing, and delivering them.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-employment-in-small-towns">Creating employment in small towns</h2> <p>Eventually, as the people of Gohana accepted and thronged to Pizza Galleria, Sandeep knew he was on the right track. This led him to open the next store in Panipat and Ganaur (Haryana) in 2017.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="540" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sandeep-1716813220.jpeg" alt="Sandeep with his team" class="wp-image-351209" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sandeep-1716813220.jpeg 1080w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sandeep-1716813220-300x150.jpeg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sandeep-1716813220-500x250.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sandeep-1716813220-768x384.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sandeep-1716813220-150x75.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sandeep has provided employment to over 700 people</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Since then, there has been no looking back. Today, he has 72 stores, which include company-owned outlets as well as franchise outlets in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Delhi-NCR, and Chandigarh. With this, he also has been able to provide employment to over 700 people.</p> <p>“I feel proud that I’ve been able to create such a large family through Pizza Galleria. We had a meetup where we had invited over 100 staff members to Karnal. Seeing so many people together who are doing well today is my biggest accomplishment,” shares Sandeep.</p> <p>Sandeep was also joined by his friend Ishan Chugh as a co-founder in 2017 after the third outlet was opened.</p> <p>Pizza Galleria serves pizza, pasta, garlic bread, sandwiches, fries, burgers, soft drinks and more. Their pizzas start at Rs 69 and their combos start at Rs 89. Their bestsellers are the <em>tandoori paneer</em> pizza, pizza galleria exotica, and <em>makhni</em> pizza, and also offers a ‘<em>Baahubali’</em> 24-inch pizza.</p> <p>Their USP, apart from being vegetarian, is their tomato sauce and cheesy liquid sauce, which adds to the flavour of the pizza, states Sandeep.</p> <p>Sandeep and Ishan appeared on Shark Tank India season 3. While they weren’t able to land a deal, it created a massive increase in demand, according to the founder. “We received over 4,000 enquiry calls from people interested in opening franchise outlets. It will help us achieve our vision of opening 500 outlets by 2030,” shares Sandeep.</p> <p>Sandeep’s dream is to create an Indian brand with footprints across the world. His biggest validation, he says, eventually came from his father who praised Sandeep for his exceptional work.</p> <p>“My dreams came true through Pizza Galleria. From drawing a salary of Rs 9,000 per month, I’ve been able to buy my own house and car. What matters most to me is my family’s praise, which is something money can’t buy,” he shares.</p> <p>When Sandeep had his <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/303449/mumbai-duo-quit-job-to-make-authentic-neapolitan-pizza-earn-lakhs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first bite of pizza in 2014,</a> little did he know that he would be selling over 7 lakh pizzas a month a decade later!</p> <p>“Work hard to fulfil your dreams. Don’t stop yourself from achieving big dreams because you’re from a small town. It’s the best time to start a business. Start small; even food carts have turned into massive businesses. Live your life in such a way that it becomes an example for others,” he shares.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat, Images Courtesy Sandeep Jangra</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"351202";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:54;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:78:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:88:"How to Build a Miniature Tray Garden in 20 Mins? Expert With Over 70 Mini Gardens Shares";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:122:"https://thebetterindia.com/350852/how-to-make-miniature-tray-gardens-at-home-steps-faridabad-sharda-godara-urban-gardener/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Mon, 27 May 2024 12:44:51 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:8:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Sustainability";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:23:"gardening for beginners";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"gardening tips";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"mini gardens";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"mini jungle";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"mini tray gardens";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:22:"miniature tray gardens";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"urban gardening";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350852";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:198:"Sharda Godara transformed her Faridabad home into a mini jungle with 1,000 plants. She now enjoys crafting miniature tray gardens around various themes, and shares five steps to create them at home.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:22553:" <p>Using props like miniature bullock carts, swans, small nests of birds, rural women dolls, Christmas bells, hedges, wooden chairs, huts, and more, Sharda Godara makes unique miniature tray gardens — a smaller version of a real-life garden.</p> <p>The Faridabad resident started designing these mini tray gardens at her home a couple of years ago when her home was left with no further space for potted plants.</p> <p>“I created a mini <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/270107/terrace-gardening-tips-how-to-grow-vegetables-at-home/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green jungle </a>in my home with 1,000 plants like portulaca and sunflowers. From the staircase, balconies, and terrace to the backyard — my entire house is filled with plants but I wanted to be more creative in the same space,” she says.</p> <p>“So, I shifted my interest towards miniature tray gardens as they occupy less space and allow me to unleash my creativity,” she adds.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtHXdTULQd_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtHXdTULQd_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtHXdTULQd_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sharda (@shardaaaaaaaa)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>From DIY countryside views and Diwali, Dhanteras and Holi celebrations, to the Chipko movement, she owns at least 70 visually appealing and intricately designed <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/118578/make-your-own-terrarium-diy-miniature-garden-succulent-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">miniature gardens </a>on various themes.</p> <p>More than a hobby, creating mini tray gardens is a way for the 55-year-old to deal with her loneliness, she says. In conversation with <strong>The Better India</strong>, Sharda shares the significance of tray gardens in her life and reveals her secret to creating them in less than an hour.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unleashing-emotions-in-tray-gardens">Unleashing emotions in tray gardens</h2> <p>Born into an agricultural family in Hissar, Haryana, Sharda has been interested in gardening since childhood. She took inspiration from her mother.</p> <p>“We are Bishnois, and love for the environment is in our DNA. We are known for our drive to save wild animals and trees, for instance, the famous Chipko movement. My mother instilled in us the value of being a conservationist and planting more trees,” she says.</p> <p>After her marriage, Sharda decorated her home with as many plants. “It was easier for anyone to distinguish our home from others as I have more than 1,000 plants. However, while raising my children, I never really got enough time to spend time in gardening,” she adds.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mini-tray-gardens-2-1716437290.jpg" alt="Sharda shifted her focus to miniature tray gardens as it allows her to unleash her creativity." class="wp-image-350856" style="width:841px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mini-tray-gardens-2-1716437290.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mini-tray-gardens-2-1716437290-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mini-tray-gardens-2-1716437290-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mini-tray-gardens-2-1716437290-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mini-tray-gardens-2-1716437290-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sharda shifted her focus to miniature tray gardens as it allowed her to unleash her creativity.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Whenever possible, Sharda would visit on-site plant exhibitions. “Among several large plant varieties, these mini tray gardens would always catch my attention. I would wonder how people <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/338048/terrace-garden-tips-by-hyderabad-woman-grows-organic-vegetables-at-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grow plants </a>in small trays, from where they get colourful pebbles and props, and how they create these miniature staircases and huts. Those people were so proud of themselves that they never let me touch them. I was a distant admirer,” she says.</p> <p>Sharda promised herself to create her own miniature gardens when her kids grow up. About three to four years ago, after her children left home for higher studies and jobs, she had all the time for herself. She missed her children and unleashed her thoughts and loneliness into creative tray gardens.</p> <p>“I made a tray garden where I showed how my kids are now oceans apart from me. I missed their presence, especially during festivals. I also miss my life back in the village, how villagers celebrated festivals back then. Some people express their emotions through painting and poetry, I showcase it in my tray gardens,” she adds.</p> <p>Last Republic Day, she created a miniature tray garden on the theme, ‘<em>Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan</em>’ (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer) in honour of the farmer’s contribution to the nation. “I designed tricolour in an oval-shaped tray and placed small grass and green plants on one side and white and saffron-coloured plants on the other. I also placed a small farmer. I was inspired to create this tray garden in honour of my father, who was a farmer and a freedom fighter,” she says with pride.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cn11YUXNXRm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cn11YUXNXRm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cn11YUXNXRm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sharda (@shardaaaaaaaa)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-create-your-own-mini-tray-garden">How to create your own mini tray garden?</h2> <p>Sharda says anyone can make such miniature tray gardens in small spaces. “In Delhi-NCR, people do not have sufficient space to pursue gardening but miniature tray gardens can allow you to showcase your creativity even in small spaces,” she adds.</p> <p><strong>She shares five tips and techniques to create miniature tray gardens at home:</strong></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mini-tray-gardens-1-1716437248.jpg" alt="Sharda owns at least 70 visually appealing and intricately designed miniature gardens on various themes." class="wp-image-350855" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mini-tray-gardens-1-1716437248.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mini-tray-gardens-1-1716437248-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mini-tray-gardens-1-1716437248-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mini-tray-gardens-1-1716437248-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mini-tray-gardens-1-1716437248-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sharda owns at least 70 visually appealing and intricately designed miniature gardens on various themes.</figcaption></figure></div> <ol> <li>Draw a rough sketch of the theme of your garden in mind and select a suitable tray based on its size, shape, and material like mud and ceramic.</li> <li>Fill the tray with potting mix to create a base for your garden. Mix 50 percent of fertile soil with 15 percent cow dung, 15 percent cocopeat, and 10 percent perlite and bone meal each.</li> <li>Plant small and dwarf varieties of plants like succulents, snake plants, syngonium, jade and spider plants. Water it and press the soil from above to let it settle. It takes roughly an hour to settle the soil in summer.</li> <li>Later on, build your pathways, huts, or other structures. Decorate your garden with colourful pebbles, hedges, bells, dolls, and other decorative items.</li> <li>Water the tray using a spray bottle, carefully. You can also spray liquid compost using kitchen waste like banana, garlic, ginger, and onion peels to fertilise soil and prevent the plant from fungal attacks.<br><br>To make the compost, collect peels in a bucket and add some water to it. After two to three days, strain the contents and mix it with clean water in a ratio of 1:2. Spray this fertiliser on all tray gardens every two to three days.</li> </ol> <p>Sharda says it takes her roughly 20 minutes to decorate the tray garden. “Whenever I get bored, I recreate these tray gardens using the same plants and props. Just like kids play with their miniature dollhouses, I have my tray gardens. My friends say I have gone back to my childhood days,” she laughs.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat. All photos: Sharda Godara.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350852";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:55;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:90:"Meet The ‘Eco Village Lady’ of India Who Uses Solar Energy to Power Villages in Ladakh";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:114:"https://thebetterindia.com/350850/ladakh-eco-villages-neha-upadhyay-guna-organics-empowering-women-farmers-floods/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Mon, 27 May 2024 08:28:06 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"Changemakers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"eco village";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"eco village ladakh";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:23:"solar power initiatives";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"sustainability";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"women empowerment";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350850";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:174:"Neha Upadhyay empowers farmers, especially women, by introducing solar drying and eco-friendly practices in Ladakh through her initiative, Guna Organics. Here's how it works.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Krystelle Dsouza";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:30405:" <p>To create a revolution, one has to step outside one’s comfort zone. This became clear to Delhi’s Neha Upadhyaya right at the outset of her quest to transform the rural hinterland of India, with a special focus on Ladakhi villages. </p> <p>It is now a decade since that bold decision, and Upadhyaya couldn’t be prouder of the ripple effect her efforts created — impacting more than 3,000 women through her platform Guna Organics and also playing a role in eight rural nooks being <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/335875/goa-stay-lawyer-panta-ferrao-built-khaama-kethna-eco-village-jungle-retreat-tree-house-cottage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">branded as ecovillages</a>. Her venture Guna Organics under Vishwadeep Trust integrates organic practices and solar technology in farming. </p> <p>Upadhyaya’s journey has been fraught with obstacles and wins, the former often being precursors to the latter, she points out. Take for instance the time she was forced to relieve herself near an animal shed in Tukla village. </p> <p>Women’s sanitation woes became evident to her and she began advocating for public toilets. Today, the set of public toilets for women that stand in the Tukla and Urbis villages is the result of months of effort. </p> <p>While the villagers of Ladakh know her as the woman who has fought the authorities on their behalf, Upadhyaya says she is simply a changemaker. She calls herself a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/336971/course-in-social-impact-for-changemakers-sp-jain-institute-post-graduate-programme-in-development-management/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social entrepreneur </a>who set out to reduce the chasm between Indian metropolitans and their rural counterparts — a feat that seemed impossible in 2014 when she started. </p> <p>She recalls another incident where she came face to face with the difficulties the locals of Ladakh faced. </p> <p>“I was shocked to learn that the villagers walked 35 km for a litre of oil. Imagine walking for five hours for a single litre!” Appalled, she began approaching the authorities for an oil extraction machine, and within months the villagers’ woes were eased. </p> <p>When the ask was delivered, their smiles were all the validation she looked for. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-1-1716442986.jpg" alt="The solar dryers are a step towards encouraging the farmers of Ladakh to sell the preserved fruits" class="wp-image-350872" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-1-1716442986.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-1-1716442986-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-1-1716442986-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-1-1716442986-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-1-1716442986-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The solar dryers are a step towards encouraging the farmers of Ladakh to sell the preserved fruits, Picture source: Vishwadeep Trust</figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devastation-a-motivator-nbsp">Devastation — a motivator </h2> <p>Upadhyaya recalls the 2010 floods in Ladakh as the experience that compelled her to return to India from the UK where she was working. On 6 August 2010, what seemed to be <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/296593/bengaluru-floods-zenrainman-s-vishwanath-expert-shares-water-logging-solutions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a case of bad weather</a>, raised alarms when the water level crossed 14 inches in two hours in Ladakh leading to panic and destruction. </p> <p>Termed ‘an extreme geological event’, several farms, fields, animals and homes were washed away, leaving behind an impoverished region. </p> <p>In the days that followed, Upadhyaya and her sister Shree Upadhyaya were flooded with requests for money, food, medicines and aid. And they were more than happy to help. Their charitable act extended well beyond their stay in the region. </p> <p>But while it was good work, she wondered if it was <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/331903/hyderabad-sustainable-brand-ex-techies-quit-jobs-eco-friendly-living-organic-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable</a>. “I didn’t want to leave the people of Ladakh at the mercy of the government,” she says, adding that she couldn’t keep doling out money either. </p> <p>To this end, in 2014, Guna Organics became her way of formalising the support she wanted to extend to the people of Ladakh. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cy3OEOxyX4r/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cy3OEOxyX4r/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Guna (@guna.organics)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-space-where-green-initiatives-sprout-nbsp">A space where green initiatives sprout </h2> <p>While the floods of Ladakh had fuelled Upadhyaya’s decision to help the rural folk, it was a statistic that helped her fine-tune the diaspora she wanted to focus on. </p> <p>“A woman farmer spends 3,485 hours in a year on one hectare of farmland. A male farmer works for 1,212 hours on land the same size and a pair of farm animals clock in 864 hours.” </p> <p>The drudgery of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/258354/maharashtra-marathwada-organic-farming-one-acre-model-women-farmers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">women farmers</a> is evident. “In addition to this, they have to attend to their families, cook, and please their in-laws. The list is endless,” Upadhyaya argues. </p> <p>She then goes on to draw parallels between the plight of these female farmers and women entrepreneurs in India, where she says “only 3 percent out of 14 percent women entrepreneurs are funded out of which 1 percent sustain.” </p> <p>The system’s fragility became apparent to Upadhyaya. </p> <p>One small step in the right direction is all that is needed for change to follow. A firm believer in this, she decided to get the women farmers of Ladakh to transition to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/332094/rajasthan-rubi-pareek-doubles-profit-with-organic-farming-gives-free-training/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic farming practices</a>, explaining the perils of chemicals to them. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-2-1716442594.jpg" alt="Neha Upadhyaya has dedicated the last decade to helping the women framers of Ladakh through her initiative Guna Organics," class="wp-image-350868" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-2-1716442594.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-2-1716442594-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-2-1716442594-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-2-1716442594-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-2-1716442594-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Neha Upadhyaya has dedicated the last decade to helping the women framers of Ladakh through her initiative Guna Organics, Picture source: Vishwadeep Trust</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-3-1716442713.jpg" alt="The paper bag distribution drive that was conducted by Neha and her team, " class="wp-image-350869" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-3-1716442713.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-3-1716442713-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-3-1716442713-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-3-1716442713-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-3-1716442713-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The paper bag distribution drive that was conducted by Upadhyaya and her team, Picture source: Vishwadeep Trust</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Naturally, this was met with scepticism. “The farmers were scared. They felt there was a negative attitude towards organic farming, and that the pesticide lobby was very strong.” </p> <p>The same reluctance cropped up when Upadhyaya wanted to introduce a solar dryer in the villages through her initiative. But she was met with queries like would it work, how would the fruits look and taste after they were sundried? Would there be customers for these dried fruits? </p> <p>The questions were many. In time, the farmers finally saw an<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/282854/maharashtra-family-solar-drying-machine-food-processing-chikoo-increases-sales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> opportunity in the solar dried fruits</a> and Upadhyaya was relieved. </p> <p>The slew of awards — the Social Impact India Award (2017) by the British Council and Entrepreneur Excellence Award by I.I.T. Delhi (2017), Earthday Network Star (2020) among others — that colour her journey is great, she admits. But they cannot be compensation for the drudgery that women farmers go through on a daily basis. “Help them instead,” she adds. </p> <p>This is where Guna Organics steps in. </p> <p>Upadhyaya says, “We have introduced certified organic and organic solar-dried products into the mainstream market, enhanced livelihoods by 33 percent and reversed migration from 27 to 75 households.” </p> <p>“We even conducted the Beat Plastic Pollution campaign, provided green training and <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/297056/maharashtra-farmer-trains-women-in-organic-farming-online-facebook-community/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skill-based training </a>to corporates, schools, factories, farmer producer groups, and exporters helping them achieve sustainable development goals,” she adds. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-4-1716442844.jpg" alt="The oximeter distribution was done by Neha during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure access to healthcare in remote Ladakh, " class="wp-image-350870" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-4-1716442844.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-4-1716442844-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-4-1716442844-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-4-1716442844-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-4-1716442844-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The oximeter distribution was done by Upadhyaya during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure access to healthcare in remote Ladakh, Picture source: Vishwadeep Trust</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-1716443053.jpg" alt="The team of Vishwadeep Trust conducts drives to educate the people of Ladakh against plastic and litter" class="wp-image-350873" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-1716443053.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-1716443053-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-1716443053-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-1716443053-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-1716443053-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The team of Vishwadeep Trust conducts drives to educate the people of Ladakh against plastic and litter, Picture source: Vishwadeep Trust</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Along the way, there have been multiple boosts to her efforts, sometimes in the form of people’s support, and other times in the form of mentorship opportunities. The most significant, she recalls, is being a part of the cohort of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) — a first-of-its-kind, unified access portal incubated by NITI Aayog. </p> <p>The platform brings together women from different parts of India to build a nurturing ecosystem that enables them to realise their entrepreneurial aspirations by providing them with mentorship, access to funding opportunities, personalised guidance and networking opportunities with industry experts. </p> <p>Elaborating on the wealth of experience she gained from WEP’s Unnati program, a collaboration<br>with Microsave Consulting and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), which focuses on supporting women-led enterprises in the green sector, she says, “We were 15 women in green ventures who were a part of this. We are all trying to bring about a change. It is great to be around people who have the same struggle as you.”</p> <p>She adds that there are a host of useful online courses and customised sessions made available for women through WEP and its program partners. She adds, “They have put us in paired each one of us with mentors who help us foster connections with relevant industry experts. The aim is to make us fully ready.” It is associations like these that champion the revolution Upadhyaya is attempting to create. </p> <p>And this lies against the backdrop of the eco-villages she has been instrumental in creating. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-microcosm-of-change-nbsp">A microcosm of change </h2> <p>Defined as “an intentional, traditional or urban community that is <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/333558/best-farm-stays-in-india-with-natural-pool-organic-food-slow-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consciously designed</a> through locally-owned participatory processes in all four dimensions of sustainability (social, culture, ecology and economy) to regenerate social and natural environments”, an eco-village is a challenging concept. </p> <p>But when Upadhyaya set out to give Takmachik village in Ladakh a sustainable makeover, she understood that social, cultural, and ecological systems weren’t the only factors to navigate. The villagers’ mindsets needed a change too. </p> <p>So, along with instilling sustainable measures — renewable energy resources, recycling, plastic alternatives and sanitation drives — she began convincing the villagers to broaden their horizons when it came to farming. </p> <p>“The people of Ladakh were dependent on <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/255790/slug-ladakh-save-crores-village-dah-hanu-valley-apricots-trees-yellow-tail-moth-pest-tsering-stobdan-pest-eradication-organic-india-nor41/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the apricot</a>; rightly so, a major portion of the revenue is generated through its sale,” she says. But a little probing led her to discover that a kilo of apricots was retailing for just Rs 150. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-6-1716443110.jpg" alt="The back belts that Upadhyaya has given the women help ease their struggle" class="wp-image-350874" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-6-1716443110.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-6-1716443110-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-6-1716443110-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-6-1716443110-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-6-1716443110-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The back belts that Upadhyaya has given the women help ease their struggle, Picture source: Vishwadeep Trust </figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-7-1716443197.jpg" alt="The women farmers of Ladakh now have access to oil, water and better policies because of Upadhyaya's advocacy," class="wp-image-350875" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-7-1716443197.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-7-1716443197-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-7-1716443197-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-7-1716443197-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-7-1716443197-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The women farmers of Ladakh now have access to oil, water and better policies because of Upadhyaya’s advocacy, Picture source: Vishwadeep Trust</figcaption></figure></div> <p>And thus began the journey of sun drying, optimising the hygiene quotient and teaching the locals to market the fruit to customers using words like ‘organic’ and ‘solar dried’. Currently, the fruit retails for Rs 465. </p> <p>She also nudged the women farmers to explore other crops, like soybeans and oyster mushrooms. </p> <p>She saw these alternatives as an antidote to the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/205675/india-women-anaemia-iron-deficiency-symptom-causes-treatment-doctor-low-haemoglobin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epidemic of anaemia</a> that grapples the Ladakh region. Through these initiatives, Takmachik became an eco-village.</p> <p>Once the first eco-village of Ladakh was seeing results with its eco-friendly practices, Upadhyaya was flooded with requests to replicate the model in the other villages too. </p> <p>As morning settles in Ladakh, the birds’ banter can be distinctly heard. </p> <p>Upadhyaya is grateful for these ‘better’ days. The horrors of watching entire families and homes being wiped out, not just once in the flash floods of 2010 but in all the others that followed, is a fresh memory. </p> <p>“There have been days I have hugged the villagers, telling them that we would come out of the situation,” she says, adding that <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/274165/top-inspiring-indian-villages-sustainable-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creating the eco-villages</a> is like fulfilling that promise. </p> <p>Today, Upadhyaya’s work is visible in the villages of Takmachik, Urbis, Domkhar Do, Domkhar Burma, Hanu Yokma, Hanu Thang and in Haryana, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-8-1716443294.jpg" alt="Upadhyaya has championed success despite the local mafia and gangs trying to suppress her efforts," class="wp-image-350876" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-8-1716443294.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-8-1716443294-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-8-1716443294-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-8-1716443294-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-8-1716443294-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Upadhyaya has championed success despite the local mafia and gangs trying to suppress her efforts, Picture source: Vishwadeep Trust</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-9-1716443545.jpg" alt="The solar cookers greatly help the women of Ladakh who otherwise struggle with gas supply," class="wp-image-350877" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-9-1716443545.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-9-1716443545-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-9-1716443545-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-9-1716443545-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/guna-organics-9-1716443545-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The solar cookers greatly help the women of Ladakh who otherwise struggle with gas supply, Picture source: Vishwadeep Trust</figcaption></figure></div> <p>But championing rural prosperity has come with a price. Upadhyaya recalls many unwelcome visits from the local mafia trying to thwart her plans, often under the speculation that her efforts had a religious or political intention. </p> <p>But she says her team’s support in the face of this has been unwavering. </p> <p>“Our trainers <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/116789/maharashtra-women-farmers-mentor-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conduct workshops</a> in the local language and have regular monitoring visits where they encourage the farmers to continue organic farming and using solar technology,” she says. </p> <p>Upadhyaya adds that having watched her go to the authorities numerous times to push for government grants and access to water and oil, the villagers trust her. They know she is on their side. “Because they have themselves seen the positive impact, they have been clinging to it,” she explains. </p> <p>Today, as better toilets, improved livelihoods, and sustainable farm practices keep the flag of Ladakh flying high and proud, Upadhaya sees this as a collective win. They say it takes a village. In her case, it took eight. </p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350850";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:56;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:83:"How To Store Fruits & Vegetable Seeds In Summer To Grow Them In Winter? 10 Tips";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:140:"https://thebetterindia.com/350660/how-to-store-seeds-in-summer-sow-in-winter-gardener-anupama-desai-shares-tips-watermelon-cucumber-pumpkin/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Sat, 25 May 2024 06:30:00 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"how to store seeds";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"summer crops";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"urban gardening";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"winter foods";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350660";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:211:"For the past 14 years, Anupama Desai has been growing seasonal vegetables and collecting seeds of the produce grown at home. She shares 10 easy tips to store seeds in summer to be able to sow in the next season.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4339:" <p>Several urban gardeners opt to save seeds as it allows them to cultivate fruits and vegetables of consistent quality in the next season and of course, save money and become self-reliant.</p> <p>Surat-based home gardener Anupama Desai says, “Sometimes it becomes very difficult for us to know the quality, age, or if there is any kind of chemical coating on seeds available in the market. Once purchased, you cannot return them. So it is better to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/346317/assam-organic-farmer-neelam-dutta-conserves-climate-resilient-heirloom-seeds-pabhoi-greens-northeast/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">store seeds </a>from your garden, as there is no compromise on their health.”</p> <p>For the past 14 years, she has been growing seasonal vegetables and has been collecting seeds of most of the produce grown at home. “Believe me, storing seeds at home makes your gardening work very easy. It does not require a lot of effort,” adds the 56-year-old gardener.</p> <p>In conversation with <strong>The Better India</strong>, Anupama shares 10 easy tips to store seeds in summer to be able to sow them in the next season.</p> <ul> <li>You can store seeds of watermelon, muskmelon, <em>galka </em>(sponge gourd), pumpkin, <em>valor papdi </em>(field beans), and <em>kakdi</em> (Armenian cucumber), etc in this season (May-end).</li> <li>Both watermelon and muskmelon are fruit plants and can easily be grown on terraces. After cleaning the seeds, let them dry on tissue paper.</li> <li>Let the vegetables like cucumber, ridge gourd, bottle gourd, okra, and different types of beans dry on the plant instead of plucking them.</li> </ul> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Anupama-Desai-1-1716297393.jpg" alt="After scooping out seeds, keep them in a clean and airtight plastic or glass container." class="wp-image-350675" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Anupama-Desai-1-1716297393.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Anupama-Desai-1-1716297393-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Anupama-Desai-1-1716297393-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Anupama-Desai-1-1716297393-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Anupama-Desai-1-1716297393-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">After scooping out seeds, keep them in a clean and airtight plastic or glass container.</figcaption></figure></div> <ul> <li>Wait until vegetables dry up and change their colour to brown. You can scoop out the seeds at that stage.</li> <li>Avoid storing seeds from the vegetables bought in the market as farmers harvest pre-mature produce. “Even if you want to store seeds from the market vegetables, make sure that the vegetables are completely ripened. For instance, a ripened <em>karela</em> (bitter gourd) is red in colour and its seed can be used to store.”</li> <li>After scooping out seeds, keep them in a clean and airtight plastic or glass container.</li> <li>Store seeds in the refrigerator at a constant temperature. Do not deep freeze them. You can also store them in a <em>matka</em> (earthen pot) as well.</li> <li>Add <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/348771/grow-organic-food-doctor-naveen-kumar-farming-workshop-chennai-vegetables-fruits-at-home-gardening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">charcoal powder </a>inside the container to protect seeds from insect attacks.</li> <li>You can store seeds for a year. “There is a particular age till the seeds are fertile, similar to human beings. After a year, its gene will become weak and lead to low fruiting or no plant growth at all,” she says.</li> <li>In the case of watermelon and muskmelon, sow the stored seeds in the first week of December to get fruits in March. Sow other summer crops like <em>kakdi</em> in winter. Vegetables like <em>karela </em>can be harvested during May and sown 45 days prior to monsoon to get fruiting.</li> </ul> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat. All photos: Anupama Desai.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350660";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:57;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:94:"How To Start a Cloud Kitchen in India? Owners Share Lessons on Licensing, Marketing & More";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:124:"https://thebetterindia.com/351113/how-to-start-a-cloud-kitchen-licensing-marketing-owners-raji-sakthi-naaz-anjum-share-tips/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 24 May 2024 13:52:04 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4:"Food";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Cloud Kitchen";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"food business";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"Swiggy delivery";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"women entrepreneur";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"Zomato";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351113";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:132:"Raji Sakthi and Naaz Anjum, successful cloud kitchen owners from Kerala and Telangana, share insights on how to run a food business.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6226:" <p>You know how our mothers have that one star dish everyone loves, and we always talk about how it would be a hit if we started a food business? Well, I believe all those star dishes and amazing cooks deserve recognition.</p> <p>If you don’t have the resources to start a full eatery, you can still cook from the comfort of your kitchen by starting a cloud kitchen. Unlike traditional restaurants,<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/336467/hyderabad-biryani-cloud-kitchen-business-woman-entrepreneur-naaz-anjum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> cloud kitchens</a> — also known as ghost kitchens or virtual kitchens — operate without a dine-in facility, focusing solely on fulfilling online orders.</p> <p>If you are planning to start a cloud kitchen but are unsure where to start, we are here to do the heavy lifting for you. <strong>The Better India</strong> spoke to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/349127/woman-startup-bakery-cakelicious-cake-tubs-in-kolkata-fatema-barodawala-single-mother-business-shark-tank/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two women cloud kitchen </a>owners to understand the ins and outs of the business.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-have-faith-and-self-belief">1. Have faith and self-belief</h2> <p>Faith and self-belief are essential for starting any business. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, Raji Sakthi from Kerala, like many others, did not lose hope. With strong support from her husband and children, she secured a gold loan and embarked on her cloud kitchen journey.</p> <p>She started her venture under the name ‘From the Kitchen — Homely Foods’ and never looked back. She now gets at least 100 orders per week!</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-start-with-small-investments">2. Start with small investments</h2> <p>According to Raji, in the beginning, smaller investments translate to smaller risks. Coming from a humble background, she points out, “Invest a minimal amount in the sector. Always keep these two points in mind — it’s a small homegrown business, so it takes time to see better results, and never expect to make a profit in a month or two.”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-know-your-market-and-consumers-nbsp">3. Know your market and consumers </h2> <p>Conduct market research, analyse competitors, and gather feedback to alter your menu items.</p> <p>She says, “When pricing for a cloud kitchen, consider factors such as ingredient costs, labour, overhead expenses, market demand, and perceived value. It’s crucial to strike a balance between profitability and affordability while ensuring the quality of your offerings.”</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/parvej-khan-2-1716558045.jpg" alt="Raji advises to invest small amount to avoid losses when setting up a cloud kitchen in India. " class="wp-image-351118" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/parvej-khan-2-1716558045.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/parvej-khan-2-1716558045-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/parvej-khan-2-1716558045-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/parvej-khan-2-1716558045-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/parvej-khan-2-1716558045-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Raji advises investing a small amount to avoid losses when setting up a cloud kitchen in India. </figcaption></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-create-an-innovative-menu">4. Create an innovative menu</h2> <p>Hyderabad resident Naaz Anjum<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/340041/entrepreneur-save-family-business-harshit-tanay-agrawal-pistabarfi-cloud-kitchen-janta-dairy-sweets-mumbai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> who started a cloud kitchen</a> ‘Anjum’s Kitchen’ says that innovating her menu has been great for her business. While she was known and loved for her delicious homemade <em>biryanis</em>, she realised people might look for something more.</p> <p>So she started making<em> ‘iftar platter for one’,</em> which includes <em>haleem</em>, <em>dahi wada</em>, fruits, and dates to attract more customers. “Introducing seasonal items like <em>panjiri ke ladoo</em>, and <em>gond ke laddoo</em> during winter can be good for attracting new customers,” she says.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-spread-the-word">5. Spread the word</h2> <p>Since the business is small-scale, affording a marketing strategy might be difficult.</p> <p>Raji suggests, “While food delivery apps like Swiggy and Zomato can help you tap into a wider audience, it is important to take some more steps. For a cloud kitchen, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google My Business are essential for reaching potential customers. Always ask customers to review your food and take that feedback into consideration.”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-treat-the-customer-as-the-king">6. Treat the customer as the king</h2> <p>Raji shares that one of the biggest challenges in the cloud kitchen business is establishing brand visibility and attracting customers without a physical storefront.</p> <p>“Overcoming this involves investing in a strong online presence, leveraging social media, partnering with food delivery platforms, and offering promotions to incentivise first-time orders. Maintain consistency and on-time delivery for a better customer response,” she says.</p> <p>To operate a cloud kitchen in India, you need an FSSAI Food Safety And Standards Authority License, GST Registration, Health Licence, Fire and Safety License, and a Trade License. You can read more about the documents needed for applying for these licenses <a href="https://bingage.com/blog/licences-required-to-start-a-cloud-kitchen-in-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>.</p> <p><em>(Edited by Pranita Bhat; All images credit: Raji and Anjum)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"351113";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:58;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:83:"Farmer’s Son Designs Solar Weed Killer To Ease Backbreaking Manual Work on Fields";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:115:"https://thebetterindia.com/350588/solar-weed-killing-machine-for-farms-ramdhan-lodha-rajasthan-teenager-innovation/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 24 May 2024 13:07:51 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"farmer innovations";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"help farmers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"ramdhan lodha";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"science competition";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"solar weed killer";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350588";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:183:"There are four critical farming operations -- weeding, drilling seeds, spraying fertiliser and laying manure -- all taken care of by 18-year-old Ramdhan Lodha's solar powered machine.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8935:" <p>Ramdhan Lodha grew up amidst the sunny fields of Jhalawar in Rajasthan. The 18-year-old was acutely aware of the challenges faced by farmers as he saw his parents toil in the fields for a meagre income. </p> <p>As a young boy, a keen interest in science led Ramdhan to spend most of his time tinkering with machines and experiments. He participated in every <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/343321/rahul-arepaka-harvested-robotics-hyderabad-ai-startup-laser-weeder-robot-help-farmers-earn-more/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">science competition</a> announced at the school with the mindset of creating something new. While the innovations were small in the beginning, a problem he observed at home left him with a burning desire to solve it. </p> <p>He saw his father, Rajaram Lodha, spending hours at the field, lugging around a heavy spray pump on his shoulder to spray fertilisers on the crops. With age, this task became increasingly difficult and tedious for his father. Continuous usage also caused injuries on his shoulder, which pained young Ramdhan.</p> <p>The young innovator decided to solve this problem for his father by building a machine that would spray fertiliser and uproot weeds at the same time. While the idea was great, funding was a challenge as Ramdhan didn’t want to burden his parents.</p> <p>Starting almost three years ago, he participated in competitions to earn the money for his innovation. With the prize money received, he has successfully built a solar-powered weed killing machine today, which is a multifaceted agricultural tool that significantly reduces the physical strain on farmers and is eco-friendly. </p> <p>Besides this achievement, he recently received Rs 1 lakh as prize money at the Indian Silicon Valley challenge, a nationwide competition hosted by the Scaler school of technology.</p> <p>Here’s how Ramdhan built this innovation:</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-ray-of-hope-for-small-farmers">A ray of hope for small farmers</h2> <p>Ramdhan, who recently passed Class 12, had a keen eye on solving agricultural problems through science and technology. He saw the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/343321/rahul-arepaka-harvested-robotics-hyderabad-ai-startup-laser-weeder-robot-help-farmers-earn-more/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hardships faced by the farmers</a> in Jhalawar – where a majority of them own less than five acres of land. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1718" height="870" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/ramdhan-min-1716265712.jpg" alt="Ramdhan's machine can perform four critical farming operations - cleaning weeds, drilling seeds, spraying fertiliser and laying manure. " class="wp-image-350597" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/ramdhan-min-1716265712.jpg 1718w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/ramdhan-min-1716265712-300x152.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/ramdhan-min-1716265712-500x253.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/ramdhan-min-1716265712-768x389.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/ramdhan-min-1716265712-1536x778.jpg 1536w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/ramdhan-min-1716265712-150x76.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1718px) 100vw, 1718px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ramdhan’s machine can perform four critical farming operations – cleaning weeds, drilling seeds, spraying fertiliser and laying manure. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>Right from weed removal to spraying fertilisers, these farmers had two options, rent expensive machines that save time, or hire labourers to do the work causing a significant dent in their already low income.</p> <p>As the teenager looked for solutions, he remembered seeing his grandfather using a manual machine to remove weeds.</p> <p>Could he modify it by making it electric and add multiple options using technology?</p> <p>“Most of the farmers around me, including my father, used to rent tractors and other machines to sow seeds and remove weeds. The other option was to hire labourers for 10-12 days. Both options caused a lot of expense to farmers,” shares Ramdhan with <strong>The Better India.</strong> </p> <p>At the age of 15, he sketched the first prototype of this machine and submitted the entry at the government’s INSPIRE Award – MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge). He won the award and received a prize money of Rs 10,000, which he used to build his first prototype.</p> <p>“I wanted to build a machine that would do multiple tasks. I wanted to prevent farmers from lugging around 10 litre spray pumps on their shoulders, which you have to refill from time to time,” he adds.</p> <p>He took his sketch, some old cycles and went to a welder who helped him make the machine. His first prototype was a machine which could sow seeds and spray pesticides. Ramdhan laughs as he shares that his machine is a product of <em>jugaad</em> (hack). </p> <p>Testing the machine was easy as his father became the guinea pig. Seeing the practicality of it, farmers from nearby also borrowed it, validating the teenager’s efforts.</p> <p>“The <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/313817/mangaluru-farmer-innovation-tree-scooter-helps-farmers-cut-cost-harvest-areca-palms-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farmers liked it</a> and even though they had to manually push it, it was better than renting machines. I wanted to improve it further as I saw that it was helping them practically,” he shares.</p> <p>Subsequent prize money won at national science fairs helped Ramdhan add a motor, batteries and solar panel, making it electric. Started when he was in Class 10, he had made his final and third prototype by the time he was in Class 12. The entire machine was built at a cost of Rs 30,000.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-machine-works">How the machine works</h2> <p>The machine is in essence, a modified cycle, with a battery, solar panel, spray pumps on both sides and a weed remover in the front. </p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Farmer’s son invents a Solar powered Weed Killing Machine #svc" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1lhwATLxZKM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>The multi-tasking machine can perform four critical farming operations – cleaning weeds, drilling seeds, spraying fertiliser and laying manure. It works on both solar power and has a battery, for cloudy days. </p> <p>It can be customised for length and folded for easy transportation. The design incorporates easily adjustable parts and attachments that mimic the functionality of larger, more expensive farming machinery, making it an ideal solution for small-scale farmers.</p> <p>“It can do all these different tasks at the same time, saving time and energy. You can remove weeds and spray fertilisers at the same time. It eliminates the need for picking up heavy spray tanks and hiring labourers,” adds Ramdhan. </p> <p>It also comes with a bulb for farmers who wish to work at night and has a charger for the battery. </p> <p>Ramdhan’s father beams with pride as he speaks about his <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/336695/innovations-by-farmers-indian-agriculture-solar-dryer-biofertiliser-tree-scooter-organic-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">son’s innovation</a>. </p> <p>“It made life so much easier for me. All manual tasks which would take time can now be done at a press of a button,” he shares. </p> <p>The latest prize money at the Indian Silicon Valley Challenge is a shot in the arm for Ramdhan, as he aims to get his machine market ready.</p> <p>Even as most people in his village aim for a government job, Ramdhan is firm on becoming an entrepreneur and making his practical and cost-effective machine available to small-scale farmers across the country. </p> <p>With his family’s support clearly behind him, Ramdhan continues to refine his invention and dreams of wider adoption across farms in India.</p> <p>“I want to make the lives of small farmers across the country less laborious and more profitable,” he concludes. </p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande, Images Courtesy Ramdhan Lodha</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350588";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:59;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:81:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:57:"Top 8 Riverside Homestays in India To Escape The Heatwave";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:101:"https://thebetterindia.com/350998/riverside-homestays-summer-vacation-heatwave-himachal-palighar-goa/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 24 May 2024 11:56:13 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:9:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"Travel";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"2024 summer";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"2024 travel list";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"heatwave in India";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"homestays";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"homestays in india";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"riverside homestay";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"summer vacation";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:8;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Summer vacations";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350998";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:270:"You can escape the heatwave with these eight idyllic riverside homestays, perfect for a cool summer retreat amidst nature. From Raison D’etre in Himachal Pradesh and Palighar in Kalimpong, to Olaulim Backyards in Goa — each homestay offers a rejuvenating experience.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:51928:" <p>Is the heatwave making you miserable? Craving a cool escape? We’ve got the perfect remedy — eight idyllic riverside homestays nestled amidst nature, waiting to whisk you away from the city’s burning grip.</p> <p>Picture this: Waking up to the gentle gurgling of a nearby river, throwing open your window to greet the crisp morning mist, spending your days basking on shaded balconies overlooking a sparkling river, the sound of flowing water a constant companion.</p> <p>Forget the AC battles and the endless thirst — pack your bags and head for serenity by the riverside with <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <p>Is the heatwave making you miserable? Craving a cool escape? We’ve got the perfect remedy — eight idyllic riverside <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/346358/best-homestays-in-western-ghats-for-a-summer-getaway-goa-panchgani-list-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homestays nestled amidst nature</a>, waiting to whisk you away from the city’s burning grip.</p> <p>Picture this: Waking up to the gentle gurgling of a nearby river, throwing open your window to greet the crisp morning mist, spending your days basking on shaded balconies overlooking a sparkling river, the sound of flowing water a constant companion.</p> <p>Forget the AC battles and the endless thirst — pack your bags and head for serenity by the riverside with <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-raison-d-etre-homestay">1. Raison D’etre Homestay</h2> <p>In the charming village of Manali in Himachal Pradesh, Raison D’etre homestay beckons you for a genuine Himalayan escape. Created by Shalini and Nitin Beri, this eco-friendly haven prioritises sustainability, offering a chance to reconnect with nature without sacrificing comfort.</p> <p>Imagine waking up to the gentle murmur of the Beas river flowing right beside the property. Step out onto your balcony and lose yourself in the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/346785/raison-detre-homestay-in-kullu-manali-near-beas-river-natural-spring-nitin-shalini-beri-sustainable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breathtaking panorama of the Himalayas</a>. Raison D’etre boasts stunning views that will leave you speechless.</p> <p>Playing a good host, Shalini prepares delicious meals using fresh, local ingredients. Think farm-to-table goodness, with some dishes featuring vegetables grown right on the property. Traditional delicacies like <em>siddu</em> are also on the menu, offering a taste of the local culture.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6sXPZ-Svkr/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6sXPZ-Svkr/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6sXPZ-Svkr/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Raison D'être | Riverfront Homestay (@raisondetremanali)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Book your stay <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.in/rooms/44398102?source_impression_id=p3_1715857489_0toAYtU8awfFiqwY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-palighar-homestay">2. Palighar Homestay</h2> <p>Nestled in Kalimpong, Palighar Homestay beckons with the sounds of nature — chirping crickets, dappled sunlight, and gentle moos. Run by childhood friends and partners who returned to their roots — Ahana and Kabir — Palighar offers a taste of authentic life. Built using traditional mud and bamboo techniques, the homestay prioritises sustainability with composting, minimal plastic use, and natural cooling mud walls.</p> <p>Spread across 3.5 acres of working farmland, Palighar caters to nature lovers. Enjoy guided walks, learn about terrace farming, have a picnic by the<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/349510/kalimpong-homestay-vacation-palighar-ahana-kabir-gurung-duo-terrace-gardening-composting-activity-treks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Relli river near the homestay,</a> or simply relax with the diverse birdlife for company.</p> <p>Foodies can join traditional cooking classes using farm-fresh ingredients for a true farm-to-table experience.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1oxy8hp9BP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1oxy8hp9BP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1oxy8hp9BP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by PaliGhar – Himalayan Farmstay (@palighar)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Book your stay <a href="http://www.palighar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-olaulim-backyards">3. Olaulim Backyards</h2> <p>Nestled between Mandovi backwaters in Goa and a river bank, this luxury homestay is the true definition of serenity. While most of the tourists rush to the beaches and parties, the homestay shows the other side of Goa.</p> <p>The guest can stay in any of their five cottages, unique in size and decor, situated in different levels of foliage in the backyard. They also have a pool overlooking the river offering an uninterrupted view of green fields along the river bank. A perfect place to be outdoors, guests can enjoy canoeing/kayaking, nature walks, bird watching, fishing and cycling.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CbUEdM1K3c1/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CbUEdM1K3c1/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CbUEdM1K3c1/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Olaulim Backyards (@olaulimbackyards)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Book your stay <a href="https://www.olaulimgoa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-arco-iris-boutique-homestay">4. Arco Iris Boutique Homestay</h2> <p>Immerse yourself in the charm of another Goan homestay nestled amidst a sprawling 1.5-acre property in Curtorim. This restored colonial Portuguese manor boasts over 200 years of history, showcasing classic architectural features like a high plinth, imposing columns, and high ceilings that ensure natural ventilation throughout the year.</p> <p>The property overlooks a seasonal lake and sits in close proximity to the Zuari river, offering a tranquil escape amidst natural beauty. The name ‘Arco Iris’, meaning ‘rainbow’ in Portuguese, perfectly reflects the spirit of the homestay. Each of its five spacious rooms is decorated in a different vibrant colour, creating a truly unique and colourful haven for your <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/338327/eco-village-khaama-kethna-in-goa-forests-run-by-lawyer-panta-ferrao/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goan getaway.</a></p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPF6vMbp-Jh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPF6vMbp-Jh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPF6vMbp-Jh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Arco Iris Boutique Homestay (@arcoirishomestay)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Book your stay <a href="https://www.instagram.com/arcoirishomestay/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-comfy-cottage-shnongpdeng">5. Comfy Cottage Shnongpdeng</h2> <p>A cosy cottage homestay located a short drive from Dawki in Meghalaya, you will need to cross a suspension bridge surrounded by beautiful views to reach the homestay. Sitting beside the crystal clear Umngot River, the homestay is a paradise for nature lovers.</p> <p>You can enjoy traditional meals sitting on the terrace and enjoying the view of the majestic river. You can also engage in water adventure sports — such as snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing. If you want to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, you can go for long forest walks and bird-watching walks.</p> <p>You can book your stay <a href="https://www.homestaysofindia.com/second_home/meghalaya-dawki-shnongpdeng-comfy-cottage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-shades-of-spring-riverside-homestay">6. Shades of Spring Riverside Homestay</h2> <p>Located in Pahalgam in Kashmir, the homestay is surrounded by mountains on both sides with the Lidder river flowing right next to it. Only a five-minute walking distance from Pahalgam Golf Course, the place has five rooms — all overlooking the river.</p> <p>The place has a traditional fireplace to keep the homestay warm on cold winter nights. You can enjoy authentic Kashmiri <em>wazwan (a multi-course Kashmiri meal)</em>, butter tea, and <em>kahwa (Kashmiri green tea made with whole spices, nuts and saffron) </em>served at the homestay. There are activities such as bird watching, star gazing, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/301453/two-friends-built-tree-houses-mud-bungalows-pugdundee-jungle-safaris-forests-of-madhya-pradesh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">village walk, forest walk, </a>fishing and hiking that you can indulge in too.</p> <p>Book your stay <a href="https://www.homestaysofindia.com/kashmir-pahalgam-shades-of-spring-homestay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-aashraya-homestays">7. Aashraya Homestays</h2> <p>Imagine a haven of tranquillity nestled deep within the hills of Uttarakhand. Aashraya, a 20-minute hike from the main road, offers a breathtaking reward upon arrival. Waking up to the gentle breeze and the mighty Ganges River flowing just outside your window is pure bliss.</p> <p>Host Depi Chaudhry along with his daughter have lovingly built four cottages, few named after the sacred rivers — Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Ganga, and a cottage for couples known as Lover’s Pond. Guests can explore the nearby waterfall with a 10-minute trek, embark on a half-day adventure to Shimalu, or plan a longer trek to Amola village.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqkG6MJPZxG/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqkG6MJPZxG/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqkG6MJPZxG/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Hushstays | Vacation Homes (@hushstays)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Book your stay <a href="https://www.hushstays.com/aashraya-rishikesh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-firefly-by-the-river">8. Firefly by The River</h2> <p>Nestled in the quiet village of Madalapura, Coorg, Karnataka, lies Firefly by the River. This haven is built with love by Nina and Captain Prio Chaubey. Sitting on the banks of the Harangi, a tributary of the Kaveri river, this riverside retreat started as a simple two-bedroom cottage — a weekend escape for the couple and their loved ones.</p> <p>Forget TVs, here, picturesque views from private sit-outs and hammocks strung along the riverside entice you to relax and reconnect with nature. The place offers various activities — such as bird watching, golfing, trekking, plantation tours, and cooking classes.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU7Dirjlo8s/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU7Dirjlo8s/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU7Dirjlo8s/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by fireflyhomestays (@fireflyhomestays)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Book your stay <a href="http://fireflyhomestays.com/contact.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">here</a>.</p> <p>So, which of these homestays is inviting you to visit this summer?</p> <p><em>(Edited by Pranita Bhat)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350998";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:60;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:89:"Built Using 126 Types of Marble, This Palace Has Cultural Artefacts From Around the World";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:116:"https://thebetterindia.com/350504/marble-palace-kolkata-museum-tour-first-private-zoo-raja-rajendra-mullick-history/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 24 May 2024 11:52:02 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"History";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"Indian architecture";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Indian culture";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Indian monuments";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"kolkata travel";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:21:"marble palace kolkata";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350504";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:231:"The Marble Palace in Kolkata is a 19th-century neoclassical mansion built by Raja Rajendra Mullick, featuring a blend of architectural styles and a rich collection of art and artefacts. It is renowned for using 126 types of marble.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Krystelle Dsouza";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16758:" <p>Scores of civilisations came and left the earth, but not without leaving <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/323044/rare-historical-items-from-museologist-collection-india-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">indelible imprints</a> upon it in the form of ingenious constructions.</p> <p>Seven of these made it to a list: ‘Seven Wonders of the Ancient World’ — the protagonists being the Colossus of Rhodes, the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.</p> <p>While only one of them is still standing, earthquakes and fires destroyed the other six. The Mausoleum of Halicarnauss, for instance, was struck down by successive earthquakes between the 11th and 15th century CE.</p> <p>In its heyday, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/297140/women-queens-built-stepwells-india-architecture-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the monument</a> was the tomb of Mausolus, ruler of Caria (a region in present-day Turkey). But neither the devastating remains of stone it left behind nor the clouds of dust could erase the memory of the towering marble beauty that people would once gape at in pure wonder. The mammoth facade blended the ideas of Greek architects Pythius and Satyros, with sculptures flanking its sides.</p> <p>It was beauty personified.</p> <p>A palace on Muktaram Babu Street in North Kolkata (previously Calcutta, the seat of the British Raj), is said to inspire the same reaction. While people have pointed out a resemblance between the Marble Palace, Kolkata, and the monument in Turkey, there isn’t any sound proof whether the latter inspired the former.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-architectural-emblem">An architectural emblem</h2> <p>A mansion that fuses cultures. This moniker aptly describes the Marble Palace; a white beacon of serenity set against a bustling stretch of land dotted with shops and bazaars. With its neoclassical architecture rising to the skies and its manor-like gates opening up a portal into an alternate dimension — a royal one if you will — the palace is one of the best-preserved private spaces in India.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4s4UlKStVk/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4s4UlKStVk/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4s4UlKStVk/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Adrija Ghosal |Kolkata (@adrija.gal)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>The name borrows from the 126 types of marble that went into its making. And if that doesn’t tick the box for sheer ingenuity, the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/335593/padma-shri-jagdish-and-kamla-mittal-museum-of-indian-art-hyderabad-indian-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">host of collections</a> within the museum will. The history of the mansion is coloured and traces back to Raja Rajendra Mullick, a Bengali merchant.</p> <p>Adopted by Nilmani Mullick who was a descendant of businessman Ramakrishna Mullick, Rajendra did not want for anything. In 1878, Lord Lytton, viceroy and governor-general, conferred him with the title ‘Raja Bahadur’. At the tender age of 16, Rajendra began building the Marble Palace, completing it by 1840. Today, the grand avenue is a testament to his love for cultures, artistic prowess, and penchant for collectables.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grandness-has-its-moments">Grandness has its moments</h2> <p>Few are fortunate to be privy to the royal facades and interiors at the Marble Palace. But if you are permitted a private guided tour through the place — possible only by applying through the West Bengal Tourism Information Bureau — prepare to be stunned. The magic lies in the chiselled details. Privacy is prized at this 19th-century home, which explains the stringent rules about having visitors.</p> <p>But a lucky few who have been within its chambers, speak highly of the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/341653/unique-homestay-in-goa-maharashtra-sawantwadi-palace-hotel-run-by-royal-family-sawant-bhonsle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">palace’s testament to preserving culture</a>. If you look long enough at the block of white, you’ll be able to tell the blend of different architectural styles that have gone into its design.</p> <p>The neoclassical style Corinthian columns blended with fretwork verandahs and sloping roofs inspired by Chinese architecture, give way to Victorian furniture inside the home. The roof meanwhile is topped with an ornately carved French pediment. The palatial quarters boast five halls: Reception Hall, Painting Room, Sculpture Room, Billiards Room and <em>Thakur Dalan</em> (place of worship).</p> <p>Each of these rooms bears the nostalgia of the art that Rajendra collected along his travels. He loved dabbling in it; the Bohemian goblets, French Ormulo clocks, swords from Toledo, and Venetian mirrors are proof.</p> <p>When <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/146531/news-world-ethnic-day-15-must-have-ethnic-souvenirs-from-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">souvenirs</a> aren’t delighting your senses, huge oil paintings will. These include Rubens’ ‘The Marriage of St Catherine’, ‘The Infant Hercules Strangling the Serpent’ by Joshua Reynolds, paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Jan Van Goyen, and Giovanni Battista, and sculptures of Venus, Apollo, Homer, and other mythical and real figures.</p> <p>It is said that the palace houses 76 rare artworks brought from Italy and Belgium in 1830, and a two-cornered biocome that is said to have been worn by Napoleon Bonaparte during his military campaigns. The originality is still debated.</p> <p>Your way will be illuminated by the light bouncing off the 19th-century disco balls. The palace is a balance between grandeur and a warm place called ‘home’. But while it is the family’s touch for artefacts that draws visitors to the place, it was once the zoo that made headlines.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Marble Palace is a palatial nineteenth-century mansion in North Kolkata at 46, Muktaram Babu Street. It is one of the best-preserved mansions of nineteenth-century Calcutta. The mansion is famous for its marble walls, floors, and sculptures, from which it derives its name.… <a href="https://t.co/M7cvGln1tn">pic.twitter.com/M7cvGln1tn</a></p>— Rupak Chattopadhyay (@RupakChatto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RupakChatto/status/1712823180560080902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magpies-and-golden-pheasants">Magpies and golden pheasants</h2> <p>In an interview with <em>Telegraph India, </em>Hirendra Mullick — resident and curator of Marble Palace — credited Mullick’s <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=botanist+the+better+india&rlz=1C1YTUH_enIN1048IN1048&oq=botanist+the+better+india&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigAdIBCDQzNzFqMGo0qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">background in botany</a> and ornithology for creating India’s first privately-owned zoo. Called Nilmani Niketan after Rajendra Mullick’s father, the zoo was an attempt to preserve and display herbivores, owing to the family’s vegetarian diet.</p> <p>Rare birds like albino peacocks, hyacinthine macaw, bird of Alexandria, trucan, hawk-headed parakeets, silver and golden pheasants, magpies, hornbills, and mute swans; long-tailed monkeys, spotted deer, barking deer, red-butt baboon, and porcupines thrived here.</p> <p>As Hirendra added, “Everything is preserved to protect the glamour and glory of the tradition, history and ambience of the past. Everything is religiously followed as instructed by the founder.”</p> <p>As the sunlight bathes the sweeping lawns in a yellow glow, the glint bounces off the marble marvel — a symbol of Kolkata’s still-standing royalty.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat</em>.</p> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-sources"><em>Sources </em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-the-past-preserved-in-a-marble-palace-by-saurajit-mazumdar-published-on-31-october-2018"><em><a href="https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/heritage/the-past-preserved-in-a-marble-palace/cid/1673318" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">The past preserved in a Marble Palace</a> by Saurajit Mazumdar, Published on 31 October 2018. </em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-marble-palace-kolkata-the-story-behind-kolkata-s-mansion-of-curiosities-by-conde-nast-traveller-published-on-8-february-2022"><em><a href="https://www.cntraveller.in/story/marble-palace-kolkata-the-story-behind-kolkatas-mansion-of-curiosities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Marble Palace, Kolkata: the story behind Kolkata’s mansion of curiosities</a> by Conde Nast Traveller, Published on 8 February 2022. </em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-the-marble-palace-in-kolkata-speaks-of-the-grandeur-of-the-mullicks-by-saheli-mitra-published-on-3-may-2024"><em><a href="https://www.getbengal.com/details/the-marble-palace-in-kolkata-speaks-of--the-grandeur-of-the-mullicks-getbengal-story" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">The Marble Palace in Kolkata speaks of the grandeur of the Mullicks</a> by Saheli Mitra, Published on 3 May 2024. </em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-the-marble-palace-by-rituparna-pal-published-on-22-may"><em><a href="https://www.museumsofindia.org/museum/11885/the-marble-palace" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">The Marble Palace</a> by Rituparna Pal, Published on 22 May.</em></h5> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350504";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:61;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:78:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:71:"UPSC CSE: IPS Officer’s Guide on Quick & Easy Revision Techniques";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:117:"https://thebetterindia.com/351050/upsc-cse-how-to-make-notes-ips-officer-rishabh-bhola-shares-tips-tricks-techniques/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 24 May 2024 11:41:03 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:8:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Civil Service";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"IPS officer";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"IPS Rishabh Bhola";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"smart revision";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"upsc cse 2024";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"upsc notes";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:21:"UPSC preparation tips";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"upsc strategy";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=351050";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:204:"In his fourth attempt, IPS officer Rishabh Bhola secured an All India Rank of 410 in the UPSC CSE 2021. He shares five tips for effective note-making to help retain and review information during revision.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10165:" <p>The syllabus of UPSC CSE encompasses a wide range of subjects from science, history, and geography to economics, politics, and more. The aspirants are expected to have a thorough knowledge of these subjects, which makes the preparation journey challenging and exhaustive.</p> <p>Considering the vast syllabus, creating <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/web-stories/how-to-make-short-notes-for-upsc-cse-civil-servants-share-handy-tips/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concise notes </a>helps aspirants break down complex concepts into simpler ones, structure ideas and information logically, help candidates grasp huge topics, and create a roadmap for effective revision.</p> <p>However, making notes requires a lot of patience and is a skilful exercise.</p> <p>We sat down with IPS officer Rishabh Bhola to understand how to make notes to retain and review information during the stage of revision and examination.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-the-love-of-the-khaki">For the love of the ‘khaki’</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IPS-Rishabh-Bhola-1-1716526732.jpg" alt="Rishabh secured an All India Rank of 410 in UPSC CSE 2021. " class="wp-image-351052" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IPS-Rishabh-Bhola-1-1716526732.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IPS-Rishabh-Bhola-1-1716526732-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IPS-Rishabh-Bhola-1-1716526732-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IPS-Rishabh-Bhola-1-1716526732-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IPS-Rishabh-Bhola-1-1716526732-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rishabh secured an All India Rank of 410 in UPSC CSE 2021. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>Originally hailing from Patiala, Punjab, Rishabh grew up hearing the unsung heroic tales of freedom fighters — Tama Dora, Bhagat Singh, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhishma Pitamah (supreme commander of the Kauravas in the Mahabharat epic), and the 10 Sikh gurus.</p> <p>“Their stories inculpated in me the feeling of national pride and love for our nation. When I was studying in Class 8, I decided to become a fighter pilot as I was passionate enough to join the defence forces and serve the nation to the fullest,” he says.</p> <p>“I learnt about various military leaders like former chief of the Army staff Sam Manekshaw, field marshal George S Patton, and military officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon. However, that dream shattered and my ambition to touch the sky with glory crash-landed when I got a medical rejection for the Air Force. I got an issue related to my spine, which was not a major one as it’s very common in tall people. However, it caused rejection in the Air Force,” he shares.</p> <p>But this did not deter Rishabh.</p> <p>In 2016, while pursuing computer engineering at the Punjabi University, Patiala, he started preparing for UPSC, which offered him an alternate way to serve the country. “After three unsuccessful attempts, I finally landed from one uniform to another being the IPS,” he says.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IPS-Rishabh-Bhola-4-1716526901.jpg" alt="Rishabh was inspired to serve the nation after hearing the heroic tales of freedom fighters like Tama Dora and Bhagat Singh." class="wp-image-351054" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IPS-Rishabh-Bhola-4-1716526901.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IPS-Rishabh-Bhola-4-1716526901-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IPS-Rishabh-Bhola-4-1716526901-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IPS-Rishabh-Bhola-4-1716526901-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IPS-Rishabh-Bhola-4-1716526901-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rishabh was inspired to serve the nation after hearing the heroic tales of freedom fighters like Tama Dora and Bhagat Singh.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>In his fourth attempt, Rishabh secured an All India Rank of 410 in UPSC CSE 2021. Currently, the 28-year-old is posted at Tarn Taran, Punjab, as an ASP under training.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-five-tips-to-write-notes-for-quick-revision">Five tips to write notes for quick revision</h2> <p>Sharing a few mistakes and learnings during his UPSC preparation journey, he says, “Never ignore smaller things as I did. For instance, I ignored the CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) exam. As a result, I failed the exam for three successive times.”</p> <p>“Also, never be overconfident about your preparation, and don’t go for the vast resources. Remember to follow the previous year’s question papers, which are like the bible of this exam. Do not leave them at any cost. Practise them again and again with original answer keys,” he adds.</p> <p>“Never take studies as a burden, instead be happy that you are learning so many things out of it that you would never have,” he adds.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IPS-Rishabh-Bhola-3-1716526796.jpg" alt="Rishabh believes smart revision is the holy grail for clearing the UPSC examination. " class="wp-image-351053" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IPS-Rishabh-Bhola-3-1716526796.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IPS-Rishabh-Bhola-3-1716526796-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IPS-Rishabh-Bhola-3-1716526796-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IPS-Rishabh-Bhola-3-1716526796-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IPS-Rishabh-Bhola-3-1716526796-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rishabh believes smart revision is the holy grail for clearing the UPSC examination.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Rishabh believes<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/307829/revision-tips-for-upsc-cse-mains-optional-subject-by-ias-officer-akshita-gupta/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> smart revision </a>is the holy grail for clearing the UPSC examination. “One can do a lot of hard work but what we require is smart work of how to present what you have learnt,” he points out.</p> <p>Essentially, this requires aspirants to master note-making, which acts as a condensed version of the extensive syllabus, so that when the examination date draws near, aspirants can refer to their quick reference guide for an efficient revision.</p> <p>The IPS officer shares five ultimate tips and techniques to prepare notes that aspirants can easily refer to during the stage of preparation and examination.</p> <p>1. Firstly, read the book completely. After the first reading, start underlining crucial information to make notes.</p> <p>2. Keep one source for revision and add all your new learnings in the same notes.</p> <p>3. Make the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/225591/upsc-cse-prelims-2020-ias-shashank-topper-notes-general-studies-current-affairs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">notes syllabus-wise </a>and add new points in your notes.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Rishabh-Bhola-1716536976.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-351071" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Rishabh-Bhola-1716536976.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Rishabh-Bhola-1716536976-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Rishabh-Bhola-1716536976-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Rishabh-Bhola-1716536976-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Rishabh-Bhola-1716536976-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p>Talking about the length of the notes per subject, he says, “It’s very subjective. However, for bigger subjects, my notes were around 35 pages, and for smaller subjects around 10 to 12 pages.”</p> <p>4. Collect words that can be fitted in most of the questions. For instance, decentralisation, politicisation, and representation merged with words of the syllabus, like historical, social, geographical, ethical, political, etc.</p> <p>“Make a chart of words that can be used together. For example, social with decentralisation, politicisation, democracy, representation; political with decentralisation, politicisation, democracy, representation; and geographical with decentralisation, politicisation, representation,” he explains.</p> <p>5. Make mind maps like notes covering the 360 degrees of a particular topic – when, where, what, how, its impact, future, challenges, etc.</p> <p>At the end of the conversation, IPS Rishabh also advises aspirants to find wholehearted support from a person for emotional stability.</p> <p>“Find a person in your life who supports you in this journey irrespective of the number of failures and stays with you like a bedrock, cheering you up in all your sorrows. Find that person who encourages you even when you lose confidence in yourself — the one who enjoys making you laugh, making studies fun rather than a burden that you have to complete,” he adds.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat; All photos: Rishabh Bhola (Instagram).</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"351050";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:62;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:75:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:100:"India’s 15-YO Gold Winner of International Robotics Contest & a Student-Teacher Bond Behind It";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:122:"https://thebetterindia.com/350919/dubai-codeavour-ai-robo-city-challenge-robotics-teacher-student-maya-kamat-usha-kumawat/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Thu, 23 May 2024 14:00:56 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:7:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"Innovation";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:22:"children's innovations";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"inspiration";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"robot innovation";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8:"robotics";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"teacher stories";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"tech innovation";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350919";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:240:"Teacher Maya Kamat demonstrated extraordinary dedication to her student Usha Kumawat's success in the Codeavour 5.0 AI Robo City Challenge. Together, they overcome many obstacles to ensure Usha's participation and eventual victory in Dubai.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Krystelle Dsouza";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17397:" <p>How far will a teacher go to guarantee her student’s success?</p> <p>We’ll let teacher Maya Kamat’s endeavours towards her student Usha Kumawat’s robotics competition, answer this.</p> <p>The months of March, April and May this year were a buzz of activity at The Progress High School in Panjim, Goa. Not just the school, but the entire town watched in awe as the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/33200/inspiring-teachers-in-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">teacher showed an exemplary commitment</a> to ensuring that her student reached the international round of the Codeavour 5.0 AI Robo City Challenge — a robotics competition where school students are expected to solve real-world challenges that align with the United Nations SDGs (sustainable development goals).</p> <p>By its very nature, the event challenges conventions, pushing the students to broaden their scope of thinking.</p> <p>It wasn’t just Usha’s performance — she won gold in the senior category — that is inspiring, but also the circumstances amid which she managed the feat. Born into a humble family in Goa — Usha’s father is a tile fitter and her mother is a homemaker — her first foray into the fascinating world of robots started last year when her teacher Maya took the class to a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/343321/rahul-arepaka-harvested-robotics-hyderabad-ai-startup-laser-weeder-robot-help-farmers-earn-more/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robotics</a> camp. She was hooked.</p> <p>So, when the Codeavour 5.0 AI Robo City Challenge was announced in March this year, naturally, she saw it as a perfect opportunity to play to her strengths.</p> <p>And she did.</p> <p>In Dubai, the 15-year-old competed against 60 countries while displaying stellar control skills. Her win put India on the robotics map. The laurels are many but at the heart of them is a young girl’s desire to prove that girls can achieve anything they put their minds to.</p> <p>“So what if we do not play video games? We can still be good at robotics,” she smiles. As her teacher Maya and she break down the details of this journey to success, I must agree it makes for a very vivid story.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition--1716468796.jpg" alt="Usha Kumawat has won gold at the Dubai international round of the Codeavour 5.0 AI Robo City Challenge," class="wp-image-350944" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition--1716468796.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition--1716468796-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition--1716468796-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition--1716468796-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition--1716468796-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Usha Kumawat has won gold at the Dubai international round of the Codeavour 5.0 AI Robo City Challenge, Picture source: Maya </figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-9-1716471918.jpg" alt="Maya Kamat has been a strong support to Usha throughout the journey of the competition," class="wp-image-350985" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-9-1716471918.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-9-1716471918-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-9-1716471918-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-9-1716471918-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-9-1716471918-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Maya Kamat has been a strong support to Usha throughout the journey of the competition, Picture source: Maya</figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-aspiring-innovator">An aspiring innovator</h2> <p>In March, Maya put together a team to compete in the regional round which was to be held in Goa. The team comprised Usha and two of her male classmates. Time was of the essence as the three, led by their teacher, bent their heads over <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/329484/bengaluru-engineer-innovates-artificial-intelligence-powered-robot-sprayers-that-reduce-pesticides-costs-for-farmers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a prototype</a>. Despite oozing confidence in controlling the robot, Usha backed out on the day of the competition, letting her classmate go up on stage instead. “Boys are good at these things,” she had told her teacher at the time — a statement that she disagrees with in retrospect.</p> <p>Her win at the finale shows Usha could have handled the robot just as well as any boy, or even better. While the team managed to scrape through the regional round, they decided to make more calculated decisions at the nationals in Gurugram. “I told Usha to go on stage and handle the controls,” Maya shares.</p> <p>This paid off well and Usha was selected for the international round set to take place in Dubai in May. The young girl saw her win at the national round as significant. It made her face her fears, she says. “I was able to do what I had said no to in the regional round.” Once the results were in, the goal in sight was clear to both teacher and student — win gold at the international round.</p> <p>The next few weeks became a test of Usha’s adeptness as she juggled piles of homework, training for the competition, other extracurricular activities at school, and the looming challenge of arranging funds for the trip. But needless to say, she excelled at this balancing act.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-3-1716469059.jpg" alt="The robotics competition involved 11 tasks that had to be performed by the robot in five minutes," class="wp-image-350947" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-3-1716469059.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-3-1716469059-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-3-1716469059-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-3-1716469059-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-3-1716469059-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The robotics competition involved 11 tasks that had to be performed by the robot in five minutes, Picture source: Maya </figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="768" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG-20240524-WA0003-1716543684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-351087" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG-20240524-WA0003-1716543684.jpg 1280w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG-20240524-WA0003-1716543684-300x180.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG-20240524-WA0003-1716543684-500x300.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG-20240524-WA0003-1716543684-768x461.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/IMG-20240524-WA0003-1716543684-150x90.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The robot named Quarky was designed by Maya and a team of students from The Progress High School in Panjim, Goa, Picture source: Maya </figcaption></figure></div> <p>Letting us in on her strategy, Usha says, “I had a few days to practise. I knew I had to make the most of them.” She explains that the robot named ‘Quarky’ was designed to perform tasks within a stipulated period of time. “The competition required <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/340703/kota-student-aryan-singh-invented-ai-powered-agrobot-runs-on-solar-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the robot</a> to perform 11 tasks within five minutes. So, I set aside two hours for practice every day and would put a timer on my father’s phone to measure how long I was taking for one task. Every day I would try to reduce this time.”</p> <p>The 11 challenges, she says, were designed to test the robot’s proficiency in matching colours, judging directions, navigating through a set of obstacles, segregating between items, and piecing together an order. And she delivered phenomenally!</p> <p>Recalling the moment her name was announced as the winner, Usha calls it surreal. “It made me very happy to see my parents and teachers feeling so proud. They did so much to bring me to this stage and winning felt amazing.”</p> <p>While the audience was cheering Usha, there was one person to whom the victory felt like a battle won.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-teacher-who-went-beyond">A teacher who went beyond</h2> <p>From March through May, Maya has been Usha’s biggest cheerleader. The relationship was reciprocal, she maintains. “Usha is a student who listens carefully to feedback and performs accordingly. This willingness to learn helped her succeed.” While many factors blended to make Usha’s win a reality, Maya recalls the biggest challenge as <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/331610/sma-medication-monisha-hatkar-food-business-startup-entrepreneur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arranging funds</a> to finance Usha’s trip to Dubai, where the international round was scheduled.</p> <p>“It was Saiesh Gandhi, the mentor for LegoGoa — a Goa-based organisation that trains students in STEM and programming — who guided me with the idea of crowdfunding. He explained to me that people would understand our cause better through a video that explained Usha’s family background, her interest in robotics, her dream to participate in the competition, and the financial crunch being the obstacle,” she says.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-5-1716469285.jpg" alt="Maya won gold in the senior category at the international round of the Codeavour 5.0 AI Robo City Challenge, " class="wp-image-350950" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-5-1716469285.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-5-1716469285-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-5-1716469285-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-5-1716469285-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-5-1716469285-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Usha won gold in the senior category at the international round of the Codeavour 5.0 AI Robo City Challenge, Picture source: Maya</figcaption></figure></div> <p>There were 20 days to the competition, and time was running out. “We decided the video was a good idea. But Usha had never faced a camera before, so we had to do multiple retakes.” The problem was exacerbated by the young girl falling ill. But Maya says <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/316301/mumbai-prachi-kulkarni-cancer-survivor-story-chemotherapy-surgery-inspiring-journey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">her resilience to achieve her dream</a> motivated her to oblige with all the requirements.</p> <p>Yet another hurdle was the passport as Usha did not possess one. “I asked Usha to get her documents to the school the next day so we could begin the process of applying for her passport. But when I saw the documents, the details were erroneous,” Maya says. She explains, “In the school entry, Usha’s name was registered as ‘Usha Kumari’, but her birth certificate data did not match this. So we decided to apply for a corrected birth certificate. But we were met with a setback there too as we required the parents’ marriage certificate for this.”</p> <p>Usha’s parents did not have a marriage certificate. Procuring the documents from the village of Guhala, Neem ka Thana, Sikar, Rajasthan, where the parents had married, would be a long-drawn hassle, they discovered.</p> <p>Time was running out.</p> <p>Since conjuring a marriage certificate was not an option, they decided to get a PAN card made for Usha. But first, they had to get her Aadhar Card corrected. This process along with getting Usha’s PAN card, and numerous visits to the passport office and then the visa office, occupied much of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/227723/coronavirus-lockdown-teachers-online-classes-delhi-kolkata-chennai-unique-initiatives-inspirational-tan42/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the teacher’s after-school hours</a>.</p> <p>In the bargain, her eight-year-old son Vedang — who had also aced the national round in the junior category and was preparing for the Dubai internationals — felt neglected. “Why are you helping another student succeed so much?” his innocent question shocked Maya. While he did comprehend the urgency of his mother’s work, Maya says she felt conflicted. But despite this, her commitment towards Usha’s success remained unflinching.</p> <p>In May, as Vedang Anay Kamat from Saraswat Vidyalaya and Usha held their awards at the ceremony in Dubai, the proudest person was Maya. She cherished the moment, as a parent and a teacher.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-6-1716469359.jpg" alt="Vedang, Maya's son won gold in the junior category at the international round of the Codeavour 5.0 AI Robo City Challenge," class="wp-image-350951" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-6-1716469359.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-6-1716469359-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-6-1716469359-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-6-1716469359-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-6-1716469359-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vedang, Maya’s son won gold in the junior category at the international round of the Codeavour 5.0 AI Robo City Challenge, Picture source: Maya </figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-7-1716469467.jpg" alt="Usha and Vedang made India proud with their wins at the Codeavour 5.0 AI Robo City Challenge" class="wp-image-350952" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-7-1716469467.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-7-1716469467-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-7-1716469467-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-7-1716469467-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/robotics-competition-7-1716469467-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Usha and Vedang made India proud with their wins at the Codeavour 5.0 AI Robo City Challenge, Picture source: Maya </figcaption></figure></div> <p>The double win felt personal. Maya was also awarded ‘Champions Change Maker’ for Mentor of the Year at Codeavour 5.0. She smiles with pride as she tells<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/114516/crowdfund-students-japan-robotics-lakhs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> this story</a>.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Usha pipes in, “My teacher’s motivation made me win.”</p> <p>We agree. And for anyone who thinks girls and tech do not make for a great combination, Usha has a message for them: “Girls can do robotics. They can do anything, sometimes even better than boys.”</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350919";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:63;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:78:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:100:"Nasscom Foundation & L&T Technology Services Help 900 Rural Women Artisans Become Tech-Savvy";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:125:"https://thebetterindia.com/350914/nasscom-foundation-lt-technology-services-rural-women-artisans-digital-upskilling-training/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Thu, 23 May 2024 12:58:48 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:8:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"Changemakers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"handicrafts";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"micro-entrepreneurs";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"NASSCOM Foundation";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"rural india";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"skill development";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"technical training";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Women artisans";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350914";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:294:"Women artisans from rural India often fail to receive fair pay due to lack of technical know-how. A digital upskilling initiative by Nasscom Foundation and L&T Technology Services is enabling them to expand their businesses online, leading to increased earnings and financial independence.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10530:" <p><em>This article is sponsored by nasscom foundation.</em></p> <p>From diverse weaves and pottery styles to metal art and wool works, every Indian state is rich in its traditional art form. Historically, craft-based work has been a powerful medium to create employment for rural women, who have been leading the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/344574/tata-samvaad-tribal-conclave-preserves-lost-heritage-artisans-sell-handicrafts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">handicraft and handloom </a>industry with their unwavering commitment.</p> <p>India is home to seven million artisans. Of this, a whopping <a href="https://sdgs.un.org/partnerships/buno-behen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">56.13 percent</a> comprise women. However, these artisans, particularly rural women, don’t get fair and steady pay because businesses are informal and they lack the know-how to reach more customers and create market linkages using technology.</p> <p>One such artisan is Muthulakshmi who hails from Anbu Nagar in Aruppukottai block in Tamil Nadu. Muthulakshmi who specialised in weaving the famous Arupokkotai saree through power loom was initially dependent on the local vendor for orders. Each month she weaves at least 10 sarees on her loom.</p> <p>Driven by the desire to expand her business, Muthulaskhmi, who had been only using her smartphone to take phone calls, was inspired by her children’s adept use of these phones. The 40-year-old was keen to learn more about its features and utilise the smartphone to scale up the business.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nasscom-1-1716466922.jpg" alt="Muthulakshmi (left) aims to expand her business on e-commerce platforms and take her products to a larger customer base." class="wp-image-350924" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nasscom-1-1716466922.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nasscom-1-1716466922-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nasscom-1-1716466922-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nasscom-1-1716466922-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nasscom-1-1716466922-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Muthulakshmi (left) aims to expand her business on e-commerce platforms and take her products to a larger customer base.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Her quest to utilise the smartphone to scale up her business led her to seize the opportunity of digital upskilling training initiated by the non-profit nasscom foundation, which aims to empower marginalised rural communities through technology-driven initiatives. During the 10-day training programme, Muthulakshmi learned about online payments and how to create social media accounts and a YouTube channel to digitally promote her business.</p> <p>She says she now aims to expand her business on e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, and take her products to a larger customer base for further business growth by this year-end.</p> <p>“I learned to open websites and create an ID and channel using my smartphone. I have also learned how to do business through Amazon and Flipkart. With this, I expect a boost of 30 percent in my earnings,” says Muthulakshmi, who currently earns up to Rs 8,000 per month. She is optimistic about the future and plans to take her sarees to a larger market by year-end.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-step-towards-financial-empowerment">A step towards financial empowerment</h2> <p>Nasscom foundation in collaboration with L&T Technology Services launched the Digital Upskilling of Rural Women Artisans project last year to focus on preserving traditional arts while fostering a brighter future for women through skill development, enabling them to participate in the digital economy.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nasscom-2-1716466950.jpg" alt="The project aims to preserve traditional arts while fostering a brighter future for women by enabling them to participate in the digital economy." class="wp-image-350925" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nasscom-2-1716466950.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nasscom-2-1716466950-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nasscom-2-1716466950-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nasscom-2-1716466950-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nasscom-2-1716466950-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The project aims to preserve traditional arts while fostering a brighter future for women by enabling them to participate in the digital economy.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>This initiative is part of a broader project to digitally upskill 900 women artisans involved in saree making and palm leaves basket making in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district; pearl jewellery and bamboo making in Gujarat’s Dahod; and garland and crochet making in Karnataka’s Raichur. It covers a wide range of projects, including digital literacy, financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills and awareness about government schemes.</p> <p>K N Prabhakaran, Chief of CSR at L&T Technology Services observes, “Enhancing digital literacy and expanding access to digital technologies are crucial steps in addressing the digital divide and empowering women from all backgrounds to benefit from the digital transformation. Our collaboration with Nasscom foundation on the Digital Upskilling of Rural Women Artisans project aims to promote art while fostering digital literacy, financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills and awareness on access to government schemes and proficiency with technological tools and platforms. By skilling and integrating social commerce solutions for artisans, this initiative significantly enhances livelihood opportunities and supports economic growth in rural communities.”</p> <p>The training aimed to help <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/80816/rangsutra-artisan-crafts-sumita-ghose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">women artisans </a>increase their understanding and skills to effectively utilise digital devices and applications to create a space in an online platform, thereby enhancing their livelihood opportunities. </p> <p>As part of the 10-day training, these women were taught about internet usage, digital devices, social media, banking, investments, cyber frauds, cyber safety, access to markets, preparation of business plans, access to important government schemes, the importance of artisan cards, and more. </p> <p>Eramma, another beneficiary, who hails from Raichur, Karnataka, runs a woollen work business from home.</p> <p>“Before I embraced <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/331044/bengaluru-startup-karya-uses-ai-jobs-in-mother-tongue-language-to-fight-poverty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital tools</a>, I found it hard to earn an income and improve our livelihood under financial and societal constraints. When I heard about the training programme through a community mobiliser, it was like a ray of hope. Choosing to join the programme was fueled by my longing for a stable future, my dream of giving my children a good education, and my ambition to grow my business,” she says.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nasscom-3-1716466978.jpg" alt="The training aimed to help women artisans increase their understanding and skills to effectively utilize digital devices." class="wp-image-350926" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nasscom-3-1716466978.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nasscom-3-1716466978-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nasscom-3-1716466978-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nasscom-3-1716466978-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nasscom-3-1716466978-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The 10-day training helped women artisans increase their understanding and skills to effectively utilise digital devices.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>“This training represented a critical turning point for me as it opened doors to possibilities that I had once thought were out of reach. One area of great interest to me was utilising social commerce like Facebook and WhatsApp, which has allowed me to display my work. In future, I plan to engage directly with customers through digital platforms and set up product catalogues. I expect this will significantly boost my sales,” she adds.</p> <p>Nidhi Bhasin, CEO, Nasscom Foundation says, “The project has digitally upskilled 900 rural women artisans in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, empowering them to participate in the digital economy. By providing training in digital, financial, and entrepreneurial skills, we strive to create a lasting impact. Our ongoing collaboration with L&T Technology Services aims to strengthen this initiative further by offering exclusive mentoring and guidance to select women artisans, with a vision to extend this transformative support to women entrepreneurs across other districts and states.”</p> <p>The key objectives of the phase 2 is to provide handholding to 450 select beneficiaries from phase 1 whereas 150 handheld beneficiaries will be supported with exclusive mentoring, platform onboarding, and network enhancement.</p> <p>Furthermore, 90 selected beneficiaries from the cohort will also be provided ‘Access to Finance’ in collaboration with financial institutions, ensuring that rural women artisans can thrive in the digital economy and achieve long-term success.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat. All photos: nasscom foundation.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350914";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:64;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:78:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:78:"Ink That Finger! This Bengaluru Restaurant Serves Free Dosas to Those Who Vote";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:124:"https://thebetterindia.com/350690/election-nisarga-grand-hotel-bengaluru-serves-free-dosas-to-people-who-vote-sp-krishnaraj/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Wed, 22 May 2024 13:53:22 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:8:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4:"Food";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:20:"bengaluru restaurant";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"bengaluru voters";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"dosas in india";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"elections 2024";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"free dosas";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"Indian constitution";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"voting rights";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350690";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:222:"In a bid to encourage people to exercise their voting rights, SP Krishnaraj, the owner of Nisarga Grand Hotel, serves free masala dosas to those who vote. He started this practice in 2018 and has served thousands of dosas.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15721:" <p>With around a billion eligible voters, India is undergoing the biggest general elections in the world. While our dedicated election officers work tirelessly to bring democracy to our doorstep, citizens eagerly line up to exercise their rights.</p> <p>On the polling <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/54110/first-transgender-polling-booth-officer-riya-sarkar/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">day in Bengaluru</a>, Karnataka, the city witnessed two notable queues: one at the polling station and another at a local restaurant. </p> <p>What made this restaurant stand out? Most of the weary voters were lining up outside Nisarga Grand Hotel for their free <em>dosa </em>and juice.</p> <p>“I don’t care who they voted for, just that they did. We served over 6,000 free <em>dosas </em>on polling day,” says SP Krishnaraj, the owner of the hotel to <strong>The Better India. </strong></p> <p>Curious about why a man in Bengaluru is serving free <em>dosas</em>? Join <strong>The Better India</strong> as we delve into his heartwarming journey and discover where it all began.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-all-started-with-an-angry-young-man">It all started with an angry young man</h2> <p>Krishnaraj worked with different restaurants before opening his own place in 2017. “I had always been in the business of restaurants working for different places but opening my own restaurant was my biggest dream. After years of hard work, he was able to open Nisarga Grand,” he says. </p> <p>Recalling the initial days of his restaurant, he says, “The initial days were not as grand as I had hoped for them to be. But what I focussed on was providing quality service to the people,” he shares. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dosas-for-free-1716358203.jpg" alt="The eatery has distributed over 10,000 free dosas since 2018. " class="wp-image-350696" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dosas-for-free-1716358203.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dosas-for-free-1716358203-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dosas-for-free-1716358203-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dosas-for-free-1716358203-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dosas-for-free-1716358203-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The eatery has distributed over 10,000 free <em>dosas </em>since 2018.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>It was around this time that he started chatting with a young guest. “It was back in 2018 and the elections were going on. I started to chat with the young man and noticed that he had not voted. I inquired why and he simply said that he didn’t want to vote,” he recalls. </p> <p>On further questioning, Krishnaraj realised that he did not like any parties contesting at the time. “He said that they all are the same and he had no faith in any leader. I proceeded to make him understand that voting is a right that he needs to exercise. It is important to uphold democracy,” he says. </p> <p>The two started to have a discussion and the man casually mentioned “If I <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/37260/differently-abled-friendly-polling-stations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">go and vote, </a>you will have to give me free <em>dosas</em>”. </p> <p>“I think he was joking but I readily agreed and urged him to vote. He did show up some hours later with an inked finger. I gave him free <em>dosa </em>and juice that day,” he says. </p> <p>Krishnaraj kept replaying the incident and realised that there must be many more people like that man. </p> <p>“I have always been a patriot and have wanted to do my part in the country’s growth. In society, I believe that the Constitution is the highest entity and everyone should follow it. The incident gave me an idea,” he says. </p> <p>Krishnaraj decided to distribute free <em>dosas </em>every election. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ink-that-finger-and-get-a-free-dosa-nbsp">Ink that finger and get a free <em>dosa</em>! </h2> <p>He was eagerly waiting for the 2018 elections but little did he know that a fight lay before him. </p> <p>“I issued a notice on Facebook, WhatsApp, local newspapers and to my friends that I will be distributing free <em>dosas </em>to whoever votes. I had my staff prepare the batter, the chutneys and everything,” he says. </p> <p>However, he found out that he was barred by the EC to distribute the food. “My friend advised me to go to the high court and file a plea. The HC gave a verdict at 8:30 pm in my favour. It was a single-bench decision but it was challenged by a bunch of hotels in the city.” </p> <p>There was another hearing that started at 12:30 at night.</p> <p>“The double bench also decided that my cause was valuable and I could do it. For a moment, before the verdict, I had lost faith and was worried about the<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/193325/hyderabad-startup-health-vaccine-food-waste-iot-block-chain-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> wastage of food </a>that it would cause,” he says. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dosas-for-free-1-1716358248.jpg" alt="Nisarga Grand Hotel in Bengaluru." class="wp-image-350697" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dosas-for-free-1-1716358248.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dosas-for-free-1-1716358248-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dosas-for-free-1-1716358248-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dosas-for-free-1-1716358248-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dosas-for-free-1-1716358248-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nisarga Grand Hotel in Bengaluru.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>However, that year, Krishnaraj distributed over 3,000 free <em>dosas </em>and filtered coffee to voters. </p> <p>The next year, he distributed 4,100 free <em>dosas</em>. “Every year, I go through the same drill. In 2019, during the lok sabha elections, I was prepared so I went to court 15 days ahead to avoid any last-minute panic. I won again and fed free <em>dosas </em>to thousands,” he says. </p> <p>This year was no different. While the city’s residents stood in the scorching sun waiting for their turn, workers at the Nisarga Grand Hotel got ready to prepare thousands of <em>dosas</em>. </p> <p>“This year too, we did not get the permission initially. But, we were able to secure it by the polling date. Every year the number of people grows. This year, we served 6,800 people free masala dosas. The people always embrace this idea with a welcoming heart,” he says. </p> <p>Apart from<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/347983/dosa-origin-story-bengaluru-butter-masala-dosa-history-watch-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> distributing free <em>dosas</em>,</a> Krishnaraj believes in creating social awareness in other areas as well. Of course, this, too, he does in his own way. </p> <p>“I always want to help people in some way or the other. 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6OFBnhrXra/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Bengaluru Hub (@bengaluruhub_)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Despite the challenges of frequent court visits, Krishnaraj remains steadfast in his goal. </p> <p>“It can be taxing to visit the court every time I try to do this, but it doesn’t demotivate me at all. Instead, it inspires me even more,” he explains. </p> <p>“What keeps me going is the smile on people’s faces when they come to the hotel to claim their free <em>dosas</em>. It’s heartwarming to see so many people turn up at the hotel, as it indirectly indicates that all of them voted. That is reward enough for me,” he shares.</p> <p><em>(Edited by Padmashree Pande; All pictures credit: Krishnaraj)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350690";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:65;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:78:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:93:"Farmer’s Startup Takes Vets to Doorsteps In Rural India, Earn Rs 8 Crore/Year Saving Cattle";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:134:"https://thebetterindia.com/350767/cattle-health-startup-jaipur-manish-prahlad-verdant-impact-livestock-animal-icu-clinic-earns-crores/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Wed, 22 May 2024 13:42:22 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:8:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"animal healthcare";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"animal icu";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:30:"digital healthcare for animals";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:20:"livestock healthcare";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"startups by farmers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:6;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"verdant impact";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:7;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:28:"virtual clinic for livestock";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350767";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:224:"After losing his buffaloes mysteriously, Jaipur-based Manish Prahlad launched Verdant Impact — a startup offering telemedicine, animal ICU, and other veterinary services to farmers to improve livestock healthcare in India.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11867:" <p>The year was 2019. It was a pitch-dark night. Jaipur-based Manish Prahlad had retired to the bed after tending to his livestock. The next morning when he woke up, he found all of his nine buffaloes lying on the ground, breathing their last.</p> <p>“I could not understand what caused the sudden discomfort in my buffaloes. They were short on breath. I saw them dying one by one,” he tells <strong>The Better India</strong>.</p> <p>“I went to the local veterinarian to understand the cause of sudden deaths of my cattle but he had no convincing answer. He told me there were many farmers whose cattle were dying similarly. But the reason was unknown,” he adds.</p> <p>Heartbroken Manish went haywire as these buffaloes were his only assets. “My <em>nana </em>(maternal grandfather) gave a <em>Murrah</em> buffalo to my parents as a wedding gift. Murrah is considered to be the world’s best dairy type buffalo and is one of the prestigious breeds, also known as ‘Black Gold’ for farmers,” he says.</p> <p>“That buffalo was for our breed line and was not for commercial purposes. Usually, <em>Murrah </em>buffaloes have a market value of Rs 3 lakh, and its pure breeders are sold for a whopping Rs 35 to 40 lakh. They were our treasures. We could not claim insurance amounts as the cause of death was not known. This news broke me completely,” he laments.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-1716381129.jpg" alt="With 536.76 million, India has the largest livestock population in the world. " class="wp-image-350777" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-1716381129.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-1716381129-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-1716381129-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-1716381129-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-1716381129-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">With 536.76 million, India has the largest livestock population in the world. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>Manish was very close to his buffaloes as it was through them that his mother was able to pay his school fees. “My mother was so upset. The health of livestock is extremely important for the income generation of farmers like us. So, it is not farmers who rear animals, it is these animals who take care of the farmers. I realised if I faced this issue living in Jaipur then there would be so many small farmers going through the same agony in remote areas,” he says.</p> <p>“That day, I decided to work on improving medical facilities for livestock,” he adds.</p> <p>With 536.76 million, India has the largest livestock population in the world. Livestock plays a key role and the sector contributes about 6.20 percent of the total GDP, and yet, Manish says, livestock healthcare remains ignored. “India has less than 12,500 <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/199843/andhra-vet-risks-life-to-save-300-wild-animals-shows-true-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">veterinary clinics </a>and owing to the system’s apathy, farmers continue losing their only assets,” he adds.</p> <p>To address this, he launched ‘Verdant Impact’ in 2020 to offer holistic services — including telemedicine facilities, animal ICU, remote monitoring, cattle commerce, and virtual veterinary consultations for livestock care.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-stop-solution-for-cattle-care">One-stop solution for cattle care</h2> <p>Originally from Banswara, Manish dropped out of his first year of PhD to focus on livestock healthcare. Talking about the issues in the field, he says, “Unlike cats and dogs, the biggest issue is that farmers cannot carry them to hospitals as transportation costs are high and the process is inconvenient.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-1-1716381157.jpg" alt="Livestock plays a key role and the sector contributes about 6.20 percent of the total GDP, and yet their healthcare remains ignored. " class="wp-image-350778" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-1-1716381157.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-1-1716381157-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-1-1716381157-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-1-1716381157-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-1-1716381157-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Livestock plays a key role and the sector contributes about 6.20 percent of the total GDP, and yet their healthcare remains ignored. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>“Telemedicine allows farmers to connect to doctors anytime and anywhere. The purpose is to give doorstep facility, as a doctor visit costs up to Rs 500,” he adds.</p> <p>The common concerns in livestock are diseases like foot and mouth, fever, digestive problems in monsoon, lumpy skin, and poor nutrition levels.</p> <p>To find a convenient solution to address the diseases, Manish introduced a mobile application wherein farmers upload photos, videos, and detailed descriptions of their animals for consultation from a veterinarian, who later on shares prescriptions and remedies. If necessary, farmers are connected with nearby veterinarians for field visits.</p> <p>“In that case, we provide an SOS button in our app wherein farmers can book consultations from nearby doctors, similar to Uber and Ola where nearby taxis are displayed to get quick responses. Our doctors serve till a range of 40 km and our response time is within an hour, which is very efficient considering rural terrain,” he adds.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-2-1716381214.jpg" alt="Telemedicine allows farmers to connect to doctors anytime and anywhere. " class="wp-image-350779" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-2-1716381214.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-2-1716381214-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-2-1716381214-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-2-1716381214-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-2-1716381214-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Telemedicine allows farmers to connect to doctors anytime and anywhere. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>Currently, Manish has set up more than 10,000 telemedicine centres and onboarded over 1,700 veterinarians and para veterinarians in 16 states — including Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Maharashtra, and Haryana.</p> <p>The startup conducts over 2,500 telemedical consultancy calls per day and charges Rs 90 for a consultation with the expert whereas Rs 150 for a field visit, which Manish says is more than double the market which charges Rs 300-500.</p> <p>In addition to this, he has also designed Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to monitor and trace the health, location, and movement of livestock. It also stores prescriptions and the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/260896/odisha-balaram-sahu-free-doctor-treatment-cow-cattle-diseases-inspiring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disease history </a>of the cattle.</p> <p>As of now, Verdant Impact is associated with more than six lakh farmers. Of this, more than 1.7 lakh are directly benefitting through teleconsultations.</p> <p>Talking about the impact of his work, Manish says, “Among the major health issues in livestock were productivity and difficulties in pregnancies owing to malnutrition. We provide herbal treatment that boosts suitable ovulation period in cattle.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-3-1716381268.jpg" alt="Verdant Impact is associated with more than six lakh farmers." class="wp-image-350780" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-3-1716381268.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-3-1716381268-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-3-1716381268-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-3-1716381268-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Manish-Prahlad-3-1716381268-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Verdant Impact is associated with more than six lakh farmers.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>“For instance, bovines usually conceive in 37 to 40 months if it is malnourished but when you provide good nutrition, they are ready to conceive in 22 to 27 months. This gives farmers an extra cycle for gestation before the bovine is ready for the next calving. Depending on the breed, they earn an extra income of up to Rs 2 to 3 lakh annually,” he explains.</p> <p>Furthermore, Manish points out that the startup’s main revenue is generated through cattle commerce, genetics care, and sales through<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/274439/agritech-startup-e-feed-helps-cattle-farmers-increase-profits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> health supplements</a>. Currently, his annual revenue stands at Rs 8.72 crore.</p> <p>“Our lives revolve around livestock and we have proved that we are not a charitable organisation. We are a viable profitable business. This achievement is too big for a PhD dropout and a farmer like me,” he says.</p> <p>More than the profits, this work is extremely satisfying for Manish. “Today, doctors cannot get away with citing unknown reasons and have to mention satisfactory reasons in their postmortem reports so that farmers settle insurance claims. Meanwhile, we have been able to boost the incomes of farmer families by 40 percent. They are able to wed their daughters by selling good breed bovines. To be able to work for millions of voiceless animals and farmer families gives me immense fulfilment,” says Manish.</p> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-sources"><em>Sources:</em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-lumpy-skin-disease-emerging-threat-to-livestock-industry-published-by-icar-agricultural-technology-application-research-institute-atari-in-march-2023"><em><a href="https://atariz1.icar.gov.in/pdf/Lumpy%20Skin%20Disease.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Lumpy Skin Disease Emerging Threat to Livestock Industry</a>: Published by ICAR -Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) in March 2023.</em></h5> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat; All photos: Manish Prahlad.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350767";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:66;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:79:"‘It Heals Me’: How I Grow 300 Plants Including 70 Fruit Trees On My Terrace";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:143:"https://thebetterindia.com/349834/five-tips-to-grow-fruit-trees-at-home-mango-guava-on-terrace-gardening-indian-flowers-sushma-reddy-bengaluru/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Wed, 22 May 2024 05:58:20 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Sustainability";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4:"adhd";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"bengaluru";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"fruit trees at home";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"terrace gardening";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=349834";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:256:"What started as therapy to overcome the struggles of having a child with ADHD, Sushma Reddy took terrace gardening to another level growing 300 plants, including 70 fruit trees, on the terrace of her rented apartment in Bengaluru. She shares her expertise.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17595:" <p>“Gardening is therapeutic for me. It healed and grounded me, and made me a better mother,” Sushma Reddy shares. </p> <p>The 38-year-old encountered a major crisis six years back when her then 4-year-old son was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). The college topper and top performing software engineer had to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/266454/hyderabad-engineer-mom-quits-job-disability-speech-delay-special-ed-teacher/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quit her thriving career</a> to focus on what mattered the most at the time – her son. </p> <p>What followed the diagnosis was shock, a sense of helplessness and a desire to provide the best for her child. Sushma would take him for therapy daily and wait outside for three hours of the appointment. A few months of this gruelling schedule left the Bengaluru resident drained both physically and mentally. </p> <p>She felt depressed, lost interest in her daily activities, stopped eating well, which all led to weight loss as well. A gynaecologist told her that she must pick up a hobby and do something that interests her. This advice proved to be a life-changing one, which ignited a deep-rooted passion in her. </p> <p>She decided to go ahead with gardening as it would come with an added advantage of giving her son fresh, organic vegetables and fruits to eat. Starting with a money plant in 2018, the engineer slowly grew to realise that she had a green thumb. From indoor plants, she branched to vegetables and fruits on the 1,000 square feet terrace of her rented apartment.</p> <p>Today, it has grown into a green haven with over 300 plants, 70 of which are fruit trees. </p> <p>Providing Sushma with a much-needed outlet for her worries, she spends three hours a day tending to her darling plants, all on her own. Her passion also led to an Instagram account @glitters.of.nature which has over 4 lakh followers. </p> <p>What adds to this <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/303953/shashi-manchanda-homemaker-grows-organic-vegetables-flowers-on-terrace-garden-gurugram/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">terrace gardener’s feat </a>is the fact that all her plants, including her fruit trees are grown on 10-16 inch pots! She shares her story with <strong>The Better India</strong>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-garden-and-a-home-nbsp">Building a garden, and a home </h2> <p>Hailing from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Sushma moved to Bengaluru post marriage. When her son was born a decade ago, the new parents started noticing some developmental delays, especially with regards to speech.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="2560" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sushma1-1715673962.jpeg" alt="Sushma spends over 3 hours tending to her plants daily." class="wp-image-349842" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sushma1-1715673962.jpeg 1920w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sushma1-1715673962-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sushma1-1715673962-500x667.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sushma1-1715673962-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sushma1-1715673962-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sushma1-1715673962-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sushma1-1715673962-640x853.jpeg 640w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sushma1-1715673962-150x200.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sushma spends over 3 hours tending to her plants daily.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>When he didn’t start speaking till he was three, doctors assured them that it might be a speech delay and asked them to wait till four. </p> <p>“For the initial few years, my son wouldn’t sleep for more than four hours. He also did not communicate. However, he would write on the walls, which led us to think that he had high IQ levels. The doctors also kept asking us to wait for another six months to one year for his speech to develop,” Sushma shares<strong>.</strong> </p> <p>When this continued till four, the concerned parents took him to different doctors, leading to the correct diagnosis of ADHD. </p> <p>Initially, he was diagnosed with autism,a neurological condition that causes difficulty with social interaction and communication, at the NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences), she shares </p> <p>“We started therapy for the same. Over the next few years, he was diagnosed with ADHD,” explains the mother. </p> <p>The long therapy sessions and difficulty in communicating with her little one took a toll on the young mother, which subsequently led to her <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/347565/grow-mangoes-chikoo-fruits-on-trees-urban-gardener-jayanti-sahoo-terrace-gardening-tips/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taking up gardening</a>.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="1599" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sushma3-1715673958.jpeg" alt="Gardening is therapeutic for Sushma" class="wp-image-349841" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sushma3-1715673958.jpeg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sushma3-1715673958-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sushma3-1715673958-500x666.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sushma3-1715673958-768x1023.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sushma3-1715673958-1153x1536.jpeg 1153w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sushma3-1715673958-640x853.jpeg 640w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sushma3-1715673958-150x200.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gardening is therapeutic for Sushma.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>On a trip home to Visakhapatnam in 2018, Sushma remembered her doctor’s advice and got back a money plant-cutting to start her gardening journey. </p> <p>“Many of my relatives are farmers and also grow plants at home. I asked them for gardening tips and started my journey ,” she shares.</p> <p>Tending to the money plant gave the gardener the confidence to try growing more plants. She ventured into growing green leafy vegetables, which she would feed her son daily. Later, she added more vegetables, such as tomatoes, chillies and beans. </p> <p>However, growing vegetables wasn’t as easy, she discovered, as she encountered many failures. </p> <p>“I would get one harvest of tomatoes but the next one would fail. I referred to several YouTube videos to learn the ropes, but ultimately, experience is the biggest teacher. I had to figure out when and how often to water the plants and give fertiliser. How much direct sunlight should be given was also a challenge,” she adds.</p> <p>Slowly, she learnt that it was ideal to water the plants early morning, between 7 to 8 am, the best time to do pest control was either before 6 am or after 6 pm, and fruit trees generally need more water. Most importantly, she realised that the needs of each vegetable, flower and fruit was different, and she would have to work her way around that through trial and error.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gardening-as-therapy">Gardening as therapy</h2> <p>After the initial hiccups, her plants started growing beautifully. Seeing her vegetables thrive gave her the confidence to start growing fruits. She also had a more important motive – encouraging her son to eat fruits. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6Q2xS5vaPL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6Q2xS5vaPL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6Q2xS5vaPL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sushma (@glitters.of.nature)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Starting with guava, she today grows over 70 fruit trees, including mango, dragon fruit, custard apple, banana, papaya, strawberry. The trick, she says, is to buy grafted fruit plants, which will give you a better yield compared to seeds. </p> <p>She learnt this after she tried growing lemon and mango using seeds. The lemon tree bore fruit after five years, while she’s still waiting for that mango tree to bear fruit! Using grafted fruit plants, she has managed to grow over six varieties of mango. </p> <p>“In the first year, flowers will drop as the plant is not ready to fruit. Remove the flowers and focus on the growth of the plant. Typically, you will not get any fruits in the first year, maybe two in the second, five to six in the third and so on,” shares the gardener. </p> <p>Sushma grows all her fruits in 10-16 inch pots on her terrace, as she stays in a rented apartment and it would be easy for her to transport them, should the need arise. She would get a much better yield with bigger pots, she asserts. </p> <p>However, the Bengaluru resident is extremely satisfied with the yield that her terrace garden produces. With over <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/343071/how-to-grow-strawberries-dragon-fruit-turmeric-terrace-gardening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">20 vegetables and 70 fruits</a>, her family eats what they grow. </p> <p>“I am very happy today as I found my passion in gardening. It gives me immense satisfaction. The happiness I feel when a flower blooms is similar to what I feel when my son speaks a word,” shares the mother. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Infographic-website-1715692456.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-349963" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Infographic-website-1715692456.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Infographic-website-1715692456-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Infographic-website-1715692456-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Infographic-website-1715692456-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Infographic-website-1715692456-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande, Images Courtesy Sushma Reddy</em>.</p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"349834";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:67;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:75:"‘Love Keeps Me Going’: Why This 84-YO Grandma Sells Idlis for Just Rs 2";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:137:"https://thebetterindia.com/350619/woman-selling-idli-for-two-rupees-in-pudukkottai-tamil-nadu-dhanam-paati-grandmother-help-build-a-home/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 21 May 2024 13:36:54 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4:"Food";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"dhanam paati";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4:"idli";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Pudukkottai";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"Rs 2 idli";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350619";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:180:"At Dhanam paati’s idli shop in Tamil Nadu, customers are served idlis for Rs 2 with ladles of love. Here’s how you can help this benevolent octogenarian build a permanent home.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11230:" <p>“For me, what matters most is to see my customers leaving with a full stomach and a smile. We are here on this earth for a few years, let’s not run behind money. Love keeps me going,” says Dhanam. </p> <p>As you enter Dhanam <em>Paati </em>(grandmother)’s house in Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, you will find people across different age groups sitting down in anticipation of hot platefuls of <em>idlis, chutney </em>and <em>sambhar. </em>You see, this <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/334919/chiblu-idlis-in-bamboo-bengaluru-babu-hotel-halaguru-village-in-karnataka/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>idli </em>shop</a> may not have chairs or tables, or a fancy entrance, but what it has in abundance are ladlefuls of the octogenarian’s love. </p> <p>The mud house, held together by tarpaulin sheets and a thatched roof is a place where schoolchildren, daily-wage workers and office goers gather every morning to have a scrumptious breakfast that keeps them full till afternoon or more. </p> <p>One needs to duck down to enter the house, which also doubles up as the shop. Customers sit down on the mud floor. The highlight, and what keeps the regulars coming back for more is the lady running the business for over four decades. </p> <p>Starting the business out of a dire financial situation, in a house with two children and a sick husband, what Dhanam <em>Paati </em>has been clear about all through is the fact that the food must be reasonably priced. Starting with selling <em>idlis </em>for 3 paisa, she slowly increased it to meet the needs of her growing children. But even till four years back, one idli cost just Re 1. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="721" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dhanam1-1716293031.jpeg" alt="Dhanam Paati steaming idlis " class="wp-image-350629" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dhanam1-1716293031.jpeg 1280w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dhanam1-1716293031-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dhanam1-1716293031-500x282.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dhanam1-1716293031-768x433.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dhanam1-1716293031-150x84.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dhanam Paati steaming idlis. Image: M Muthu Kannan</figcaption></figure></div> <p>It was after her husband’s death three years back that she doubled the price of her <em>idlis. </em>Ask her why not increase it further and pat comes the reply, “People should be able to have a full meal within Rs 10.”</p> <p>Yet, in an endeavour to serve others, the 84-year-old ignores her needs. She survives on multiple cups of tea and benevolent strangers, who help her with some rice and pulses and sometimes cash.</p> <p>All she wants is a <em>pucca</em> or a permanent house as the one she currently inhabits is in a dilapidated state; in danger of falling down anytime. Here’s her story.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-all-i-need-is-love">‘All I need is love’</h2> <p><em>Paati’s </em>day begins at 5 am with preparing the accompaniments for the <em>idlis. </em>The one-woman army does everything; from grinding the batter to fetching the sticks for her traditional clay stove and buying the vegetables for the <em>sambhar</em>. </p> <p>By 7 am, the<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/275988/iyer-idly-bengaluru-krishnan-mahadevan-investment-banker-sells-idli-chutney/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> idlis are being steamed</a> and she sits with a cup of tea and a huge smile, awaiting customers. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="721" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-09-at-10.14.00-1716293252.jpeg" alt="A customer enjoying hot idlis" class="wp-image-350632" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-09-at-10.14.00-1716293252.jpeg 1280w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-09-at-10.14.00-1716293252-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-09-at-10.14.00-1716293252-500x282.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-09-at-10.14.00-1716293252-768x433.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-09-at-10.14.00-1716293252-150x84.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A customer enjoying hot idlis. Image: M Muthu Kannan</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Hailing from Aranthangi, she moved to Pudukottai in 1960 after her marriage. Her husband used to run a tea shop but his frail health meant that Dhanam became the breadwinner of the family. </p> <p>Starting with the tea shop, she ran many businesses to support her family.</p> <p>“We had two children, and that was a time before the mid-day meal scheme. To provide for their clothes, food and toys, I worked day and night to ensure that their needs are met,” Dhanam shares with <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <p>As the tea shop wasn’t profitable, she made snacks too. When that too didn’t suffice the family’s needs, she started selling <em>idlis </em>in the 1980s. Located in a busy street in Gandhinagar, Pudukkottai, she built a loyal customer base of everyone from school children to homemakers. </p> <p>She uses ration rice and pulses for the <em>idli</em> batter and <em>sambhar</em>. While the ration items she gets aren’t sufficient for the quantity she makes, regular customers and well-wishers help her with their ration rice. This goodwill and her benevolent heart are the major reasons for her pricing.</p> <p>“When I started, 3 paise for one <em>idli </em>was less than other hotels, but it helped everyone afford it,” she adds.</p> <p>This principle is the reason that has prevented her from increasing the price even today, even as nearby hotels charge at least Rs 10 per idli. </p> <p>“I am not doing this for profit, all I want is the love of my customers. That keeps me going. Will school children be able to afford more? Everyone is struggling for money, and this is my way of helping out,” adds the 84-year-old.</p> <p>Another source of inspiration for her service are the people who do <em>annadanam </em>(food donation). When they can provide food and clothes to so many, why couldn’t she do something in her capacity, she thought to herself. </p> <p>But why not increase it to enable a better life for herself? “Let it be. Why should an old lady be greedy?” she says firmly.</p> <p>This love keeps her customers coming back. Saravanan, a regular customer, shares that he has been eating at Dhanam <em>Paati</em>’s shop since he was a child.</p> <p>“The taste of her <em>idlis</em>, coconut chutney and <em>kurma </em>(mixed vegetable gravy) is unparalleled. If we ask for three idlis, she will always give two extra without charging for it. If one is short of money, she waives it off. All she wants is that we leave feeling full,” he shares.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-help-me-build-a-permanent-house">‘Help me build a permanent house’</h2> <p>One might also wonder why she continues to work well into her 80s. Her son and daughter are struggling too, she shares, which is why she doesn’t want to burden them.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1345" height="902" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dhanam3-min-min-1716293333.jpeg" alt="Dhanam Paati's house is in dire straits." class="wp-image-350633" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dhanam3-min-min-1716293333.jpeg 1345w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dhanam3-min-min-1716293333-300x201.jpeg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dhanam3-min-min-1716293333-500x335.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dhanam3-min-min-1716293333-768x515.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dhanam3-min-min-1716293333-150x101.jpeg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/dhanam3-min-min-1716293333-272x182.jpeg 272w" sizes="(max-width: 1345px) 100vw, 1345px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dhanam Paati’s house is in dire straits. Image: M Muthu Kannan</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Her son works as a lorry loadman and hardly makes enough to provide for his two children, while her daughter is married to a tailor. </p> <p>“They asked me to move in with them but I refused. Why burden them with an additional mouth to feed? I have no expectations and no complaints. I am happy with the way my life is today and I intend to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/276552/mangamma-bengaluru-idli-dosa-stall-pandemic-job-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work hard till my last breath</a>,” she shares. </p> <p>She makes about Rs 50 per day, which is hardly enough to buy the required vegetables or buy the masalas required for the sambhar. She manages her meals with a handful of rice and the remaining<em> sambhar. </em></p> <p>Another major worry she has is about what would happen to her regular customers were she to relocate.</p> <p>“Business is not that great but people buy me a cup of tea and give me a handful of rice,” she adds.</p> <p>Yet, this doesn’t bother her. What she really wants is for someone to help her build a permanent house she can spend her sunset years in.</p> <p>“Many people tried to encroach our house. As my husband couldn’t do much, I visited the collector’s office several times to prevent that. I visited the tehsildar and ran from pillar to post to save my house,” adds Dhanam.</p> <p>Today, the mud house with a thatched roof is in dire straits. The walls are leaking and the house is filled with cobwebs. Rainy season is especially difficult, as even a small shower entails water coming inside the house. </p> <p>“The house may fall down anytime. I request the government to help me build a new house. A small one is enough,” shares the hardworking lady.</p> <p><strong>If you wish to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/337346/disability-inspiring-veena-ambarish-kari-dosa-food-cart-bengaluru-jp-nagar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">help Dhanam Paati build a new house</a>, you can do so by donating to her account –</strong></p> <p>Account number: 212086182 </p> <p>Bank: The Pudukkottai District Central Cooperative Bank Ltd</p> <p>IFSC Code: TNSC0010900 </p> <p>Name: Dhanam S </p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande, Feature Image Courtesy M Muthu Kannan</em>.</p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350619";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:68;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:66:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:101:"I-Venture@ISB Launches 6-Month Programme for Aspiring Entrepreneurs; CAT, GMAT, GRE Scores Not Needed";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:141:"https://thebetterindia.com/350615/isb-iventure-immersive-ivi-programme-support-entrepreneurs-grads-tech-professionals-women-cohort-apply-now/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 21 May 2024 13:16:09 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:4:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Entrepreneurs";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"I-Venture @ ISB";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"nurture startups";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350615";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:304:"The Indian School of Business (ISB) has launched the I-Venture Immersive (ivi) six-month programme to support aspiring entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, including recent graduates, tech professionals, and women entrepreneurs. Applications for the founding cohort, starting in October, are now open.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8:"TBI Team";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:5757:" <p><em>This article has been published in partnership with I-Venture @ ISB</em></p> <p>The Indian School of Business (ISB) has launched a unique programme tailored for upcoming and promising entrepreneurs, called I-Venture Immersive or ‘ivi’. Administered by the school’s entrepreneurship arm, I-Venture@ISB, the programme encourages keen innovators from across the country to pursue their passion with or without any formal educational qualification beyond Class 12.</p> <p>I-Venture @ ISB brings together all the pillars of entrepreneurship at ISB under one roof with an aim to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/331030/startup-incubator-aic-isb-creating-impact-with-innovative-solutions-for-founders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foster entrepreneurship and nurture startups</a>, providing start-to-scale support to ensure startups reach the market and grow.</p> <p>The first round of admission for ‘ivi’ is now underway for the founding cohort starting in October. The six-month immersive experience — billed as ‘more than an incubator, more than a school’ — will be conducted full-time on the Hyderabad campus of ISB. Designed to provide budding entrepreneurs with transformative support, ‘ivi’ will also provide funding support for promising cohort members to bring their innovative ideas to life.</p> <p>The programme is designed to cater to a diverse group of aspiring innovators — including recent graduates eager to launch disruptive startups; tech professionals seeking to infuse entrepreneurial thinking into their careers; and next-generation family business owners eager to launch ventures beyond their legacies.</p> <p>It will also <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/346244/discovershe-isb-i-venture-programme-helps-women-entrepreneurs-scale-businesses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">welcome women entrepreneurs navigating unique challenges</a> in the competitive market, and armed forces veterans looking to apply their leadership skills to entrepreneurial pursuits.</p> <p>Professor Bhagwan Chowdhry, Faculty Director, I-Venture@ISB, explained, “Through ‘ivi’, ISB will foster a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures creativity, attracts investment, and empowers visionary leaders, all crucial elements for unlocking India’s entrepreneurial potential. Our pursuit is to empower individuals from all walks of life to follow their entrepreneurial aspirations, and we are focused beyond the usual big cities, with an inclusive focus on all tiers and towns.”</p> <p>The application and selection process will involve the candidate uploading videos explaining their motivations — a method of selection that is not bound to grades and marks.</p> <p>Saumya Kumar, Director, I-Venture@ISB, added, “By removing traditional barriers to entry and providing substantial support, we are not just shaping businesses; we are shaping a more inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in India. ‘ivi’ realises our commitment to making entrepreneurship accessible to all.”</p> <p>In its delivery, the ‘ivi’ programme emphasises problem-solving through innovative methods — including AI, machine learning, and data analysis. Additionally, students will acquire proficiency in accounting skills. The marketing segment will focus on branding, customer-centricity, and go-to-market strategies. Further, the ‘ivi’ curriculum will pivot towards lean startup entrepreneurship and design thinking principles.</p> <p>Finance fundamentals for personal and corporate finance, negotiation enhancement, and supply chain management, are among the other subjects covered, using an immersive experience and hands-on training methods.</p> <p>The ‘ivi’ fees will include on-campus lodging, with scholarships also available. Applications for the first cohort are open now on their <a href="http://www.isb.edu/ivi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">website</a>.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/banner-tbi-ivi_11zon-1716297113.jpg" alt="ivi - I-Venture Immersive programme by ISB" class="wp-image-350669" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/banner-tbi-ivi_11zon-1716297113.jpg 1920w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/banner-tbi-ivi_11zon-1716297113-300x169.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/banner-tbi-ivi_11zon-1716297113-500x281.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/banner-tbi-ivi_11zon-1716297113-768x432.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/banner-tbi-ivi_11zon-1716297113-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/banner-tbi-ivi_11zon-1716297113-150x84.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure> <p>The ‘ivi’ team is doing a series of info sessions in various cities across India — for both seasoned enthusiasts and those just beginning to explore the world of entrepreneurship. These sessions are designed to cater to all levels of interest.</p> <p>24 May, Ahmedabad<br>25 May, Lucknow<br>26 May, Chandigarh<br>31 May, Kolkata<br>2 June, Patna<br>3 June, Hyderabad<br>7 June, Bhubaneshwar<br>8 June, Bangalore<br>9 June, Chennai</p> <p><em>Interested candidates can </em><a href="https://forms.office.com/r/7zgpuMPq1i" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"><em>register here</em></a><em> or get in touch with them at </em><a href="mailto:ivi@isb.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"><em>ivi@isb.edu</em></a><em> | +91-9966444752</em></p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350615";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:69;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:88:"How To Prepare for UPSC Prelims in The Last 30 Days? IFS Officer Shares Dos and Don’ts";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:116:"https://thebetterindia.com/350610/upsc-cse-prelims-ifs-officer-ramesh-bishnoi-last-month-preparation-strategy-guide/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 21 May 2024 11:36:42 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Civil Service";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"IFS officer";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"UPSC aspirants";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"upsc cse 2024";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"upsc prelims 2024";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350610";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:154:"What should your last 30 days of UPSC CSE prelims look like? IFS officer Ramesh Bishnoi, who cleared the prelims five times in a row shares a quick guide.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:5327:" <p>With roughly a month left for the UPSC prelims exam, IFS officer Ramesh Bishnoi, who cleared the prelims five times in a row, took to X to share a quick guide of dos and don’ts to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/292435/ias-officer-namrata-jain-shares-tips-for-preparation-30-days-before-upsc-cse-prelims/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maximise preparation </a>efforts in this crucial phase.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Having cleared the UPSC CSE Prelims five times in a row, and the IFS cutoff four times, I've learned a thing or two about navigating this exam and tackle mammoth syllabus. With just a month left, here's a quick guide🧵 to do's and don'ts for last-month prep. (1/n)</p>— Ramesh Bishnoi IFS (@bishnoirk_ifs) <a href="https://twitter.com/bishnoirk_ifs/status/1790960073227047054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-do-not-buy-every-new-study-material">1. Do not buy every new study material</h2> <p>The IFS officer suggests aspirants resist the temptation of buying new study materials coming into the market. “Multiple revisions of what you’ve already covered will be far more effective. Read, revise, and test is the ultimate mantra,” he says.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-test-test-test">2. Test, test, test</h2> <p>Ramesh advises aspirants to take as many mock tests as possible in this time frame as this is their chance to identify and eliminate mistakes before the actual exam.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-learn-from-every-test">3. Learn from every test</h2> <p>“Analyse test solutions sincerely. Make online/offline notes of new useful information, key concepts, and especially your mistakes. This will be an invaluable resource for last-minute revision and boost your confidence. I preferred making online notes,” he says.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Quality over Quantity: Not everything in mock tests is equally relevant. Based on past papers, prioritize questions, information, and concepts that have a higher chance of appearing. Avoid wasting time on irrelevant details. (5/n)</p>— Ramesh Bishnoi IFS (@bishnoirk_ifs) <a href="https://twitter.com/bishnoirk_ifs/status/1790960082563543168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-prioritise-quality-over-quantity">4. Prioritise quality over quantity</h2> <p>The IFS officer says that not everything in mock tests is equally relevant. “Based on past papers, prioritise questions, information, and concepts that have a higher chance of appearing. Avoid wasting time on irrelevant details,” he adds.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-consider-previous-year-questions-as-gold">5. Consider previous year questions as gold</h2> <p>“Analyse the previous 10 years’<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/web-stories/from-failing-prelims-to-clinching-top-air-ias-officer-shares-how-he-cracked-upsc-cse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> UPSC Prelims </a>question papers. Many questions and concepts are repeated. By practising PYQs (Previous Year Questions), you can significantly improve your score,” he says.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A strong understanding of core subjects and concepts like Polity, Geography, and Economy will yield high returns on your invested time. With strong basics, you can easily tackle applied questions. (7n)</p>— Ramesh Bishnoi IFS (@bishnoirk_ifs) <a href="https://twitter.com/bishnoirk_ifs/status/1790960086887899539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-focus-on-core-subjects-and-concepts">6. Focus on core subjects and concepts</h2> <p>IFS Ramesh opines that a strong understanding of core subjects and concepts like polity, geography, and economy will yield high returns on your invested time. “With strong basics, you can easily tackle applied questions,” he adds.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-practise-diverse-question-patterns">7. Practise diverse question patterns</h2> <p>The IFS officer mentions that the UPSC loves surprises. So, it is better to take all India mock tests from various coaching centres to get exposure to diverse question patterns. “This will help you stay calm and composed on exam day, even if the format throws a surprise,” he adds.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350610";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:70;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:89:"With 2000 Alphonso Mango Trees, Couple’s Organic Farmstay is The Perfect Summer Getaway";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:115:"https://thebetterindia.com/350402/alphonso-mango-trees-ganesh-ashok-ranade-agro-tourism-ratnagiri-homestay-farming/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 21 May 2024 07:04:56 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"Travel";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"alphonso mango";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"fruit plucking";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:21:"homestays maharashtra";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"mud homestays";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350402";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:239:"Ganesh Ashok Ranade transitioned from being a commerce graduate to a dedicated organic farmer, creating a 40-acre agro-tourism haven in Ratnagiri. The homestay offers guests a hands-on farming experience and a taste of authentic farm life.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Krystelle Dsouza";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18402:" <p>We were brainstorming on the most ideal ways to wrap up what seemed to be a very long-winded <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/web-stories/cooling-indian-dishes-summer-food-heatwave/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summer season</a>. And we landed on something that surpassed the challenge.</p> <p>Around 30 km from the Mumbai-Goa National Highway, there lies a space brimming with yellow (mango) hues interspersed with green (paddy). The 40-acre paradise is a lesson in agro-tourism as its owner Ganesh Ashok Ranade explains.</p> <p>Ganesh had completed his commerce degree when a sudden love for farming eclipsed the job opportunities available to him in the corporate world. He decided to join his father on the farm. Today, the 2,000 mango trees that span for miles are a testament to the father-son duo’s efforts.</p> <p>Summers at this Ratnagiri getaway promise to be exciting. When you aren’t roaming the farms with Ganesh trying to identify the juiciest produce of the season, you will be fed hearty lunches and dinners by his wife Varada, where (you guessed it) mango is the hero.</p> <p>A firm believer that one must know what they are consuming, Ganesh treats his guests to a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/349604/how-to-grow-japanese-mango-miyazaki-at-home-in-odisha-engineer-garden-with-rare-flower-fruit-plants-1000-petal-lotus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lesson in mango farming</a>, tracing the sapling’s journey right from seed to fruit. What’s more is that you can even live in a mud room whilst at the farm, and experience an authentic farm lifestyle.</p> <p>Sharing the journey of setting up this homestay that falls in the middle of Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, 42-year-old Ganesh says, it is a culmination of a sustainable dream. He credits his father with sowing the seeds.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-7-1715946426.jpg" alt="Mangoes are the hero at the Ganesh Agro Tourism homestay in Ratnagiri" class="wp-image-350405" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-7-1715946426.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-7-1715946426-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-7-1715946426-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-7-1715946426-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-7-1715946426-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mangoes are the hero at the Ganesh Agro Tourism homestay in Ratnagiri, Picture source: Ganesh</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-6-1715946550.jpg" alt="The homestay is a converted packing unit and boasts over 2000 alphonso mango trees" class="wp-image-350406" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-6-1715946550.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-6-1715946550-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-6-1715946550-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-6-1715946550-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-6-1715946550-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The homestay is a converted packing unit and boasts over 2,000 Alphonso mango trees, Picture source: Ganesh</figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tryst-with-organic-farming">A tryst with organic farming</h2> <p>Organic farming is not easy — this is what Ganesh realised when he began to delve deeper into the subject around 2002. But even so, as he weighed the long-term fruits (pun intended) of organic techniques with the allures of chemical farming, he knew the former held more promise. </p> <p>“In 1978 my father had planted 1,000 mango saplings on the land. He did this at a time when Ratnagiri was experiencing a harsh climate, less rainfall, undeveloped roads and power cuts,” he shares.</p> <p>He recalls watching his father climbing to heights sometimes, to water the trees when the rain gods weren’t being kind. “But he persisted,” says Ganesh, adding that the 1,000 trees flourished. “When I joined my father in farming, I decided to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/347565/grow-mangoes-chikoo-fruits-on-trees-urban-gardener-jayanti-sahoo-terrace-gardening-tips/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant another 1,000 mango saplings</a>, and today, we have over 2,000 mango trees.”</p> <p>Naturally, the farm always had an audience. People were intrigued at how the father-son duo had created a yellow oasis, and the organic methods they had used to achieve the feat. “We had many guests who wanted to observe how we were preparing our organic fertilisers from cow dung (we had 35 cows in our shed), how we used neem to make our pesticides, and how our mangoes were thriving,” Ganesh points out.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-5-1715946632.jpg" alt="The Ganesh Agro Tourism homestay lies in the middle of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts of Maharashtra" class="wp-image-350407" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-5-1715946632.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-5-1715946632-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-5-1715946632-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-5-1715946632-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-5-1715946632-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Ganesh Agro Tourism homestay lies in the middle of the Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts of Maharashtra, Picture source: Ganesh</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-4-1715946692.jpg" alt="The homestay has authentic rooms with one even being a mud room without air conditioning," class="wp-image-350408" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-4-1715946692.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-4-1715946692-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-4-1715946692-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-4-1715946692-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-4-1715946692-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The homestay has authentic rooms with one even being a mud room without air conditioning, Picture source: Ganesh</figcaption></figure></div> <p>With the farm getting so much attention, Ganesh began thinking along the lines of creating a model which would combine tourism with agriculture but he couldn’t quite put his finger on what this would be; until in 2008, an experience changed him.</p> <p>You may have heard of food scientist-turned-farmer Chandrasekhar Bhadsavle — famous for introducing the Saguna Rice Technique (SRT) among a handful of farmers in Neral (Karjat) in 2013 and for championing India’s first agro-tourism initiative ‘Saguna Baug’, which is located 75 km from Mumbai.</p> <p>Once degraded land, the Baug was transformed into a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/252647/mango-farm-ultra-high-density-planting-uhdp-kesar-alphonso-profits-farmer-success-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thriving land with food crops</a>, bamboo, livestock and fish; a space that promoted the surrounding wild biodiversity.</p> <p>One day while on a drive, Ganesh came across Saguna Baug and having heard so much about the place, decided to stop by. They say some things can change your life’s trajectory completely. For Ganesh, a guided tour through the green space with Bhadsavle’s running commentary on how freeing nature could really be was one such experience.</p> <p>“That was all I needed to confirm my faith in an idea that I had had,” says Ganesh, adding that his vision finally got a name. He decided to build an agro-tourism model.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-mangoes-play-host">Where mangoes play host</h2> <p>The minute you step into Ganesh Agro Tourism homestay, you’ll be able to tell the stark difference between the city air from the fresh gusts here. Mango trees move almost melodically, the branches causing a rustle that makes you stop and want to interpret. Watching these beauties and feasting on their fruits constitutes a great time.</p> <p>Ganesh lets us in on the inception behind this homestay idea: “It was once my father’s packing unit. When we started getting so many guests visiting us to watch our <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/332094/rajasthan-rubi-pareek-doubles-profit-with-organic-farming-gives-free-training/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic farming</a> practices, we thought it would be nice to create a place where they could stay. And so we decided to modify the packing unit into a homestay.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-3-1715947573.jpg" alt="The homestay is built in typical Maharashtrian style and is in the midst of paddy and mango plantations," class="wp-image-350410" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-3-1715947573.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-3-1715947573-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-3-1715947573-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-3-1715947573-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-3-1715947573-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The homestay is built in typical Maharashtrian style and is in the midst of paddy and mango plantations, Picture source: Ganesh</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-2-1715947684.jpg" alt="At the homestay, guests are treated to traditional food where mango is the hero ingredient" class="wp-image-350411" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-2-1715947684.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-2-1715947684-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-2-1715947684-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-2-1715947684-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-2-1715947684-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">At the homestay, guests are treated to traditional food where mango is the hero ingredient, Picture source: Ganesh</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Currently, the homestay boasts five rooms, with one of them being an authentic mud room. While guests are on the farm, there is plenty to keep them busy, Ganesh says. “When people come in summer, we teach them how to identify ripe mangoes, climb trees, pluck mangoes and then ripen them, and prepare<em> chutneys </em>and juice.”</p> <p>He adds that in the monsoons, guests are treated to lessons in paddy cultivation. “I take them on tractor rides, let them drive the tractors, and show them our organic harvesting methods.” When farming isn’t keeping guests occupied, Ganesh takes them boating and bird watching, and also lets them in on some mango canning secrets.</p> <p>Needless to say, mango features in almost every dish at the homestay, sometimes as a side dish, other times as the hero ingredient. <em>Aamti</em> (a spicy, sweet and sour <em>dal</em>), pickles, <em>panna</em> (a cooling Indian summer drink made with unripe green mangoes), <em>chutneys</em>, <em>aamras</em> (a milky drink made with mango pulp), and <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/336600/tech-nursery-hydroponics-aeroponics-farming-ratlam-brothers-arbind-ravindra-dhakad/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fresh fruit </a>are some of the delights offered.</p> <p>As for Ganesh, he maintains that diving into agro-tourism was the best decision. “Agrotourism is beneficial because you get direct customers for your products. These are connections that you make for life.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-1_11zon-1715947790.jpg" alt="There are plenty of activities for guests to partake in at the Ganesh Agro Tourism homestay. These include birdwatching, boating, mango canning and more" class="wp-image-350412" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-1_11zon-1715947790.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-1_11zon-1715947790-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-1_11zon-1715947790-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-1_11zon-1715947790-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-1_11zon-1715947790-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">There are plenty of activities for guests to partake in at the Ganesh Agro Tourism homestay. These include birdwatching, boating, mango canning and more, Picture source: Ganesh</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-1715947864.jpg" alt="Ganesh has been committed to organic farming at the homestay since 2002" class="wp-image-350413" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-1715947864.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-1715947864-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-1715947864-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-1715947864-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/mango-homestay-1715947864-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ganesh has been committed to organic farming at the homestay since 2002, Picture source: Ganesh</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Currently, Ganesh’s mangoes make their way to markets in Mumbai, Thane, Kolhapur, Sangli, Nashik, and Pune.</p> <p>He adds that while they did try their hands out at other vegetables, growing mangoes seemed the most lucrative option. “Aside from the demand for mangoes, there are other factors that make them suitable for us to grow. When we tried growing vegetables, cows would eat them, and we did not have money to hire people who would keep a watch on the fields.”</p> <p>Thus the family decided to channel their energies into mangoes. And it is a bonus that Ratnagiri’s prowess for the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/347512/order-mangoes-ratnagiri-devgadh-alphonso-jardalu-online-in-mumbai-bengaluru-delhi-pune/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alphonso mangoes</a> is GI-tag proof.</p> <p>The reason for Ratnagiri being hailed as the best for Alphonso mangoes, Ganesh says, is the quality of the laterite soil here. “Add to this the favourable climate!” He emphasises that the mangoes he sells are genuine and have a unique identity. The Alphonso mango has long since worn the crown for being one of the sweetest, most aromatic varieties, named after Portuguese general and military specialist Afonso de Albuquerque, who assisted in establishing Portuguese colonies in India.</p> <p>With notes of citrus and honey, the Ratnagiri Alphonso prides itself on a delicious pulp that is hugged by thin, firm skin with a longer shelf-life than their counterparts. And Ganesh is thrilled to be cultivating this work of art.</p> <p>For anyone who wonders what Ganesh busies himself with the rest of the year — aside from summers — he cautions, “The <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/347996/rare-mangoes-available-in-india-alphonso-sindhri-mango-expensive-mangoes-summer-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mango season</a> lasts for two months. But the other 10 months go into the maintenance of the land, cleaning the gardens, spraying the trees, putting fertiliser, and watching the fruits start to flourish.”</p> <p>The summer season is when the family reaps the rewards of this hard work. Sharing how a love for nature has always coloured his choices, Ganesh says, “I ventured into farming just out of passion. And it was the best decision.”</p> <p><em>To book your stay and experience an authentic farm life, you can reach out to Ganesh at 9422433676</em>.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350402";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:71;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:100:"‘I Earn 10 Times More Now’: Farmer Quit His Dream Job To Sell Donkey Milk, Makes Rs 3 Lakh/Month";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:137:"https://thebetterindia.com/350485/donkey-milk-farming-value-in-india-gujarat-farmer-earns-lakhs-by-selling-nutritious-donkey-milk-powder/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Mon, 20 May 2024 14:53:54 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"cosmetic industry";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"donkey milk";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:23:"pharmaceutical industry";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"tds donkey farm";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350485";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:227:"Donkey milk, which has little value in India, has made Dhiren Solanki a successful farmer in Gujarat. He tapped into its international demand in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry, setting up a business within two years.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9196:" <p>“If I had become a government teacher, I would be earning Rs 30,000 in a month – an amount that I generate in roughly three days. With the government job, I could have only cleared my EMIs, not fulfilled my dreams.”</p> <p>In 2022, Dhiren Solanki quit his fantasy of landing a government job to become a farmer. Unlike traditional agriculture practices, he turned to creating a livelihood out of donkeys!</p> <p>Historically, donkeys have been primarily used as pack animals to pull ploughs and carts, deliver goods to market, collect water from wells, and in the construction industry. However, these donkeys are rarely used as agricultural animals like cows, buffaloes, and goats.</p> <p>Interestingly, donkeys have become a good revenue source for Dhiren. At 22, he set up a multi-lakh business earning Rs 3 lakh per month by selling<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/187115/delhi-duo-quadruples-underprivileged-income-donkey-milk-soap-india/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> donkey milk. </a>In conversation with <strong>The Better India</strong>, he explains how he stood out in making donkey milk a profitable farming business.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Dhiren-Solanki-1716215826.jpg" alt="Following his father's advice, Dhiren quit his fantasy of landing a government job to become a farmer. " class="wp-image-350585" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Dhiren-Solanki-1716215826.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Dhiren-Solanki-1716215826-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Dhiren-Solanki-1716215826-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Dhiren-Solanki-1716215826-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Dhiren-Solanki-1716215826-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Following his father’s advice, Dhiren quit his fantasy of landing a government job to become a farmer. </figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-donkey-milk-a-hidden-gem">Donkey milk – a hidden gem</h2> <p>Like his father, Dhiren’s childhood aspiration was to pursue a career in teaching. So, after completing his schooling in science, he started preparing for the government examinations in 2020.</p> <p>“There are limited vacancies for government jobs and there is too much competition in this field. Anyway, I appeared for many state and central-level examinations in February 2020 but I did not get any results. I was sitting idle for at least six months, I did not know what to do and was just waiting for my results. I was getting demotivated,” he says.</p> <p>In early 2021, his father read about the donkey-rearing business in Karnataka and Kerala. “This concept was not at all popularised in the North. Although there is little demand for donkey milk in the country, it has huge demand in countries like Turkey, Malaysia, and China,” he adds.</p> <p>“At a time when people are bothered by soaring prices of cow and <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/173064/milk-cow-camel-almond-coconut-yak-goat-soy-coconut-alternative-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">buffaloes milk </a>at Rs 60 per litre, they are not interested in buying donkey milk which is sold for Rs 3,500 a litre. But it has an international market and is widely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries to make products like moisturisers, baby cream, and soaps,” he adds.</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7555024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">2020 research article </a>reveals that donkey milk stimulates the immune system, regulates the gastrointestinal flora, and prevents inflammatory diseases. It has long been used as an alternative for infants and patients with Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA).</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/donkey-milk-1-1716196416.jpg" alt="In 2022, Dhiren started TDS Donkey Farm without any formal training. " class="wp-image-350500" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/donkey-milk-1-1716196416.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/donkey-milk-1-1716196416-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/donkey-milk-1-1716196416-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/donkey-milk-1-1716196416-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/donkey-milk-1-1716196416-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">In 2022, Dhiren started TDS Donkey Farm without any formal training. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>Dhiren says the demand for donkey milk also increased amid the COVID-19 pandemic to make immunity-boosting tablets. Other than its potential roles in human nutrition, donkey milk is used in ethnomedicine, and cosmetology, most likely due to its lysozyme content, and smoothing skin and scalp inflammations.</p> <p>Considering a potential business opportunity, Dhiren shifted his focus to set up a donkey farm in his village Manund of Patan district, Gujarat.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-didn-t-get-held-up-after-rs-40-lakh-losses">Didn’t get held up after Rs 40 lakh losses</h2> <p>In 2022, Dhiren started TDS Donkey Farm without any formal training. For this, he also took a loan of Rs 37 lakh to buy 20 donkeys and set up a 40×30 feet shed.</p> <p>“I took the risk as I was confident and positive. But I overlooked the risk and my decision turned out to be wrong,” he says.</p> <p>“I thought that I would purchase donkeys, milk them one day, and sell their milk the next day. This was not at all possible. I did not consider its low shelf life. There was no proper local market for it and it could not be sent abroad in its liquid form via plane or ship due to this,” he shares.</p> <p>In the first year, he incurred losses up to Rs 40 lakh as he had to throw 3,000 litres of milk down the drain. The only solution was to transport the milk abroad by converting it into dry powder form for transportation. But it took him a year to understand this and find suitable companies that did this process.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/donkey-milk-1716196367.jpg" alt="Dhiren informs that it takes 17 litres of milk to make one kg powder." class="wp-image-350498" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/donkey-milk-1716196367.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/donkey-milk-1716196367-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/donkey-milk-1716196367-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/donkey-milk-1716196367-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/donkey-milk-1716196367-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dhiren informs that it takes 17 litres of milk to make one kg powder.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>“I sought help from a marketing company and bought their annual package of Rs 3.5 lakh which brought in customers. After more than a year, I got my first order of 50 kg milk powder,” he adds.</p> <p>By that time, Dhiren had already stored 200 kg of milk powder. He shares, “It takes 17 litres of milk to make one kg powder. It is sold for Rs 63,000 per kg in the international market,” he adds.</p> <p>After initial hiccups, Dhiren was able to scale up the business and gradually expanded his farm to 50 donkeys. The current daily <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/255951/hyderabad-sids-farm-iit-kharagpur-cow-cattle-earns-crores-milk-subscription-plan-dairy-revenue-kishore-indukuri-inspirational-success-vid01/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">milk production </a>at his farm is about 15 litres.</p> <p>He adds that he also ensures the general well-being of the donkeys at his farm. “We make sure that the donkeys are not exploited for milk. In our village, we have a veterinary hospital very close to our farm. We get them treated and vaccinated for tetanus every year and give them B-complex supplements every month,” he adds.</p> <p>Looking back at his success, Dhiren says, “With this work, I feel I have also been able to raise some respect for donkeys that are considered of no value in the Indian setup. Besides, I have also been able to get fame at a very young age. Had I been in a government job, nobody would have known of my existence,” he says.</p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande. All photos: Dhiren Solanki.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350485";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:72;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:104:"The ‘MBA Sarpanch’ Who Kept All Her Promises & Brought Water, Roads & Education to a Village";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:135:"https://thebetterindia.com/350255/chhavi-rajawat-sarpanch-mba-soda-village-rajasthan-water-roads-college-digital-literacy-help-farmers/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Mon, 20 May 2024 12:07:56 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"Changemakers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"changemaker";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"rural education";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"sarpanch stories";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"water heroes";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350255";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:221:"Under the leadership of former sarpanch Chhavi Rajawat, Rajasthan’s Soda Village saw improved infrastructure, which transformed the community. Today she is focusing on an upcoming digital literacy centre in the village.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Krystelle Dsouza";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18952:" <p>There lies a road in the main bazaar <em>chowk</em> in the Soda village of Rajasthan. At first glance, it may seem like an ordinary village street, but the locals see it as a symbol of progress. As I get on a call with Ladu <em>ji</em>, a farmer in the area, the steady sound of trucks, cars, bullock carts, buses, and bicycles ploughing through the street eclipse most of his words. He shouts over the din, “Now trucks can drive on this road!”</p> <p>Ladu <em>ji</em> goes on to explain why this is a miracle.</p> <p>“There was a time when even two bicycles couldn’t pass simultaneously. What else can you expect from a two-foot-wide road?” he asks. I agree. So, naturally, watching the path accommodating trucks and lorries is amusing for the villagers. The farmer is quick to hail his ex-<em>sarpanch </em>(a decision-maker elected by the village) Chhavi Rajawat for this <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/85603/women-sarpanches-transforming-inspiring-villages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phenomenal work</a>.</p> <p>He stresses though that this isn’t the only transformation she has brought about. “Our village has water thanks to her.”</p> <p>Before Rajawat took over as <em>sarpanch</em> in 2010 — at the time making headlines for being India’s first <em>sarpanch</em> with an MBA degree — the village was experiencing one of its worst droughts. “Madam ensured a pipeline in every house and water in every pond,” Ladu <em>ji</em> says.</p> <p>Home isn’t the only place where he has been witnessing the results of Rajawat’s work. His fields too have benefited. Promising to send me pictures of his <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/313207/aravinthan-coimbatore-organic-farm-seed-bank-preserves-rare-varieties-vegetables-pulses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thriving pulses</a>, the farmer credits the steady supply of water for this. “Earlier my fields would dry up completely. But not anymore.”</p> <p>It suffices to say that in the two terms that Rajawat headed the village as <em>sarpanch</em>, 2010-15 and 2015-20, she shaped, both, policies and dreams. As she points out, the victory is personal. After all, this is her native village. </p> <p>While she was chasing corporate dreams — Rajawat worked for a slew of multinational companies after completing her MBA degree — one question continued to baffle her.</p> <p>Despite government funding for rural development increasing over the years, why were villages not progressing? Why was development in retreat?</p> <p>Conversations with the villagers led her to the answer. “I began to understand that responsibility and ownership were slowly regressing in <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=indian+villages+the+better+india&rlz=1C1YTUH_enIN1048IN1048&oq=indian+villages+the+better+india&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIJCAEQIRgKGKABMgkIAhAhGAoYoAHSAQg0OTcyajBqNKgCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rural landscapes</a>,” she explains.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="469" height="623" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sarpanch-Chhavi-with-the-goat_11zon-1715862357.jpg" alt="Ex-Sarpanch Chhavi Rajawat has transformed the village of Soda into a space for development, education and change," class="wp-image-350275" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sarpanch-Chhavi-with-the-goat_11zon-1715862357.jpg 469w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sarpanch-Chhavi-with-the-goat_11zon-1715862357-226x300.jpg 226w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sarpanch-Chhavi-with-the-goat_11zon-1715862357-150x199.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 469px) 100vw, 469px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ex-Sarpanch Chhavi Rajawat has transformed the village of Soda into a space for development, education and change, Picture source: Chhavi</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Rajawat’s stint as <em>sarpanch</em> witnessed 800 households getting pipelines, around 800 homes getting toilets, numerous ponds being revived, and 100 roads being built.</p> <p>Just when the villagers assumed the spate of development had reached its peak, Rajawat revived a defunct college and is already planning for a digital literacy centre. “Miles to go,” she emphasises.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-knowledge-does-not-discriminate">Knowledge does not discriminate</h2> <p>It is a Monday morning when I call Geeta (44). Her delayed response, as she explains, is because she is busy sketching out a curriculum for her Class 5 students. It’s been a year since Geeta has been working at this school. “I am the happiest I have ever been,” she smiles. After being unemployed for years, she is relieved to have a well-paying job.</p> <p>Following Class 12, Geeta quit her studies for five years. Her father’s untimely demise and her in-laws’ unsupportive behaviour were the reasons. But, it was a friend who stepped in and motivated Geeta to take up studying once again; transferring Rs 3,000 into her bank account and asking her to channel the money towards her <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/348078/delhi-constable-than-singh-ki-pathshala-teaches-underprivileged-children-for-free/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">education</a>.</p> <p>Working at a construction site in Jaipur at the time, Geeta was forced to return to Soda in 2020. The dearth of work during the COVID lockdown made it impossible for her to continue. When she reached the village, news of a ‘new’ college taking in applicants reached her. One conversation with Rajawat later, Geeta was convinced this was the place for her.</p> <p>“Chhavi ma’am encouraged me to pursue my D El Ed (Diploma in Elementary Education). Everyone around me was keen to see me study. I began noticing how the village mindset had evolved.” Geeta went on to complete the two-year course and secured a job at the village school.</p> <p>While <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/338824/muskaan-dreams-abhishek-dubey-introduces-technology-in-rural-school-education-digital-literacy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">imparting education</a> to 10-year-olds is her first priority, another goal is to dispel stereotypes that force women to sacrifice their dreams. Currently, there are 550 students at the college. They are engaged in one of the three courses offered here: BEd (Bachelor of Education), a D El Ed (Diploma in Elementary Education), and a BA (Bachelor of Arts) programme.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1288" height="966" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-19-at-5.34.52-PM-1-1715862133.jpeg" alt="Chhavi Rajwat is at the helm of affairs at the girls' college in Soda village in Rajasthan" class="wp-image-350272" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-19-at-5.34.52-PM-1-1715862133.jpeg 1288w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-19-at-5.34.52-PM-1-1715862133-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-19-at-5.34.52-PM-1-1715862133-500x375.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-19-at-5.34.52-PM-1-1715862133-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-19-at-5.34.52-PM-1-1715862133-150x113.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1288px) 100vw, 1288px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chhavi Rajwat is at the helm of affairs at the girls’ college in Soda village in Rajasthan, Picture source: Chhavi</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="960" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-19-at-5.34.56-PM-2-1715862177.jpeg" alt="The college offers courses in D.El.Ed and B.Ed for girls who wish to pursue teaching as a career" class="wp-image-350273" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-19-at-5.34.56-PM-2-1715862177.jpeg 1280w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-19-at-5.34.56-PM-2-1715862177-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-19-at-5.34.56-PM-2-1715862177-500x375.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-19-at-5.34.56-PM-2-1715862177-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-19-at-5.34.56-PM-2-1715862177-150x113.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The college offers courses in D El Ed and B Ed for girls who wish to pursue teaching as a career, Picture source: Chhavi</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Watching these young girls echo Geeta’s enthusiasm to study further, is all the validation that Rajawat seeks. “In 2015, I noticed a complete mismanagement in the college. The head had run into a financial crunch and was on the verge of shutting it down. No one was too bothered by this since girl child education wasn’t a priority in the village.”</p> <p>However, Rajawat was well aware of the odds against which the girls had enrolled in the college course. Returning home without a degree would only welcome taunts from their families.</p> <p>“When we speak of development, it is very important for young women to have access to good education. Tomorrow, they will be mothers who will be <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/336276/madhura-rajvanshi-fulbright-scholar-distinguished-award-phaltan-rural-maharashtra/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impacting the next generation</a>. If they set out to become teachers, imagine the responsibility on their shoulders,” she says.</p> <p>With this in mind, Rajawat took over the college, working tirelessly with a team that was as passionate about the cause. The journey was anything but easy. “My staff did not have smartphones, so training and co-ordinating was tough. Doing it during the pandemic when access to resources was limited added to the challenge,” she adds.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1040" height="780" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-19-at-5.34.56-PM-1715862469.jpeg" alt="The college has been instrumental in helping girls get back to studying and securing jobs," class="wp-image-350276" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-19-at-5.34.56-PM-1715862469.jpeg 1040w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-19-at-5.34.56-PM-1715862469-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-19-at-5.34.56-PM-1715862469-500x375.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-19-at-5.34.56-PM-1715862469-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-19-at-5.34.56-PM-1715862469-150x113.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1040px) 100vw, 1040px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The college has been instrumental in helping girls get back to studying and securing jobs, Picture source: Chhavi</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sarpanch-1-1715862614.jpg" alt="Rajawat was also instrumental in setting up the computer lab and making the curriculum focused on holistic development through sport" class="wp-image-350277" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sarpanch-1-1715862614.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sarpanch-1-1715862614-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sarpanch-1-1715862614-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sarpanch-1-1715862614-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sarpanch-1-1715862614-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rajawat was also instrumental in setting up the computer lab and making the curriculum focused on holistic development through sport, Picture source: Chhavi</figcaption></figure></div> <p>To ensure that the students are getting a quality education, Rajawat employs teachers from Jaipur; organising a shuttle service that picks and drops them every day. In addition to this, she has also channelled funds towards setting up a computer lab.</p> <p>The lab is one arm of Rajawat’s dream <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/333854/digital-resource-centres-nasscom-dxc-technology-empower-youth-women-skill-building-business-support/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital literacy</a> centre. “Technology is changing globally, and we are diving into AI (artificial intelligence). But, at the same time, students in the villages are not familiar with using even a basic computer. It’s unfair.” She hypothesises that the digital platform will bridge the gaps that exist in literacy.</p> <p>Another plan in the pipeline is an agriculture centre, where students can fine-tune their knowledge about climate change, quality of soil, irrigation practices and organic farming. Rajawat understood the importance of these factors when she attempted to bring water to the village more than a decade ago.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-oasis-of-hope">An oasis of hope</h2> <p>In 2010, Ladu <em>ji</em>’s routine involved waking up each morning and joining the hordes of villagers making their way to the village reservoir. Once at the site, a long day of digging and desilting awaited the group.</p> <p>The monsoons that followed had them amazed as 12 acres of desilted land filled with water, lasting them for an entire year’s needs. “I still remember that day,” Ladu<em> ji</em> says.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sarpanch-2-1715863137.jpg" alt="The dry reservoir that was filled with silt was unable to fill up with water during the monsoons" class="wp-image-350284" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sarpanch-2-1715863137.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sarpanch-2-1715863137-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sarpanch-2-1715863137-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sarpanch-2-1715863137-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sarpanch-2-1715863137-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The dry reservoir that was filled with silt was unable to fill up with water during the monsoons, Picture source: Chhavi</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sarpanch-3-1715863199.jpg" alt="Rajawat has transformed the reservoir into a thriving water body that provides for the village's water needs," class="wp-image-350285" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sarpanch-3-1715863199.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sarpanch-3-1715863199-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sarpanch-3-1715863199-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sarpanch-3-1715863199-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/sarpanch-3-1715863199-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rajawat has transformed the reservoir into a thriving water body that provides for the village’s water needs, Picture source: Chhavi</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Tracing back to how the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/309116/ias-officer-anshul-gupta-efi-volunteers-restore-pond-wildlife-ujjain-madhya-pradesh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water project</a> took shape, Rajawat says it was the drought of 2009 that was the precursor. “It was one of the worst droughts the village had experienced. Our animals were dying, there was no fodder and people were consuming the groundwater, which had been declared unsafe for anything, even irrigation.”</p> <p>“You can’t blame them. How else would they survive?” she argues.</p> <p>It was a tense time. During this unimaginable hardship, Rajawat taking charge as <em>sarpanch</em> was a ray of hope for the villagers. She shares the ground map she put in place to alleviate the villagers’ woes.</p> <p>“We have a main reservoir which spans 100 acres and several smaller ponds. The first step was to desilt the reservoir to ensure that we could <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/290552/mumbai-man-low-cost-rainwater-harvesting-system-recharges-borewells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harvest as much rainwater</a> as possible from it as the surface water is used for all the village needs including irrigation.” Months of desilting led to success.</p> <p>Rajawat’s operation had a dual vantage — the productivity of farmers increased to 75 percent, she shares, and the villagers’ belief in her was strengthened.</p> <p>Here was a <em>sarpanch</em> who kept their word.</p> <p>This was just the beginning of Rajawat’s good work. In 2010, she also spearheaded a sanitation campaign through which she began raising funds for the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/210236/free-ladies-public-toilet-pune-clean-safe-review-ti-old-buses-innovation-ang136/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">construction of toilets</a>. Her strategy was bold and unique. “I knocked on the door of every home and told the beneficiaries that they had to contribute to the project. I added that if they did not have the money, they could contribute their time to dig the pits.”</p> <p>Creating a sense of ownership went a long way. While Rajawat insists that these developments are tiny in the larger scheme of things, she emphasises, “The progress of a country is equal to the progress of each of its citizens.”</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350255";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:73;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:66:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:85:"How To Grow Grapes At Home? Gardener Shares 10 Tips to Grows The Fruits In Containers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:116:"https://thebetterindia.com/349880/how-to-grow-grapes-at-home-in-containers-urban-gardener-rashmi-shukla-shares-tips/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Sat, 18 May 2024 06:30:00 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:4:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"fruit trees at home";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"grow grapes at home";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"terrace gardening";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=349880";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:183:"Delhi-based urban gardener Rashmi Shukla has been growing grapes on the rooftop of her house for the last seven years. She shares tips and techniques to easily grow the fruit at home.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:3826:" <p>Grapes are one of the most commonly consumed fruits in any Indian household. However, it is not hidden that grapes are heavily contaminated with pesticides, and consuming such fruits can lead to various health issues — including potential harm to the nervous system, disruption of hormone function, and an increased risk of cancer.</p> <p>But what if you can grow these juicy delights easily at home in containers?</p> <p>Delhi-based urban gardener Rashmi Shukla has been <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/227391/india-invention-sudhakar-seedless-table-grape-variety-ipr-export-farmer-innovator-nashik-maharashtra/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growing grapes</a> on the rooftop of her house for the last seven years.</p> <p>She says growing grapevines in a grow bag and container is not very cumbersome and can be done with little care. And as a bonus, your garden will be frequented by a lot of birds!</p> <p>According to Rashmi, grapes can be grown through seeds as well as cuttings but gardeners should opt for a sapling. “It will substantially reduce the time taken for the plant to bear fruits. If you use seeds, it may take many years before fruiting while a sapling can fruit in three years if properly nurtured,” she adds.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Rashmi-Shukla-1-1715686204.jpg" alt="Rashmi says growing grapevines in a grow bag and container is not very cumbersome and can be done with little care." class="wp-image-349883" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Rashmi-Shukla-1-1715686204.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Rashmi-Shukla-1-1715686204-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Rashmi-Shukla-1-1715686204-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Rashmi-Shukla-1-1715686204-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Rashmi-Shukla-1-1715686204-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rashmi says growing grapevines in a grow bag and container is not very cumbersome and can be done with little care.</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>Rashmi shares 10 things to keep in mind while growing grapes in containers.</strong></p> <ol> <li>Make sure the sapling brought from the nursery is healthy.</li> <li>The rainy season is the best time to grow grapes.</li> <li>Keep the plant in a small pot and keep repotting it as the plant grows. After about two years, it can be planted in a 24-inch size grow bag or pot.</li> <li>To prepare the<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/248815/organic-gardening-tips-how-to-use-grow-bag-grapes-terrace-farm-vegetables-kerala-san196/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> potting mix</a>, mix 50 percent soil with 30 percent compost and 20 percent sand.</li> <li>Keep the plant in a good sunny place as the grapevines will need six to seven hours of sunlight to bear fruit.</li> <li>Keep watering it every day.</li> <li>Keep adding good potassium and boron fertiliser to it every month.</li> <li>During winter, all the leaves of the tree will fall from its vine. Put those leaves in the pot so that they turn into compost.</li> <li>The vines will start growing after six months. Let them grow upwards with the support of a wire. Leave the main stem below so that more vines can form at the top.</li> <li>When the clusters of fruit start appearing on the vine, wrap it with a handkerchief so that the fruits are not damaged by birds.</li> </ol> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande. Photo credit: Rashmi Shukla (Instagram)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"349880";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:74;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:69:"5 Best All-Day Breakfast Places in Bengaluru Recommended by Foodies";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:135:"https://thebetterindia.com/349784/all-day-breakfast-places-bengaluru-vidyarthi-bhavan-airlines-hotel-rameshwaram-cafe-hole-in-the-wall/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Sat, 18 May 2024 04:30:00 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4:"Food";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"airlines hotel";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:29:"breakfast places in bengaluru";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:20:"the rameshwaram cafe";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"vidyarthi bhavan";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=349784";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:147:"From masala dosa and kesari bath to pancakes and baked beans, this quintessential list of breakfast places in Bengaluru has something for everyone.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:32931:" <p>Bengaluru is a city that never sleeps. It is a city where the aroma of spices mingles with the hustle and bustle of daily life. In the heart of this vibrant metropolis lie hidden gems, places where time stands still, and breakfast is served all day long.</p> <p>Join <strong>The Better India </strong>on a journey through the winding streets and bustling markets as we uncover five iconic eateries, where a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/298423/best-breakfasts-in-india-food-map-idli-recipe/amp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delicious breakfast menu</a> is open for the city to enjoy at any time.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-vidyarthi-bhavan">1. Vidyarthi Bhavan</h2> <p>What started as a small eatery by a bunch of students in 1943 is today the city’s most iconic legacy <em>dosa</em> (thin pancake made using lentil and rice) place. If you love feasting on the beloved South Indian dish, this is the place to be. With different branches all around the city, the place serves the most fluffy yet crunchy <em>masala doses</em> (thin pancake stuffed with a potato filling) usually devoured with filter coffee.</p> <p>Vouched for by actor Ashish Vidyarthi, his <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/341466/best-dosa-in-chennai-south-indian-thali-ratna-cafe-paati-veedu-nairs-mess-ponnusamy/amp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personal favourite <em>benne dose</em> </a>(butter thin pancake) for breakfast is a must-try!</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> 32, Gandhi Bazaar Main Rd, Gandhi Bazaar, Basavanagudi.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CefqcaoJ-5f/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CefqcaoJ-5f/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CefqcaoJ-5f/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Ashish Vidyarthi (@ashishvidyarthi1)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-154-breakfast-club">2. 154 Breakfast Club</h2> <p>If you are looking to devour some delicious European-styled breakfast, then 154 Breakfast Club is the place to be. With its long list of breakfast plates — which have baked beans, mushrooms, bacon, croissants, pancakes, grilled tomatoes and eggs done to order — the food at this place leaves many food enthusiasts in awe.</p> <p>Bengaluru’s local foodie Varna of <em>@_im.still.hungry__ </em>recommends kickstarting your day at the place. “A personal recommendation from my side would be ‘Stairway to Heaven’ (A mixed stack of waffle, pancake and French toast with maple syrup, honey, whipped cream and berry toppings),” she says.</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> 440, 2nd Floor, 8th Main Road, 4th Block, Koramangala; and 688, 2nd Floor, 100 Feet Ring Road, Jeewan Griha Colony, 2nd Phase, J P Nagar.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4QLz-KvcFJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4QLz-KvcFJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4QLz-KvcFJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by @_im.still.hungry_</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-airlines-hotel">3. Airlines Hotel</h2> <p>Another iconic eatery in Bengaluru, Airlines Hotel is famous for its delicious South Indian breakfast menu. Serving<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/347983/dosa-origin-story-bengaluru-butter-masala-dosa-history-watch-video/amp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> dishes like crispy <em>dosas, </em></a><em>akki roti </em>(flatbread made using rice, spices and vegetables)<em>, chow chow bath</em> (contains a serving each of savoury and sweet dishes)<em>, and kesari bath </em>(sweet dish)<em>,</em> the place promises a solid breakfast menu.</p> <p>B S Rahul Murthy, also known as <em>@shudhdesifoodies, </em>calls their food “addictive” on Instagram. He recommends trying the<em> chana bhatura </em>(deep-fried bread with chickpea curry)<em> and masala dose.</em></p> <p><strong>Location</strong>: 4, State Bank of India Road, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxeeoFUvhjI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxeeoFUvhjI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxeeoFUvhjI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by B S Rahul Murthy (@shudhdesifoodies)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-the-rameshwaram-cafe">4. The Rameshwaram Cafe</h2> <p>If we are talking breakfast in Bengaluru, it would be unfair not to mention the iconic Rameshwaram Cafe. A brand name known for staying open even at midnight, the place is always buzzed with enthusiastic food lovers and the clinking sound of cutlery.</p> <p>Once you make it through the long queue, try their<em> ghee podi masala dosa </em>(thin flatbread with potato filling, clarified butter and spice powder)<em> and podi idli</em> (steamed rice cake with spice powder) with some filter coffee.</p> <p>Even Australian chef Gary Mehigan gave a nod to the sumptuous dishes served here when he visited the place. “I’ll be back,” he wrote on Instagram.</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Multiple outlets including J P Nagar, Indiranagar, Rajajinagar, and Brookfield.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0EQzA4I1tW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0EQzA4I1tW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0EQzA4I1tW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Gary Mehigan (@garymehigan)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-the-hole-in-the-wall-cafe">5. The Hole In The Wall Cafe</h2> <p>If some great coffee and delicious pancakes are what you are craving for breakfast, visit the Hole In The Wall Cafe. Located in several locations including Koramangala, the place has become a go-to brunch spot for many.</p> <p>While you are there, don’t forget to indulge in their meaty pizza omelette, veg casserole, and French toast.</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>3, 8th Main Road, 4th Block, Koramangala.</p> <p><em>(Edited by Pranita Bhat)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"349784";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:75;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:85:"Meet Dr K S Rajanna, The Padma Shri Awardee Who Defied Polio & Empowered Hundreds";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:122:"https://thebetterindia.com/350434/dr-ks-rajanna-padma-shri-awardee-empowering-disabled-polio-battle-watch-video-inspiring/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 17 May 2024 14:40:00 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"Changemakers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"disabled people";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"dr k s rajanna";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"Padma Shri";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"social work";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350434";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:246:"Despite losing his limbs to polio at 11, Dr K S Rajanna became a Paralympic champion, social activist, and entrepreneur, employing over 350 people. Here’s his journey to advocating for the rights and representation of persons with disabilities.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"Khushi Arora";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9482:" <p>At the young age of 11, Dr K S Rajanna experienced a life-altering event when he lost his arms and legs to Polio. Unfazed by his severe physical limitations, he found strength in his resilience. </p> <p>He learnt to walk on his knees, worked hard as a student and graduated with a diploma in mechanical engineering.</p> <p>In the 2002 Paralympics, he also won India a gold in discus throw and a silver in swimming. </p> <p>Hailing from Bengaluru, this 64-year-old is a social activist, who dedicated his life to<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/346821/harishchandra-sude-prashant-sude-maharashtra-ngo-that-helps-people-with-disability-training/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> helping the disabled</a>. </p> <p>Despite the challenges, Dr Rajanna committed himself to empowering others facing similar challenges. 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C66ZiVKhphn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Better India (@thebetterindia)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Today, as an entrepreneur, he leads a business that employs over 350 people, many of them are persons with disabilities. </p> <p>This year, his extraordinary contributions and unwavering commitment were further honoured by President Droupadi Murmu, who conferred him with the prestigious <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/253375/nagaland-ias-hero-am-gokhale-padma-shri-coronavirus-covid-village-development-board-rural-development-india-nor41/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Padma Shri</a> award for exemplary social work.</p> <p>After receiving the award, he said, “This should not just remain as an award but it should aid me further in my <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/255808/west-bengal-kolkata-anindita-majumdar-equidiversity-foundation-women-representation-in-rural-politics-india-gender-based-violence-disabilities-women-empowerment-div200/">social work</a>. There is no political reservation for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and I hope that this award prompts the State and Union Government to appoint a PwD as a member of legislative council or the Rajya Sabha. We do not just want sympathy, but the opportunity to exercise our rights.”</p> <p>Through his relentless efforts, Dr Rajanna has shown that with resilience, courage, and a heart dedicated to service, one can turn personal trials into triumphs.</p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350434";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:76;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:83:"History of Rajasthan’s Iconic Laal Maas & The Best Places to Eat It [RECIPE]";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:91:"https://thebetterindia.com/349748/laal-maas-history-recipe-best-places-to-eat-in-rajasthan/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 17 May 2024 09:04:34 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4:"Food";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4:"food";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"food history";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8:"lal maas";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"Rajasthan";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=349748";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:175:"From a dish that reflected royalty in every bite to one that is now a must-have in every Rajasthani household, here's the tale of the lal maas and the palates it has appeased.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Krystelle Dsouza";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:23268:" <p>“Do not miss out on the <em>laal maas</em>,” countless people — both hardcore foodies as well as those picky with palette choices — told me just before I made a trip to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/167192/jaipur-rajasthan-history-planned-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rajasthan’s Jaipur</a> earlier this year. Their advice was followed by recommendations of places I must visit to taste the authentic version of this royal mutton curry flavoured with yoghurt and spices.</p> <p>I assumed the hype to be hearsay. But it was only when I set foot in the pink city, that I knew I was wrong.</p> <p>Everyone — from the chatty rickshaw driver who took it upon himself to plan the day’s itinerary to the shopkeeper whose <em>jutti</em> (traditional Indian shoes that feature hand embroidery) collection was set to impress — spoke of the <em>laal maas</em> with deep reverence.</p> <p>It began to seem almost like a sacrilege to be in Rajasthan and not savour the dish. And thus began my quest to find the best places in the city that would deliver to promise. But looking for the best <em>laal maas</em> places in Rajasthan is akin to seeking out the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/279312/offbeat-monuments-in-india-jaipur-varanasi-karnataka-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prettiest monument</a> in the city. Each pales over the other in comparison.</p> <p>Nevertheless, one of the first spots I stopped by was Handi Restaurant in Vaishali Nagar.</p> <p>My order took a while to arrive, but the taste justified the delay. As the scent of the mutton gravy teased my tastebuds way before the first morsel hit my palate, I was convinced that the people of Rajasthan had birthed a gem in the form of this dish.</p> <p>It was a true firecracker; its spicy notes and melt-in-mouth texture were <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/345644/best-momo-joints-delhi-recommended-by-foodies-dolma-aunty-majnu-ka-tila-yeti-mood-pema/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a flavour bomb</a>; the mutton soft and rendering.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/lal-maas-1-1715603120.jpg" alt="Lal Maas is a traditional gravy prepared in Rajasthan," class="wp-image-349763" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/lal-maas-1-1715603120.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/lal-maas-1-1715603120-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/lal-maas-1-1715603120-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/lal-maas-1-1715603120-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/lal-maas-1-1715603120-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Laal Maas is a traditional gravy prepared in Rajasthan, Picture source: Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thehungrygourmand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Nivedita Mullick </a></figcaption></figure></div> <p>Tip: If you are looking for something to pair your <em>laal maas</em> with, the best bet would be a <em>rumali roti</em> (a thin and limp Indian flatbread that resembles a handkerchief).</p> <p>Tip 2: Keep a tissue ready.</p> <p>When I relayed my experience to Ratika Bhargava who manages CauldronSisterss — a culinary venture, along with her sister Riccha Khetan — she proceeded to let me in on a few secrets of the dish’s history.</p> <p>The reason for my tear glands acting up, she pointed out, was the Mathania chillies.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-spicy-affair">A spicy affair</h2> <p>As connoisseurs of the <em>laal maas</em> point out in articles across the web, the hero of the dish is the chilli. Blood red in colour, they are indigenous to the town ‘Mathania’ in Jodhpur, where the hot and humid climate plays the perfect host.</p> <p>With its pungent taste and <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=smoky+flavour+the+better+india&rlz=1C1YTUH_enIN1048IN1048&oq=smoky+flavour+the+better+india&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigAdIBCDQ0OTZqMGo0qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoky and earthy flavour</a>, Mathania has won over Rajasthan and the world. Sometimes added in whole, other times soaked in water and ground into a paste, the chillies have been finding their way into Rajasthani delicacies since time immemorial.</p> <p>While chronicling their history, Bhargava, who knows Rajasthani cuisine like the back of her hand, also shares an old wive’s tale that surrounds the Mathania chilli. “While these chillies are being grown, ashes from burial grounds are spread in the farmland. This increases production and contributes to their flavour,” she notes cautioning that the relevance of this theory is not known.</p> <p>But even while it has been established that the chilli is a hero of sorts, the question begs to be asked how it found its way into the <em>laal maas</em>.</p> <iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y0J240TI3OM?si=7lFEXkjWscbpjfp4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-sophisticated-to-egalitarian">From sophisticated to egalitarian</h2> <p>Anyone who has feasted on this mutton marvel will agree it is <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=royal+dishes+the+better+india&rlz=1C1YTUH_enIN1048IN1048&oq=royal+dishes+the+better+india&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigAdIBCDQzODlqMGo0qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evocative of royalty</a>. Translating to red meat — a pop of colour that we have the Mathania chillies to thank for — the dish traces back to the 8th century. While there is no linear narrative on which particular incident influenced the dish, all theories converge on one — it started during hunting expeditions.</p> <p>The story goes that Maharajas would be accompanied by a retinue of people including <em>khansamas</em> (royal cooks) on these trips. The rations carried along were limited — chillies, garlic, water and yoghurt. During the trip, the kings would hunt wild boar, jungle fowl, and venison, which would be sent to the camp kitchen on horseback where it was marinated and kept ready for dinner. But when the dish would be set in front of the king at the dinner table that evening, the odour was putting off.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQPtZtegh4r/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQPtZtegh4r/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQPtZtegh4r/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tania Chatterjee (@taniachatterjee.official)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>So, in an attempt to turn the <em>jungli maas</em> (wild meat) into something more palatable, copious amounts of chillies were added to disguise the smell. Through the years, the dish went through an evolution of its own with different families adding their own insignia to it. Among these, it is said that <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/348165/curry-map-of-india-rogan-josh-kadhi-lal-maas-jholi-masor-tenga-besara-pulissery-gushtaba/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the recipe</a> from the royal family of Mewar is considered superior.</p> <p>An article in <em>Deccan Tiffin</em> points out that there are two versions of <em>laal maas</em>; the one cooked in Jodhpur where ghee is used, and the one cooked in Udaipur with mustard oil. It adds that the addition of tomatoes is highly debated as is the dish’s consistency, with some versions being saucier than others.</p> <p>Here’s a recipe by Chef Ranveer Brar who got the recipe from Jodhpur.</p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <p>For marination:</p> <p>1 kg mutton, curry cuts</p> <p>2 tbsp ginger garlic paste (70 percent garlic + 30 percent ginger)</p> <p>For gravy:</p> <p>¼ cup ghee</p> <p>2-3 cloves</p> <p>10 black peppercorns</p> <p>2 small cardamoms</p> <p>1 black cardamom</p> <p>250 gm onion, sliced</p> <p>Marinated mutton</p> <p>Salt to taste</p> <p>20 Mathania chilli paste (use soaked chillies)</p> <p>200 gm curd, beaten</p> <p>1½ tbsp coriander powder</p> <p>½ tsp red chilli powder</p> <p>½ tsp cumin powder</p> <p>2 tbsp mustard oil</p> <p><strong>Method</strong></p> <p>For marination:</p> <p>Step 1: In a mixing bowl, add mutton and ginger garlic paste, and marinate well. Keep it aside for one hour.</p> <p>For gravy:</p> <p>Step 1: In a large sauce pot, heat ghee and add cloves, black peppercorns, small cardamoms, and black cardamom. Let the whole spices splutter.</p> <p>Step 2: Add onions and saute till it gets light brown. Add the marinated mutton and saute for 4-5 minutes.</p> <p>Step 3: Add Mathania chilli paste and saute well for another 8-10 minutes to remove rawness of the chilies. Add salt to taste and mix well. Cover and let it cook for 10-12 minutes on low flame.</p> <p>Step 4: In a bowl add curd, coriander powder, red chilli powder, cumin powder, and mustard oil, and mix well.</p> <p>Step 5: Transfer the curd mixture into the pot and stir well. Cover with the lid and cook for 30 minutes on low flame till the mutton becomes tender.</p> <p>Step 6: Garnish with coriander sprig and serve hot with <em>bajra roti</em>.</p> <iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x6VBBUDXQbo?si=sNmHrL3QkiYWqX0E" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-places-to-eat-laal-maas-in-rajasthan">Best places to eat <em>laal maas</em> in Rajasthan</h2> <p><strong>1. Niros, Jaipur </strong></p> <p>Since 1 August 1949, a humble restaurant on Jaipur’s Mirza Ismail Road has been serving its guests with the same passion it once did. As the story goes, the restaurant was started by Late Shri Ved Pardal who intended to make his restaurant a go-to space for <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/156155/harappa-to-japan-the-story-of-curry-how-it-got-its-name/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-vegetarian food</a> at a time when people were inclined towards vegetarian meals.</p> <p>Listed in their Moghlai specialities, <em>laal maas</em> has long since thrilled the guests here with adjectives such as “succulent”, “exceptional”, and “appealing” preluding the dish. Niros’ guest list has seen icons — Rajeev Gandhi, Farooq Abdullah, Naomi Campbell, among others.</p> <p><strong>2. Spice Court, Jaipur</strong></p> <iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DnswuYg3c6c?si=ZNzRTO5TdEtABF3P" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p>The restaurant is famous for the quintessential <em>laal maas</em> along with a host of other Rajasthani curries — such as <em>mutton sula</em> (traditional Rajasthani <em>kebabs</em>) and <em>keema baati</em> (minced meat eaten with baked bread). The place plays host to many <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/335712/garba-in-gujarat-on-unesco-intangible-cultural-heritage-list-durga-pujo-kumbh-mela-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultural events</a>, providing a beautiful spectacle that people can enjoy whilst they dine.</p> <p>As Navneet Painuly writes in a Google review, “I was exploring restaurants, and I was recommended by a local friend to check this place. So I went there with my family and we had a terrific experience. The place had a great vibe and I loved the antique walls and doors. Rajasthani cuisine is amazing and is a speciality here. It is a must-try place if you are around.”</p> <p><strong>3. 1135 AD, Jaipur</strong></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/lal-maas-1715602721.jpg" alt="Amber ghosht is a speciality at the 1135 AD in Jaipur and is prepared using the recipe of the palace cooks, " class="wp-image-349761" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/lal-maas-1715602721.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/lal-maas-1715602721-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/lal-maas-1715602721-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/lal-maas-1715602721-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/lal-maas-1715602721-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Amber ghosht is a speciality at the 1135 AD in Jaipur and is prepared using the recipe of the palace cooks, Picture source: Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/1135adjaipur/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">1135 AD Jaipur</a></figcaption></figure></div> <p>The story behind the name is fascinating — it was in 1135 AD that the Kachwaha clan founded the dynasty of the Rajputs. Not just the name, but even the ambience is an ode to the history of the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/294139/instagram-home-chef-revives-forgotten-traditional-rajasthani-dishes-serves-in-bronze-utensils/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rajasthani culture</a>. You are bound to feel like royalty when you step into the restaurant.</p> <p>Set in the historic Amer Palace, stroll around to admire the open-air courtyard and the Sheesh Mahal (dubbed the ‘Palace of Mirrors’). The two icons on the menu are the <em>laal maas</em> and <em>Amber gosht </em>(a mutton speciality made by the cooks here).</p> <p>The kitchens claim to recreate century-old local royal recipes that palace cooks closely guarded.</p> <p><strong>4. Jhankar Choti Haveli</strong></p> <iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d0Y76sXyups?si=MYIri90lxeYc0E3j" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p>Aside from the <em>laal maas,</em> there is a thrilling experience to look forward to at the Jhankar Haveli rooftop restaurant. Feast on delicacies as the majestic Jaswant Thada (a 19th-century cenotaph), Umaid Bhawan Palace, and the Clock Tower make up your view. You can also opt for the candle-lit dinner for an opportunity to dine under a canopy of stars; the Meherangarh Fort provides a perfect backdrop.</p> <p>The <em>malai kofta</em> (paneer dumplings in a rich, creamy gravy), <em>dal makhni</em> (lentils in a gravy of butter and cream), and <em>kaju</em> curry (a cashew nut gravy) are said to be the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/73751/story-dal-baati-churma-rajasthan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hero dishes</a> on the menu.</p> <p><strong>5. Indique</strong></p> <p>Bathe in the glow of the setting sun during your dinner at Indique. The hotel prides itself on its exotic ambience and a spectacular mix of Rajasthani food with vintage and exotic blends. The tables groan with an excess of North Indian delicacies and <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/336383/homemade-hyderabadi-biryani-in-bengaluru-by-noons-biryani-couple-entrepreneurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meaty feasts</a>, and you will be treated to stories of how the restaurant resides in a <em>haveli</em> with a glorious history. The Pal Haveli dates back more than 200 years and prides itself on legacy culinary recipes — one of which is<em> laal maas</em>.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"349748";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:77;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:99:"Uttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers Opens in June: A Complete Guide for India’s Most Beautiful Trek";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:138:"https://thebetterindia.com/350336/valley-of-flowers-uttarakhand-open-now-in-june-guide-to-plan-your-trek-itinerary-hill-stations-in-india/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 17 May 2024 08:58:26 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"Travel";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Bucket List";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"travel list 2024";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Treks In India";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"Uttarakhand tourism";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"valley of flowers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350336";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:193:"Escape the heat and cool off in one of India's most exquisite treks — the Valley of Flowers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site opens in June. Here's a complete guide to help you plan your trip.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:25648:" <p>If you’re craving a break from the daily grind and want a breath of fresh mountain air, the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is the perfect escape. Tucked away in the Western Himalayas, this stunning destination offers a much-needed retreat and is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature.</p> <p>Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, the valley’s vibrant meadows, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque landscapes make it a haven for <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/120934/kashmir-paragliding-white-water-rafting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.</a></p> <p>The journey begins in the charming village of Govindghat and leads you through quaint Himalayan villages alongside the peaceful Pushpawati River. The trek is around 17 km one-way and can be completed in about four to five days, depending on your pace.</p> <p>As you trek, you’ll find yourself immersed in the natural beauty of the valley, where you can take in the breathtaking sights and sounds of the great outdoors.</p> <p>Ready to plan your adventure? <strong>The Better India</strong> has done the homework for you by curating a full itinerary based on insights from travel sites, bloggers and influencers. This means your trek will be easy, smooth, and full of fun, giving you the freedom to soak up every moment of your journey.</p> <p>So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable experience in the magical Valley of Flowers!</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-valley-of-flowers-nbsp">Why Valley of Flowers? </h2> <p>Imagine this — you are surrounded by lush green mountains with crystal clear streams of water running through them. Sounds straight out of a storybook, right? The Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO-protected site will surpass all your expectations.</p> <p>The Valley of Flowers was discovered by the British mountaineer and botanist Frank Smythe. In 1931, Smythe and his climbing partner R L Holdsworth stumbled upon the valley while returning from a successful expedition to Mount Kamet. Enchanted by the natural beauty of the area, Smythe wrote about his experience in his book, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/36699/valley-of-flowers-trek-route/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“The Valley of Flowers”,</a> published in 1937.</p> <p>Aptly put by an<em> Inside Himalayas</em> article, “You don’t quite understand how lucky you are until you get there.”</p> <p>“Whatever you might have heard, whatever photographs you might have seen, absolutely nothing prepares you for that burst of colour as far as the eyes can see, framed by mist-shrouded, snow-powdered mountain ranges whose tops disappear into the sky. You feel as though you have arrived at the top of the world,” the article elaborates. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/valley-of-flowers-1-1715929674.jpg" alt="The valley of flowers was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005," class="wp-image-350347" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/valley-of-flowers-1-1715929674.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/valley-of-flowers-1-1715929674-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/valley-of-flowers-1-1715929674-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/valley-of-flowers-1-1715929674-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/valley-of-flowers-1-1715929674-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The valley of flowers was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005,</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Nestled in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, the place comes alive in the monsoon months blossoming with flowers of more than 500 varieties including the Himalayan Slipper Orchid, Brahma Kamal, Marsh Marigold, Blue Poppy, Cobra Lily, and Himalayan native Dactylorhiza Hatagirea. </p> <p>Apart from the natural allure, the place is also said to have religious significance.</p> <p>According to a <em>Lifestyle Asia report, </em>“The national park also holds a significant mythological association. According to the epic Ramayana, it is the place where Lord Hanuman found the magical herb “Sanjeevani” to help save Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama, who was injured during the battle between Lord Rama and demon King Ravana.” </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-reach-the-valley-nbsp">How to reach the valley? </h2> <p>When planning a trek to the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, it’s important to consider the most convenient modes of transportation to reach your starting point at Govindghat. Here’s how you can get there –</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-by-car">By Car: </h2> <p>You can drive from major cities like Delhi or Dehradun to Govindghat. The journey from Delhi takes approximately 10-12 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. From Delhi, you can also avail public transport from ISBT or Delhi Gate to Rishikesh and take another bus to Joshimath and then to Govindghat. </p> <p>You’ll travel through major towns such as Rishikesh and Haridwar before reaching Govindghat. The roads are scenic, offering beautiful views of the mountains and rivers along the way.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-by-air">By Air:</h2> <p>The nearest airport to Govindghat is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Govindghat. The drive from Dehradun to Govindghat is 286 km and takes approximately 10-12 hours, so you might want to plan your flight arrival time accordingly.<br><br>You can opt for public transport from Dehradun to Rishikesh and then to Joshimath and so on.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6pxBHnySgj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6pxBHnySgj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6pxBHnySgj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Valley of Flowers (@valleyofflowers)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-by-rail">By Rail:</h2> <p>The closest railway station to Govindghat is Rishikesh, which is well-connected to major cities in India. Once you arrive at Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Govindghat. The drive from Rishikesh to Govindghat takes about 10-11 hours.</p> <p>Once you reach Govindghat, you can begin your trek towards Ghangaria and the Valley of Flowers. Make sure to check the local transportation options and plan your journey ahead of time for a smooth travel experience.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-day-wise-itinerary-nbsp">Day-wise itinerary </h2> <p>We spoke to travellers and bloggers, Himani and Sagar Patel, who travelled to the Valley of Flowers in 2019. The couple completed the trek in 5 days, slowly taking in the natural beauty of the landscapes.</p> <p>This is their day-wise plan- </p> <p><strong>Day 1: </strong>The couple drove from Rishikesh to Joshimath. “We reached Joshimath in the evening and checked into a local guest house to recharge ourselves for the upcoming trek,” they shared. </p> <p><strong>Day 2: “</strong>We trekked till Ghangharia which is around 9 km from the starting point and is at an altitude of around 10,000 ft. We stayed overnight at a campsite in Ghangharia.”</p> <p>The village serves as the base camp for the Valley of Flowers and has <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/298559/best-jungle-camps-wildlife-safaris-india-for-nature-lovers-travel-long-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">various stay options</a>, eateries and scenic views, making it an ideal place to rest and recharge for the rest of the hike. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="960" height="1280" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-17-at-12.34.12-PM-1715929564.jpeg" alt="Himani and Sagar Patel." class="wp-image-350346" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-17-at-12.34.12-PM-1715929564.jpeg 960w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-17-at-12.34.12-PM-1715929564-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-17-at-12.34.12-PM-1715929564-500x667.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-17-at-12.34.12-PM-1715929564-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-17-at-12.34.12-PM-1715929564-640x853.jpeg 640w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-17-at-12.34.12-PM-1715929564-150x200.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Himani and Sagar Patel.</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>Date 3: </strong>“We woke up early the next morning and<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/302828/best-must-take-winter-treks-in-himalayas-uttarakhand-views-adventure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> started our trek to the </a>Valley of Flowers which was around 4 km. We then entered the Valley which is 6-7 km long and ends with a glacier,” the shared. </p> <p>Note that there are no eateries inside the park and you will have to carry your own food. “We packed our lunch and ate it with the best views of the valley,” shares Himani. </p> <p><strong>Day 4:</strong> We trekked from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib, which is a steep climb but worth the effort. At the top, we enjoyed the Gurudwara and the serene lake. Hemkund Sahib is the world’s highest Gurudwara at 4,329 m. We had a delicious meal at the Langar and then trekked back down to Ghangaria to stay the night.</p> <p><strong>Day 5: </strong>We started our journey back from Ghangaria to Govindghat, which took about 5 hours. After lunch in Govindghat, we drove back to Joshimath and stayed overnight at the local guest house.</p> <p>Make sure you carry all your medicines, a raincoat in the monsoons and ample amount of drinking water before you go on the trek. Once you are inside the valley, there are no shops or caretakers to help you out, the couple advises.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-to-stay-in-the-magical-valley">Where to stay in the magical valley? </h2> <p>Keeping in mind your flights/train timings, you might consider staying to<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/345629/muthunandhini-palace-kanyakumari-ecofriendly-homestay-chettinad-architecture-tamil-nadu-travel-destination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> book a stay</a> in Rishikesh. Here are some homestays and hostels that you can <a href="https://www.homestaysofindia.com/?s=rishikesh+" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">book</a>. </p> <p>Since no camps or stays are allowed inside the valley, you will have to <a href="https://yatradham.org/yatradham-destinations/uttarakhand/govindghat.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">book </a>stays at Govinath, and Hemkund Sahib depending on your itinerary. Here is a list of stays that you can <a href="https://www.hemkunt.in/travel-and-tourism-information/in-india/uttarakhand/hemkund-sahib/accommodation-at-hemkund-sahib" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">book</a>. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6pxG5cycEq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6pxG5cycEq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6pxG5cycEq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Valley of Flowers (@valleyofflowers)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p><em>The park will be open for travellers and trekkers from June onwards and we recommend that this will be the best time to plan your travels. </em></p> <p><em>(Edited by Padmashree Pande; All free images)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350336";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:78;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:69:"Haryana Farmer’s Son to Track Athlete Champion: Who Is Parvej Khan?";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:123:"https://thebetterindia.com/350331/parvej-khan-haryana-farmer-son-indian-track-athlete-runner-won-gold-sec-championship-usa/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 17 May 2024 07:54:42 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8:"Trending";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"Indian athletes";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"National Games";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"parvej khan";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"US Championship";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350331";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:203:"Hailing from a village in Haryana, track runner Parvej Khan made India proud by winning the gold at the SEC Championships in the United States. Here is all you need to know about the rising star athlete.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9348:" <p>A 19-year-old Parvej Khan won gold after he clocked a timing of 3:42.73s at the SEC Championships in the United States and made his country proud.</p> <p>Born and raised in a small village in Haryana, Parvej is a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/291095/son-of-farmer-builds-vintage-electric-cars-scrap-metal-innovation-maharashtra/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farmer’s son</a>. He trained for hours in the fields, and by the time he was 13 years old, he could easily beat 23-year-old runners with ease.</p> <p>He moved to Delhi when he was 13 to train at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium there for a year and then shifted base to Bhopal, where he began training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI), reported <em>FirstPost</em>.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C66fq1UopqV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C66fq1UopqV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C66fq1UopqV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Better India (@thebetterindia)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>“In 2019, Parvej participated in the U16 nationals in Mangalgiri, where he won a gold in the 800m race. In 2020, he went on to win a bronze medal at the Khelo India Youth Games. Parvej is also a National Games gold medallist. He won gold at the 2022 <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/299166/five-medal-winners-at-national-games-who-fought-all-odds-hinaben-khalifa-siva-subramaniam/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Games</a> in the 1500m race, and registered his new personal best time of 3:40.89s,” the report noted.</p> <p>This hard work and wins earned him a scholarship at the University of Florida, which opened doors for him to train abroad. From there on, he became unstoppable.</p> <p>Parvej is the first India to complete the NCAA Championship. What’s next on his plate? The Olympics!</p> <p><em>(Edited by Pranita Bhat; Feature Image Courtesy: Parvej Khan Instagram)</em></p> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-sources"><em>Sources:</em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-who-is-parvej-khan-indian-athlete-who-won-gold-at-sec-outdoor-track-and-field-championship-in-usa-by-first-post-published-on-13-may-2024"><em><a href="https://www.firstpost.com/sports/parvej-khan-indian-athlete-all-you-need-to-know-about-teenager-who-won-gold-at-sec-championships-13770358.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Who is Parvej Khan, Indian athlete who won gold at SEC Outdoor Track and Field Championship in USA?</a>: by First Post; Published on 13 May 2024</em></h5> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350331";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:79;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:89:"Engineer Helps 25000 Farmers Double Their Income By Growing Onions, Mushrooms & Corns";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:125:"https://thebetterindia.com/349986/prabhat-kumar-sumarth-ngo-bihar-horticulture-training-for-farmers-double-income-cash-crops/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 17 May 2024 07:12:52 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"farmers in bihar";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"grow mushrooms";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"horticulture crops";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"sumarth";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=349986";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:223:"Prabhat Kumar runs SumArth, an NGO that has impacted the lives of 25,000 farmers in 500 villages of Bihar by helping them switch from outdated agricultural practices to new cash crops like onions, mushrooms, and sweet corn.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11564:" <p>“Son, do whatever you want to do in life but never become a farmer.”</p> <p>This was the only career advice that Bihar-based Prabhat Kumar received from his father who was a farmer. Following his instruction, he went on to become an engineer and co-founded a healthcare company that allowed him to travel to at least 25 countries.</p> <p>“I was winning several accolades and meeting successful people worldwide. But wherever I went, people would recognise my Bihari roots because of my accent. They would immediately shame me for coming from Bihar. Also, most Biharis who become IAS officers or engineers don’t come back to the state. When I got global exposure, people expected the same from me,” he tells <strong>The Better India</strong>.</p> <p>“Their words would cause me pain. Although I was not very well-connected with my roots as I went to Jalpaiguri right after school to pursue my higher studies, I wanted to change this notion. More than the individual success, I felt it was high time that I work on the success of my native people instead of just mocking their circumstances,” adds the 35-year-old.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-4-1-1715870841.jpg" alt="About 5,000 farmers are reaping benefits by growing onions." class="wp-image-350327" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-4-1-1715870841.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-4-1-1715870841-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-4-1-1715870841-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-4-1-1715870841-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-4-1-1715870841-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">About 5,000 farmers are reaping benefits by growing onions.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>In 2015, Prabhat returned to his hometown in Gaya district and launched SumArth, a non-profit organisation that has impacted the lives of 25,000 farmers in 500 villages across six districts including Gaya, Jehanabad, Arwal, Aurangabad, Nawada, and Nalanda in Bihar.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coming-out-of-their-shells">Coming out of their shells</h2> <p>After coming to Gaya, Prabhat spoke to local farmers and understood the gaps in the industry. “Farmers believe that the <em>kewal</em> (black) soil in the region is not fit for cultivating crops other than paddy and wheat,” he shares. </p> <p>“Apart from this, they were dependent on dealers for seeds and fertilisers, and middlemen for sales. There was no favourable system in place. After toiling day and night for months, farmers were hardly earning Rs 10,000 from an acre in a year,” he shares.</p> <p>“The biggest problem that I observed in traditional farming is that farmers have to bear recurring expenses for six months on fertilisers and pesticides, but will get a one-time return if climate conditions are favourable,” he adds.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-1715870620.jpg" alt="Farmers opted for onion cultivation as it is a nonperishable crop and its price increases by four times if you have good storage facilities. " class="wp-image-350323" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-1715870620.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-1715870620-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-1715870620-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-1715870620-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-1715870620-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Farmers opted for onion cultivation as it is a nonperishable crop and its price increases by four times if you have good storage facilities. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>Owing to the unprofitable farming, Prabhat says his cousins and friends back home would ask him to get them menial jobs in cities. “Despite the long working hours and discomforts of cities, they wanted to move outside Bihar for Rs 5,000- 10,000 monthly jobs as security guards but did not prefer to stay in the village to farm,” he adds.</p> <p>However, Prabhat was hopeful of reaping benefits from farming and the same <em>kewal</em> soil. “After coming back, I convinced farmers to try <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/251873/sudhanshu-kumar-bihar-farmer-scientific-technology-earns-lakhs-horticulture-fruit-orchards-agriculture-him16/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">horticulture crops </a>and made a deal with them to get them jobs in the cities if we don’t succeed,” he says.</p> <p>In 2015, Prabhat sent 10 farmers to Maharashtra to understand the potential of horticulture crops. “A single farmer there was earning Rs 15 lakh from an acre of land by growing horticulture crops like pomegranate, grapes, and onions. Contrarily, the entire village here could not imagine earning this amount,” he laughs.</p> <p>“That day, those farmers learnt how limited they were in terms of trying new crops and adopting farming techniques,” adds Prabhat.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-doubling-incomes-with-cash-crops">Doubling incomes with cash crops</h2> <p>Filled with new hopes, the overjoyed farmers returned home to adopt horticulture crops. </p> <p>“They opted for onion cultivation as it is a nonperishable crop and its price increases by four times if you have good <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/267286/haryana-organic-farmer-onions-vegetable-sustainable-storage-innovation-hack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storage facilities</a>. I asked the farmers to spare 10 percent of their land to grow onions. Meanwhile, I invested in building a low-cost storage facility with cross ventilation,” explains Prabhat.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-2-1715870736.jpg" alt="Prabhat is associated with 25,000 farmers who earn double by growing crops like onions, mushrooms, baby corn, and sweet corn." class="wp-image-350325" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-2-1715870736.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-2-1715870736-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-2-1715870736-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-2-1715870736-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-2-1715870736-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Prabhat is associated with 25,000 farmers who earn double by growing crops like onions, mushrooms, baby corn, and sweet corn.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>After 4-5 months, farmers doubled their income by investing Rs 4 per kg and getting Rs 10 per kg from onions. “Each farmer earned Rs 1 lakh income per acre of land,” he shares.</p> <p>With the low-cost storage facility, farmers stored onions for six months from May to October in 2016. “But the unit would be vacant for the rest of the time. So, we introduced mushrooms for the utility of that part. It is a winter crop and was a perfect match to utilise our vacant facility in that period,” he says.</p> <p>Talking about the switch to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/338206/how-to-start-a-mushroom-business-rajasthan-mba-dropout-jeevan-success-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mushroom cultivation</a>, he says, “Growing mushrooms was completely opposite from traditional agriculture. In conventional farming, farmers bear recurring expenses for one-time income whereas, in mushroom farming, there is a one-time expense to procure the bags and get recurring income daily. That was the need of the Indian agriculture system,” he shares.</p> <p>Seeing the success of onion farming, 200 farmers joined Prabhat next year in 2017 to grow mushrooms. He informs that currently 2,000 farmers are producing around 600 kg of mushrooms per day whereas 5,000 are reaping benefits by growing onions.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-1-1715870697.jpg" alt="Prabhat says in mushroom farming, there is a one-time expense to procure the bags and get recurring income daily. " class="wp-image-350324" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-1-1715870697.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-1-1715870697-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-1-1715870697-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-1-1715870697-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bihar-farmers-1-1715870697-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Prabhat says in mushroom farming, there is a one-time expense to procure the bags and get recurring income daily. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>After mushrooms, Prabhat trained farmers to grow seed corn, baby corn, and strawberries which gave immediate results and better income. In 2023, he also set up Gaya’s largest processing unit with a 10,000 kg per day capacity to process crops to increase their shelf life from 24 hours to 24 months.</p> <p>Talking about his role, Prabhat says, “We provide an end-to-end solution to these farmers by helping them procure inputs, training them to learn new crops, and awareness on seed treatment to prevent future fungal attacks and boost production. We are also providing them with a marketplace to sell their produce.”</p> <p>Starting with 10 farmers, today Prabhat is associated with 25,000 farmers in 500 villages who earn double by growing crops like onions, mushrooms, baby corn, and sweet corn. </p> <p>On average, he says the initiative has helped farmers <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/333343/farmer-producer-organisations-fpos-small-farmers-bayer-increase-yield-profits-jardalu-mango/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">double their income</a>. Interestingly, these farmers have collectively generated an income of Rs 100 crore in the past 10 years and Rs 23 crore in the last financial year.</p> <p>“It is so satisfying to see the impact. However, I still feel this is not enough. We want to increase farmer income to five times so that we do not lag behind progressive states like Maharashtra. In the coming years, I am planning to achieve this by helping farmers process their produce into value-added products,” he adds.</p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande; All photos: SumArth.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"349986";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:80;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:93:"3 Startups, 13 Years: Entrepreneurs Show What Goes Behind Building a Multi-Crore Food Startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:134:"https://thebetterindia.com/350165/puru-gupta-sreejith-moolayil-true-elements-pune-marico-healthy-snacks-rolled-oats-muesli-chia-seeds/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 17 May 2024 07:05:49 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"healthy snacks";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"puru gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"Sreejith Moolayil";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"true elements";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350165";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:242:"Sreejith Moolayil and Puru Gupta overcame challenges to build their healthy food brand, True Elements. Despite early failures and financial struggles, their commitment to preventative healthcare and transparency led to a multi-crore business.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:23295:" <p>“All it takes to get through is an iota of hope. We were able to persevere through the worst of circumstances and get back up each time we failed thanks to that four-letter word. Giving up was not an option as we had chosen this path for ourselves,” shares Sreejith Moolayil.</p> <p>Starting your own business is a dream harboured by many. A <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/349369/siri-millet-vegan-ice-cream-trichy-non-dairy-healthy-frozen-dessert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boom in startups</a> in the past decade has made this a viable career choice for students today, with many looking at the prospect with rose-tinted glasses.</p> <p>But how difficult is it to really run and scale a successful business?</p> <p>Ask Sreejith Moolayil and Puru Gupta, brothers-in-law and co-founders of True Elements, a healthy food brand. They’ll take you through a tale that spans 13 years, 3 startups, several roadblocks, financial troubles, and much more.</p> <p>What stands out is their perseverance and never-say-die attitude that helped them weather many a storm, and emerge successful.</p> <p>The genesis for the Pune-based venture was rooted in personal loss. Both the founders lost a loved one due to a chronic disease. The diagnosis followed by its trials led to conversations around health and nutrition, and the realisation about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.</p> <p>This realisation gnawed at the duo so much that they decided to quit their comfortable corporate jobs and create a startup focused on preventative healthcare through healthy breakfast and snack options. Started initially as an aggregator of healthy food companies, they pivoted to corporate wellness solutions, before finally finding their ‘ray of hope’ in the form of True Elements in 2017.</p> <p>Over the past seven years, the brand has been one of the big players in the healthy snacking market, with Marico acquiring 54% equity stake in the startup in 2022. With a presence across 50 e-commerce channels, 12,000 outlets and selling seven lakh products a month, here’s how these MBA graduates built the business.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-take-care-of-your-health-before-it-s-too-late">‘Take care of your health before it’s too late’</h2> <p>Sreejith (46) hails from Kerala, with a socialistic ethos, and moved to Pune for his MBA (Master of Business Administration) in Human Resources (HR). It was in 2002 that he was introduced to Puru, his wife’s cousin. Funnily, Puru was tasked by his sister to vet his brother-in-law! </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Cover-image-15-1715860333.jpg" alt="Puru and Sreejith, co-founders of True Elements" class="wp-image-350251" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Cover-image-15-1715860333.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Cover-image-15-1715860333-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Cover-image-15-1715860333-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Cover-image-15-1715860333-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Cover-image-15-1715860333-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Puru and Sreejith, co-founders of True Elements</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Puru (43) grew up all across the country as the son of an Army man. After an <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/338206/how-to-start-a-mushroom-business-rajasthan-mba-dropout-jeevan-success-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MBA in marketing</a>, he worked at Procter & Gamble before quitting in 2011, while Sreejith too had a comfortable job at Cognizant.</p> <p>In a free-wheeling conversation, the duo shared that since 2006, they had harboured a dream of building a brand. It was kicked off during Puru’s internship in China the same year, where he assessed business opportunities for Indian companies in the neighbouring country.</p> <p>Sreejith meanwhile had a black book of ideas, and every meeting between the duo inadvertently involved discussing viable options.</p> <p>“Puru convinced us (my wife and me) to move to China as he felt that it was a great place to start a venture. We moved there for a year in 2010 but realised that it wouldn’t be feasible to scale a business there,” Sreejith, COO of True Elements, tells <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <p>However, he learnt an important lesson in China. The Chinese had very good food habits. “They cook food correctly, eat right, and most importantly, consume food at the right time. We do all three wrong,” he adds.</p> <p>This realisation, coupled with the health-related challenges at their house solidified the need to create a change in this sector. Puru lost his father to cancer, while Sreejith’s father-in-law died of heart disease.</p> <p>“We realised as a family that we never gave importance to preventative healthcare. We only take care of our health when it’s too late, or when some parameters are off the charts. Why do we react so late? We could have taken care of it earlier,” shares Puru, CEO of True Elements.</p> <p>After five years of brainstorming, Puru quit his job in 2011 and started working on creating awareness about health and the importance of consuming the right food. The first company that the duo started was called ‘Healthy World’ — an aggregator of healthy food brands.</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p><strong>“We wanted to make sure that people take care of their health before it gets too late. We started by creating awareness and a market for brands that sell healthy foods,” shares Puru with The Better India.</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>The duo made a list of such brands and then started approaching them, offering to create a distribution channel for them. Puru leveraged his FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) background to create a distribution framework for ‘good for you’ brands, while Sreejith used his HR experience to get entry into corporate cafeterias.</p> <p>They started by setting up kiosks at IT companies with a mission to change their snacking choices. They also created healthy hampers for events like marathons.</p> <p>Six months after launching the venture, Sreejith also quit his job to scale the business. However, the duo faced their first failure, as they realised that the corporate kiosk model wasn’t going to work.</p> <p>“The number of people opting for <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/325105/hyderabad-entrepreneur-raju-bhupati-makes-affordable-troo-good-millet-snacks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy snacks</a> was very less. Those who wanted to eat healthy got their <em>dabbas </em>from home. People coming to cafeterias weren’t interested in their health,” shares Sreejith.</p> <p>Six months in and Rs 30 lakh down, they faced a trying time. Thinking on their feet, they decided to pivot their business model, from corporate kiosks to corporate wellness solutions. “We had a lot of products in our portfolio along with a corporate connection. We offered corporates complete wellness solutions, from medical checkups to awareness programmes and food,” shares Puru.</p> <p>At the same time, they also started selling the products online on platforms like Amazon, which had just launched in India. Even as their customer base increased and their product portfolio increased to over 400 brands, something was amiss. Essentially, they were educating people on health while acquiring customers for other brands.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C581SXEPyle/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C581SXEPyle/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C581SXEPyle/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by True Elements (@true.elements)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Why not create their own brand?</p> <p>With this thought in mind, they approached a few of the smaller brands they worked with and asked them if they could sell their products under a private label. A few suppliers agreed and that’s how True Elements was born.</p> <p>Over the next two years, True Elements scaled more than Healthy World, which made the founders pivot for the third and final time. They picked up the top-selling products from Healthy World and launched them through True Elements in 2016.</p> <p>It would be another year before they could liquidate Healthy World and completely focus on building True Elements, which is a multi-crore brand today.</p> <p>Born in July 2017, True Elements offers a range of products — breakfast items like rolled oats, muesli, granola, and shakes; seeds like chia, pumpkin, flax, sunflower, watermelon, seed mixes, and trail mixes; peanut butter, dry fruits, berries, millets, millet flours, and snacks.</p> <p>They moved from a private label to manufacturing 100 percent of their own products in 2018 from their sprawling factory in Pune, where over seven lakh of their products are manufactured each month. Their bestsellers are oats, chia seeds and muesli.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holding-on-to-a-ray-of-hope">‘Holding on to a ray of hope’</h2> <p>This 13-year journey has been far from smooth. The duo pumped in more than Rs 50 lakh in the initial few years and didn’t draw a salary for the first few years. For the next three, they drew Rs 15,000 per month.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="640" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sequence-01.00_00_26_44.Still001-1715862785.jpg" alt="True Elements offers a range of products —from breakfast, snacks and dry fruits." class="wp-image-350278" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sequence-01.00_00_26_44.Still001-1715862785.jpg 1280w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sequence-01.00_00_26_44.Still001-1715862785-300x150.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sequence-01.00_00_26_44.Still001-1715862785-500x250.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sequence-01.00_00_26_44.Still001-1715862785-768x384.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Sequence-01.00_00_26_44.Still001-1715862785-150x75.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">True Elements offers a range of products like breakfast mixes, snacks and dry fruits.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>As they tried to rescue their bleeding businesses, they were faced with dire financial situations, which escalated in 2016-17. “There was a time when I didn’t have money to pay my son’s school fees, and had to borrow money for the same,” recalls Sreejith.</p> <p>Did they ever consider quitting?</p> <p>“No” comes the answer in unison.</p> <p>“Once you quit a corporate career, you can’t go back. We just had a sliver of hope that we stretched, leading us here today,” smiles Sreejith.</p> <p>With no money and bills piling up at home, the duo picked up consulting jobs to ensure some cash flow at home. Another facet adding to their woes was the fact that they were related, with many advising them not to do business together, as it may sour the relationship.</p> <p>But they kept at it, as they were sure of their vision — making people realise the importance of health before it gets too late.</p> <p>Their challenges continued even as True Elements picked up, as an investor hung them dry just before the lockdown in March 2020. By this time they had over 100 employees and salaries to pay.</p> <p>“As a principle, we are true to our employees and don’t cut salaries. But COVID-19 was a tough time as we didn’t have money. We asked our employees personally as to who would be okay with a deferment of salary, and we were just overwhelmed by the response. Their wholehearted willingness and trust in us pulled us through and we paid everyone’s salaries in the next three months,” shares Sreejith.</p> <p>They share that during every crisis, it is a glimmer of hope that has kept them going.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-a-brand-that-will-outlive-them">Creating a brand that will outlive them</h2> <p>The whole idea of creating their own brand was so that it would provide value to people, at the same time outliving the founders. This led to Marico acquiring about 54% equity stake in the company in May 2022.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="960" height="930" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/true1-1715860659.jpeg" alt="True Elements has a factory in Pune" class="wp-image-350256" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/true1-1715860659.jpeg 960w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/true1-1715860659-300x291.jpeg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/true1-1715860659-500x484.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/true1-1715860659-768x744.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/true1-1715860659-150x145.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">True Elements has a factory in Pune</figcaption></figure></div> <p>“We wanted to choose a partner who would align with our vision and understand health. We both were also clear, right from the beginning, that we wanted to create something that would outlive us. This acquisition would help our objective come true and make ‘True Elements’ a household brand,” adds the COO.</p> <p>In today’s competitive healthy food space, the founders believe that their differentiation lies in the transparency with regard to their products. All their products have complete ingredients listed behind them and an option to trace the ingredient’s journey from farm to fork on their website using the product name and batch number.</p> <p>The founders share that their startup rests on four pillars — “True to our food (nutrition), true to our word (transparency), true to our planet (recycle), and true to our families (people).”</p> <p>“We are completely honest about what we put in our products by naming it all on the pack. We ensure that we even mention ingredients that aren’t compulsory because that’s what we stand for,” shares Puru.</p> <p>They are a plastic-neutral brand, wherein all the plastic that they are using is recycled. “We process about 30 percent directly, while we have a partner who processes the remaining. It is converted into biofuel and supplied to rural Maharashtra,” shares Puru.</p> <p>True Elements is a certified ‘Clean Label’ brand by the Clean Label Project, US, and 100 percent whole grain brand by the Whole Grains Council, US.</p> <p>With a presence built around 300 towns in India with over 300 employees, supplying to over five lakh households every month, the duo are working towards their mission of providing <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/340611/healthy-snack-brand-startup-open-secret-woman-entrepreneur-ahana-gautam-iit-bombay-harvard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy food options</a> to Indians. They are clear on their solution — clean food — the reason they stay away from products like protein supplements.</p> <p>What’s their message to budding entrepreneurs?</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p><strong>“Don’t overthink, just start up. There will never be a perfect time. Dive in with a childlike mindset, and just like children do when they fall down, stand up and try again. It’s okay to fall down and fail. Shun the need for validation and fear of judgement,” shares Puru.</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>For all the youngsters who believe that you can succeed in a year, Sreejith has some words of wisdom. “No one arrives in a year, it takes at least six years. Don’t give up before these six to seven years and don’t be afraid of going down to zero,” shares Sreejith.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat, Images Courtesy True Elements</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350165";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:81;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:77:"Why an 87-YO Trained 1 Lakh Indians On How to Save Lives After Road Accidents";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:139:"https://thebetterindia.com/350309/dr-maya-tandon-padma-shri-sahayta-trust-road-safety-training-cpr-accident-first-aid-emergency-save-lives/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Thu, 16 May 2024 14:07:44 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"Changemakers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:3:"CPR";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"donate for a cause";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"NGOs in India";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:23:"road accidents in India";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"road safety";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350309";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:245:"After her retirement as an anesthesiologist, Dr Maya Tandon dedicated her time to saving lives on the road. Through her NGO Sahayta Trust, she has trained around 1 lakh individuals in road safety, CPR, accident response, and emergency protocols.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11555:" <p>Reflecting on when she received the Padma Shri award for her contributions to road safety in India, Dr Maya Tandon says, “It was the greatest moment of my life.”</p> <p>The 87-year-old retired anesthesiologist has devoted her<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/142778/assam-dgp-cop-maths-teacher-govt-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> post-retirement years </a>to making Indian roads safer. “While many are familiar with road safety protocols and first aid, few know how to perform them effectively,” she said in a conversation with <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <p>Dr Maya trains people in road safety through her organisation ‘Sahayta Trust’. Working relentlessly for the past three decades, she says she has trained 1,33,000 people in road safety, CRP (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), sequential handling, and protocol dealings with accidents.</p> <p>With a zeal for life and a passion for working for society — stronger than ever — Dr Maya reflects on her journey and shares what led her to this path.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-saving-lives-became-her-mission">When saving lives became her mission</h2> <p>Born and raised in Ajmer, Dr Maya was a starry-eyed child who dreamt of doing something great. “Given the times that I was born in, my family was very supportive and liberal. I scored good marks on the school board exams and got admitted to medical school in Ajmer and Delhi,” she recalls.</p> <p>She grew up in luxury, which allowed her the freedom to choose her own path in life. So she decided to pursue a career in medical science.</p> <p>“I did my internship in Ajmer, where I met my husband. We decided to get married and moved to Jaipur,” she recalls.</p> <p>In 1968, Dr Maya gave birth to her son. “After that, I chose to pursue a diploma in anesthesiology because it was a career that I could manage while raising a family. By the time I completed my diploma, I had also given birth to another child, my daughter,” she says.</p> <p>In 1972, she also did an MS in anaesthesia. “I was also giving lectures on anaesthesia at a medical college in Jaipur where I came across an opportunity. It was a fellowship in London for paediatric anaesthesia. With my family’s support, I was able to attend that,” she says.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-6-1715867697.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-350314" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-6-1715867697.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-6-1715867697-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-6-1715867697-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-6-1715867697-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-6-1715867697-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr Maya Tandon, a Padma Shri Awardee. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>After completing her fellowship, she returned to India and began <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/251637/rajasthan-startup-newndra-innovation-ganesh-ram-jangir-jaipur-belt-back-pain-farmer-help-make-in-india-ros174/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">working in Jaipur. “</a>The role of an anesthesiologist is often seen as a behind-the-curtain job. However, for me and in medical sciences, the patient’s life depends on us,” she emphasises, highlighting her deep interest in lifesaving work.</p> <p>In 1975, she earned the honour of becoming superintendent and spent the rest of her career managing the hospital while serving as the head of anaesthesia at Sawai Man Singh Hospital.</p> <p>“It was around the time of my retirement in 1985 when the Rajasthan Police Academy in Jaipur contacted me and requested I give a three-day course on road safety and lifesaving. I readily agreed to the request, unaware that it would shape the course of my post-retirement life,” Dr Maya reminisces.</p> <p>The course was very successful and all the senior officers posted on highways in and around Jaipur were sent to her for yet another course. “A photographer had come to take some pictures of the event. It was a few months later that he rang me up and told me that I had saved his life,” she shares.</p> <p>The photographer had been in an accident and could feel bleeding in his inner thighs and back. “The people around him were not sure how to help him and were taking pictures of him. He explained someone to lift him and put him in a certain position that slowed the bleeding,” she narrates.</p> <p>This timely move reduced the blood loss and <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/317185/bollywood-celebrity-photographer-munna-thaakur-recalls-struggle-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">saved the photographer’s life.</a> “His words and appreciation made me realise the importance of offering such courses. It also revealed the sad reality of the state of road safety in India. Not one of the persons in the crowd knew lifesaving steps,” she says.</p> <p>With an intention to change the scenario of road safety in India, Dr Maya started the Sahayta Trust. Since then, she has given free courses, seminars, and lectures to over 1,33,000 individuals.</p> <p>“All these courses are conducted free of charge. The aim is to raise awareness about CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), proper handling techniques, and protocols for dealing with accidents. We also inform participants about the various laws that protect a lifesaver from police investigation,” she explains.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-7-1715867783.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-350315" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-7-1715867783.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-7-1715867783-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-7-1715867783-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-7-1715867783-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-7-1715867783-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div> <p>Anil Kumar Gill from Gudha Godji, a small town in Rajasthan, participated in the seminar on road safety. “I was going about my day, working in my shop, when I got to know that a team from Jaipur had reached our small town. I was keen to know what they were sharing and had to try it. We are always aware of the safety threats on the road but attending the seminar helped me understand what can be done to save a life,” he says.</p> <p>“We were told how we can give CPR and first aid to an injured person. We were also given instructions about who we can contact for help if a person needs to be<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/338010/kerala-startup-mykare-building-uber-of-healthcare-for-surgeries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> taken to the hospital. </a>They also told us about the various road safety rules and laws, which I had no idea existed. I think such seminars are very important as there is a lack of awareness in rural areas,” he adds.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-you-can-help">How you can help?</h2> <p>Talking about how there is a lack of awareness among bystanders during an accident, she says, “People have a misconception about helping a person who has had an accident. There are clear laws that save the bystanders from any kind of investigation, but there are not many people who know this.”</p> <p>Pointing out that this lack of awareness brings hesitation in people to help the injured person, she adds, “Even if you can’t give mouth to mouth to a person who has collapsed, say due to heart attack, giving CPR can save their life.”</p> <p>Explaining what levels of intervention Sahayta Trust does, Dr Maya says, “We have different ways of reaching out to the public. We do seminars both online and offline; we also conduct workshops and classes. Additionally, we also do rallies and street plays to raise awareness.”</p> <p>The module that the trust follows for the seminars and courses is Maya’s speciality. “In a small course, we prioritise giving them the instructions of what to do in the first 10 seconds,” she informs.</p> <p>“Check for head injuries and bleeding; once you have secured what the problem is, you can act accordingly. If a person’s lungs and heart are giving out, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/191316/ias-hero-inspiring-civil-servants-save-lives-daman-collector-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resorting to CPR is the best way.</a> Time is of the essence when there is internal bleeding. If a person is suffering from cardiac arrest, only an external CPR can help,” she says.</p> <p>Apart from courses and training, the trust also works with government agencies to ensure that there are emergency services in public places like malls and airports.</p> <p>The major hurdle that Maya faces is to bring people to attend the workshops. “The Indian public is always in a hurry. It is very hard for them to take time and reach us. We see a low rate of response as they don’t have time to keep visiting our courses,” she says.</p> <p>“India is leading in road accidents and road deaths. To combat this lack of response, we are working on a model where we train people, especially from rural areas, in lifesaving. And then they reach out to more,” Dr Maya informs.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-8-1715867846.jpg" alt="Dr Maya has trained over 1 lakh people in life saving and road safety." class="wp-image-350316" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-8-1715867846.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-8-1715867846-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-8-1715867846-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-8-1715867846-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-8-1715867846-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr Maya has trained over 1 lakh people in life saving and road safety.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>The trust provides the person with pieces of equipment and mannequins to the ‘Sanjeeva’ (lifesaver), and they, in turn, help us spread the word.</p> <p>However, Dr Maya Tandon shares that she can use your help to cover the cost of equipment as well as to make our roads safer. <em>Here’s how:</em></p> <p><em>Dr Tandon is always seeking financial assistance to train villagers living near highways, as they are often the first responders to attend to the injured. You can donate </em><a href="https://www.sahaytatrust.org/donate"><em>here</em></a><em>. </em></p> <p><em>(Edited by Pranita Bhat; All pictures credit: Dr Maya Tandon)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350309";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:82;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:93:"My Journey From Being Bullied As Daughter Of A Sex Worker in Kamathipura To University Abroad";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:120:"https://thebetterindia.com/350204/sandhya-nair-kranti-ngo-daughters-of-sex-workers-kamathipura-international-university/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Thu, 16 May 2024 12:04:23 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"Changemakers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Kamathipura";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"Kranti";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"sandhya nair";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"sex workers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350204";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:246:"Sandhya Nair got an opportunity to study at the University for Peace in Costa Rica thanks to Kranti — an NGO run by Robin Chaurasiya and Bani that provides shelter, education and opportunities for daughters of sex workers. Here’s her journey.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10460:" <p><em>Trigger Warning: Mentions of sexual abuse, bullying</em></p> <p>“These girls are capable of extraordinary things and they are just normal human beings who deserve the exact same rights, dignity and opportunities as anyone else on this planet,” says Robin Chaurasiya, co-founder of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/346846/kranti-ngo-kamathipura-empower-daughters-of-sex-workers-shelter-education-robin-chaurasiya-bani/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kranti, an NGO revolutionising the lives of daughters of sex workers</a>.</p> <p>One of the girls whose life has changed thanks to Kranti is Sandhya Nair. Raised in Kamathipura, Mumbai, Sandhya is the daughter of a sex worker. Throughout her childhood, she was bullied and shamed in school and outside for her mother’s profession.</p> <p>Her struggle began right from getting admission into a private school where her mother had to lie about her profession. Being upfront would result in no school admitting the child. As much as her mother tried to shield her, when the school and her classmates realised the truth, life became hell for young Sandhya.</p> <p>“It started with bullying over my skin colour. They would call me different names, including a ‘black crow’ and more,” she shares. It got so bad that her classmates once pushed her head into a commode as they told her, “You belong here, stay here.”</p> <p>Teachers too ridiculed her and made her sit on a separate bench at the back. While this abuse continued in school, she was sexually abused at home.</p> <p>“I was raped multiple times when I was between 10 and 16 years old. My abuser would warn me that if I told anyone about it, no one would believe me. Every time he abused me, he told me that I deserved this. I heard the same thing everywhere that I deserved all the abuse because of my background,” she adds.</p> <p>Things changed for her when she moved to Kerala in Class 10, away from abuse and a city where no one knew what her mother did several years ago. However, the trauma of the first 14 years of her life led to many difficulties including her studies.</p> <p>The light in the tunnel appeared for her in the form of a newspaper cutting about Shweta Katti, who became the first girl from an <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/273849/hero-smarajit-jana-durbar-collective-helps-kolkata-sex-worker-get-rights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indian red-light district</a> to secure an international scholarship and study abroad at Bard College in New York. Shweta asked Sandhya to reach out to Robin, who simply asked her to catch the first train and come to Kranti.</p> <p>Kranti provides shelter, education, support and opportunities for girls between the ages of 12 and 21. The NGO has its own school with six teachers. Learn more about how Kranti turned her life around, along with 27 others: </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C65hOi5LavV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C65hOi5LavV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C65hOi5LavV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Better India (@thebetterindia)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Currently, Kranti has moved to a permanent home in Himachal, which can house over 50 girls and is raising funds for the same. If you wish to donate, click on the button below:</p> <div class="inner-btn-link"> <a href="https://milaap.org/fundraisers/help-survivors-of-trafficking-1" target="_blank" class="inner-link-btn" rel="noopener">Donate Now</a> <em style="display:block;">Unable to view the above button? <a href="https://milaap.org/fundraisers/help-survivors-of-trafficking-1">Click here </a></em> </div> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350204";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:83;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:100:"World’s Most Expensive Mango, Lotus With 1000 Petals & More: Engineer Grows 400 Plants at Home";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:151:"https://thebetterindia.com/349604/how-to-grow-japanese-mango-miyazaki-at-home-in-odisha-engineer-garden-with-rare-flower-fruit-plants-1000-petal-lotus/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Thu, 16 May 2024 10:27:50 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Sustainability";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"exotic plants";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"expensive mangoes";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"miyazaki mangoes";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"terrace gardening";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=349604";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:314:"Odisha resident Subrat Nath has turned his home into a mini garden with rare flowers and fruit plants. His exotic collection includes the Miyazaki mango which sells for Rs 2.5 lakh per kg. With lilies, lotuses, and other rare plants thriving at home, Subrat hopes his work will inspire others to pick up gardening.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10865:" <p>For Subrat Nath, going on a shopping spree equals visiting plant nurseries. He considers this as one of the most upbeat activities for him. On one such trip, the florist there introduced him to a sapling that was said to produce the world’s <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/347996/rare-mangoes-available-in-india-alphonso-sindhri-mango-expensive-mangoes-summer-season/#:~:text=Miyazaki%20Mango&text=In%20India%2C%20only%20a%20few,conditions%20to%20ensure%20optimal%20quality." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">costliest mangoes </a>– Miyazaki!</p> <p>“The rare mango is native to Miyazaki city in Japan. It has a violet-red colour and is comparatively sweeter, juicier, and larger than other mango varieties, including the famous Alphonso mangoes. I was so fascinated by it,” he tells <strong>The Better India</strong>.</p> <p>The fruit has an unusual appearance like an egg, which is why it is also known as the ‘Eggs of Sun.’</p> <p>Surprisingly, these mangoes are sold at Rs 2.5 lakh per kg in the international market. Subrat cites their medicinal properties for their exorbitant price. </p> <p>A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8448164/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">2021 research </a>article points out that these mangoes – botanically classified as Mangifera Indica – have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. Its consumption may potentially be beneficial in breast cancer management.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-5-1715319960.jpg" alt="Subrat grows rare plants like Hydrangea and world's costiliest Miyazaki mangoes." class="wp-image-349622" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-5-1715319960.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-5-1715319960-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-5-1715319960-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-5-1715319960-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-5-1715319960-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Subrat grows rare plants like Hydrangea and world’s costiliest Miyazaki mangoes.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Inspired, Subrat came home with the sapling and decided to grow it.</p> <p>After two years of care, the sapling has now grown into a nine-feet tall tree. “This February, I spotted its first fruit. My happiness knew no bounds. It was truly rewarding. In June, I will be able to harvest eight mangoes. If I sell them, I will be a <em>crorepati </em>(millionaire),” he laughs.</p> <p>However, the urban gardener intends to refrain from commercialising it. It goes into his personal collection of 400 plant garden that comprise rare plants like 1,000 petal lotus, rainbow sugarcane, and hydrangea.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-400-plant-garden-with-a-full-time-job">Managing 400 plant garden with a full-time job</h2> <p>Subrat grew up tending to his parents’ garden comprising fruits and vegetables. After finishing his homework in the evening, he would water all the plants along with his sister. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-2-1715319519.jpg" alt="Over the years, Subrat’s interest piqued in growing rare flowering and fruiting plants at home." class="wp-image-349610" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-2-1715319519.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-2-1715319519-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-2-1715319519-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-2-1715319519-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-2-1715319519-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Over the years, Subrat’s interest piqued in growing rare flowering and fruiting plants at home.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Recalling one of his childhood memories, the 43-year-old says, “My parents had all sorts of seasonal vegetables in our home. We would be tasked with fun duties like protecting cauliflowers from the harsh sunlight. So, we would get creative and make cones from newspapers to shield them. This was our favourite activity.”</p> <p>Although Subrat became an engineer in a multinational company, his fondness for gardening only grew with time. So alongside his full-time job, he maintains a garden of 400 plants comprising 100 varieties of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/242962/lotus-home-terrace-how-to-grow-farmer-buy-shipping-method-water-nurse-kerala-home-gardening-san196/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water lilies and lotuses</a>, 10 types of orchids, 20 varieties of Adenium, 10 rare varieties of plants including the Miyazaki mango, and the ‘Sahasradala Padmam’ – a lotus with 1,000 petals. </p> <p>Utilising the ground floor, balcony and terrace spaces of his house, Subrat grows these plants in a combined area of 4,000 sq ft.</p> <p>“I give up two hours of sleep daily and wake up around 5 am to look after my plants before setting off for work around 8. See, if you aspire to do something, you must be passionate about it,” he says.</p> <p>Every evening after returning from work, Subrat waters the plants just like he did as a kid. “I kept my inner child alive,” he smiles.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-1-1715319467.jpg" alt=" Subrat maintains a garden of 400 plants comprising 100 varieties of water lilies and lotuses. " class="wp-image-349609" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-1-1715319467.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-1-1715319467-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-1-1715319467-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-1-1715319467-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-1-1715319467-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> Subrat maintains a garden of 400 plants like 100 varieties of water lilies and lotuses. </figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-miyazaki-mango-1-000-petal-lotus-and-more">Miyazaki mango, 1,000 petal lotus, and more</h2> <p>Over the years, Subrat’s interest piqued in growing rare flowering and fruiting plants at home. With a simple google search, he read about <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/246852/rare-exotic-plants-saplings-propagation-urban-gardener-organic-vertical-hanging-garden-bhopal-ros174/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rare plants </a>that can be grown in Odisha’s warm climate.</p> <p>“I love keeping rare plants inside my garden. Sometimes it is challenging as well, given the temperature here rises to 46 degrees in the summer. But this challenge is what exactly makes it fun,” he adds.</p> <p>To control the temperature, he has established a small greenhouse where he keeps new saplings for 2-3 months to help them acclimatise. “I introduce them to direct sunlight slowly,” he adds.</p> <p>Talking about the Miyazaki mango plant, he says, “I planted it directly on the ground floor of my house. Its sapling cost me Rs 2,500 and I did not want to take any risk. I let the sapling settle into the soil. After two months, I added cow dung, bone meal, neem and mustard cakes to the plant,” he says.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-3-1-1715319776.jpg" alt="For Subrat, growing rare plants is just a hobby and these plants are his only treasures. " class="wp-image-349615" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-3-1-1715319776.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-3-1-1715319776-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-3-1-1715319776-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-3-1-1715319776-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Subrat-Nath-3-1-1715319776-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">For Subrat, growing rare plants is just a hobby and these plants are his only treasures. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>Just like his parents, Subrat believes in giving traditional fertilisers to plants. “Any fruiting plant requires nitrogen for leaves and stem growth, phosphorus for root development, and potash for flower and fruit growth. We get these nutrients in cow dung itself. I do not make any other fancy fertilisers. Cow dung is enough,” he adds.</p> <p>Although Subrat does not aim to sell the Miyazaki mangoes, he does sell saplings of the rare 1,000 petal lotus and other water lily varieties. Last year, he earned an annual income of Rs 1 lakh through them.</p> <p>“To grow any rare plant, one must do a detailed study on the kind of temperature and humidity they require and the pot size. For instance, I grow the 1,000 petal lotus in a bigger pot of 4 ft width and 2 ft of depth,” he explains. </p> <p>“Whereas, I use a pot of one ft width and seven inch depth for micro lotuses. We must also keep in mind that lotuses and water lilies do not thrive in hard water and require 6 to 7 hours of sunlight,” he adds.</p> <p>Subrat says, “I am not a pro. Growing rare plants is just my hobby and these plants are my only treasures. Also, I come across many people who make excuses that they cannot grow plants because of small spaces. With my example, I want to show that anyone can grow plants, even the rarest ones at home. My objective will be fulfilled when more and more people come forward to recreate my work.”</p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande. All photos: Subrat Nath.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"349604";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:84;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:70:"Farmer Grows Avocados in Bhopal’s Heat; Has a Turnover of Rs 1 Crore";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:135:"https://thebetterindia.com/350000/how-to-grow-avocado-in-india-urban-farmer-harshit-godha-imports-saplings-from-israel-teaches-farming/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Wed, 15 May 2024 12:55:50 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"avocado farming";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"avocados in India";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Harshit Godha";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:22:"urban farmers in India";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350000";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:166:"Urban farmer Harshit Godha took inspiration from Israeli farmers growing avocadoes and has successfully grown the fruit in India. He shares how you can grow them too.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11649:" <p>Harshit Godha, an urban farmer in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, has achieved something remarkable. In the region’s extreme climate, he has successfully grown avocados.</p> <p>Typically, avocados are grown in northeast India, parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, as they require temperatures between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. According to a Krishi Jagran <a href="https://krishi.icar.gov.in/jspui/bitstream/123456789/69423/2/Avacado%20chapter.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">document</a>, avocado is a tropical to subtropical fruit that struggles with the hot and frosty winds of North India.</p> <p>“I imported 10 saplings from Israel, and now I have a 10-acre<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/238554/how-to-grow-avocado-plant-pot-balcony-home-amritsar-farmer-india-gop94/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> avocado plantation</a> in Bhopal,” he tells <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <p>But how did this urban farmer manage to successfully grow avocados in Bhopal? He provides an insight into his journey.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farming-was-never-my-plan-nbsp">‘Farming was never my plan’ </h2> <p>Born and raised in Bhopal, Harshit says that farming was not even “remotely on his plans for the future”. </p> <p>From a very young age, he was interested in marketing and after his schooling, he went to the UK to study business. </p> <p>“No one from my family is in farming and neither did I ever think that I would end up in the agriculture sector. In 2017, I was pursuing a BBA degree and wanted to make a career in marketing,” he says. </p> <p>Harshit was very interested in health and fitness and that is what led him to pursue agriculture.</p> <p>“Avocados were very easily available to us and high in nutrition. I used to love eating them and consumed them almost every day in the UK. One day, I just flipped the box and saw the packing which said it was made in Israel,” he says. </p> <p>Taken aback, he started researching more on how a dry and hot country like Israel can grow avocados. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="840" height="439" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-1-1715758265.jpg" alt="Harsh started with a few plants and now has a 10 acre farm. " class="wp-image-350002" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-1-1715758265.jpg 840w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-1-1715758265-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-1-1715758265-500x261.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-1-1715758265-768x401.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-1-1715758265-150x78.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Harsh started with a few plants and now has a 10-acre farm. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>“I was aware of the kind of soil and temperature it needed to grow. It needs a temperature below 30 degrees and acidic soil with good drainage. I was very intrigued and wanted to learn more about how Israel did it with such <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/139546/temperatures-water-atms-bengaluru/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high temperatures,</a>” he says. </p> <p>“Upon research, I found out that Israel has successfully grown various varieties under controlled conditions and has even made new hybrid varieties. The country has been exporting the fruit for decades now,” he adds. </p> <p>A market enthusiast, Harhsit realised that the trend of eating the fruit would soon catch up. </p> <p>“There is a huge demand for the fruit in the west which means that it will reach India soon. This gave me an idea and an opportunity to capitalise on it. I thought that if I can enter the market early on, it will lead to greater profits,” he explains.</p> <p>Harshit was enthusiastic about learning farming from the farmers in Israel and decided to try it out in India. “I decided to cut short an internship I was doing at the time and go to Israel. I found a farmer who was gracious enough to help me learn the entire process. I stayed with him, and he taught me the ins and outs of avocado farming,” he says.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-grow-healthy-avocadoes-nbsp">How to grow healthy avocadoes? </h2> <p>Discussing his routine in Israel, he says, “My daily routine there started with waking up at 5 am. We would work in the fields only during the morning hours until 10. Then, in the afternoon, he would introduce me to various industry experts, such as the greenhouse managers, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/340703/kota-student-aryan-singh-invented-ai-powered-agrobot-runs-on-solar-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">irrigation specialists</a>, exporters, and marketers.” </p> <p>After his training period, he invited them to India. “I brought my farmer friends over in 2018. My mentor and the nursery owner conducted soil tests and assessed the climate conditions in Bhopal. They also visited other farms growing citrus and mango. After evaluating the area, they suggested that a garden could thrive in Bhopal.” </p> <p>They identified specific avocado varieties that would be suitable for the city. “This made me realise that while India lacks high-quality avocados and specific varieties, Israel has excellent rootstocks,” he says. </p> <p>So, he decided to import these rootstocks from Israel and began planning his first consignment, which took place in 2019.</p> <p>“However, the import process turned out to be lengthy, complicated, and full of regulations that I needed to adhere to. In 2019, I struggled with the import procedure, causing my consignment to be delayed until 2020,” he says</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-4-1715775552.jpg" alt="Harsh went to Israel to learn the ins and outs of avocado farming. " class="wp-image-350093" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-4-1715775552.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-4-1715775552-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-4-1715775552-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-4-1715775552-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-4-1715775552-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Harsh went to Israel to learn the ins and outs of avocado farming. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>He continues, “Then, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and both India and Israel went into lockdown. This resulted in yet another delay of one year for my consignment.”</p> <p>“Finally, in 2021, I received my first shipment of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/289888/harshit-godha-bhopal-grows-avocado-nursery-farming-in-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avocado plants</a> from Israel, which I planted in my own orchards,” he says. </p> <p>Harshit was able to grow this batch of avocados in a polyhouse nursery the same year. </p> <p>“While I have not made the fruit commercial yet, the yield was shared among my friends and family,” he says.</p> <p>“Before I planted the avocado plants, they were kept in the nursery until 2023. Finally, in March 2023, I planted them in the fields. This will be the first year the crop will be commercially viable,” he says. </p> <p>Harshit now sells avocado plants all over India. </p> <p>Harshit says that he uses Israeli technology to irrigate his plants. “We employ advanced techniques that allow us to control water distribution precisely to the root zone of each plant. Instead of using flood irrigation, which wastes a significant amount of water, we ensure that each plant receives the exact amount of water and fertiliser it needs every day.”</p> <p>Therefore, regardless of the topography of the orchard, you will have an even distribution of water for each and every plan, he stresses. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tips-for-new-urban-farmers">Tips for new urban farmers </h2> <p>When planting avocados, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.</p> <p>Harshit says that you need a reliable water source or should practise rainwater harvesting, especially if you’re in hot climatic conditions.</p> <p>“In regions like the Northeast, natural rainwater is usually sufficient. For other areas like Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, or Chhattisgarh, a dependable water source is crucial,” he adds.</p> <p>Another key consideration is choosing the right variety of avocado plants. “I offer a 100% buy-back guarantee, ensuring that my customers won’t have any problems selling their produce. I source the plants from Israel, where extensive research has been conducted on avocados over the last 60 years.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-3-1715758593.jpg" alt="Harsh says that you need a reliable water source or should practise rainwater harvesting to grow avocados. " class="wp-image-350004" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-3-1715758593.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-3-1715758593-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-3-1715758593-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-3-1715758593-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/avocado-3-1715758593-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Harsh says that you need a reliable water source or should practise rainwater harvesting to grow avocados. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>Israel has developed varieties resistant to drought and poor water quality that yield high productivity even in extreme climates.</p> <p>“In contrast, the plants sold in South India for Rs 500 each may be grown from random avocado seeds and then grafted, leading to variability in quality. My plants, which cost Rs 2,500 each, are grown on commercial rootstocks of specific avocados developed in Israel,” he explains. </p> <p>Avocado plants consist of two parts: the rootstock (the part below the graft) and the cultivar. The rootstock imparts certain properties to the entire plant, such as high yield and manageable canopy size. This allows for easier harvesting at heights of just 10 to 12 feet.</p> <p>Choosing the right rootstock and variety, as well as seeking the appropriate support, is essential.</p> <p>“Remember, different climates require different management practices and techniques. For instance, the methods used in South India differ from those used in Central India where I am based. Expecting similar results from cheaper plants without considering these factors may lead to disappointment,” he adds.</p> <p><em>(Edited by Padmashree Pande; All Pictures Credit: Harshit Godha)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:85;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:97:"From 2 Cr Salary to 2 Million Followers: How ‘FoodPharmer’ Started A Food Revolution in India";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:124:"https://thebetterindia.com/350012/revant-himatsingka-food-pharmer-nutrition-ingredient-list-read-label-padhega-india-mumbai/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Wed, 15 May 2024 12:45:41 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"Changemakers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"food labels";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"food pharmer";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"nutrition";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"Revant Himatsingka";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=350012";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:269:"Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as the ‘Foodpharmer’ is a certified health coach on a mission to improve health literacy in India by educating people on the importance of reading food labels. His efforts have garnered over two million followers on social media.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:26245:" <p>When we grab a food item at the grocery store, our instinct is often to check the expiry date. But do we also spare just a couple more minutes to scan the ingredient list? These extra moments could be crucial, shaping our understanding of the food we’re putting into our bodies.</p> <p>Packaged food has become integral to our lives, whether we like it or not. Therefore, making conscious decisions to opt for packaged foods that won’t pose additional risks is essential. It’s a small step, but it can have a significant impact on our health and well-being.</p> <p>Recent reports have emphasised the critical importance of carefully reading food labels. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) released dietary guidelines for Indians on May 8, cautioning that the information provided on <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/348030/mdh-everest-sambhar-masala-fssai-guidelines-food-safety-ethylene-oxide-fish-curry-masala-singapore-hong-kong/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">packaged food labels</a> can often be misleading. “Health claims on packaged food are designed to catch the consumer’s attention and convince them that the product is healthy. Always read food label information to know about the contents inside the pack,” the guidelines state.</p> <p>Don’t be fooled by labels like ‘healthy’ and ‘no sugar added’. One man who has been trying to decode these food labels and teach Indians how to read them is Revant Himatsingka aka ‘foodpharmer’ on Instagram.</p> <p>For the past year, this 32-year-old has been leading the charge in promoting health literacy and raising awareness about the importance of reading food labels before making purchases. Through his Instagram page, he has gathered a following of over 2.2 million people.</p> <p>Having left behind a lucrative Rs 2 crore job on Wall Street, this certified health coach is on a mission to spark a “health revolution” in the country.</p> <p>“Indians are educated but not health literate. I’m therefore focusing on health literacy, with my major target being children. You should develop healthy habits in children from day one and keep them away from junk to reduce the likelihood of developing health issues later,” shares Revant.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holding-large-fmcg-conglomerates-accountable">Holding large FMCG conglomerates accountable</h2> <p>Growing up in a 90s Kolkata, Revant had a regular childhood, which included biscuits, packaged foods, and drinks like Bournvita. The young boy was then blissfully unaware of the harmful effects of the food he consumed, like millions of Indians.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/revantt-1715774320.jpg" alt="Revant wants Indians to learn the importance of reading food labels" class="wp-image-350079" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/revantt-1715774320.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/revantt-1715774320-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/revantt-1715774320-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/revantt-1715774320-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/revantt-1715774320-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Revant wants Indians to learn the importance of reading food labels.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>He slowly learnt the importance of nutrition over the second decade of his life, which he spent largely in the US. Revant moved to New York for his undergraduate degree in finance and management in 2011. It was also the time that he started taking an interest in<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/347926/cerelac-sugar-nestle-babies-infants-health-nutrition-report-meal-plan-for-kids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> food and nutrition</a>, which eventually got cemented with a health coach certification in 2015.</p> <p>He also started reading food labels carefully during his grocery store runs. “I wanted to eat healthy and started paying more attention to the ingredient list. I soon realised that most companies are saying something on the front of the pack, while the back states a different story. I slowly learnt about the ingredients like the emulsifiers, colours, etc,” he adds.</p> <p>He was angered when he realised that while the company states that the product is natural, organic, and very good for you, the truth is far from it. This led to intense research on the topic of nutrition and food labels over the past decade of his life.</p> <p>“I had an interest in creating social impact and looked at various avenues where I could provide help. I realised that health is one of the most important pillars of life, and what we eat directly impacts it. Therefore, I decided to focus on solving this problem in a structured manner,” Revant tells <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="608" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-15-at-16.04.14-min-1-1715769490-500x608.jpeg" alt="Revant quit a job on Wall Street to educate people about nutrition" class="wp-image-350045" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-15-at-16.04.14-min-1-1715769490-500x608.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-15-at-16.04.14-min-1-1715769490-247x300.jpeg 247w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-15-at-16.04.14-min-1-1715769490-768x934.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-15-at-16.04.14-min-1-1715769490-150x182.jpeg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-15-at-16.04.14-min-1-1715769490.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Revant quit a job on Wall Street to educate people about nutrition.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>In fact, his desire to create impact first materialised as a self-book called Selfienomics in 2016, which interestingly had information on reading food labels! While he had realised the importance of this topic, it was seven years later that he decided to make it the mission of his life.</p> <p>Before his ‘Bournvita’ video that led to him becoming a bonafide viral sensation on the internet in April 2023, Revant worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company. His stint at the management consulting firm, in many ways, laid the groundwork for his content today. “As a consultant, I often worked on projects in the grocery space, so I know first-hand about the false marketing that takes place,” he adds.</p> <p>Working in consulting meant solving problems in a structured manner. Revant decided to use this skill to help solve the larger issue — reading and understanding food labels. With this plan in place, he quit his job and returned to India, much to the chagrin of his family.</p> <p>But he was clear about his mission and took on the baton of teaching Indians what he calls “the most important life skill”. His problem lies with packaged food that masquerades as healthy.</p> <p>In April 2023, he kicked off his stint as ‘Foodpharmer’ with a video about Bournvita, manufactured by Mondelez. The video highlighted the excessive amount of sugar in the drink, yet calling itself ‘healthy’, adding that it could cause diabetes. The video went viral across social media platforms, leading to legal trouble for the former consultant.</p> <p>Mondelez sent him a legal notice asking him to take down the video. Left with no choice, Revant took it down and issued a statement. However, he had achieved what he set out to do — create awareness among Indians.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay-away-from-sugary-drinks-nbsp">Stay away from sugary drinks </h2> <p>Despite the legal notice, Cadbury reduced the quantity of added sugar in Bournvita by 14.4 percent in December 2023, validating the content creator’s efforts. The Central Government also directed e-commerce firms to remove Bournvita and other such drinks from the health drinks category.</p> <p>Another major product that reduced its sugar content by 22 percent was ‘Maggi rich tomato ketchup’. Revant made a video highlighting the fact that the product had more sugar than tomatoes!</p> <p>These actions have been a shot in the arm for the content creator, who has since educated Indians on many other packaged products. His problem, he says, is with the false marketing by companies, which promise nutrition, strength and more for your child, when actually, it’s just filled with sugar. His problem is not with chocolates or Coke as much as with drinks like Bournvita and biscuits that are fed to children daily.</p> <p>“We usually have chocolate or Coke on the weekends, but a child is having two glasses of Bournvita per day. Yet, we consider the one glass of Coke a problem, not realising the amount of sugar content in the 14 glasses of bournvita we’ve given our child,” he stresses.</p> <p>To educate people about <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/312870/engineer-couple-quits-job-to-make-healthier-alternatives-to-traditional-ladoos-laddubox/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sugar consumption</a>, Revant has created a sugarboard, which shows the amount of sugar in popular soft drinks. This has been replicated across many schools, ensuring that children stay away from these drinks.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzyZCASLyx8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzyZCASLyx8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzyZCASLyx8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Revant Himatsingka (@foodpharmer)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>He’s now also working with experts to include nutrition in school curriculums.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-earning-rs-2-crore-to-zero">From earning Rs 2 crore to zero</h2> <p>While the 32-year-old has been relentless in his pursuit of making Indians ‘health literate’, there have been numerous challenges. Imagine quitting a Rs 2 crore job in the US and coming back to legal notices and legal fees.</p> <p>Just like any other family would react, his family too thinks that coming back to uncertainty was a “crazy decision”.</p> <p>Since he hasn’t done sponsored posts so far, Revant has not been able to monetise his content creation on Instagram, he shares. But he has been slapped with more than five legal notices from Multinational corporations (MNCs), leading to massive legal fees.</p> <p>The support and change he’s seen in his followers is what keeps him going, he shares. “People are now questioning the need to give these so-called ‘health’ drinks to children. They have started reading labels, and that is my biggest victory. Companies too have been pressured to change their packaging and sugar content,” he adds.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4X61PEpMln/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4X61PEpMln/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4X61PEpMln/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Revant Himatsingka (@foodpharmer)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>While he agrees that changing existing products would be difficult, he hopes that new startups will carefully select the ingredients they add to their offerings.</p> <p>To educate even more people, he has started a health movement called ‘Label Padhega India’ (India will read labels), where he’s partnered with celebrities and influencers to spread the word.</p> <p>“If the majority of us start reading labels, companies will be forced to stop false marketing and start giving us better quality food. Let us all unite and transform India from the diabetes capital of the world to the health capital of the world,” reads the slogan of the movement.</p> <p>Even as he goes all guns blazing against conglomerates and forces them to rethink their packaging, he urges parents to teach children the art of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/327558/revant-himatsingka-foodpharmer-shares-how-to-read-food-labels-for-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">‘decoding’ food labels</a>. “The most important skill in the 21st century is not coding, it’s decoding,” he remarks.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat; Images Courtesy Revant Himatsingka</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"350012";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:86;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:66:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:87:"Sisters Turn 20,000 Kg Pine Needles Into Handicrafts to Reduce Uttarakhand Forest Fires";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:126:"https://thebetterindia.com/349983/uttarakhand-forest-fires-pine-needles-waste-artefacts-pirul-handicrafts-two-sisters-startup/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Wed, 15 May 2024 09:43:31 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:4:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"pine needles";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"pirul handicraft";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:23:"uttarakhand forest fire";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=349983";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:249:"In 2021, Nupur and Sharvari Poharkar started ‘PIRUL Handicrafts’ to make useful household artefacts from pine needles found in Uttarakhand. They have employed at least 100 rural women from nearby villages like KhetiKhan, Tyarsun, Patan and more.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12139:" <p>Since April this year, at least five people in Uttarakhand have lost their lives in the raging forest fires that have spread over 1,000 hectares. Amid the danger of the blaze fanning out to heavily populated areas, the state’s forest department has initiated remedial measures of putting firelines to control it.</p> <p>While the state government is taking several measures to control the fire, an army of 100 rural women in Champawat has taken up the responsibility to work on the root cause – pine tree waste.</p> <p>Historically, the accumulation of pine needles on the forest floor has been a major reason for spreading fires in the region. Over 71 percent of Uttarakhand’s land is forested and pine trees – locally known as <em>Chir ka ped</em> – cover about 16 percent of the forest area in the state.</p> <p>“Uttarakhand has an abundance of pine trees. They shed needles which keep accumulating year after year which are highly flammable. Even half-lit cigarettes or burnt agricultural waste can lead to these pine needles catching fire very easily and spreading in no time,” Nupur Poharkar tells <strong>The Better India</strong>.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-3-1-1715764011.jpg" alt="The startup manufactures various handicraft products like tea coasters, storage boxes, serving trays, table mats, and planters." class="wp-image-350011" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-3-1-1715764011.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-3-1-1715764011-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-3-1-1715764011-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-3-1-1715764011-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-3-1-1715764011-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> The startup manufactures various handicraft products like tea coasters, storage boxes, serving trays, table mats, and planters.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Taking heed of this urgent situation, Nupur, along with her sister Sharvari, started ‘PIRUL Handicrafts’ to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/239245/himachal-pradesh-startup-profits-pine-needles-forest-fire-tableware-face-shields-covid19-innovation-india-ana79/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">make artefacts from pine needles</a>. With the help of 100 rural women, the startup has been able to divert 20,000 kg of pine waste into useful products.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-filling-two-needs-with-one-deed">Filling two needs with one deed</h2> <p>Nupur, who is a veterinary doctor, was always motivated to work in the social sector. Her dream came true in 2020 when she got a fellowship opportunity in Champawat, Uttarakhand.</p> <p>“As part of this, I was expected to identify the problem in the village and suggest ways to solve it. I observed how men migrate to cities for better jobs whereas women are shouldered with responsibilities to look after their livestock and farm. Sadly, this work would get affected because of the frequent forest fires,” the 28-year-old shares.</p> <p>During her fellowship, Nupur witnessed a fire breaking out in the backyard of her neighbour’s house. Sharing her experience, she says, “These villagers spent hours collecting fodder for their cattle which the fire burnt down. I saw them crying their hearts out while others rushed to put off the fire.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-4-1715764102.jpg" alt="These rural women in Champawat has taken up the responsibility to work on the root cause of forest fire -- pine tree waste." class="wp-image-350013" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-4-1715764102.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-4-1715764102-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-4-1715764102-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-4-1715764102-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-4-1715764102-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">These rural women in Champawat have taken up the responsibility to work on the root cause of forest fire — pine tree waste.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>“Although this was just one incident, these villagers narrated other instances which turned quite serious and scary. Not only did they lose harvested fodder but also sometimes lost livestock and the surrounding biodiversity. The government on the other hand spends huge sums every year to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/345435/youth-fight-forest-fires-in-uttarakhand-the-hans-foundation-initiative-save-jungles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">control the forest fires </a>but not much has been done to solve the issue of such fires caused by pine waste,” she adds.</p> <p>To fill these gaps, the Delhi resident started looking for <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/252324/jharkhand-ifs-hero-solution-forest-fires-dry-leaves-briquettes-ecofriendly-innovation-earns-village-india-gop94/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential solutions </a>to utilise pine waste and generate livelihood opportunities for rural women.</p> <p>In 2021, she came across a YouTube video on crafts made out of pine needles. “It’s not a very common craft. There are only a few villages in Himachal Pradesh that are actively making these products from pine waste,” she shares.</p> <p>After discussing with her sister, who is a designer, Nupur zeroed in on making craft items out of pine waste.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-small-step-towards-a-big-issue">A small step towards a big issue</h2> <p>After launching their startup ‘Pirul Handicrafts’, Nupur and Sharvari mobilised the villagers to collect pine waste from nearby forests. “After collecting these pine needles, we clean and soak them in water for some time. Thereafter, we make simple products like tea coasters using the coiling technique. Historically, coiled baskets made from this technique are either hay or grass-based,” she shares.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-1715763820.jpg" alt="Nupur (left), along with her sister Sharvari, started ‘PIRUL Handicrafts’ to make artefacts from pine needles." class="wp-image-350008" style="width:841px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-1715763820.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-1715763820-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-1715763820-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-1715763820-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-1715763820-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nupur (left) and her sister Sharvari started ‘PIRUL Handicrafts’ to make artefacts from pine needles.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Currently, the team manufactures various handicraft products like tea coasters, earrings, storage boxes, handbags, serving trays, table mats, and planters.</p> <p>Starting with 15 women initially, the team has expanded to 100 women from seven villages like KhetiKhan, Tyarsun, Patan, Chaanmari, Panda, Paati, and Jhulaghat.</p> <p>Sunita Moni, who has been working with the startup for the past three years, tells <strong>The Better India</strong>, “Earlier, I used to rear livestock and grow wheat and paddy on two <em>bigha </em>of our land. Often, we would incur huge losses because of forest fires that would burn down our crops, fodder for our cows, even houses, and dry water resources.”</p> <p>“I didn’t know that pine waste can be turned into beautiful craft items. It is exciting to make new designs every day. With this, my monthly income has also increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000. As a result, I was able to enrol both of my kids in private schools. Over these years, I also saved some of this amount to buy one <em>tola </em>(nearly 12 grams) of gold to secure the future of my children,” she adds.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-1-1715763906.jpg" alt="Collectively, these women diverted 20,000 kg of waste to something useful." class="wp-image-350010" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-1-1715763906.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-1-1715763906-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-1-1715763906-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-1-1715763906-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Pirul-1-1715763906-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Collectively, these women diverted 20,000 kg of waste to something useful.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>As of now, these rural women have sold about 12,000 products and have established a large customer base in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad cities in India, and the US.</p> <p>“While the social angle is one of the contributing factors, our products have also become popular for their durability and better finish compared to other eco-friendly products like bamboo. While bamboo products are prone to fungal attack, there is no such worry in pine needle products as they are naturally-resistant to fungus,” she says.</p> <p>Looking at the impact of their startup, Nupur says, “We are able to contribute towards society in a positive way. Interestingly, we have not observed any forest fires as of yet in the areas from where we collect pine needles. Earlier, at least three incidents were reported every year.”</p> <p>“We have diverted 20,000 kg of waste to something useful. This is a small step towards a big issue but it can be replicated in other areas of the state to reduce the root cause and frequency of forest fires,” she adds.</p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande; All photos: Sharvari Poharkar</em></p> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-sources"><em>Sources:</em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-5-dead-in-uttarakhand-wildfires-over-1-000-hectares-of-forest-destroyed-by-ankit-sharma-for-india-today-published-on-6-may-2024"><em><a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/uttarakhand-wildfire-forest-fires-death-toll-rain-forecast-pushkar-singh-dhami-revenue-loss-2535698-2024-05-06" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">5 dead in Uttarakhand wildfires, over 1,000 hectares of forest destroyed: </a>By Ankit Sharma for India Today, published on 6 May 2024.</em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-under-age-chir-pine-trees-being-illegally-extracted-for-resin-in-u-khand-by-shivani-azad-for-times-of-india-published-on-4-september-2023"><em><a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/under-age-chir-pine-trees-being-illegally-extracted-for-resin-in-ukhand/articleshow/103336870.cms" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Under-age chir pine trees being illegally extracted for resin in U’khand: </a>By Shivani Azad for Times of India, published on 4 September 2023.</em></h5> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"349983";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:87;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:66:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:88:"82-YO Entrepreneur Grandma’s Recipes Take Traditional South Indian Snacks to The World";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:131:"https://thebetterindia.com/349969/janaki-paati-grandma-sweet-karam-coffee-south-indian-snacks-traditional-food-startup-watch-video/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 14 May 2024 14:31:59 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:4:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4:"Food";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"janaki paati";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"south indian snacks";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"sweet karam coffee";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=349969";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:135:"Anand Bharadwaj and Nalini Parthiban quit their jobs to start Sweet Karam Coffee (SKC) using Janaki Paati's South Indian snack recipes.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"Khushi Arora";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10146:" <p>On a rainy Diwali in 2015, members of a family of foodies found themselves missing their grandma, Janaki Paati’s special snacks. These childhood memories led husband-wife duo Anand Bharadwaj and Nalini Parthiban to quit their jobs and start Sweet Karam Coffee (SKC).</p> <p>“Every Diwali, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/338027/pongal-recipes-woman-entrepreneur-girija-paati-home-foods-podi-pickle-ven-pongal-paruppu-vadai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our grandmother used to meticulously make the <em>jaangris, murukku and Mysore pak</em></a>. As she was cooking, she used to narrate tales to her grandchildren and make them do odd jobs, says Nalini Parthiban, co-founder, SKC.</p> <p>Anand and Nalini resolved to take their grandma’s food to the world. They brought Paati on board to give a modern twist to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/290230/chennai-homemakers-traditional-south-indian-snacks-export-to-uk-usa-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traditional South Indian snacks</a>.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6yuINFhhku/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6yuINFhhku/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6yuINFhhku/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Better India (@thebetterindia)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>But the journey was tough. Many banks said no to loans, so they started with a humble Rs 2,000 investment in a small room of their house. The team distributed newspaper pamphlets themselves to acquire the first set of customers.</p> <p>Before they knew it, orders started flooding in! People loved Paati’s warmth and the personal touch in her snacks.</p> <p>The recipes are all hers, given to her by her grandmother. “I oversee the cooking from time to time. I ensure no compromise there. Everything is made with love and care with the best ingredients — just like the way I would make for my own family,” says Paati.</p> <p>Paati also enjoys making Instagram reels and sharing her love for M S Dhoni! Bursting with enthusiasm for this phase of life, “It’s like a rebirth,” she says.</p> <p>Nailini says, “The energy that Janaki Paati brings to everything she does is truly contagious; whether it is cheering on her favourite cricketer or learning the latest mobile apps, her passion and zest for life are unparalleled.”</p> <p>Today, the startup has expanded not only pan-India but to 32 countries globally.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat</em></p> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-sources"><em>Sources:</em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-success-is-sweet-and-savoury-by-sindhu-hariharan-for-times-of-india-published-on-27th-november-2023"><em><a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/success-is-sweet-and-savoury/articleshow/105527913.cms" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Success is sweet and savoury</a>: by Sindhu Hariharan for Times of India, Published on 27th November, 2023</em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-linkedin-post-by-co-founder-nalini-prathiban-published-on-10th-april-2024"><em><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7183872808127508482/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">LinkedIn post by co-founder Nalini Prathiban</a>: Published on 10th April 2024</em></h5> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"349969";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:88;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:94:"I Beat Cancer Thanks to My Wife’s Nudge for Regular Health Checkups: Lessons from a Survivor";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:137:"https://thebetterindia.com/349895/how-to-deal-with-cancer-diagnosis-regular-health-checkup-turbt-battle-india-chemo-therapy-ninad-raikar/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 14 May 2024 12:55:30 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"Education";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"cancer treatment";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:5:"India";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"Mumbai";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"Singapore";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:22:"urinary bladder cancer";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=349895";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:224:"When Ninad Raikar's wife asked him to get a routine check-up done after he hit his 40s, he found that he had a tumour in his bladder. What was a simple health run soon turned into an unexpected journey full of ups and downs.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17:"Guest Contributor";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:8316:" <p>In 2023, I encountered a life-altering challenge – a battle with bladder cancer. This unexpected journey, marked by early detection and unwavering determination, reshaped my perspective on health and resilience.</p> <p>Originally from Mumbai, I now call Singapore my home. During a routine visit back to the city, I decided it was time for a thorough health check-up. At 41, prompted by my wife’s gentle nudge (more like a push), I opted for a comprehensive assessment to ensure I was on the right track.</p> <p>While I’ve always aimed for a balanced lifestyle — good work-life balance, moderate exercise, and indulgence — nothing prepared me for the news buried within my test results. A seemingly innocuous observation in my bladder imaging report (presence of a tumour) sparked a whirlwind of consultations and medical jargon.</p> <p>The advice from all was clear. I had to undergo a surgical procedure called the TransUrethral Resection of Bladder Tumour i.e. ‘TURBT’. Once the tumour is removed, it would be sent for biopsy to test for malignancy. </p> <p>One of the key decisions to be taken was which doctor or hospital to choose for the TURBT. </p> <p>While seeking different opinions, I met two doctors. One of them was an experienced head of the department at a leading commercial hospital in Mumbai. </p> <p>However, the doctor spoke in monologues as he was very busy and used to get irritated when too many questions were asked. The impression this gave me was that he knows what he is doing and that’s why I have come to him. His reputation preceded everything. </p> <p>The second doctor was a young surgeon who took his time in explaining everything in detail to me and answered all my questions patiently. He didn’t work for a particular hospital but gave me a choice of multiple hospitals where he would do the surgery. </p> <p>After giving it a considerable amount of thought, I went for the more experienced, monologue-speaking doctor. The experience, process and my key takeaways from the entire journey are presented here in this article with <strong>The Better India</strong>.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1239" height="1653" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Ninad1_11zon-1715691084.jpeg" alt=""I have realised that the skills of a doctor are important but so are the bedside manners," says Ninad Raikar." class="wp-image-349950" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Ninad1_11zon-1715691084.jpeg 1239w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Ninad1_11zon-1715691084-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Ninad1_11zon-1715691084-500x667.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Ninad1_11zon-1715691084-768x1025.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Ninad1_11zon-1715691084-1151x1536.jpeg 1151w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Ninad1_11zon-1715691084-640x853.jpeg 640w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Ninad1_11zon-1715691084-150x200.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1239px) 100vw, 1239px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">“I have realised that the skills of a doctor are important but so are the bedside manners,” says Ninad Raikar.</figcaption></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taking-the-first-step">Taking the first step</h2> <p>At the Mumbai hospital, I underwent the TURBT procedure to have the tumour removed. </p> <p>The biopsy confirmed the presence of low-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma (Grade 1 to 3). The tumour was cancerous but as it was luckily detected early, it had not spread to the bladder muscle. </p> <p>The treatment was essentially over – tumour removed, cancer no longer in the body. </p> <p>As part of the protocol for such cases, I was given one injection of Mitomycin in the bladder, which is chemo treatment.</p> <p>However, post discharge, I had discomfort passing urine and on consulting with my doctor, I was told that it will go away on its own and is a normal side effect of a TURBT. </p> <p>But even after more than a month of this not going away, I stopped asking my doctor for advice as he had nothing new to say. And the TURBT protocol is the same globally. I had to undergo a cystoscopy every 3 months for 1 year, followed by one every 6 months for the next 2 years, and then annually for the next 2 years. </p> <p>By then, I had moved back to Singapore, and during my first planned cystoscopy, another tiny tumour surfaced. The doctor also identified a condition called ‘urethral strictures’ which occur due to trauma caused to the urethra during a surgical procedure. </p> <p>Now, I had two things to fix — another tumour and the urethral strictures (likely caused by the monologue-speaking doctor or his assistants during my first TURBT). </p> <p>The tumour was removed during the second TURBT and its biopsy confirmed that it was benign! </p> <p>Given my experience with the doctor in Mumbai, I was clear that I was going to go with a doctor in Singapore who has the time to answer all my questions – however silly they may seem to be. I chose the doctor accordingly and the experience was wonderful. </p> <p>I have realised that the skills of a doctor are important but so are the bedside manners.</p> <p>I have now gone through my first year of cystoscopy and am now tumour-free and cancer-free! I was very lucky to have chosen to get a preventive check-up done. Early detection helped me beat cancer.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-here-are-the-lessons-i-learned">Here are the lessons I learned-</h2> <ol> <li>Prioritise regular check-ups to stay ahead of potential health challenges, especially as we age. Given the lifestyles that we lead, the pollution and climate change we face, it may be good to do additional check-ups. I always choose a health check-up package which is meant for men older than me. The more tests the merrier.</li> <li>Don’t rely only on blood reports as they cannot catch early stage issues. Include essential imaging modalities in your check-up regimen to catch abnormalities early on. The minimum recommended imaging is an ECG, chest X ray, USG abdomen and pelvis. You can get these done once a year.</li> <li>Ensure comprehensive insurance coverage to alleviate financial burdens during medical emergencies. All my procedures were covered by insurance. Opt for medical cover which covers ‘deductibles’.</li> <li>Seek multiple opinions to make informed decisions about your healthcare. Do not hurry. Not every medical problem is an emergency. More opinions give you clarity and choice. While selecting a doctor – it may be useful to check his/her bio and it is helpful if the doctor has done some form of teaching in medical colleges or written research papers, or worked for govt/not-for-profit hospitals. Commercially-inclined doctors’ caregiving is different (to the point, black and white advice) versus other doctors who do really care.</li> <li>Pay attention to the quality of care (bedside manners) provided by nursing staff when selecting hospitals. Go to a doctor who has time for you, who answers your multiple questions with a smile. Half of this battle is mental, the rest 50% is dependent on the doctors’ skills.</li> <li>Speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures. In the age of digital media, it is easy to find people who are ready to share their learnings and experience.</li> </ol> <p><em>This article has been written by Ninad Raikar, the head of business operations at an OTT platform. He has been chronicling his battle with cancer. All picture credits go to the writer.</em></p> <p><em>The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement or promotion of any service. No claims, whether expressed or implied, are made by The Better India. Furthermore, The Better India accepts no liability whatsoever for the reliability of any of the views expressed above.</em></p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"349895";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:89;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:91:"Watch: Lego Blocks Inspired This Kerala Architect to Build a Wall Using 6200 Discarded Toys";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:121:"https://thebetterindia.com/349889/kerala-house-made-with-toys-discarded-plastic-toys-built-by-architect-vinu-daniel-lego/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 14 May 2024 12:44:29 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Sustainability";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"discarded toys";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"kerala architect";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"lego blocks";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"sustainable home";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=349889";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:187:"To tackle the growing problem of plastic pollution, architect Vinu Daniel designed a circular house with its exterior wall made of earth blocks, Mangalore tiles, and 6,200 discarded toys.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9175:" <p>Did you know that 80 percent of all toys end up in landfills, incinerators, or the ocean?</p> <p>To tackle this growing plastic problem, architect<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/178864/kerala-sustainable-home-upcycling-waste-green-architect-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Vinu Daniel </a>designed a circular house with its exterior wall made out of Earth blocks, Mangalore tiles, and toys!</p> <p>Aptly named the Toy Storey, this unique house has about 6,200 discarded toys on its outer walls as structural components and decorations. </p> <p>These <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/217700/baby-toys-wooden-neem-montessori-safe-durable-chennai-buy-online-small-biz-ang136/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic toys</a> are unsuitable for recycling. So, the main idea behind repurposing discarded toys was to address environmental concerns.</p> <p>Interestingly, the house is designed to draw in light and enable cross ventilation through the home. Its walls let plenty of natural light in and fresh air enters the interiors at all times.</p> <p>Vinu came up with this idea after being inspired by his son’s lego blocks. Today, the house has become a favourite with kids who are thrilled to spot their toys on the wall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-here-s-how-architect-vinu-daniel-used-discarded-toys-to-make-the-house-walls">Here’s how architect Vinu Daniel used discarded toys to make the house walls:</h2> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C60qn7rLlUW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C60qn7rLlUW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C60qn7rLlUW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Better India (@thebetterindia)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande; Photo credit: wallmakers.org</em></p> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-source"><em>Source:</em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-creating-a-circular-economy-for-toys-by-tansy-robertson-fall-senior-editor-ellen-macarthur-foundation-for-medium-published-on-3-september-2020"><em><a href="https://medium.com/circulatenews/creating-a-circular-economy-for-toys-9c11dc6a6676" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Creating a circular economy for toys: </a>By Tansy Robertson-Fall, Senior Editor, Ellen MacArthur Foundation for Medium, published on 3 September 2020.</em></h5> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"349889";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:90;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:66:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:74:"8 Lessons On How India’s Cleanest Villages Achieved The ‘Impossible’";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:121:"https://thebetterindia.com/349644/cleanest-villages-of-india-mawlynnong-majuli-yana-nako-piplantri-khonoma-chitkul-dawar/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Tue, 14 May 2024 10:56:11 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:4:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"Travel";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:26:"cleanest villages in india";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"Khonoma village";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"Majuli";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=349644";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:299:"Once areas of deforestation, litter, and heavy tourist influx, villages like Majuli, Yana, Nako, and Piplantri exemplify sustainable practices such as banning plastic, organising clean-up drives, and planting trees. As India's cleanest villages, here's how they achieved what once seemed impossible.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Krystelle Dsouza";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:17913:" <p>Imagine this: You’re up at the break of dawn. Cramming in a run before the day begins seems like a good idea. You take to the streets of your neighbourhood, greeted by a gust of crisp air, the trees lining the path forming <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/332769/george-remedios-plants-food-forests-trees-in-mumbai-limited-spaces-rooftop-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a corridor of green</a>. They seem to cheer you on.</p> <p>In a while, the city will begin to rise. But when it does, the only sounds that make it to your ears are those of fellow joggers trying to catch their breath, laughter in the distance, a bicycle bell, and the occasional music streaming out of a radio.</p> <p>This isn’t a scene out of an alternate universe. For many of India’s villages, it is a reality. Even as their residents plough through their lives, sustainability and cleanliness are not put on the back burner. And their initiatives are setting an example for India to follow.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-nbsp-curtail-plastic-majuli-assam">1. ‘Curtail plastic’ — Majuli, Assam</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="630" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-10-160557-1715337382-500x630.jpg" alt="A landscape from Majuli which is the world's largest river island, " class="wp-image-349648" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-10-160557-1715337382-500x630.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-10-160557-1715337382-238x300.jpg 238w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-10-160557-1715337382-150x189.jpg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-10-160557-1715337382.jpg 558w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A landscape from Majuli which is the world’s largest river island, Picture source: Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sachin_bharali/p/CMPbbx-rQ5J/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Sachin Bharali</a></figcaption></figure></div> <p>As tourists cruise through the Brahmaputra river, they cannot help but admire the majestic water body and its surrounding islands. A must-visit spot here is Majuli in Assam’s Jorhat. Along with making headlines for being the first island in India to be given a district status, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/201230/uttarakhand-swachh-bharat-cleanliness-drive-success-clean-engineer-job-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the cleanliness model </a>of Majuli has caught attention. Their bamboo homes ensure a low carbon footprint, while the residents can often be seen with brooms in hand, attempting to clean their beloved island.</p> <p>But, these lessons in cleanliness aren’t the only takeaways. During your visit, you will encounter the Mishing tribe. They are firm believers in ‘Donyi Polo’, a religious system founded on the principle that everything in the universe is interconnected.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-organise-clean-up-drives-yana-karnataka">2. ‘Organise clean up drives’ — Yana, Karnataka</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="589" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-10-160810-1715337521-500x589.jpg" alt="The Yana caves in Karnataka attract tourists for the rock outcrop formations," class="wp-image-349649" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-10-160810-1715337521-500x589.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-10-160810-1715337521-255x300.jpg 255w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-10-160810-1715337521-150x177.jpg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-10-160810-1715337521.jpg 559w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Yana caves in Karnataka attract tourists for the rock outcrop formations, Picture source: Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sathwikbobba/p/CzOHxAtyzVt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Sathwik Bobba</a></figcaption></figure></div> <p>Touted as one of the wettest villages in the world, Yana in Karnataka draws tourists with its rock outcrops formed from solid, black, crystalline karst limestone. A 0.5 km trek from the Kumta-Sirsi Highway, these rock outcrops have become a religious pilgrim point. Devotees flock to pay their respects to the <em>swayambhu linga</em> (self-originated idol) in the caves formed by the outcrops. As the name suggests, the idol is a result of geological processes and has formed naturally.</p> <p>What is remarkable is that despite heavy tourist inflow, Yana has maintained its status as the cleanest village in the state. And this owes to the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/188385/pune-cleanliness-drive-iaf-pilot-environment-hero-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regular cleanup drives</a> conducted by the forest department. In some areas of the cave, wearing footwear is discouraged, also adding to the hygiene quotient.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-sweep-the-area-clean-nbsp-khonoma-nagaland">3. ‘Sweep the area clean’ — Khonoma, Nagaland</h2> <iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MnYBd-a8snw?si=g-6dEocp-ZOMCdZI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p>Birds whisper into the ears of every person walking down the roads of Khonoma village in Nagaland. Take time to listen. To anyone who looks up to Asia’s first green village for a solution to sustainability, it will tell you ‘just plant more trees’; a green cover can outweigh everything else.</p> <p>Khonoma wasn’t always on this path. You’d be surprised to know that the village was battling deforestation in the late 1990s. The residents took it upon themselves to ban the cutting down of trees.</p> <p>Today, the land is pristine as paddy and forests dot the landscape. The people of Khonoma have displayed resilience in protecting the endangered bird ‘Blyth’s Tragopan’, which tourists now flock to see. They have also undertaken other <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/256935/maharashtra-farmer-organic-tomato-gourd-loofah-success-story-tukaram-gunjal-earns-lakhs-him16/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green measures</a>.</p> <p>As an article in <em>Morung Express</em> notes, every Saturday morning, schoolchildren across the village get to work, emptying out the dustbins along the paths. The activity has taken place twice a month since 2005 when Khonoma was declared a ‘green village’, and the children seem only too happy to lend a hand.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-use-local-building-material-nako-himachal-pradesh">4. ‘Use local building material’ — Nako, Himachal Pradesh</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="605" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-10-161601-1715338012-500x605.jpg" alt="The buildings constructed with stone and mud ensure that cement does not need to be transported over long distances" class="wp-image-349651" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-10-161601-1715338012-500x605.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-10-161601-1715338012-248x300.jpg 248w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-10-161601-1715338012-150x181.jpg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-10-161601-1715338012.jpg 568w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The buildings constructed with stone and mud ensure that cement does not need to be transported over long distances, Picture source: Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/travel.a.i.p/p/CnqcZhPJp-E/?hl=cs&img_index=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">All India Permit </a></figcaption></figure></div> <p>Nothing beats the view you get of the Himalayas from this village nestled on the Indo-Tibetan border in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. But the glorious scenery and waterfalls —- that legend says are the homes of fairies here — aren’t the only fantasy elements.</p> <p>The village air is said to be so crisp that it hurts to breathe it in! One could credit the Lipa Asrang sanctuary with its host of conifers and alpine scrubs for the pure air. But the villagers too deserve a mention. Here, cleanliness is not an advice, it is an obligation. Roadside <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/163926/dustbins-mumbai-airport-food-waste-news/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">garbage bins</a> dot the streets and signs of ‘Keep Nako Clean and Green’ are frequent sights.</p> <p>Additionally, buildings made out of rammed earth, stone and other local materials ensure that construction activities do not involve materials being transported over long distances, thus going a long way in curbing pollution on the road.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-build-toilets-mawlynnong-meghalaya">5. ‘Build toilets’ — Mawlynnong, Meghalaya</h2> <iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FM4U7fhDTUI?si=xHPmaeULkVhwulPz" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p>Literacy is an integral factor in contributing to a clean country. Proof of this lies in the Khasi village Mawlynnong near the Meghalaya-Bangladesh border, which boasts of two things — being Asia’s cleanest village and having a 93.71 percent literacy rate according to the 2011 census. Good civic sense lies at the core.</p> <p>The village has a meagre population that works very hard to keep the surroundings clean. To limit pollution, the village discourages tourist vehicles and one must walk on foot. But you won’t be alone. Orchards, chirping birds and <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/344261/best-resorts-in-andaman-islands-barefoot-havelock-by-samit-sawhny-sustainable-slow-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beautiful scenic sights</a> will keep you company.</p> <p>So, how has Mawlynnong achieved what it set out to do?</p> <p>Plastic is banned. Any shred of plastic that does manage to find its way into the village is repurposed, as burning it would only create fumes. It is a very common sight to see groups of villagers clean their surroundings with teasel brooms. The activity is rigorous with every last leaf being swept away. In fact, the residents of the village do not shy away from picking up anyone’s fallen garbage.</p> <p>Every empty space is seen as a potential ground for flowers to bloom. Using <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/250122/ancient-ecofriendly-ideas-techniques-sustainable-homes-traditional-architecture-local-material-cost-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">local materials</a> to build their homes helps the people of Mawlynnong reduce their carbon footprint.</p> <p>To curb open defecation, the construction of toilets in homes and public spaces was amped up and has proven to be a success.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-introduce-solar-street-lights-chitkul-himachal-pradesh">6. ‘Introduce solar street lights’ — Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/clean-villages-_11zon-1715338525.jpg" alt="The village of Chitkul focuses on solar lighting and locally built homes" class="wp-image-349653" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/clean-villages-_11zon-1715338525.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/clean-villages-_11zon-1715338525-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/clean-villages-_11zon-1715338525-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/clean-villages-_11zon-1715338525-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/clean-villages-_11zon-1715338525-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The village of Chitkul focuses on solar lighting and locally built homes</figcaption></figure></div> <p>The last inhabited sanctuary before the Indo-Tibetan border, Chitkul’s strategic geographic location makes the village a spectator to breathtaking landscapes. But don’t let the scenic beauty eclipse the real hero — the efforts of the villagers to engage in reforestation, organic farming, and eco-friendly practices.</p> <p>When the village residents aren’t optimising their agricultural practices, they focus their efforts on promoting eco-friendly materials as <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/289750/india-bans-single-use-plastics-eco-friendly-alternatives-cups-cutlery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alternatives to plastic</a>, segregating their waste, replacing traditional lighting with LED lights, and exploring renewable energy options. One of the boons has been the introduction of solar street lights.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-optimise-sewage-treatment-systems-dawar-jammu">7. ‘Optimise sewage treatment systems’ — Dawar, Jammu</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="960" height="540" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/103422668_174538234033526_7530148223217777382_n-1715338865.jpg" alt="The Dawar village in Gurez Valley has banned plastic bags and developed a sewage system" class="wp-image-349655" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/103422668_174538234033526_7530148223217777382_n-1715338865.jpg 960w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/103422668_174538234033526_7530148223217777382_n-1715338865-300x169.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/103422668_174538234033526_7530148223217777382_n-1715338865-500x281.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/103422668_174538234033526_7530148223217777382_n-1715338865-768x432.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/103422668_174538234033526_7530148223217777382_n-1715338865-150x84.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Dawar village in Gurez Valley has banned plastic bags and developed a sewage system, Picture source: Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/b1234st/posts/village-dawar-gurez-valley-bandipora-dard-nawaz/174538254033524/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Discover Jammu Kashmir </a></figcaption></figure></div> <p>The crown of the Gurez valley is the village of Dawar, home to the Shina tribal community. While traditional handicrafts like <em>pattu</em> and <em>gurezi chadar</em>, cultural events such as the Gurez Festival, and the availability of exotic Himalayan medicinal herbs have enhanced tourist footfall, the village has managed to preserve its sanitation and cleanliness.</p> <p>The villagers ensure they are keeping their carbon footprint in check by resorting to wooden log homes instead of cement, planting more trees to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/288219/after-visiting-drought-prone-villages-23-yo-plants-3-lakh-trees-in-three-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increase the green cover</a>, banning plastic bags and creating a waste disposal system. They have also developed a sewage system which has contributed to the model’s success.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-plant-more-trees-piplantri-rajasthan">8. ‘Plant more trees’ — Piplantri, Rajasthan</h2> <iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gg2CnJTOdfk?si=aaLnKL2_CeIUrR-Z" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p>For the people of Piplantri in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, the birth of a girl child meant “bad news”. But a gentleman Shyam Sunder Paliwal transformed this mindset, and with it, the village’s landscape too.</p> <p>He believed that if the parents of newborn girls planted trees and nurtured them for 18 years, they could arrange enough money for the girl’s wedding when she came of age. So, to celebrate the birth of a girl child, 111 trees are planted by the family.</p> <p>Rural India can take a leaf out of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/73393/piplantri-rajasthan-girl-child-planting-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Piplantri’s book</a>. A few years ago, due to the increasing number of white marble mines and limited tree cover, water was scarce in the village, health problems were rampant, and there was no food to eat. 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Instead, the officer can be found promenading through the centre’s campus which teems with abundant flowering plants and fruit trees. The sight of a glorious green carpet thriving at a height of 300 ft above sea level is baffling. </p> <p>How many <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/163949/jakkur-bengaluru-lake-pollution-cleaning-news/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species of flora</a> do you think reside within this 25-acre land? Take a guess. </p> <p>“Over 850 species and counting,” reveals Chaturvedi. In this forest-like ecosystem that he has spent the last few years cultivating, bamboo and cactus befriend each other, while crickets, butterflies and insects stop by to pay their respects to the honeysuckle. The air is crisp and the walk is therapeutic for Chaturvedi, who pauses to put his experience into words; then proceeds to say that they won’t do justice. </p> <p>Who is most taken aback by Chaturvedi’s optimistic view are the naysayers who were convinced that this particular posting in the highlands of Uttarakhand would be a test of the IFS officer’s patience. Their discouragement, and the fact that most of Chaturvedi’s predecessors had detested being in charge of the god-forsaken area, made the officer sceptical. </p> <p>The<a href="https://thebetterindia.com/302635/ladakh-ministry-of-education-score-new-heights-role-of-dedicated-teachers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> harsh terrain</a>, coupled with the remoteness of the place, did nothing to ease his woes. </p> <p>But in the nine years since he assumed the role of conservator of forest research (Chaturvedi was promoted to head of the wing in 2020), this terrain evolved into a blessing. As Chaturvedi and his team discovered, not only was it a favourable home for Nainital’s ‘miracle plant’ Patwa, but also a host of other plant species that are in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) red list and classified as ‘threatened’ by Uttarakhand board. </p> <p>The team has been working closely to conserve plant habitats and protect them from illegal trade. They are also innovating ways to grow them in their natural habitats and in their research centres as well. The goal is to scale these plant populations at their original sites.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1715249611.jpg" alt="IFS Officer Sanjeev Chaturvedi has dedicated the last nine years to conserving endemic plant species in Nainital" class="wp-image-349420" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1715249611.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1715249611-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1715249611-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1715249611-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1715249611-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">IFS Officer Sanjeev Chaturvedi has dedicated the last nine years to conserving endemic plant species in Nainital, Picture source: Chaturvedi </figcaption></figure></div> <p>While today, Chaturvedi’s work in this domain is being applauded, in 2015, his path looked very different. That same year, <strong>The Better India </strong>highlighted <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=sanjeev+chaturvedi+the+better+india&rlz=1C1YTUH_enIN1048IN1048&oq=sanjeev+chaturvedi+the+better+india&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggAEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg7MgcIARAhGKABMgcIAhAhGKAB0gEINTk0NGowajSoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the officer’s scope of work</a> in the field of anti-corruption. Impressive and courageous though the operations were, they resulted in chargesheets, suspension orders, low gradings in Annual Performance Reports (APAR), dismissals and frequent transfers. </p> <p>The objective was always the same: to halt Chaturvedi’s crackdown on corruption. </p> <p>But with a firm belief in the fact that “for true democracy to prevail, adhering by the rule of law was the way forward”, Chaturvedi never backed down. And in 2015 he was awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for emergent leadership. </p> <p>A leader then and now, the Uttar Pradesh native has prided himself on displaying integrity even in the most sticky spots. Early on, he resolved never to see transfers as a punishment. “Every transfer is part of your career and as a servant of your nation, it is your duty to do it with utmost commitment and professionalism,” he had said five years ago. </p> <p>Today, not only has he stayed true to those words, but has found <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/348647/cancer-shelter-in-india-access-life-ankeet-dave-girish-nair-children-paediatric-care-in-mumbai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">purpose in his work</a> here in the Haldwani area. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blazing-a-trail-in-conservation-nbsp">Blazing a trail in conservation </h2> <p>As head of the research wing of the forest department which focuses on the conservation of threatened plant species, the 50-year-old officer is at the helm of biodiversity protection. </p> <p>“This is crucial in this area. Uttarakhand has over 43 types of different forests and three major agro-climate zones: tropical, temperate and alpine. The altitude of the place ranges from 300 m up to the 6,800 m high Nanda Devi Peak. As you can see, the flora here experiences a very diverse climate.” </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1-1715256743.jpg" alt="Naagchatri plant is endemic to Uttarakhand and its roots contain potent steroids" class="wp-image-349484" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1-1715256743.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1-1715256743-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1-1715256743-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1-1715256743-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1-1715256743-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Naagchatri plant is endemic to Uttarakhand and its roots contain potent steroids, Picture source: Chaturvedi </figcaption></figure></div> <p>The unique geography of the region has promoted the growth of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/297527/engineer-grows-rare-medicinal-plants-with-integrated-farming-technique-gardening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endemic plant species</a> (species which are found in a particular geographical area and not anywhere else in the world). “By nature, these plant species that thrive here are classified as ‘threatened’ or ‘critically endangered’ because of the specific habitat they require,” Chaturvedi explains. </p> <p>The scope of his work includes identifying these ‘endangered’ plant species and then charting out a survival guide for them. </p> <p>While the conservation of the Patwa plant has brought Chaturvedi’s work to the fore, he emphasises that it is one of the many plant species his team is working on. “Each of them has unique medicinal properties and is found on challenging terrain.” </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-3-1715250701.jpg" alt="The Tree Fern is one of the oldest species and was once the food of dinosaurs," class="wp-image-349433" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-3-1715250701.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-3-1715250701-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-3-1715250701-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-3-1715250701-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-3-1715250701-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Tree Fern is one of the oldest species and was once the food of dinosaurs, Picture source: Chaturvedi </figcaption></figure></div> <p>And while the job is tough, Chaturvedi has a stellar team backing him. One of his junior research fellows and “brilliant minds”, Manoj Singh, shares the intricate process they follow to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/276600/kerala-man-converts-rubber-plantation-into-mini-forest-medicinal-fruit-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conserve these plant species</a>. </p> <p>“We identify the plants based on their family and genus, then proceed to collect their specimens.”</p> <p>However, some factors play spoilsport to this — illegal trade, growth of invasive species, and wildlife feasting on the fallen fruits and seeds. “When the birds eat these seeds and fruits, it disturbs the natural regeneration of the plant. There is no chance of a new crop.” </p> <p>Singh and Chaturvedi lead the team to collect these fruits and seeds and take them back to the centre where they conduct experiments to cultivate these plants through vegetative propagation. </p> <p>“The terrain, weather and climate are challenging,” Singh points out. “Especially when, after restoration, we proceed to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/273494/abdul-kareem-inspiring-hero-who-grew-a-forest-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rehabilitate the plants</a> back in their natural environments. While these altitudes are conducive for their growth, it is a tough terrain for us to access.” </p> <p>Chaturvedi adds that they zero in on the plant species after thorough research through Vedic literature as well as the IUCN lists. Once they demarcate the areas where the plants thrive — taking care not to publicise it too much — they take the GPS coordinates of the place and in the months that follow, conduct studies on the plants.</p> <p>One of the plant species conserved is the Himalayan Gentian (<em>Gentiana Kurroo)</em>, a striking blue-coloured flower, that has highly medicinal roots. </p> <p>“This is why it has been subjected to excessive <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/171244/karnataka-farmer-forest-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">over-exploitation</a> and is on the verge of extinction,” says Chaturvedi, adding that the plant’s ability to treat liver problems makes it a target of trade. “Due to the efforts of the Research Wing of the Uttarakhand Forest Department, approximately 600 Himalayan Gentian specimens have been successfully conserved across three different regions in the state.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1-1715249843.jpg" alt="The Himalayan Gentian's roots are said to have medicinal properties" class="wp-image-349422" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1-1715249843.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1-1715249843-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1-1715249843-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1-1715249843-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1-1715249843-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Himalayan Gentian’s roots are said to have medicinal properties, Picture source: Chaturvedi </figcaption></figure></div> <p>The Atis (<em>Aconitum heterophyllum</em>) is another high-value medicinal herb endemic to the Himalayan region, whose roots have the power to treat various ailments such as fever, malarial fever, cough, cold, colic, and headache. Another sought-after plant is the Golden Himalayan Spike (<em>Eremostachys superba</em>), whose root is given to lactating cattle to boost the production of milk. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-2-1715249975.jpg" alt="The roots of Atis have the power to treat fever, cold, cough and a variety of other ailments" class="wp-image-349423" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-2-1715249975.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-2-1715249975-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-2-1715249975-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-2-1715249975-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-2-1715249975-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The roots of Atis have the power to treat fever, cold, cough and a variety of other ailments, Picture source: Chaturvedi </figcaption></figure></div> <p>“One of the most prized plant species is the Jatamansi (<em>Nardostachys jatamansi</em>). It has valerenic acid and valerinone which make it an excellent source of the drug valerian, a top-selling herbal supplement. The rhizome and the oil extracted from it are used in the perfumery and cosmetic industry,” Chaturvedi explains. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="556" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nardostachysjatamansi__Jatamansi__11zon-1715250139-500x556.jpg" alt="The Jatamansi has chemical compounds that are used in the pharmaceutical industry" class="wp-image-349425" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nardostachysjatamansi__Jatamansi__11zon-1715250139-500x556.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nardostachysjatamansi__Jatamansi__11zon-1715250139-270x300.jpg 270w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nardostachysjatamansi__Jatamansi__11zon-1715250139-768x854.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nardostachysjatamansi__Jatamansi__11zon-1715250139-1382x1536.jpg 1382w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nardostachysjatamansi__Jatamansi__11zon-1715250139-1842x2048.jpg 1842w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Nardostachysjatamansi__Jatamansi__11zon-1715250139-150x167.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Jatamansi has chemical compounds that are used in the pharmaceutical industry, Picture source: Chaturvedi </figcaption></figure></div> <p>Some of the other plant species under the purview of the forest department are <em>Lilium Polyphyllum</em> whose tubers are abundant in steroids; Mitha Vish (<em>Aconitum balfourii) </em>whose dried tubers are used in the treatment of rheumatism, fever, gastric disorders, swelling and sciatica; Naagchatri (<em>Trillium govanianum</em>) whose roots contain potent steroids; Tamil palm (<em>Trachycarpus takil</em>) which is one of the few palm species that survives in frost and snow; Tree Fern which is said to be <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/186022/chennai-girl-palaeontologist-fossils-finding-trichy-ariyalur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a living fossil </a>as it has recorded geological and environmental changes since ancient times and was a primary food source for dinosaurs due to the starch content of its stems. </p> <p>Along with this, there’s also Tumri (<em>Pittosporum eriocarpum</em>) which is used as fuelwood; Van Satuva (<em>Paris polyphylla</em>) whose rhizomes are anthelmintic, antispasmodic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory and of course, Patwa. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1715250310.jpg" alt="The tubers of Lilium Polyphyllum are abundant in steroids" class="wp-image-349427" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1715250310.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1715250310-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1715250310-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1715250310-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-1715250310-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The tubers of Lilium Polyphyllum are abundant in steroids, Picture source: Chaturvedi </figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-miracle-in-the-forest-nbsp">A miracle in the forest </h2> <p>The <em>Meizotropis pellita</em> plant traces a route through the narrow stretches of the Nainital and Champawat districts and is concentrated at the hillock ‘Patwadanger’ from which it derives its name. </p> <p>Chaturvedi adds, “In 2012-2013, a small demonstration plot of 0.50 hectares was established in the Sariyatal nursery, where 500 saplings developed from seeds were planted. Currently, approximately 490 plants survive in this area, with a survival percentage of 98 percent.” </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/patwa-plant-1715256799.jpg" alt="The Patwa plant has a complex root system and is known as a 'miracle' plant," class="wp-image-349485" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/patwa-plant-1715256799.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/patwa-plant-1715256799-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/patwa-plant-1715256799-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/patwa-plant-1715256799-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/patwa-plant-1715256799-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Patwa plant has a complex root system and is known as a ‘miracle’ plant, Picture source: Chaturvedi </figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/patwa-plant-1_11zon-1715256971.jpg" alt="The Patwa plant has been the target of illegal trade, an issue that Chaturvedi is attempting to tackle" class="wp-image-349487" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/patwa-plant-1_11zon-1715256971.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/patwa-plant-1_11zon-1715256971-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/patwa-plant-1_11zon-1715256971-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/patwa-plant-1_11zon-1715256971-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/patwa-plant-1_11zon-1715256971-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Patwa plant has been the target of illegal trade, an issue that Chaturvedi is attempting to tackle, Picture source: Chaturvedi </figcaption></figure></div> <p>The plant within itself holds great possibility due to the soil binding properties of the root system, a characteristic that could prove useful in minimising soil runoff from hill slopes. Add to this the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/73988/antioxidant-rich-foods-combat-pollution-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antioxidant properties</a> possessed by the plant’s roots, stems and leaves, and it is a golden foliage. “Currently, there are 800 Patwa plants that are thriving,” Chaturvedi notes. </p> <p>Illegal trade has been the biggest contributing factor to the slow death of this miracle plant. Highlighting the problem, Chaturvedi says, the plant habitats bordering Tibet and Nepal lead to a surge in cases. But even as he adds that cracking down on these cases lies beyond his jurisdiction, he is reminded of a childhood anecdote. </p> <p>“If you want to shorten an existing line, just draw a bigger line next to it.” </p> <p>To this end, Chaturvedi learnt early on that the only way to ensure that the plant species of Uttarakhand thrived despite all odds was to ensure their propagation was amped up. “Since day one, we have made it our motto that if there are 100 plants in the initial habitat, we will grow 500 in our centres.” Currently, 2,200 endemic plant species are being conserved across the forest wing’s seven centres. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-2-1715250601.jpg" alt="The Tamil Palm is one of the few species that can survive in frost and snow" class="wp-image-349430" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-2-1715250601.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-2-1715250601-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-2-1715250601-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-2-1715250601-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/plant-conservation-2-1715250601-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Tamil Palm is one of the few species that can survive in frost and snow, Picture source: Chaturvedi </figcaption></figure></div> <p>Through his term in the forests of Uttarakhand, Chaturvedi has also been instrumental in developing India’s first moss garden in Nainital which boasts around 90 different types of moss species, an <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/248029/woman-entrepreneur-pathanamthitta-kerala-moss-rose-cinderella-jumbo-table-rose-covid-19-pandemic-san196/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">open-air fernery</a> in Ranikhet with 200 different types of ferns and a grass conservatory in Ranikhet with more than 100 grass species. </p> <p>“We always underestimate the importance of grasses, but the latest research shows them to be more effective in carbon sequestration than trees because they store carbon in their roots instead of releasing it into the atmosphere.”</p> <p>But Chaturvedi shies away from accepting applause. In fact, he says, if there is anyone that deserves the praise it is Mother Nature. “I have huge respect for her. She has designed each and everything in such a connected manner; every moss, every lichen, every insect, every pollinator. 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From humble beginnings in Bengaluru to a fully-funded scholarship at MIT, here’s how she built a career in space.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:21136:" <p>Akshata Krishnamurthy’s fascination with space began as a child as she wondered about what lies beyond our planet. Her curiosity was fuelled by weekly visits to the planetariums and air shows in Bengaluru. </p> <p>It was no surprise then that this young girl would want to pursue a career in aerospace. But how, where, and what to do to achieve this dream was a path she had to navigate on her own. </p> <p>With incredible talent and a dogged pursuit of her goal, she became a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which was a huge deal for the student who studied in a state board school and came from a middle class family.</p> <p>Today, this gritty woman works as an <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/324699/awais-ahmed-founded-space-startup-pixxel-hyperspectral-satellite-launch-hyperloop-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerospace engineer</a> at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). </p> <p>And her journey was not an easy one. </p> <p>Navigating through the various hurdles of having an education abroad to setting foot at NASA as a full-time employee took her almost 15 years. But this 35-year-old is making it easy for others by sharing her experiences on social media, and mentoring them. Here’s her story. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-pursuit-of-the-universe">In pursuit of the universe</h2> <p>Akshata works as a Principal Investigator and Space Systems Engineer at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on two space missions. She is the mission science phase lead on the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar mission (NISAR) and robotics systems engineer on the MARS 2020 Perseverance rover, operating the rover on MARS. </p> <p>This lifelong tryst with space took roots at an airshow in Bengaluru in 2003. It was the Aero India show at the Yelahanka air force base that perhaps started it all. The aerobatic manoeuvres of the Sukhoi Su-30 pilots left the youngster captivated.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="C0159" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FwPOzvr0oxQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>“I was always interested in science and maths and wanted to know more about the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/319013/iit-madras-graduates-startup-agnikul-cosmos-manufactures-3d-printed-rockets-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">origins of our universe</a>. I wanted to know more about where we come from, and what is out there in the sky. I also wanted to travel around and explore but we didn’t have the resources for that,” Akshata tells <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <p>Determined, she fueled her curiosity with whatever source she had access to, like visiting the local factories in her native Karnataka village or visiting the planetariums. </p> <p>Calling herself an ‘explorer’, Akshata would find joy in understanding the hows and whys of everything she laid eyes upon. This sense of reasoning helped her when she pursued engineering later. </p> <p>A major turning point in her life was reading about the Hubble Space telescope which ignited her passion for aerospace.</p> <p>“In the early 2000s, watching astronauts perform spacewalks while servicing the Hubble telescope was a huge inspiration. It made me dream of looking at Earth from the vast reaches of space and experiencing what they experienced,” shares the rocket scientist.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carving-her-own-path">Carving her own path</h2> <p>“I wanted to become an astronaut and that was a clear goal in my mind,” recalls Akshata. In the 90s, she knew of Rakesh Sharma, Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams. While Sharma was in the Indian air force, the other two were US citizens. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2482" height="1685" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/1715219850.743726-min-1715319952.jpg" alt="Akshata works as a Principal Investigator and Space Systems Engineer at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)" class="wp-image-349621" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/1715219850.743726-min-1715319952.jpg 2482w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/1715219850.743726-min-1715319952-300x204.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/1715219850.743726-min-1715319952-500x339.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/1715219850.743726-min-1715319952-768x521.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/1715219850.743726-min-1715319952-1536x1043.jpg 1536w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/1715219850.743726-min-1715319952-2048x1390.jpg 2048w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/1715219850.743726-min-1715319952-150x102.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 2482px) 100vw, 2482px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Akshata works as a Principal Investigator and Space Systems Engineer at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)</figcaption></figure></div> <p>“At the time, India didn’t have a human space programme. You either became a cosmonaut with Russia or you became an astronaut with the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/295003/uttarakhand-scientist-amit-pandey-in-nasa-artemis-moon-rocket-mission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US space programme.</a> There were no Indians who weren’t US citizens in the programme then,” adds Akshata.</p> <p>She soon discovered that a large percentage of astronauts had actually studied at MIT.<strong> </strong> “Since then, I knew that I had to study at MIT as I felt that it would provide me with a good chance to go to space. MIT has actually sent 44 astronauts to space and most of them pursued their PhDs here,” she adds.</p> <p>This gave the young schoolgirl a clear path to focus on. </p> <p>She then became the only female student in her mechanical engineering stream at RV College of Engineering in Bengaluru, graduating in 2010. </p> <p>Following this, she got a full ride to the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign to pursue a masters in aerospace engineering.</p> <p>The real challenge before Akshata presented itself in the form of getting an aerospace job in the US without a citizenship or a green card. To be accepted as a doctoral candidate at MIT, she would need some work experience, she learned. </p> <p>“I came here alone and didn’t have any support. I kept doing research projects and publishing papers to add to my credentials to show that I can create an impact. Every opportunity I got was never luck or coincidence, it was through hard work,” the engineer shares. </p> <p>While pursuing her masters, she started writing to professors at MIT that she wanted to work with them for her PhD. It was only on her third attempt that she was selected. </p> <p>“I honed my skills and worked outside my curriculum but was still waitlisted as not all space projects can take foreign nationals since they are funded by the US government and have restrictions. But when I was waitlisted the second time, I wrote to all the professors at MIT asking for a chance to work with them for a year. Finally, I heard back from professor Sara Seager that there was a project I could work on,” she adds.</p> <p>Professor Seager is an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at MIT who focuses on exoplanet research, which is the discovery of new planets. She offered her a temporary research associate position for a year.</p> <p>At that time, Akshata had two options — take a well-paying job at the likes of Google or Amazon without worrying about her visa or career, or take a risk and work on a new research project which was incredibly exciting. </p> <p>It was a no-brainer.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6Y47dFR7g5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6Y47dFR7g5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6Y47dFR7g5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Dr. Akshata Krishnamurthy | NASA Rocket Scientist (@astro.akshata)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>After working for a year on exoplanet research, she applied to the MIT PhD programme again, and as they say, third time’s the charm. Under Professor Seager, and in a fully-funded programme, she finally got her PhD in 2020. </p> <p>“My doctorate is in aeronautics and astronautics<strong> </strong>but I worked on the boundary of science and engineering, focusing on developing space telescopes and technologies to discover new planets,” she explains.</p> <p>She went on to work full-time at the NASA JPL, which, she shares, was also a serendipitous occurrence.</p> <p>“I worked there for three months as an intern and would meet with managers everyday asking for a job. But nobody could commit anything to me without a green card as it involves a lot of paperwork and complexity,” she says.</p> <p>The last day of her internship arrived but she still had no job offers or interviews. Luckily, she had a presentation to give that day. A hiring manager in the audience was impressed with Akshata’s presentation and decided to give her a job. </p> <p>Even then, till the paperwork came through, the scientist recalls that she couldn’t breathe easy. </p> <p>When she entered <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/323066/chandrayaan-3-the-history-of-how-india-began-one-of-its-most-significant-space-journeys/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA JPL</a> as an employee in February 2020, that was one of the happiest days of her life. </p> <p>As Akshata’s story is surely inspirational, we ask, what kept her going? </p> <p>“I was adamant about getting into NASA and doing whatever it took to reach that goal. There was no plan B. I decided to bet on myself. Failure was not an option, but even so, everytime I failed, I took the learnings from it, and did something different to proceed further,” she says.</p> <p>Realising that thousands of students in India need appropriate guidance, she started channels on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/astro.akshata/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@astro.akshata" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">YouTube</a>. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-here-are-her-5-tips-to-pursue-a-career-in-space">Here are her 5 tips to pursue a career in space:</h2> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="epyt-video-wrapper"><div style="display: block; margin: 0px auto;" id="_ytid_99660" width="480" height="270" data-origwidth="480" data-origheight="270" data-facadesrc="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ok5K8w67Q8U?enablejsapi=1&autoplay=0&cc_load_policy=0&cc_lang_pref=&iv_load_policy=3&loop=0&modestbranding=0&rel=0&fs=1&playsinline=1&autohide=2&theme=dark&color=red&controls=1&" class="__youtube_prefs__ epyt-facade epyt-is-override no-lazyload" data-epautoplay="1" ><img decoding="async" data-spai-excluded="true" class="epyt-facade-poster skip-lazy" loading="lazy" alt="YouTube player" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ok5K8w67Q8U/maxresdefault.jpg" /><button class="epyt-facade-play" aria-label="Play"><svg data-no-lazy="1" height="100%" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 68 48" width="100%"><path class="ytp-large-play-button-bg" d="M66.52,7.74c-0.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79,.13,34,0,34,0S12.21,.13,6.9,1.55 C3.97,2.33,2.27,4.81,1.48,7.74C0.06,13.05,0,24,0,24s0.06,10.95,1.48,16.26c0.78,2.93,2.49,5.41,5.42,6.19 C12.21,47.87,34,48,34,48s21.79-0.13,27.1-1.55c2.93-0.78,4.64-3.26,5.42-6.19C67.94,34.95,68,24,68,24S67.94,13.05,66.52,7.74z" fill="#f00"></path><path d="M 45,24 27,14 27,34" fill="#fff"></path></svg></button></div></div> </div></figure> <ol> <li><strong>Be curious.</strong></li> </ol> <p>“Start by asking questions about everything you see, participate in science projects in school, understand how things work and read about the latest news in the space industry,” she advises.</p> <p>“Do research projects, internships, get hands-on experience and understand how the industry works,” she adds.</p> <ol start="2"> <li><strong>Build a strong foundation.</strong></li> </ol> <p>Try to find areas you’re passionate about. “Even in space, there are different areas one can work on, like astrophysics, astronomy, technology, engineering and more. Figure out which field of space interests you,” she adds.</p> <ol start="3"> <li><strong>Pursue advanced degrees.</strong></li> </ol> <p>Once you’ve zeroed in on your interests, do a bachelors in science/engineering, masters and a PhD to equip yourself.</p> <ol start="4"> <li><strong>Develop technical/hands on skills.</strong></li> </ol> <p>Given how important AI and Machine learning (ML) has become today, it’s important to develop these skills, states Akshata. “Master coding skills or do a robotics project as these are going to be used in space technologies being developed,” she mentions.</p> <p>Complete research projects in well-known institutes and develop expertise in an area of interest.</p> <ol start="5"> <li><strong>Network, Network, Network.</strong></li> </ol> <p>Try to build a professional network as early as possible by attending conferences, workshops, professional seminars and talks. </p> <p>“If there are any talks in planetariums or research institutes, make sure to attend them. You can ask questions to people who’ve achieved what you want to. You could find a mentor or it will at least help you chart your path,” she says. </p> <p><em>Edited by Padmashree Pande, Images Courtesy Akshata Krishnamurthy</em>.</p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"349546";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:93;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:72:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:91:"It Takes A Virtual Village: 10 Online Groups Helping New Moms Navigate Parenting Challenges";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:126:"https://thebetterindia.com/349527/new-mothers-online-support-groups-postpartum-breastfeeding-formula-sleep-training-parenting/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Sat, 11 May 2024 04:30:00 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:6:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Culture";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"breastfeeding";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:10:"EarlyYears";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"mothers day";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"new mothers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:5;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:23:"online parenting groups";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=349527";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:272:"New mothers across India seek support in virtual communities, navigating challenges with peer advice, sisterhood, and solidarity. Covering everything from solid food to sleep training, here’s how these online groups offer a lifeline for women in their parenting journey.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:35600:" <p>“My baby wakes up as soon as I lay her on the bed. What should I do?”</p> <p>“How did you make your baby comfortable with other caretakers? I need to start work next month.”</p> <p>“I’m facing a lot of hair fall. I feel like I will go bald soon. What can I do?”</p> <p>“I’m starting solids soon. What should I start with? Should I follow baby-led weaning or traditional weaning?”</p> <p>It takes a village to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/347926/cerelac-sugar-nestle-babies-infants-health-nutrition-report-meal-plan-for-kids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raise a child</a>. Ask any mother, and she will agree. Earlier, these villages were found quite literally, in homes, and neighbourhoods. When we were growing up, we would spend a lot of time playing downstairs or in our neighbours’ houses. In joint family settings, the village was present within the home.</p> <p>In increasingly nuclear households, we, as mothers, don’t have that privilege. This leads us to look for villages in the virtual world. Since we also want to raise our children using modern methods and, often being single children or having just one sibling, we tend to seek support from peers experiencing similar situations.</p> <p>From navigating the challenging postpartum period to receiving tips on feeding — whether it’s breastfeeding or formula — and starting solids, sleep training, and much more, virtual support groups have become a new mother’s go-to village in the 21st century. The questions mentioned are some of the most common ones you can find in any new mother’s support group.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CzK2B4zpnAB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CzK2B4zpnAB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CzK2B4zpnAB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by New Mother (@newmother.in)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Personally, I found abundant help through these groups on Facebook and WhatsApp, where one can ask questions without fear of judgment and receive instant replies from the thousands of moms who are either going through the same dilemma or have already passed that stage.</p> <p>Take 32-year-old Rohini’s example. The first-time mother had a complicated pregnancy that led to her facing severe postpartum depression. Her friend coerced her to join a WhatsApp group for new mothers, where she found instant answers to her many queries.</p> <p>“I was unable to breastfeed and was pressured to give formula by the elders at home. This gradually led to a reduction in my breast milk, adding to my guilt. I found many contacts for lactation consultants through this group, through which I worked on increasing breast milk supply,” Rohini tells <strong>The Better India</strong>.</p> <p>The best part though, she adds, is the sisterhood she found through this group. While a set of mothers advised her on how she could improve her milk supply, another set also assuaged her by saying there was nothing wrong with giving formula to a baby.</p> <p>“They made me understand that a fed baby is what matters at the end of the day, which took a huge load off my back. I could vent and share the tiniest of troubles, and there was always somebody to listen. This group has been one of the biggest blessings,” she shares.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-abcs-of-feeding">The ABCs of feeding</h2> <p>Just like the WhatsApp group Rohini is a part of, there are several others on the platform. While many such groups have shifted to WhatsApp due to ease of access, this movement of sorts really began on Facebook, sometime in the 2010s.</p> <p>The first question that any new mother has after the birth of her child is about breastfeeding, which makes the requirement of such a group essential. Adhunika Prakash found herself alone in Ireland as she navigated the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/255089/dr-m-aishwarya-coimbatore-parenting-network-tamil-nadu-taboo-how-to-donate-breast-milk-feeding-awareness-taboo-myths-banks-postpartum-depression-covid-19-pandemic-gop94/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">questions around breastfeeding</a> and motherhood. She found support on an Irish breastfeeding group on Facebook. Not finding a similar one in India, she started ‘Breastfeeding Support For Indian Mothers’ (BSIM) in 2013, which has grown into one of the largest communities online, with almost 1.5 lakh members.</p> <p>“I felt lonely and had no one to talk to about the challenges I was facing. I found that many of my friends and colleagues too had similar queries. Fact is, no one talks about how difficult the journey of breastfeeding and motherhood is. I started this group for mothers to unite and get answers,” Adhunika shares.</p> <p>The community, through experts such as lactation counsellors and educators, offers tips and accurate information on lactation, how to wean off formula, and more. Besides the experts, other mothers too weigh in and share tips through their own experiences.</p> <p>BSIM was named one of the top five Facebook groups in the world in 2018, thanks to its reach. Besides creating a community, BSIM also conducts webinars and offers one-on-one lactation consultation services.</p> <p>The most common questions that the group receives are around breastfeeding post six months, and weaning off formula, informs Adhunika, who has also written a book called Breast Potion, advocating breastfeeding.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="646" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Tips-to-inculcate-a-healthy-relationship-with-food-1715319646.png" alt="breastfeeding tips" class="wp-image-349613" style="width:826px;height:auto" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Tips-to-inculcate-a-healthy-relationship-with-food-1715319646.png 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Tips-to-inculcate-a-healthy-relationship-with-food-1715319646-300x162.png 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Tips-to-inculcate-a-healthy-relationship-with-food-1715319646-500x269.png 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Tips-to-inculcate-a-healthy-relationship-with-food-1715319646-768x413.png 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Tips-to-inculcate-a-healthy-relationship-with-food-1715319646-150x81.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shared by Adhunika Prakash</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Just like BSIM, there are groups for formula-feeding mothers too. ‘Formula Feeding Moms of India’ was conceptualised to provide mothers with a guilt-free, happy community with no judgment. Here, queries around the quantity, formula brands, methods, feeding accessories and more are discussed.</p> <p>“A happy mother will have a happy child. A fed baby is the best. Whether it’s out of choice or compulsion, do what is best for your child and you,” says Swati, who formula-fed her baby.</p> <p>Just as mothers begin finding a rhythm with feeding, the next big challenge is starting solids. There are two popular methods followed among new mothers — one being traditional weaning, which is typically the parents feeding the child, also called spoon-feeding, and the other being baby-led weaning (BLW), where the baby is encouraged to eat by himself or herself right from the beginning.</p> <p>This transition is a very confusing time for new mothers — right from deciding which method to follow, what to offer, how much to offer, when to offer, and much more.</p> <p>This is where Facebook groups — like Traditional Weaning (Introducing Solids) India, with over 1.4 lakh members, and Baby Led Weaning for Indian babies – Recipes and Techniques, with over 45,000 members — and many WhatsApp groups again come to the rescue.</p> <p>In addition to these groups, many nutritionists and new mothers are offering useful tips and tricks on Instagram through live sessions and even providing quick replies to their direct messages.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtUWYXcrUO6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtUWYXcrUO6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtUWYXcrUO6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Gunjan Dewan (@tickletales_)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Gunjan Dewan is one such content creator who shares tips on starting solids through her Instagram page @tickletales_. The new mother started this page in June 2023, after her son Kiaan turned six months old. She wanted to fill the gap in information around starting solids and BLW in India. She also started a Tickle Tales Mommy Support and Daddy Support group on Telegram.</p> <p>“Most of the information available around BLW is very Western and doesn’t work around the Indian context. I read a lot of books and blogs, and attended workshops by child nutritionists to help me feed my son. I decided to share this with other mothers,” she shares.</p> <p>The most common questions she gets are about how to get their babies to eat more, how to know if their baby is eating enough, and how to deal with toddler tantrums!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="646" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/2-5-1-1715311330.jpg" alt="Solids tips" class="wp-image-349535" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/2-5-1-1715311330.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/2-5-1-1715311330-300x162.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/2-5-1-1715311330-500x269.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/2-5-1-1715311330-768x413.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/2-5-1-1715311330-150x81.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shared by Gunjan Dewan</figcaption></figure></div> <p>For the 55,000 followers, Gunjan provides healthy recipes, meal plans, and tips to make their babies’ journey into solids a smooth one.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hush-little-baby">Hush little baby</h2> <p>The second question that every new mother faces is about sleep. How many naps a day should a baby take at different age groups? — is a very important question that plagues mothers.</p> <p>Here too, peers come to the rescue through groups like Gentle Baby Sleep India on Facebook. The group was started by school friends Himani Dalmia and Neha Bhatt in 2016, who were new mothers at the time. The two reconnected through existing support groups like BSIM. They found that there were a lot of questions asked about baby sleep, a big pain point for parents.</p> <p>“We both read and learnt a lot about baby sleep. There wasn’t much information in an Indian context, and the Western sleep training principles wouldn’t work for us. It focuses more on the crying method and making babies sleep independently. We started working on ways that work in our cultural realities, where babies share a bed with us,” Himani shares.</p> <p>Gentle Baby Sleep India, with over 60,000 members, focuses on the ‘secret sauce’ to baby sleep and building a routine. The founders use science and evidence-based approaches to building a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/325192/saakshi-gulati-nikita-mathur-travel-with-kids-india-plan-vacations-for-moms-kids-toddlers-baby/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">good schedule for babies</a>.</p> <p>The most common questions range from ‘When will the baby sleep through the night?’, ‘Why does the baby take short naps?’, and ‘Why do they wake up as soon as we put them down?’</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="646" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/3-5-1-1715311414.jpg" alt="Sleep tips for babies" class="wp-image-349537" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/3-5-1-1715311414.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/3-5-1-1715311414-300x162.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/3-5-1-1715311414-500x269.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/3-5-1-1715311414-768x413.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/3-5-1-1715311414-150x81.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shared by Himani Dalmia</figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-everything-in-between">And everything in between</h2> <p>Apart from these concerns, there are many other virtual groups focused on holistic support like Gentle Parenting India and addressing specific concerns like Cloth Diapering India, Babywearing India, and many more.</p> <p>“The Cloth Diapering India Facebook group is a boon for young parents who want to use cloth diapers for their babies. It has the most helpful set of parents who answer every query and help in every way possible. It also has tons of information on everything related to cloth diapering. We exclusively cloth diapered our son (didn’t use any disposables) and couldn’t have done without it,” Sonika Bhasin shares.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2UhLUAylrZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2UhLUAylrZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2UhLUAylrZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Himani Dalmia | Baby Sleep (@gentlebabysleep.counselling)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Another pair of school friends who reconnected in the throes of motherhood are Vidya P and Neelufer Mulla, who run New Mother, a postnatal service for new mothers.</p> <p>Their own struggles with handling the 180-degree change in life after delivery led to them starting a blog, which later turned into a course called ‘First Forty Days: After Childbirth’, which prepares a new mom for everything that follows post-childbirth. They also run an Instagram page by the same name, an application, and a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/332485/pune-engineer-raj-dagwar-started-listeners-army-help-people-fight-depression-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">support group</a> on WhatsApp.</p> <p>“How we were before childbirth and after are two completely different people. No one gives you a heads-up about this. Our aim is to let mothers be confident by tuning into their intuition. We created this programme as a source that every mother can fall back on,” Vidya shares, adding that her tip to new mothers is to accept the change in their lives.</p> <p>Pratyusha, a new mother, shares that these groups provide logical answers to her queries. “Knowing that someone else is sailing in a similar boat feels comforting. The group I am a part of is a platform for everyone to grow together,” she shares.</p> <p>These virtual groups offer comfort, sisterhood, and a supportive ear, fostering enduring friendships along the way. They lift you up, offering words of encouragement, affirming, “You’re doing an amazing job, mama!”</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat; Feature Image Courtesy Gunjan Dewan</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"349527";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:94;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:87:"India’s First General Election & More: 8 Iconic Pictures Capturing Indian History";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:136:"https://thebetterindia.com/349250/history-in-pictures-first-elections-voting-for-women-shivaji-maharaj-hussainiwala-mysuru-queen-chetak/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 10 May 2024 06:05:28 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"History";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:24:"first elections in india";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"History of India";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:5:"India";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:21:"india history in pics";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=349250";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:158:"They say a moment can change the course of history. Here's exploring bold, compelling, and introspective moments from our past that shaped the India of today.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"Krystelle Dsouza";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:35637:" <p>There are some moments that are fleeting but hold within them the power to change the course of events. As we step into this time machine and embark on a journey that takes us through the portals of the past, here’s a glimpse at eight such moments — bold, compelling and introspective.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-when-a-queen-sold-her-jewellery-for-her-people">1. When a queen sold her jewellery for her people</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="774" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Maharani_Vani_Vilasa_with_grandson_Jayachamarajendra_Wadiyar_11zon-1715148493-500x774.jpg" alt="Rani Kempananjammanni of Mysuru was regarded for her tact in solving societal issues" class="wp-image-349252" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Maharani_Vani_Vilasa_with_grandson_Jayachamarajendra_Wadiyar_11zon-1715148493-500x774.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Maharani_Vani_Vilasa_with_grandson_Jayachamarajendra_Wadiyar_11zon-1715148493-194x300.jpg 194w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Maharani_Vani_Vilasa_with_grandson_Jayachamarajendra_Wadiyar_11zon-1715148493-150x232.jpg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Maharani_Vani_Vilasa_with_grandson_Jayachamarajendra_Wadiyar_11zon-1715148493.jpg 758w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rani Kempananjammanni of Mysuru was regarded for her tact in solving societal issues</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Ascending the throne at 26 after her husband’s untimely death was only one of the feathers in the cap of Rani Kempananjammanni of Mysuru. Solving the public’s core issues earned her the others.</p> <p>While gaps in healthcare, lack of access to clean water, and <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=shelter+associates+the+better+india&rlz=1C1YTUH_enIN1048IN1048&oq=shelter+associates+the+better+india&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyCQgAEEUYORigATIGCAEQRRg80gEINTUzOWowajeoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sanitation problems</a> crescendoed through her reign, she refused to be boggled down by them. Instead, she championed solutions. The <em>rani</em> was applauded for her ingenuity and the many projects she oversaw.</p> <p>History points to one of the most important ones being the Cauvery River project which led to the generation of electricity. The Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam that needed to be constructed across the river required funds and the <em>rani </em>fulfilled the need by selling her jewellery.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-when-free-india-voted-for-the-first-time">2. When free India voted for the first time</h2> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5814wrB8kz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5814wrB8kz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5814wrB8kz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Better India (@thebetterindia)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Spanning from 25 October 1951 to 21 February 1952, free India held its first general elections. One would wonder why the four-year delay since Independence. The reason lies in the fact that during this time, India was seeing a constitutional monarchy under King George VI, with Louis Mountbatten as the Governor-General.</p> <p>So, the first <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/143182/one-nation-one-election-simultaneous-polls-good-or-bad/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">general elections</a> were naturally cause for celebration. In fact, they made headlines for being the largest elections that were held in the world at the time — averaging 2,24,000 polling booths, 1,874 candidates, and 53 political parties.</p> <p>These included the Indian National Congress (INC), the Communist Party of India, the Socialist Party, the Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party, and Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha. The INC won with a thumping majority and Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru became Independent India’s first democratically elected prime minister.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-when-voting-became-a-fundamental-right">3. When voting became a fundamental right</h2> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5vgwFLI6p7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5vgwFLI6p7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5vgwFLI6p7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Better India (@thebetterindia)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>As Chairman of the Constitution’s Drafting Committee, Dr B R Ambedkar strongly advocated for the voting rights of Indian citizens, particularly women. His advocacy was backed by the argument that voting was essential to citizenship.</p> <p>At a time when women, minorities, and the poor were not trusted with the “responsibility” of such a serious task, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/95923/bhimrao-ambedkar-father-indian-constitution-little-known-facts-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr Ambedkar </a>pushed for the ‘universal adult franchise’ — an equal right to vote for all adult citizens — to become a part of the Constitution.</p> <p>He is credited with inserting Article 326 into the Constitution, which provided that elections would be held based on universal adult franchise.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-when-india-rose-to-international-fame">4. When India rose to international fame</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="701" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Ravi_Shankar_11zon-1715148877-500x701.jpg" alt="Pt Ravi Shankar's talents and skills are globally acclaimed" class="wp-image-349255" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Ravi_Shankar_11zon-1715148877-500x701.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Ravi_Shankar_11zon-1715148877-214x300.jpg 214w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Ravi_Shankar_11zon-1715148877-768x1076.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Ravi_Shankar_11zon-1715148877-1096x1536.jpg 1096w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Ravi_Shankar_11zon-1715148877-150x210.jpg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Ravi_Shankar_11zon-1715148877.jpg 1443w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pt Ravi Shankar’s talents and skills are globally acclaimed</figcaption></figure></div> <p>The talents of Pt Ravi Shankar — sitarist and composer — are told around the world. But despite his extraordinary prowess, the legend remained humble. This nature of his was underscored by an anecdote shared by his daughter Anoushka Shankar.</p> <p>She recalled how her mother, Sukanya, once called the Recording Academy to inquire about making a copy of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/web-stories/history-behind-pandit-ravi-shankars-journey-to-becoming-godfather-of-world-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pt Ravi Shankar’s Grammy award</a>, as he had forgotten it at a friend’s place. This was a short while after the maestro had won his first Grammy. She was surprised when asked which particular Grammy she was referring to.</p> <p>Turns out, Pt Ravi Shankar had won two! A testament to how awards never eclipsed the legend’s love for his passion.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-when-elephants-flew">5. When elephants flew</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="630" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/E82GytLUUAE6iFv-1715149011-500x630.jpg" alt="The flying elephant 'Chetak' was a modified helicopter that was designed by the Indian Air Force " class="wp-image-349256" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/E82GytLUUAE6iFv-1715149011-500x630.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/E82GytLUUAE6iFv-1715149011-238x300.jpg 238w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/E82GytLUUAE6iFv-1715149011-150x189.jpg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/E82GytLUUAE6iFv-1715149011.jpg 604w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The flying elephant ‘Chetak’, Picture source: Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/V_Shuddhi/status/1426944869222686725" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">V_Shuddhi</a></figcaption></figure></div> <p>A stunned audience watched as a mammoth shape rose into the skies at the 1977 Republic Day Parade. It appeared to be an elephant. But a closer look would reveal that it was a helicopter.</p> <p>In 1969, India started building a licensed version of the popular French Aérospatiale Alouette III. Named ‘Chetak’, a name borrowed from a warhorse belonging to the 16th century King Maharana Pratap, the colourful adaptation was complete with a swaying trunk, ears flopping, and ornately decorated fabric draped over its body. A true embuing of <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/323044/rare-historical-items-from-museologist-collection-india-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indian culture</a> getting wings.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-when-a-barber-saved-shivaji-s-life">6. When a barber saved Shivaji’s life</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="667" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Shiva-Kashid-2_11zon-1715149203-500x667.jpg" alt="Shiva Kashid was a barber who saved Shivaji Maharaj's life" class="wp-image-349258" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Shiva-Kashid-2_11zon-1715149203-500x667.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Shiva-Kashid-2_11zon-1715149203-225x300.jpg 225w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Shiva-Kashid-2_11zon-1715149203-640x853.jpg 640w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Shiva-Kashid-2_11zon-1715149203-150x200.jpg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Shiva-Kashid-2_11zon-1715149203.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shiva Kashid was a barber who saved Shivaji Maharaj’s life</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life was threatened many a time during his reign. And he managed to escape each time. However, one such instance has made it to the archives for its sheer ingenuity.</p> <p>In 1660, when General Siddi Johar laid siege to Panhalgad Fort, the Maharaj was trapped inside. The only option was to escape to Vishalgad through a secret passage, but he couldn’t do it without diverting the enemy’s attention.</p> <p>And it was a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/131648/shivaji-shiva-kashid-barber/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">barber Shiva Kashid </a>who volunteered to do this. Kashid bore a striking resemblance to the Maratha leader and his appearance took the forces aback, giving Shivaji time to get away. The brave barber laid down his life for his ruler.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-when-india-gave-12-villages-to-pakistan">7. When India gave 12 villages to Pakistan</h2> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C42QsUWIDSA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C42QsUWIDSA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C42QsUWIDSA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Better India (@thebetterindia)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Hussainiwala, a village near Firozpur city in Punjab was so precious to India that she was ready to give 12 villages to Pakistan in exchange for it. But why?</p> <p>Do you recall the martyrs Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru being hanged to death at the Lahore Central Jail on 23 March 1931? Following this gruesome act, the British transported the bodies secretly to Hussainiwala where they planned to cremate them. But the locals got wind of it and gathered at the site, forcing the British to flee. They then gave <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/182261/jammu-man-visits-family-martyrs-indian-army-heartwarming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the martyrs</a> a dignified cremation.</p> <p>After the Partition of 1947, the village of Hussainiwala fell into Pakistan territory. And this is when India made the historic exchange.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-when-a-maharaja-introduced-500-public-libraries">8. When a Maharaja introduced 500 public libraries</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="541" height="350" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/70249586_131187284894717_7607123552143147008_n-1715149356.jpg" alt="Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III started the concept of mobile libraries," class="wp-image-349261" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/70249586_131187284894717_7607123552143147008_n-1715149356.jpg 541w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/70249586_131187284894717_7607123552143147008_n-1715149356-300x194.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/70249586_131187284894717_7607123552143147008_n-1715149356-500x323.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/70249586_131187284894717_7607123552143147008_n-1715149356-150x97.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 541px) 100vw, 541px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III started the concept of mobile libraries, Picture source: Facebook, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NagpurBookClub/posts/maharaja-sayajirao-gaekwad-iii-opened-the-first-mobile-library-in-the-state-of-b/131188458227933/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Nagpur Book Club</a></figcaption></figure></div> <p>Today, travelling libraries are common, and a loved concept. But over 130 years ago, they were nothing short of a marvel, a miracle if you will. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that it was Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III who started first-of-its-kind mobile libraries when he introduced the concept in the erstwhile Baroda state to encourage reading.</p> <p>He went on to reform the state with his initiatives. <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/348905/hydroponics-training-workshop-in-gujarat-india-rasik-nakum-one-farm-hydroponics-rajkot-teaching-soil-less-water-less-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">An interesting story </a>often told is how the Maharaja was a humble boy who ascended the throne because of his quick wit. In 1870, Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad II passed away, leaving behind his widow who decided to start looking for an heir. She called the heads of the extended family of Gaekwad to Baroda deciding to screen the youngsters with a test.</p> <p>When Shrimant Kashirao Gaekwad presented himself before the queen with his three sons, she asked them the purpose of their arrival. It was Gopalrao’s answer, “I have come here to rule”, that amused the queen and she made him heir to the throne. The young boy came to be known as Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"349250";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:95;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:89:"‘Just Slow Down’: Couple Quit City Life to Build Bamboo Homestay Surrounded by Nature";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:138:"https://thebetterindia.com/349510/kalimpong-homestay-vacation-palighar-ahana-kabir-gurung-duo-terrace-gardening-composting-activity-treks/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 10 May 2024 06:01:36 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"Travel";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"experience farmlife";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:24:"homestays in west bengal";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"kalimpong homestay";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"north east tourism";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=349510";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:194:"Situated in Kalimpong, West Bengal, Kabir Pradhan and Ahana Gurung's homestay is made of mud and bamboo. It's an ode to the couple's love for their hometown and commitment to sustainable living.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11233:" <p>The sound of crickets chirping, the sun peeking through the dense foliage, and the distant mooing of cows in the nearby farmland create a serene backdrop as you sit on the porch of a mud house. Doesn’t that all sound like a dreamy break from the harsh city noises?</p> <p>For most of my childhood, this picture-perfect dream was my life during the summer vacations. With my tummy full of delicious meals, I would simply enjoy spending my time exploring the farms near my grandma’s home with my little brother.</p> <p>While all of this might sound like a far-fetched idea to you, there is a quaint home nestled in the sleepy <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/320476/history-and-origin-of-chhurpi-worlds-hardest-cheese-northeast-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">town of Kalimpong</a> that promises all this and more.</p> <p>“Palighar is steeped in tradition and authentic rustic life. It is a two bedroom homestay where we try to connect our guests with the local culture, food, flora and fauna,” Ahana Gurung, the co-founder of Palighar Homestay tells The<strong> Better India. </strong></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-returning-to-the-roots">Returning to the roots</h2> <p>Born and raised in Kalimpong, West Bengal, the couple running the homestay, Ahana and Kabir Pradhan, were childhood friends. “We moved to different cities for our education and job but we longed for our home. That longing brought us back,” shares Kabir. </p> <p>Ahana shares how in the small hill station, with fewer work opportunities, “most of the talent moves out.” </p> <p>“Working outside is a common trend and the people from our generation never really come back home. Kabir and I always had this idea, that we would come home and do something that would employ more local people,” she shares. </p> <p>For Kabir, who worked in the hospitality industry, <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/344999/homestay-in-panchgani-roadtrip-from-mumbai-sustainable-organic-food-solar-panel-long-weekend-vacation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">starting a homestay </a>seemed like a natural path. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="959" height="720" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Paddy-plantation-farm-activities-1-1-1-1-1-1715264085.jpg" alt="Kabir and Ahana moved back to Kalimpong to build homestay of their dreams. " class="wp-image-349520" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Paddy-plantation-farm-activities-1-1-1-1-1-1715264085.jpg 959w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Paddy-plantation-farm-activities-1-1-1-1-1-1715264085-300x225.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Paddy-plantation-farm-activities-1-1-1-1-1-1715264085-500x375.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Paddy-plantation-farm-activities-1-1-1-1-1-1715264085-768x577.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Paddy-plantation-farm-activities-1-1-1-1-1-1715264085-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 959px) 100vw, 959px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kabir and Ahana moved back to Kalimpong to build homestay of their dreams. </figcaption></figure> <p>“We had a lot of ancestral land and farms that I utilised to make a farm stay and give people a peek into the culture here,” he says. </p> <p>Moving from the city to his homeland was a decision of a lifetime. Kabir took the leap in 2016, quit his job and moved. </p> <p>His move was soon followed by Ahana in 2020. “We were fortunate enough to have ancestral land in a great location to begin with. While Kabir worked on building the property, I worked remotely to market the property before finally moving back,” says Ahana. </p> <p>In 2018, Palighar opened its gates to its first guests. Since then, the homestay has hosted over 500 happy guests. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steeped-in-tradition-and-sustainability-nbsp">Steeped in tradition and sustainability </h2> <p>Palighar is the kind of homestay that smells of customs and traditions with a mix of luxury and nature.</p> <p>“One thing that we wanted to make sure that the homestay gives the guests is an authentic escape from their city lives,” says Ahana. </p> <p>Kabir shares that growing up, he noticed how the houses in the area were being modernised. “The old-school mud homes with sloping bamboo roofs, which were the essence of the area, were all gone. In losing our traditional architecture, I felt like I was losing the customs and traditions too,” he says. </p> <p>Wanting to preserve the traditional culture, he decided to use a traditional technique called Irka to make the home. “Essentially, what the technique involves is using bamboo, wood and mud to make the home. The mud, mixed with dung and straw, is plastered on a wooden frame woven with bamboo,” he explains. </p> <p>Additionally, Kabir explains, “We also made mud bricks which are baked in the sun. We used the land from our own property which helped us reduce our carbon footprint. We were really conscious of the impact we have on the nature around us.” </p> <p>Additionally, Ahana also points out that another reason to use mud is that it is a natural coolant. “While the temperatures in these areas have typically been low, we are seeing hotter days now. We wanted to use a method that keeps the house cool naturally which is why we used mud,” she says. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="588" height="441" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Guest-cottage-2-1-1-1715264113.jpg" alt="The place is a short walk away from a riverside where you can enjoy picnic with your family. " class="wp-image-349522" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Guest-cottage-2-1-1-1715264113.jpg 588w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Guest-cottage-2-1-1-1715264113-300x225.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Guest-cottage-2-1-1-1715264113-500x375.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Guest-cottage-2-1-1-1715264113-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 588px) 100vw, 588px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The place is a short walk away from a riverside where you can enjoy picnic with your family. </figcaption></figure> <p>The homestay currently has two ensuite rooms and a common dining area. The property is located on 3.5 acres of paddy and maize fields. It offers scenic outdoors with a glimpse into the mountain farm life. </p> <p>“We have multiple lawns for you to take walks in and a gazebo-style seating area where you can sip delicious Darjeeling tea,” says Kabir. </p> <p>Besides being made with natural materials, the homestay also follows an eco-friendly philosophy.</p> <p>“We minimise the use of practice. We encourage our guests not to bring their own water as we provide them with filtered water over bottled water. We also compost all our kitchen waste and leaves. This compost eventually goes back to our fields,” says Kabir. </p> <p>He also shows the process of mulching and composting to the guests to encourage them to pick up the practice.</p> <p>The place is also a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers. “In the last seven years, we have tried to make a habitat for butterflies, insects and birds. We see a lot of different insects and birds flocking in the area such as Rent Vented Bulbul, Common Tailorbird, Gray Treepie etc” says Ahana. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-spend-48-hours-at-palighar">How to spend 48 hours at Palighar </h2> <p>Besides spending your time admiring the <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/290101/best-homestay-in-himachal-pradesh-sainj-valley-eco-friendly-kath-kuni-architecture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traditional cottages</a>, there are a few activities that you can indulge in at the Palighar Homestay. </p> <p>Ahana, the brains behind the activities, says, “As a destination, Palighar is outside the town area of Kalimpong. The guests who ideally come and stay with us are looking for a calm vacation and that is what we try to give them.” </p> <p>Once the guests arrive, the couple briefs them about the property and the surroundings. “Once they have settled in, we also give them a list of activities that we do. The guests can walk with us and trek to the villages nearby,” Kabir says. </p> <p>“During the trek, we encourage them to interact with the villagers and understand their ways of living. If our guests are interested, we also explain the various aspects of terrace farming with a live demonstration. It’s a common practice in the area,” he adds. </p> <p>Additionally, the guests can also go on a longer trek to River Relli, where they can have a small picnic. </p> <p>“We also hold cooking classes for the guests who want to cook our traditional dishes. The dishes that are served are all traditional Nepali, Tibetan and Bhutanese dishes used with ingredients from our farm and the surrounding farms,” shares. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="840" height="439" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-6-1-1715264286.jpg" alt="The homestay is built using bamboo and mud. " class="wp-image-349523" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-6-1-1715264286.jpg 840w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-6-1-1715264286-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-6-1-1715264286-500x261.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-6-1-1715264286-768x401.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-6-1-1715264286-150x78.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The homestay is built using bamboo and mud. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>She continues, ”Living in the city and eating <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/346387/organic-farmer-namakkal-tamil-nadu-hydroponics-maize-fodder-drip-irrigation-p-saravanan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pesticide-infused foods</a> made me realise the importance of farm foods. This is why I wanted to ensure that all my guests get a truly farm-to-table experience.”</p> <p>Hosting hundreds of guests so far, the couple emphasised the growing trend of slow travel. “Initially we only had guests from outside India staying with us. However, we are currently seeing a shift in trend and hosting a lot of people from across the country,” says Kabir. </p> <p>If you wish to stay at Palighar, book your visit <a href="http://www.palighar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. </p> <p><em>(Edited by Padmashree Pande; All pictures credit: Palighar Homestay)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"349510";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:96;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:101:"‘Why Don’t Brilliant Women Return to Work After Motherhood?’: Startup Finding Jobs for New Moms";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:133:"https://thebetterindia.com/349558/chennai-sankari-sudhar-job-portal-for-new-mothers-women-with-career-break-overqualified-housewives/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Fri, 10 May 2024 05:26:43 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"career break";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"jobs for mothers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:15:"maternity break";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:24:"overqualified housewives";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=349558";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:279:"Chennai-based Sankari Sudhar's startup 'Overqualified Housewives' has assisted over 600 Indian women in rejoining the workforce, providing job opportunities and upskilling programs for those seeking flexibility after career breaks due to marriage, childcare, or any other reason.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19318:" <p>In a recent landmark ruling, the Supreme Court declared that two-year childcare leave — apart from maternity leave of 180 days — is a constitutional mandate for women employees.</p> <p>The bench — led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud — emphasised that denying such leave forces women to resign. “Participation of women in the workforce is not a privilege but a constitutional mandate. Child care leave subserves an important constitutional objective to make women be part of the workforce. Otherwise, mothers will be left with no option but to quit their jobs to look after their children in critical phases of their lives,” the bench noted.</p> <p>However, it is not concealed that Indian women have long been burdened with the ‘motherhood penalty’.</p> <p>Statistically speaking, 73 percent of Indian women leave their jobs after giving birth; 50 percent leave their jobs to take care of their children; and even among those who manage to return, 48 percent drop out within four months of rejoining the workforce. Another survey reveals that 30 percent of women report getting wage cuts after maternity breaks.</p> <p>Chennai’s Sankari Sudhar went through the same agony after becoming a mother. After facing multiple rejections, she went on to start ‘Overqualified Housewives’ to get women like her back into the workforce.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/overqualified-housewives-3-1715314987.jpg" alt="Sankari's startup has upskilled more than 3,500 Indian women and helped over 600 of them rejoin the workforce." class="wp-image-349568" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/overqualified-housewives-3-1715314987.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/overqualified-housewives-3-1715314987-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/overqualified-housewives-3-1715314987-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/overqualified-housewives-3-1715314987-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/overqualified-housewives-3-1715314987-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sankari’s startup has upskilled more than 3,500 Indian women and helped over 600 of them rejoin the workforce.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>So far, more than 600 Indian women have got job opportunities through her platform.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-india-home-to-highest-overqualified-housewives">India: Home to highest overqualified housewives</h2> <p>A graduate of computer science engineering from Madras University of Technology, Chennai, Sankari worked for eight years before she quit her job in 2020 — after her <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/316961/bengaluru-entrepreneur-platform-find-jobs-for-women-after-career-maternity-break-herkey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maternity leave</a>. “It was extremely difficult to manage my personal and professional life simultaneously. I became a homemaker assuming it would give me the required space to take care of my family and be happy. But that was not the case,” she says.</p> <p>“I saw my peers getting promoted, landing better jobs, or moving abroad for higher studies. While the entire world seemed to be moving ahead, suddenly I felt stuck in the four walls of my home. I wondered why I studied well and why I was not in a position to work. These questions kept haunting me. I never expected that motherhood could bring that kind of block road for me,” she recalls.</p> <p>After a career break of a year and a half, Sankari started looking for <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/341024/shark-tank-india-radhika-gupta-advice-on-motherhood-career-parenting-mom-guilt-work-life-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flexible work opportunities </a>from home. “I was not in a position to work full-time for nine hours straight. I was looking for jobs that offered flexible working hours where I could work when my baby was sleeping. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find remote options for my skillset. I started upskilling myself but I was getting easy data entry kind of jobs that did not match my skill set and were not reliable,” she says.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/overqualified-housewives-1-1715314933.jpg" alt="At Overqualified Housewives, Sankari connects mothers with companies based on their skill sets across diverse fields." class="wp-image-349564" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/overqualified-housewives-1-1715314933.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/overqualified-housewives-1-1715314933-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/overqualified-housewives-1-1715314933-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/overqualified-housewives-1-1715314933-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/overqualified-housewives-1-1715314933-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">At Overqualified Housewives, Sankari connects mothers with companies based on their skill sets across diverse fields.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>While Sankari was on her job hunt, she came across similar stories of her friends. “One of my friends who was exceptionally brilliant told me how her life turned upside down after childbirth. I understood I was not alone. There were countless women who were unable to pursue their careers because of the lack of flexibility in the workforce for mothers,” she adds.</p> <p>Quoting an article she read in a newspaper, Sankari points out that India is supposedly home to the highest number of over-educated and overqualified housewives in the world. This context is what gave birth to her startup ‘Overqualified Housewives’ — which aims to offer work flexibility and accountability to housewives looking to continue their careers, which Sankari once sought.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helped-600-women-rejoin-the-workforce">Helped 600 women rejoin the workforce</h2> <p>At Overqualified Housewives, Sankari connects mothers with companies based on their skill sets across diverse fields — including admin, operations, content writing, graphic designing, digital marketing, social media management, video editing, developing, testing, and project management.</p> <p>So far, they have onboarded at least 700 Indian companies — including PickMyAd, Nowwin Technologies, Amenstra Consulting, The Social Company, and DigiNadu — on their platform.</p> <p>“Women can register themselves on our platform. They can check the job opportunities we regularly post and apply for the job. We shortlist the profiles and give the database to the clients for interviews,” she says.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/overqualified-housewives-2-1715314956.jpg" alt="Sankari onboarded at least 700 Indian companies — including PickMyAd, Nowwin Technologies, and Amenstra Consulting — on her platform." class="wp-image-349566" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/overqualified-housewives-2-1715314956.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/overqualified-housewives-2-1715314956-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/overqualified-housewives-2-1715314956-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/overqualified-housewives-2-1715314956-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/overqualified-housewives-2-1715314956-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sankari onboarded at least 700 Indian companies — including PickMyAd, Nowwin Technologies, and Amenstra Consulting — on her platform.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>The platform also focuses on upskilling these mothers aiming to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/248884/women-taking-a-break-starting-career-again-mother-workforce-inclusion-diversity-dr-saundarya-rajesh-avtar-inspiring-yos191/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rejoin the workforce </a>after long career breaks. It offers a weekly basic upskilling programme from a subject matter expert from diverse fields. The startup does not charge a penny from these mothers except Rs 199 for an hour-and-a-half upskilling session, which is not mandatory to attend.</p> <p>Highlighting the challenges in running such a platform, Sankari says, “As a women-led start-up, businesses intend to take us for granted. They will quote extremely low wages assuming women will settle in for low-wage jobs. We make sure that they are paid for the level of work which they are committing,” she says.</p> <p>“Also, companies believe that we may not have good professionals or committed people. We want to break that stereotype. Women are very accountable. If they take up some work, they do it with full dedication,” she adds.</p> <p>Since its launch in 2022, the startup has upskilled more than 3,500 Indian women and helped over 600 of them rejoin the workforce.</p> <p>One of their ‘overqualified housewives’, Meenakshi Priyadarshini tells <strong>The Better India</strong>, “After my career break of three years, when I started applying for jobs, I did not feel confident. I was not updated on the current technology. Last year, I came across this startup and registered myself. 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2hUMOdSd_U/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Overqualified Housewives (@overqualifiedhousewives)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>Personally, this journey has been rewarding for Sankari, who not only found a purpose-driven career for herself but also helped women become financially independent and get back into the workforce.</p> <p>“When they are welcomed into a job after career breaks, I see a whole new level of confidence among these women. It gives me a lot of peace and contentment, which is beyond the money I would make in any job or my own company,” she shares.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat; All photos: Sankari Sudhar</em></p> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-sources"><em>Sources</em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-50-of-new-mothers-leave-their-jobs-and-only-27-return-report-by-the-quint-published-on-28-april-2018"><em><a href="https://www.thequint.com/news/india/working-mothers-in-india-report-ashoka-university#read-more" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">50% of New Mothers Leave Their Jobs, and Only 27% Return</a>: Report: By The Quint, Published on 28 April 2018</em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-maternity-benefits-amendment-act-2017-3-years-later-result-far-from-satisfactory-by-sonal-khetarpal-for-business-today-published-on-3-november-2020"><em><a href="https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy-politics/story/maternity-benefits-amendment-act-2017-3-years-later-result-far-from-satisfactory-277590-2020-11-03" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Maternity Benefits (Amendment) Act 2017: 3 years later, result far from satisfactory:</a> By Sonal Khetarpal for Business Today, Published on 3 November 2020</em></h5> <h5 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-a-platform-for-women-to-relaunch-their-careers-by-bloncampus-published-on-1-august-2017"><em><a href="https://bloncampus.thehindubusinessline.com/b-school-corner/a-platform-for-women-to-relaunch-their-careers/article9797352.ece" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">A platform for women to relaunch their careers:</a> By BLOnCampus, Published on 1 August 2017</em></h5> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"349558";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:97;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:90:"How A Bengaluru Family is Beating the Water Crisis Despite Having a Garden With 350 Plants";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:131:"https://thebetterindia.com/349257/bengaluru-residents-water-crisis-rainwater-harvesting-gardening-in-summer-rohit-malekar-suma-raj/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Thu, 09 May 2024 10:54:56 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:14:"Sustainability";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"bengaluru";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:22:"bengaluru water crisis";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:19:"Home gardening tips";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:18:"Water conservation";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=349257";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:140:"Bengaluru residents Rohit Malekar and Suma Raj share how they practice rainwater harvesting which has helped them mitigate the water crisis.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:13:"Shivani Gupta";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12132:" <p>Amidst the prevailing water crisis, a family in Bengaluru is making waves by effectively addressing their water needs without relying on a borewell or water from the Cauvery river. By using rainwater collected and stored from the previous year’s monsoon, Rohit Malekar and Suma Raj are not only beating the scorching summer temperatures but also nurturing a flourishing garden boasting over 350 plants.</p> <p>In an era where residents are dealing with acute water scarcity and blistering heat, their household serves as a beacon of inspiration, offering valuable insights for other families facing similar challenges.</p> <p>While inadequate rainfall in 2023 is blamed for exacerbating the present water crisis in Bengaluru, experts believe rainwater received in the city (an annual average of 800 mm) should suffice to serve its water needs if properly conserved through <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/182369/bengaluru-water-bill-saving-rain-water-harvesting-sustainable-homes-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainwater harvesting </a>and recharging.</p> <p>But despite rainwater harvesting being mandatory for large properties in the city, Bengaluru drains away 90 percent of its rainwater squandering a potential solution for the water crisis that has been impacting the daily lives of its residents.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bengaluru-water-4-1715150767.jpg" alt=" Suma and Rohit opted for roof-based rainwater harvesting during the construction of their 2,000 sq ft home in 2020." class="wp-image-349271" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bengaluru-water-4-1715150767.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bengaluru-water-4-1715150767-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bengaluru-water-4-1715150767-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bengaluru-water-4-1715150767-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bengaluru-water-4-1715150767-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> Suma and Rohit opted for roof-based rainwater harvesting during the construction of their 2,000 sq ft home in 2020.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>The majority of Bengaluru’s water requirements are currently met through the Cauvery river (60 percent) and groundwater resources (40 percent).</p> <p>Let’s learn more about their water conservation efforts from Rohit and Suma.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-every-drop-count">Making every drop count</h2> <p>Suma grew up in South Bengaluru, Karnataka, where conservation and sustainable living were very much part of her day-to-day life. Around 20 years back when groundwater recharging and solar panels were not mandatory, her father had a self-designed rainwater harvesting (RWH) setup installed in their home.</p> <p>So, when Suma and Rohit decided to build their dream home, they aspired to create an environmentally friendly home too.</p> <p>The couple was inspired by their son’s school, designed by Chitra Viswanath. They were also inspired by <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/181796/bengaluru-couple-sustainable-home-rain-water-harvesting-save-water-india/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Better India article</a> that highlighted Chitra and her husband S Vishwanath’s work for sustainable homes. So Suma and Rohit decided to prioritise water conservation initiatives when they built their own home in Royal Placid Layout, Haralur.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Prospective homeowners who haven't started construction should also invest in an underground sump for harvesting rainwater. There is no silver bullet to solve water crises entirely. This will afford you more than a decent level of self-sufficiency. <a href="https://t.co/7hk2trq1Pf">https://t.co/7hk2trq1Pf</a></p>— rohitmalekar.eth (@RohitMalekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/RohitMalekar/status/1769432478224175571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div></figure> <p>While their neighbours rely on drying borewells, Suma and Rohit opted for roof-based rainwater harvesting during the construction of their 2,000 sq ft home in 2020.</p> <p>“We learnt that even borewells as deep as 1,000 feet in our locality went dry over time. This was the reason we chose not to drill a borewell. Besides, we still depend on water tankers as the Cauvery water supply is insufficient. This dependency increases during summer with the Cauvery water supply reducing to one-fourth of its usual quantity,” Rohit tells <strong>The Better India</strong>.</p> <p>So, the couple decided to harvest rainwater for non-potable purposes like cleaning, bathing, and gardening needs, except for drinking and cooking. This ensures they are unaffected by the depleting groundwater levels.</p> <p>Rainwater meets half of the family’s annual water needs. “Every monsoon, we save up to 35,000 litres of rainwater. We use the harvested rainwater for cleaning and gardening purposes. Whereas, we use the Cauvery water once a week and tanker supply thrice a month for kitchen, bathing, dishes, and laundry purposes, and water cans for drinking needs. We are a family of four and rainwater takes care of half of our annual water needs,” he shares.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-garden-with-350-plants-amid-water-crisis">Maintaining garden with 350 plants amid water crisis</h2> <p>Closer to their rainwater harvesting tank, the couple has maintained a lush green garden of 350 plants comprising ornamental, flowering, succulents, handfuls of greens, herbs, and ayurvedic plants.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bengaluru-water-2-1715150689.jpg" alt="Amid water crisis, Rohit and Suma are able to nurture their flourishing garden with over 350 plants." class="wp-image-349269" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bengaluru-water-2-1715150689.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bengaluru-water-2-1715150689-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bengaluru-water-2-1715150689-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bengaluru-water-2-1715150689-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bengaluru-water-2-1715150689-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Amid water crisis, Rohit and Suma are able to nurture their flourishing garden with over 350 plants.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Besides cleaning and other domestic purposes, RWH tank water is also used to meet their gardening needs. The garden requires about 150 to 175 litres of water daily.</p> <p>“Most of the time we draw water from the RWH tank to water these plants. Additionally, we manually re-purpose about 25 litres of water from the kitchen — leftovers from cooking and washing — for gardening,” he adds.</p> <p>Irrespective of the budget constraints, Suma and Rohit invested Rs 4.2 lakh in installing the RWH setup, which required digging, masonry, waterproofing of the tank, and plumbing.</p> <p>“There was never a time when I doubted investing Rs 4.5 lakh in RWH. We tried our best to build a sustainable house without any explicit expectation of return on investment to the extent we could afford it,” Suma tells <strong>The Better India</strong>.</p> <p>“Alongside this, we also invested in solar panels and compressed mud blocks for the entire house that offer the satisfaction of adopting slightly sustainable choices. We also prefer using buckets over showers for bathing. We also have aerators for most of the faucets,” she adds.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bengaluru-water-5-1715150918.jpg" alt="Rohit and Suma harvest rainwater for non-potable purposes like cleaning, bathing, and gardening needs." class="wp-image-349274" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bengaluru-water-5-1715150918.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bengaluru-water-5-1715150918-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bengaluru-water-5-1715150918-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bengaluru-water-5-1715150918-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/Bengaluru-water-5-1715150918-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rohit and Suma harvest rainwater for non-potable purposes like cleaning, bathing, and gardening needs.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Despite making efforts towards <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/347615/bengaluru-water-crisis-measures-to-save-water-at-home-greywater-rainwater-odette-katrak-designs-ecowaternomics-framework/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water conservation </a>at the household level, Rohit and Suma feel they are not doing enough. “However, there is a sense of relief that we took steps in the right direction but much more can be done. I believe we need a plurality in solutions to address water scarcity and RWH is a low-hanging fruit. I like it because it is decentralised, doesn’t have a single point of failure, and some versions like groundwater recharging aren’t terribly expensive,” says Rohit.</p> <p>According to him, less than 20 percent of the properties with water connections have implemented rainwater harvesting; and solving the water crisis in Bengaluru will require multiple solutions.</p> <p>“Water conservation involves commitment and investment in terms of money, time, and real estate. Also, in the current fast-paced city life, where we depend a lot on domestic help to run day-to-day chores, it is hard to find support staff who are obliged to adopt similar practices to help conserve. Hence, it is easier said than done,” he says.</p> <p>“But what is needed is to be aware of the options available for lowering environmental impact and then make an educated choice based on personal context, resources, and needs,” suggests Rohit.</p> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong>Sources</strong></p> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/water-famine-in-bengaluru-2930568" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Water famine in Bengaluru?: </a>by A Ravindra for Deccan Herald, Published on 11 March 2024.</strong></p> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/harvesting-a-hit-but-bluru-lets-90-of-rainwater-go-waste-2709774" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Harvesting a hit, but B’luru lets 90% of rainwater go waste: </a>by Sneha Ramesh for Deccan Herald, Published on 3 October 2023.</strong></p> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/bengaluru-water-crisis-cape-town-mismanagement-t-v-ramachandra-9250290/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">‘Bengaluru can become worse than Cape Town if mismanagement of water continues’: TV Ramachandra:</a> by Sanath Prasad for The Indian Express, Published on 4 April 2024.</strong></p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat.</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"349257";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:98;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:82:"With Just Rs 2000, Sponsor An Entire Year of Education for Kids of Migrant Workers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:127:"https://thebetterindia.com/349405/sponsor-education-for-a-child-pathshala-foundation-juin-datta-free-education-underprivileged/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Thu, 09 May 2024 10:36:17 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:12:"Changemakers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:23:"kids of migrant workers";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:20:"pathshala foundation";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:25:"sponsor a kid's education";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:24:"Underprivileged children";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=349405";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:229:"A Vadodara-based teacher Juin Datta turned her part-time social activity into a full-fledged foundation called ‘Pathshala’, offering free education, shelter, and other essentials to underprivileged children. You can help her.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Tina Freese";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16737:" <p>Pausing her lengthy evening routine for a moment, Ishita swiftly heads to her favourite spot: Juin Madam’s office, where she eagerly joins me on a video call. Despite the crackling sound of a poor network, her enthusiasm shines through as she exclaims, “It’s truly a blessing to be here.”</p> <p>Ishita is a student enrolled at Pathshala, a foundation led by Juin Datta in Vadodara. This organisation is committed to offering free education to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/282848/retired-teacher-gives-free-education-to-children-in-jammu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underprivileged children</a>, particularly those from migrant workers’ families.</p> <p>“We offer a comprehensive range of essentials to our students here — from quality education, shelter, food, and clothing to promising opportunities for the future,” she says. “There’s no stigma attached to joining school late because we operate differently from conventional schools.”</p> <div class="inner-btn-link"> <a href="https://www.donatekart.com/The-Better-India/Support-Srotoshwini-Trust" target="_blank" class="inner-link-btn" rel="noopener">Donate Now</a> <em style="display:block;">Unable to view the above button? <a href="https://www.donatekart.com/The-Better-India/Support-Srotoshwini-Trust">Click here </a></em> </div> <p>Working on the principles of project-based learning, the school eschews traditional grading systems in favour of levels. “For instance, I might be at Level 4 for Gujarati but Level 8 for math. Age isn’t a determining factor here; what truly matters is your willingness to learn,” Ishita explains to <strong>The Better India</strong>.</p> <p>Ishita is just one of the 97 children residing in the hostel provided by the Pathshala Foundation. The majority of them hail <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/326013/bengaluru-friends-run-gubacchi-non-profit-to-educate-migrant-worker-children-for-free/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">from migrant worker families </a>unable to afford quality education. Thanks to Juin’s efforts, these children now have access to opportunities for a brighter future.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-a-pathshala-school-nbsp">More than just a <em>‘Pathshala’ </em>(school) </h2> <p>Pathshala’s journey began a decade ago as a mobile initiative providing free education. Juin elaborates on the inception of this initiative and recounts her decade-long endeavour.</p> <p>“We were a bunch of chatty ladies,” says Juin, recalling 2013, when the idea first came to her.<strong> </strong>“I was a school teacher back then and would get together with some friends from my community to have raving discussions about the world.”</p> <p>The group of friends Juin refers to was a mix of teachers and other professionals who would meet periodically. “After one of such discussions, I realised that we were merely talking and not doing anything beyond that. As we were a bunch of teachers, we decided to do what we knew best — teach. So we started to <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/129899/goa-construction-workers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">go to a construction site</a> and start teaching kids of the workers for free,” she adds.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-1-1715240394.jpg" alt="Pathshala started as a mobile teaching initiative before Juin converted it into a residential school. " class="wp-image-349408" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-1-1715240394.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-1-1715240394-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-1-1715240394-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-1-1715240394-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-1-1715240394-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pathshala started as a mobile teaching initiative before Juin converted it into a residential school. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>The response to their efforts was good, so the group divided their efforts and started to teach in three different locations in Vadodara. “Within some months, from a dozen kids, we went to teaching hundreds. But the problem was that every six months, these workers would move and hence the kids would be left with no education,” she says.</p> <p>It was one of the students’ mothers who requested Juin to take her child under her wing and provide education as they were to migrate once more. Inspired by it, in 2014, Juin decided to resign from her job and dedicate herself to assisting <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/100208/snehlata-hooda-teaching-underprivileged-children-in-gurugram/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underprivileged children.</a></p> <p>“This was how the idea of a hostel was born. A very kind philanthropist from the city helped us to get a property for rent,” she says.</p> <p>“The free residential school operates, unlike traditional institutions, employing a unique educational model,” Juin explains. “Given the diverse backgrounds of our students, some of whom commence their education later in life, we’ve adopted a levelled system of instruction. In our approach, a student’s level in a particular subject is determined by their proficiency rather than their age, ensuring no one feels misplaced or ashamed for joining later.”</p> <p>“We also prioritise sports and project-based activities, offering opportunities for learning beyond the conventional curriculum, such as painting, judo, and karate,” she adds.</p> <p>Juin goes on to explain the entire process of how a student is assigned a particular lever and how they navigate the system.</p> <p>“When a child joins Pathshala, we assess their current knowledge and comprehension abilities in languages and mathematics. Based on this evaluation, we place them in appropriate levels corresponding to their proficiency. Consequently, each child studies at different levels for various subjects. Upon completion of Level 5, a student becomes equivalent to be eligible to sit for Class 8,” she informs.</p> <p>From Class 8 to 12, the school adheres to the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) syllabus, she adds.</p> <p>Students take psychometric tests to discover their career inclinations, guiding their subject choices when they enter Class 8. This personalised method ensures their interests and strengths are considered. Alongside languages and math, students explore diverse subjects through practical experiences and research.</p> <p>“For instance, recently, the students completed a board game project where they designed and created their own board games, complete with unique rules. Students are encouraged to delve deeply into subjects of their choosing and conduct in-depth studies according to their interests,” she explains.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-2-1715240423.jpg" alt="The organisation takes care of the children's education, food, clothing and shelter." class="wp-image-349409" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-2-1715240423.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-2-1715240423-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-2-1715240423-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-2-1715240423-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-2-1715240423-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The organisation takes care of the children’s education, food, clothing and shelter. </figcaption></figure> <p>Ameen, who is currently living in Pathshala hostel and has been with Juin for over four years, shares his perspective, “The most enriching aspect of our education is a class where we learn without textbooks. We select a topic, discuss it, and learn from each other and our teachers. Moreover, our educators stress on understanding concepts deeply rather than just memorisation.”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-second-chance-at-life-nbsp">A second chance at life </h2> <p>“While these kids have a safe place here to thrive, the reality of their lives still lingers,” says Jui.</p> <p>She continues, “Many hail from Uttar Pradesh and travel frequently, leaving their children under my care. Yet, upon returning to their homes, these children confront challenges they shouldn’t have to face at such tender ages.”</p> <p>She recalls a distressing incident during their summer vacation when she encountered one of her students begging on the streets. “Most of the children who stay with us leave for summer vacations to their homes. While we try to give them the best life here, the reality of the poverty they were born into hits hard. It was during one of these vacation days that I saw one of my students begging. It was heart-wrenching, and I felt upset. I spoke to their parents, but the mother simply told me, ‘How will they eat if they don’t beg?’” she shares.</p> <div class="inner-btn-link"> <a href="https://www.donatekart.com/The-Better-India/Support-Srotoshwini-Trust" target="_blank" class="inner-link-btn" rel="noopener">Donate Now</a> <em style="display:block;">Unable to view the above button? <a href="https://www.donatekart.com/The-Better-India/Support-Srotoshwini-Trust">Click here </a></em> </div> <p>That’s when Juin realised the stark contrast the children experience in their transition from hostel to home. It stressed the gravity of her work, as it dawned upon her that good education serves as their only ticket to breaking the cycle of poverty.</p> <p>Further reflecting on the issue of hunger, Juin says, “I once had a conversation with a young boy under our care who confessed that chewing <em>gutka</em> (tobacco) helped curb his hunger. That statement shattered me. I couldn’t begin to comprehend the mental anguish that boy endured.”</p> <p>She adds, “This is what the foundation aims to fight. It is not just about educating them but also making them independent.”</p> <p>Juin explains that once the children are prepared to leave Pathshala, she assists them in acquiring vocational education to secure employment or gain admission to college for further education. “This is the only way we can ensure that these children have a good life not just at the hostel but beyond it too,” says Juin.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-3-1715240465.jpg" alt="The organization follows a unique curriculum in which children are placed in different grades based on their proficiency in each subject." class="wp-image-349410" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-3-1715240465.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-3-1715240465-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-3-1715240465-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-3-1715240465-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-3-1715240465-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The organisation follows a unique curriculum in which children are placed in different grades based on their proficiency in each subject.</figcaption></figure> <p>Juin also informs that they have implemented initiatives like ‘Udyam’ for skill development training and ‘Unnati’ for hands-on <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/311132/mother-daughter-sustainable-lifestyle-brand-helps-homemakers-earn-bags-shark-tank-deal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entrepreneurial training.</a></p> <p>“Our policy is to support them until they achieve economic independence. Pathshala is fundamentally a value-based institution, dedicated to nurturing children’s happiness in life,” she shares.</p> <p>Sejal Verma (21), one of the few students who have completed their education and moved out of the hostel, shares, “I’m currently working part-time and earning enough to support myself. I’m also pursuing a course at ITI Vadodara. However, none of this would have been possible if I hadn’t gained admission to Pathshala on time. I had passed my Class 8 exam from a Government school but did not know how to read the alphabet!”</p> <p>“In many ways, I restarted my education at Pathshala. Once I completed my boards, they helped me get admitted into ITI, and I still visit the hostel. It feels like home to me, and I keep visiting the children on various occasions like festivals and school functions,” she adds.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-rely-on-the-kindness-of-humans-nbsp">‘We rely on the kindness of humans’ </h2> <p>“We had only seven children with us when we started, and now, we have grown to 97 kids,” says Juin.</p> <p>It was when she observed the number of children growing in the hostel that she decided to move to a bigger place. “We only had around one and a half lakh rupees on hand and were searching for funds. But our motivation to help these kids kept us going. Fortunately, we encountered generous individuals who were willing to support us. The person who rented us the initial hostel also helped us acquire the land,” she says.</p> <p>Recalling the kindness of people around her, she adds, “There were times when we did not have enough money to pay for the construction. The construction leader would come up to me and say the money will come, you focus on getting the building constructed.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="628" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-4-1715240511.jpg" alt="You can help Juin's in funding 97 kids education by donating to her cause. " class="wp-image-349411" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-4-1715240511.jpg 1200w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-4-1715240511-300x157.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-4-1715240511-500x262.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-4-1715240511-768x402.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/pathshala-4-1715240511-150x79.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">You can help Juin’s in funding the education of 97 kids by donating to her cause.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Juin emphasises that it has been with the help of such people that the hostel continues to thrive. She says, “We get donations which we rely on to earmark a yearly budget. This has allowed us to hire professional teachers and not just work with volunteers to provide the students with consistency in learning.”</p> <p>“Even today, the place runs solely on the kindness of people,” she remarks.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transforming-the-lives-of-these-children-doesn-t-have-to-be-juin-s-solitary-journey-you-too-can-help-to-educate-the-97-children-under-her-care-sponsor-one-child-s-education-for-just-rs-2-000-per-year-your-donation-will-cover-their-nios-and-board-exam-fees"><em>Transforming the lives of these children doesn’t have to be Juin’s solitary journey. You too can help to educate the 97 children under her care. Sponsor one child’s education for just Rs 2,000 per year. Your donation will cover their NIOS and board exam fees</em>.</h3> <div class="inner-btn-link"> <a href="https://www.donatekart.com/The-Better-India/Support-Srotoshwini-Trust" target="_blank" class="inner-link-btn" rel="noopener">Donate Now</a> <em style="display:block;">Unable to view the above button? <a href="https://www.donatekart.com/The-Better-India/Support-Srotoshwini-Trust">Click here </a></em> </div> <p><em>(Edited by Pranita Bhat; All pictures credit: Anisha Roy)</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"349405";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}i:99;a:6:{s:4:"data";s:69:" ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:4:{s:0:"";a:6:{s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:87:"4 Friends Quit Cushy Jobs Abroad, Return to India to Make Vegan Ice Cream Using Millets";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:102:"https://thebetterindia.com/349369/siri-millet-vegan-ice-cream-trichy-non-dairy-healthy-frozen-dessert/";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"pubDate";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:31:"Wed, 08 May 2024 15:05:52 +0000";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:8:"category";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:7:"Startup";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:16:"millet ice cream";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:28:"siri house of vegan icecream";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"Trichy";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:4;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:5:"Vegan";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"guid";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:36:"https://thebetterindia.com/?p=349369";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:11:"isPermaLink";s:5:"false";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:11:"description";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:288:"Prabu Venugopal, Shashidhar, Arun Prakash, and Bhargav left their comfortable careers to introduce a healthy, vegan ice cream alternative made using millets. They founded Siri Millet Ice Creams in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, and are actively healthy eating habits through educational initiatives.";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:32:"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/";a:1:{s:7:"creator";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:11:"Sowmya Mani";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:40:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:21542:" <p>“Hey Siri. Get me an ice cream.”</p> <p>“Sure, here are some suggestions.”</p> <p>What if digital assistants could actually dole out ice creams instead of just suggestions?</p> <p>Well, while Apple’s Siri does not have that feature, there is another Siri that provides delicious ice creams in parts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. What’s even more special is that these ice-creams are millet-based and vegan.</p> <p>Four friends — Prabu Venugopal, Shashidhar, Arun Prakash, and Bhargav — started ‘Siri’, a <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/345217/best-ice-cream-parlours-places-mumbai-snowman-taj-icecream-haji-ali-gokul-rustom-naturals-bachelorr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegan ice-cream </a>parlour in Trichy, Tamil Nadu to change the definition of this frozen dessert in the country.</p> <p>Although these globetrotters hailed from different industries, they shared a common thread — they all had farming backgrounds. So after working in different parts of the world, the four professionals quit their cushy jobs and returned to their hometowns — Prabu and Arun to Trichy; Shashidhar and Bhargav to Hyderabad — in 2016.</p> <p>They then pooled their diverse experiences in hotel management, food science, marketing and finance, and brainstormed ideas to use their farmland as a valuable resource to build a thriving food business.</p> <p>Passionate about building sustainable food systems, they zeroed in on growing India’s traditional supergrains — millets. Known for its drought-resistant qualities and nutritional benefits, millet seemed like the perfect candidate to promote both health and sustainability. Their efforts gave birth to ‘Siri Millets’ in 2017 with a mission to popularise the grain through value-added products like snacks, flakes, vermicelli, pasta, and much more.</p> <p>Just as they were about to launch their products on a grand scale, the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a significant blow to their meticulously planned strategies. Yet, this adversity turned out to be a hidden blessing, spurring them to innovate. Out of this challenge emerged the idea of millet-based ice cream!</p> <p>The path was not easy, yet they persisted with research and development for eight months. Finally, their labour of love, ‘Siri – House of Vegan Ice Creams’, was launched in 2020. With four functional outlets today, they are planning to expand their footprint through 10 to 15 stores in the coming few months.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1770" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/@Siri-Millet-Ice-Creams-52-of-64-min-1715319230.jpg" alt="Children enjoying a Siri ice-cream " class="wp-image-349606" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/@Siri-Millet-Ice-Creams-52-of-64-min-1715319230.jpg 2560w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/@Siri-Millet-Ice-Creams-52-of-64-min-1715319230-300x207.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/@Siri-Millet-Ice-Creams-52-of-64-min-1715319230-500x346.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/@Siri-Millet-Ice-Creams-52-of-64-min-1715319230-768x531.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/@Siri-Millet-Ice-Creams-52-of-64-min-1715319230-1536x1062.jpg 1536w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/@Siri-Millet-Ice-Creams-52-of-64-min-1715319230-2048x1416.jpg 2048w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/@Siri-Millet-Ice-Creams-52-of-64-min-1715319230-150x104.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Children enjoying a Siri ice-cream </figcaption></figure></div> <p>Beyond providing a vegan, more nutritious alternative to ice cream, they are also working on educating youngsters about the importance of eating habits through awareness programmes.</p> <p>So how did they make this <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/332580/millet-based-startups-helping-farmers-ragi-jowar-international-year-of-millet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">millet-based ice cream</a> a reality?</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-four-parts-of-the-world-to-india">From four parts of the world to India</h2> <p>Prabu (45), a hotelier with over 25 years of experience in the field, crossed paths with Shashidhar (37), a food scientist, through work. They became friends over their common love for food and nutrition. Arun (33), a marketing professional working in the UK, was Prabu’s neighbour in Trichy, while Bhargav (39) is a fintech expert working in the USA and Shashidhar’s brother.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/siri-ice-cream-1715178095.jpg" alt="Siri ice-creams are millet-based and vegan" class="wp-image-349382" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/siri-ice-cream-1715178095.jpg 1080w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/siri-ice-cream-1715178095-300x300.jpg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/siri-ice-cream-1715178095-500x500.jpg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/siri-ice-cream-1715178095-150x150.jpg 150w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/siri-ice-cream-1715178095-768x768.jpg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/siri-ice-cream-1715178095-96x96.jpg 96w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Siri ice-creams are millet-based and vegan</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Although work took them to different continents, they all wanted to eventually come back to be with their ageing parents. Their families owned farmlands on which they grew paddy, which was becoming a problem due to climate change and water scarcity.</p> <p>“Before the green revolution, our grandparents were growing millets like <em>jowar, ragi, and bajra</em> on their farms, which require less water and are resilient to climate change. The advent of the green revolution caused a shift to paddy,” Shashidhar tells <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <p>Prabu chimes in, as Arun and his family too, share a similar story.</p> <p>It’s no secret that farmers in the delta districts of Tamil Nadu, including Trichy, have experienced years of poor paddy yields due to insufficient water for irrigation, forcing many to seek alternative employment.</p> <p>Hours of discussion before they quit their jobs led them to explore the possibility of cultivating millets on their existing land in Trichy and Hyderabad. Shashidhar even purchased an additional 40 acres of land and started growing<em> </em><a href="https://thebetterindia.com/325105/hyderabad-entrepreneur-raju-bhupati-makes-affordable-troo-good-millet-snacks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>jowar</em>,<em> ragi</em>,</a> and seasonal vegetables.</p> <p>While growing millets was one part of the vision, the other part was drawn from their experiences. They noticed a shift towards healthy, vegan food across the world.</p> <p>“I noticed that dietary requirements were changing. There was an increasing demand for vegan, non-dairy alternatives, as more people are getting lactose intolerant. In other parts of the world, people were asking for almond and oats milk, which made us wonder about an Indian, vegan alternative,” Prabu tells <strong>The Better India.</strong></p> <p>In the first couple of years after starting Siri Millets, they launched millet <em>laddoos</em>, cookies, vermicelli, and <em>rava.</em> They piloted these value-added products in Telangana and Gujarat by providing them to students in government schools for 45 days for free.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1600" height="1129" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-10-at-10.50.45-min-1715318691.jpeg" alt="The founders conduct awareness programs in schools" class="wp-image-349603" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-10-at-10.50.45-min-1715318691.jpeg 1600w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-10-at-10.50.45-min-1715318691-300x212.jpeg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-10-at-10.50.45-min-1715318691-500x353.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-10-at-10.50.45-min-1715318691-768x542.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-10-at-10.50.45-min-1715318691-1536x1084.jpeg 1536w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-10-at-10.50.45-min-1715318691-150x106.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The founders conduct awareness programs in schools</figcaption></figure></div> <p>When the COVID-19 pandemic struck the nation, interrupting their grand launch, the four friends returned to their drawing board to chalk out new plans to avert the setback. That’s when Shashidhar suggested venturing into the vegan ice cream market.</p> <p>‘What would an Indian alternative to almond or oats milk be?’ they wondered. Prabu recalled his visit to Karnataka, where he had seen milk being extracted from <em>ragi</em> and given to children. With this insight, they thought ‘Why not extract milk from millets and convert it into ice cream?’</p> <p>This thought led them to launch their hero product — millet ice cream.</p> <p>The team worked out of a 300 sqft space in Trichy, where they procured machines and started working on ways to extract milk from different millets. Over the course of six months, they found that the major millets — <em>jowar, bajra, ragi, </em>and foxtail millet — produced good results. They then experimented with different sweeteners and fruits, and developed these ice-creams.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-made-in-india-vegan-ice-cream">A made-in-India vegan ice-cream</h2> <p>After six months of research and development, they finally started testing. They offered samples to neighbours and gated communities in Trichy. The overall feedback was positive with fresh fruit ice-creams emerging a clear winner.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1043tAKbEp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1043tAKbEp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1043tAKbEp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by SIRI House of Vegan Ice Creams (@sirimillets_veganicecreams)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> <p>They worked on the feedback for two more months and then launched their first ‘Siri – House of Vegan Ice Creams’ store in Trichy in 2020. The flavours they offer range from vanilla, chocolate, mango, jackfruit, and jamun, to red guava, dates, banana, musk melon, strawberry, and more.</p> <p>“Unlike coconut milk, which is used in vegan ice creams, millet milk is subtle and does not dominate other flavours. We use different sweeteners in different ice creams, depending on the fruits being used. For example, jaggery works well with some fruits, while palm sugar works better with some. It also varies depending on the millet being used,” explains Prabu, adding that they also sell shakes, waffles, brownies, and other products in their store.</p> <p>One scoop of ice cream is priced at Rs 30, and a one-litre pack is sold for Rs 800.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="960" src="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/siri-factory-1715318645.jpeg" alt="The factory in Trichy has a 10,000-litre capacity per shift." class="wp-image-349601" srcset="https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/siri-factory-1715318645.jpeg 1280w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/siri-factory-1715318645-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/siri-factory-1715318645-500x375.jpeg 500w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/siri-factory-1715318645-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://en-media.thebetterindia.com/uploads/2024/05/siri-factory-1715318645-150x113.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The factory in Trichy has a 10,000-litre capacity per shift.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Apart from that, they also realised that these nutritious ice creams are a good way to introduce children to millets and get them to fall in love with this traditional Indian grain! “Children think of millets as a punishment. Research shows that kids like <a href="https://thebetterindia.com/267083/papacream-woman-entrepreneur-vegan-ice-cream-engineer-quits-job-success-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice creams and shakes,</a> so, this would be a good mode to introduce them to these powerhouses of nutrition,” says Shashidhar.</p> <p>The millets are procured from their own farms, and other farmers in Theni, Dharmapuri, and Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu.</p> <p>The venture is entirely self-funded, with each of the four founders investing a significant portion of their savings into realising their dream. Their most significant hurdle post-launch has been the widespread lack of awareness surrounding millets. To address this, they’ve been diligently engaged in consumer education initiatives, conducting awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and institutions.</p> <p>“We realised that the first step was to create customer awareness. We started visiting schools and colleges to educate the youth about the importance of nutritious eating habits. We believe that knowledge is the key to transformation,” adds Shashidhar.</p> <p>They also take students on a factory tour to show them the manufacturing process. In 2023, they established a factory in Trichy, with a 10,000-litre capacity per shift.</p> <p>This year, they’ve opened outlets in Hyderabad near the Statue of Equality and one in Rajahmundry. They are poised to launch 10 to 12 more outlets in the coming few months.</p> <p>“For us, community engagement is equally important. It’s a movement to bring back the treasures of our ancestors, adapted to meet the needs of today’s world,” says Prabu.</p> <p>As the country is seeing an increasing shift towards millets, this is a novel way to include them in our diet.</p> <p><em>Edited by Pranita Bhat, Images Courtesy Prabu Venugopal</em></p> ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:7:"post-id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:6:"349369";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}}}s:27:"http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom";a:1:{s:4:"link";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:0:"";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:3:{s:4:"href";s:32:"https://thebetterindia.com/feed/";s:3:"rel";s:4:"self";s:4:"type";s:19:"application/rss+xml";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:44:"http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/";a:2:{s:12:"updatePeriod";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:" hourly ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:15:"updateFrequency";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:4:" 1 ";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}s:30:"com-wordpress:feed-additions:1";a:1:{s:4:"site";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:9:"231463429";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}}}}}}}}}}}s:4:"type";i:128;s:7:"headers";a:19:{s:12:"content-type";s:23:"text/xml; charset=utf-8";s:4:"vary";s:46:"Sec-Fetch-Dest, Sec-Fetch-Mode, Sec-Fetch-Site";s:13:"last-modified";s:29:"Wed, 19 Jun 2024 15:40:41 GMT";s:13:"cache-control";s:46:"no-cache, no-store, max-age=0, must-revalidate";s:6:"pragma";s:8:"no-cache";s:7:"expires";s:29:"Mon, 01 Jan 1990 00:00:00 GMT";s:4:"date";s:29:"Thu, 20 Jun 2024 08:52:28 GMT";s:26:"cross-origin-opener-policy";s:11:"same-origin";s:9:"accept-ch";s:191:"Sec-CH-UA-Arch, Sec-CH-UA-Bitness, Sec-CH-UA-Full-Version, Sec-CH-UA-Full-Version-List, Sec-CH-UA-Model, Sec-CH-UA-WoW64, Sec-CH-UA-Form-Factor, Sec-CH-UA-Platform, Sec-CH-UA-Platform-Version";s:18:"permissions-policy";s:173:"ch-ua-arch=*, ch-ua-bitness=*, ch-ua-full-version=*, ch-ua-full-version-list=*, ch-ua-model=*, ch-ua-wow64=*, ch-ua-form-factor=*, ch-ua-platform=*, ch-ua-platform-version=*";s:28:"cross-origin-resource-policy";s:9:"same-site";s:23:"content-security-policy";s:227:"require-trusted-types-for 'script';report-uri /_/RaichuFeedServer/cspreport, script-src 'nonce-MsIf_FC-POqx5SusGMhbIw' 'unsafe-inline';object-src 'none';base-uri 'self';report-uri /_/RaichuFeedServer/cspreport;worker-src 'self'";s:19:"reporting-endpoints";s:190:"default=/_/RaichuFeedServer/web-reports?context=eJzjktDikmJw0JBicEqfwRoExEsiLrIeSrzIKsTDceb2-c1sAifuH3nCqGSZlF8Yn1iakpmvW1CalJNZnJFaVKwLFNQtSsxMzijVTUtNTSlOLSpLLYo3MjAyMTAztNAzMI8vMAAApNsihQ";s:16:"content-encoding";s:4:"gzip";s:6:"server";s:3:"ESF";s:16:"x-xss-protection";s:1:"0";s:15:"x-frame-options";s:10:"SAMEORIGIN";s:22:"x-content-type-options";s:7:"nosniff";s:7:"alt-svc";s:42:"h3=:443; ma=2592000,h3-29=:443; ma=2592000";}s:5:"build";s:14:"20170417072931";}