POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Artist Aditi Mittal created a five‑foot Ganesha idol for her 10th Ganesh Chaturthi celebration using 1,100 school notebooks. Each page was stacked, arranged, and folded so that the pages remain visible, forming every detail of the deity’s face, trunk, ears, hands and crown. The sculpture, called Gyaan Ganesha, serves a dual purpose: after the traditional visarjan ceremony, all 1,100 notebooks will be distributed to under‑privileged children and students who need them. Aditi explained, “Bappa transforms from a murti into knowledge in the hands of children.” The project blends artistic devotion with a tangible educational benefit, turning celebration material into lasting learning resources. It demonstrates how cultural traditions can be leveraged to address social needs, offering a sustainable and impactful legacy beyond the festival. Why it matters: turning art into education creates lasting opportunities for children in need.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
While rabies remains a persistent threat across India, the state of Goa has successfully eliminated human rabies, offering a concrete blueprint for other regions. This achievement was not accidental but the result of a structured, three-module approach that addresses the disease at multiple points simultaneously. The first module focuses on immediate response. Since 2014, a 24/7 hotline has coordinated care for bite victims, ensuring standardized, free treatment including post-exposure prophylaxis at all government facilities, removing financial barriers to life-saving care. The second module targets the source of infection by systematically vaccinating free-roaming dogs. By tracking coverage with precision, Goa reached the critical threshold of 70% vaccination in specific areas, effectively breaking the chain of viral transmission. The final module focuses on prevention through education. Rabies awareness was integrated into the state science curriculum for grades 11 and 12, reaching over 150,000 community members annually. This long-term strategy ensures that future generations understand the critical first 15 minutes after a bite. The results are profound: human rabies deaths dropped from 17 in 2014 to zero by 2018, while canine cases fell by 92%. An independent analysis confirmed the program is highly cost-effective. This model requires no unique infrastructure, only disciplined implementation of existing protocols, making it a viable path for India’s broader national efforts to achieve rabies-free status.
Why it matters: Goa’s success proves that integrated, cost-effective public health strategies can eliminate deadly zoonotic diseases, providing a replicable template for the rest of India.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
A recent comparison highlights stark contrasts between Japan’s tightly regulated election framework and India’s expansive 2024 Lok Sabha campaign. In Japan, candidates are allotted just 12 days to campaign for the House of Representatives, with door‑to‑door canvassing prohibited and strict limits on posters, advertising, and broadcast media. The system also provides free political broadcasting, ensuring a level playing field. By contrast, India’s election season spans several weeks, encompassing a massive expenditure landscape. The Centre for Media Studies estimated total campaign spending at roughly ₹1.35 lakh crore, while the Election Commission reported seizing ₹10,106.20 crore in cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies during the vote. These figures illustrate the scale and complexity of India’s political environment. Despite the differences, both nations aim to uphold democratic principles, though their approaches to campaign length, advertising, and spending diverge dramatically. The juxtaposition invites reflection on how regulatory models influence voter engagement and fairness. Why it matters: Understanding these varied systems can inspire reforms that balance transparency, equity, and vibrant democratic participation.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Following the annual Ganpati visarjan in Mumbai, two individuals have launched an initiative to repurpose discarded plaster of Paris (POP) idols. Malhar Kaalambe partnered with Gujarat-based innovator Dr. Binish Desai to address the significant waste generated by the festival, where approximately 1.5 lakh idols are immersed annually, leaving behind nearly 675 tonnes of material. Using Dr. Desai’s proprietary “Murticycle” technology, the duo processes the collected POP to create new, functional items. Over the past two years, they have recycled more than 3,200 kg of material to manufacture 760 study tables for children across Maharashtra. For many recipients, these tables provide a dedicated, stable surface for learning and completing homework. Beyond the educational impact, the process is environmentally significant; each table manufactured saves approximately 5,457 grams of CO2 emissions. By converting festival waste into a resource for classrooms and homes, the project demonstrates how innovation can extend the spirit of community celebration into long-term support for child education. Why it matters: This initiative turns environmental waste into a tangible tool for academic success, showing that community traditions can be adapted to foster sustainable social progress.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · Good News Network · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Nike founder Phil Knight has announced a $1 billion donation to the University of Oregon. This contribution stands as the largest single donation ever made to a public university. While Knight has a long history of philanthropic support for the institution, the magnitude of this latest gift has been described as significant. The news was confirmed following a call between Knight and the university president earlier in September. This donation marks a major milestone in university fundraising, providing a substantial infusion of capital that is expected to impact the school’s future operations and development. Why it matters: This record-breaking donation highlights the transformative potential of private philanthropy in supporting the long-term infrastructure and capabilities of public higher education institutions.
Source: Good News Network · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE BRIEFquick bite · Good News Network · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Rise Up Industries in San Diego is helping men recently released from prison gain trade skills. The nonprofit's program offers paid machinist apprenticeships and therapy to help participants earn professional certifications.
Source: Good News Network · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Across India, farmers are embracing artificial intelligence to tackle daily challenges, from crop management to animal welfare, receiving vital information in their native languages. This technological integration is transforming agricultural practices by making expert advice accessible at the grassroots level.
For instance, Gayatriben in Gujarat sought help when her buffalo repeatedly banged its head against a tree, while Charmiben in Ishnav needed to understand why her cow wasn't thriving. Both found solutions through AI systems. Similarly, Dipali Kalbhor, a smallholder farmer from Maharashtra, leveraged MahaVISTAAR for critical information on crop prices, weather, and pest control. She credits its fertiliser calculator with helping reduce her fertiliser use by 15% and uses it to connect with agricultural officials multiple times daily.
Amul's 'Sarlaben' AI assistant in Gujarat provides dairy farmers with guidance on cattle health, breeding, and vaccinations in Gujarati. Gayatriben, who previously faced delays and costs for vet visits, now calls Sarlaben for immediate advice, such as cleaning an animal's horns with oil and turmeric, which proved effective. This demonstrates how AI, built with local context and language in mind, offers personalized, timely insights, helping farmers save crops, improve livestock health, and navigate government schemes. The Gates Foundation’s 2026 Goalkeepers Report highlights the critical need for AI to understand local languages and contexts to ensure equitable access and impact.
Why it matters: AI is bridging information gaps for farmers, leading to better outcomes and livelihoods.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Across India, several rivers once deemed dead have been revived through community‑led actions. In Rajasthan, the Arvari was restored by building 402 johads and check dams that trapped monsoon rain, recharging groundwater. Wells dried up, then filled, and the river began flowing again. In Maharashtra, the Kham River’s revival required tackling sewage and waste: 249 discharge points were identified, plastic traps installed, and banks turned into green spaces, earning the 2024 St Andrews Prize for the Environment. Chhattisgarh’s Sakri River was revived after a detailed walk of its 90‑km course, followed by MGNREGA‑funded desilting, check dams, and a sewage treatment plant; it flowed continuously from 2019 to 2023, though later sand mining threatens its stability. In Tamil Nadu, the Naganadhi’s return hinged on women constructing 20,000 recharge wells and boulder checks, which slowed runoff and replenished aquifers, allowing the river to surface again. Kerala’s Kuttemperoor was freed by MGNREGA workers clearing weeds, plastic, silt, and waste; within weeks water moved, restoring irrigation and improving nearby wells. These stories show that reviving a river is about restoring its surrounding landscape, not just its channel. Why it matters: a healthy river sustains communities, ecosystems, and hope.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Floods in Bihar’s Begusarai district have turned everyday needs into survival challenges. Mintu Devi describes how clean water, soap, and a private bathroom have become scarce. For women and girls, managing menstruation is compounded by the lack of sanitary pads, clean water for washing, and safe disposal. Over 50.49 lakh people in 15 districts have been affected, with 576 gram panchayats submerged. To address this, The Better India and DonateKart have partnered with Parmartha – A Hand For You Foundation to deliver 500 hygiene kits, each costing about Rs 610. A kit includes sanitary pads, soap, detergent, underwear, disinfectant, mosquito protection, and clean drinking water. The foundation, working across Patna, Hajipur, Vaishali, Sonpur, and Begusarai, has already conducted four relief activities with around 40 volunteers. By bringing these essentials directly to families, the kits restore dignity and safety during the crisis. Why it matters: simple hygiene supplies can transform a flood‑affected day into a safer, more dignified experience.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · Good News Network · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
A group of teen environmentalists from California has successfully set a Guinness World Record for the most racquet sport balls recycled in a single day. The achievement, which had been in the works since March, was finally secured last weekend after a sustained and dedicated effort. The teenagers collected approximately 22,000 balls, primarily pickleball and tennis balls, diverting a massive amount of waste from landfills.
The total weight of the recycled material amounted to 2,675 pounds, a significant contribution to environmental conservation efforts. This record-breaking feat highlights the impact that youth-led initiatives can have on sustainability. By focusing on a specific type of waste, the group was able to make a tangible difference in a single day. The success of the campaign demonstrates that large-scale environmental change can be driven by small, focused actions by individuals. The teens' commitment to their cause resulted in a verifiable global record, showcasing the power of community engagement and environmental stewardship. This achievement not only sets a precedent for future recycling efforts but also inspires other young people to take an active role in protecting the planet. The record stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when passion meets action.
Source: Good News Network · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 8/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Two weeks after their unexpected discovery in an Odisha forest, five baby orangutans are showing encouraging signs of recovery and adjustment. These young primates, native to Southeast Asia, were found in Balasore district and are now receiving dedicated care at Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar.
Latest health assessments confirm all five babies are stable, accepting food normally, and displaying typical activity under close veterinary observation. Initial challenges, including anaemia in three and a treated worm load, have been addressed with nutritional supplements and ongoing medical care. Experts from Delhi Zoo and the Wildlife Institute of India, alongside advice from Mysuru Zoo veterinarians, are guiding their rehabilitation.
Their diet is being carefully increased, incorporating solid foods like steamed carrots and beans, while milk intake is gradually rising. To aid their development and well-being, their quarantine environment has been adapted with ropes and ladders to encourage natural climbing and movement. While signs of stress from separation are noted, the focus remains on their comprehensive recovery and adaptation to their new, supportive surroundings. Investigations continue into how they arrived so far from their natural habitat.
Why it matters: Dedicated care offers these vulnerable young orangutans a vital chance at recovery and a future.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 9/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Across India's tribal communities, traditional jewellery weaves fascinating narratives of nature, trade, and identity. Ornaments often feature unexpected combinations of materials like shells, tusks, beads, bone, feathers, and metals, transforming into necklaces, anklets, and arm ornaments. Among the Sumi Nagas, the Aminihu necklace combines boar tusks with cane, a conch-shell button, and a carnelian bead, historically linked to warrior status. Similarly, Angami Tsubo uses carnelian, glass beads, and ivory or bone.
A compelling aspect is the discovery of seashells in Tangkhul Naga ornaments like the Kongsang and Huishon, despite their inland location. This highlights extensive historical trade networks, where materials travelled far before becoming deeply local expressions of culture. In Odisha’s Niyamgiri hills, Dongria Kondh women wear brass anklets and neckbands, which were historically exchanged with Ghasi metalworkers for agricultural produce like ragi, maize, turmeric, and vegetables, underscoring a symbiotic community relationship. These examples reveal how natural elements are imbued with profound meaning, carrying stories of origin, exchange, and personal and collective history within each piece.
Why it matters: These ornaments are living archives, preserving ancient trade routes, ecological knowledge, and the intricate social fabric of communities.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 9/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Renu Singhi, 58, from Jaipur, and Gareema Shankar, 44, from Delhi, are challenging societal norms through their passion for cycling. Renu begins her day with a 70 km ride, a routine she embraced after buying her first cycle at 52. Her motivation is simple: "For once, I am doing something for myself and not for anyone else." She inspired Gareema, who initially cycled in secret, wary of others' opinions.
Gareema’s perspective shifted after learning about Renu's journey on a Zoom call in 2021, prompting her to ask, "What's stopping you?" The duo's unique friendship blossomed when they met at the London-Edinburgh-London (LEL) challenge in 2022. Renu, a star at the event, had previously completed the 1,200 km Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) in a remarkable 92 hours.
Gareema, despite a setback at LEL, trained rigorously and completed the PBP challenge in 98 hours in August 2023, crediting failure as her biggest teacher. These women exemplify how dedication and self-belief can overcome perceived limitations, proving that age is truly just a number when pursuing personal passions.
Why it matters: Their stories inspire countless others to pursue their passions regardless of age or societal expectations.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Charmiben, a dairy farmer who treats her herd as family, now relies on Sarlaben—an artificial‑intelligence assistant designed for dairy producers. Sarlaben translates Amul’s extensive research and knowledge base into the farmer’s native language, allowing Charmiben to ask specific questions about her cows’ health and receive tailored advice. The AI links her queries to Amul’s existing data, delivering practical recommendations that help her detect early signs of illness and improve overall herd management. This technology is part of a partnership that includes the Gates Foundation India, underscoring a collaborative effort to bring advanced agricultural support to small‑scale farmers. By bridging the information gap, Sarlaben empowers farmers like Charmiben to make informed decisions, enhancing animal welfare and productivity without requiring technical expertise. Why it matters: accessible AI tools are turning traditional farming into a data‑driven practice, improving livelihoods and animal health across rural India.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Hydroponics replaces soil with a nutrient‑rich water solution, allowing plants to thrive in pipes, trays, or vertical stacks. Roots are supported by inert media such as coco peat, rockwool, perlite or clay pellets, while essential minerals—including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, iron and zinc—are dissolved in water and delivered directly to the roots. Systems like Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) circulate a thin film of this solution, whereas Deep Water Culture suspends roots in oxygenated water, with air pumps supplying the necessary oxygen for respiration. Farmers monitor pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, humidity and light to fine‑tune growth conditions, often using sensors and automated controls. Gujarat farmer Yash Vora, assisted by Brio Hydroponics, now cultivates cucumbers, tomatoes and coloured capsicums with significantly reduced water usage, addressing his long‑standing water scarcity. Hydroponics offers precise nutrient delivery, water efficiency and the ability to farm in locations lacking fertile soil, from rooftops to indoor vertical farms. Why it matters: the method expands sustainable food production options, especially where traditional agriculture faces environmental constraints.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 6/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
On a sunny Saturday in Bhavani, 26‑year‑old Varsha Sivakumar moves among thirty pit looms, coordinating new design orders and guiding weavers on colour combinations. Veteran weaver Agilandam, 56, and her colleague Mariyamma work side by side, threading multicoloured yarns into the traditional Jamakkalam stripe pattern that has defined Tamil households for three centuries. The craft earned a Geographical Indication tag in 2005‑06 but has struggled as government cooperative orders dried up, leaving many looms idle. Varsha’s initiative, House of Jamakkalam (HOJ), offers a 30‑35% premium on complex orders and absorbs the higher cost of finer, better‑dyed yarn, allowing weavers to earn between Rs 2,000 and Rs 6,000 a month. A single custom piece still requires two weavers four days, preserving the slow, stripe‑by‑stripe rhythm of the heritage technique. Instagram has connected the cluster to overseas buyers, including the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora, expanding market reach. The community’s resilience, shared meals, and collective problem‑solving keep the looms humming despite health challenges and reduced orders. Why it matters: it sustains livelihoods, preserves cultural heritage, and shows how community‑driven innovation can revive a centuries‑old craft.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
In a heartwarming testament to the power of familial love, 16-year-old Riddhima, who lives with autism and requires assistance with daily tasks, has forged an extraordinary bond with her baby sister, Advika. Despite Riddhima's communication challenges, Advika perceives her elder sister as the safest person in her world.
Riddhima’s journey has not been without societal misconceptions. Upon her autism diagnosis, her mother faced advice to keep Riddhima away from infants, with some even labeling her as "abnormal." However, the arrival of Advika shattered these preconceptions. Riddhima embraced her role as a loving elder sister, demonstrating profound care. She is observed gently holding Advika, expressing worry when her sister cries, and eagerly awaiting her return home.
This powerful connection challenges conventional notions of "normal." The child once misunderstood by society has become the central figure in her sister’s life, proving that love and understanding can transcend perceived limitations. Perhaps, it is not Riddhima who needs to adapt, but rather society’s definition of what constitutes normal.
Why it matters: This story highlights the importance of neurodiversity acceptance and challenges societal misconceptions about individuals with autism.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Every year Mumbai immerses around 150,000 Ganpati idols made from plaster of Paris, creating a large amount of festival waste after visarjan. Through a process called Murticycle technology, roughly 3,200 kg of these broken idols have been transformed into 760 school desks for children in Maharashtra. Each recycled desk is reported to save an estimated 5,457 grams of CO₂, turning discarded material into a tangible educational resource. The initiative demonstrates how a single cultural practice can be re‑imagined as a source of sustainable furniture, reducing landfill pressure while supporting learning environments. The reclaimed material also holds potential for further product development, suggesting a circular model for festival waste. By giving broken idols a second life, the project highlights a practical pathway for waste‑to‑resource conversion that can be replicated elsewhere. Why it matters: Turning festival waste into functional furniture reduces environmental impact and expands educational resources.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
India’s linguistic landscape spans 22 scheduled languages and more than 700 dialects, a complexity that challenges conventional AI models built primarily for English. Professor Ganesh Ramakrishnan of IIT‑Bombay is leading BharatGen, an effort to create foundational artificial‑intelligence systems that understand and operate across this diversity. The project aims not only to improve language coverage but also to empower Indians to shape AI development themselves. In recognition of his work, Prof Ramakrishnan has been named a Goalkeepers Champion by the Gates Foundation, linking his research to broader global initiatives on inclusive technology. A video profile of his journey is available through the Gates Foundation Goalkeepers Report, underscoring the partnership between the academic team and Gates Foundation India. By anchoring AI in the languages people actually use, the initiative seeks to make digital tools more relevant and accessible across the country. Why it matters: Building AI that reflects India’s linguistic reality ensures technology serves the whole population.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Rash Behari Bose emerged as one of India’s most daring freedom fighters, operating long before Subhas Chandra Bose rose to prominence. In 1912 he participated in the attack on Viceroy Lord Hardinge, and later slipped into a government office unnoticed, evading capture. Police raids once uncovered him disguised as an “Odia priest,” highlighting his knack for subterfuge. A bounty of ₹1 lakh was placed on his head, and he moved among 17 different residences to stay ahead of the British. Bose later joined the Ghadar movement, escaped to Japan, and helped establish the Indian Independence League and the Indian National Army, eventually handing the INA’s leadership to Subhas Chandra Bose. His strategic contributions across continents underscore a pivotal, yet often overlooked, chapter of the independence struggle. Why it matters: Remembering early freedom fighters broadens our understanding of the independence struggle and honors the sacrifices that paved the way for later movements.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
The Better India profiles a young innovator who, after a paralytic accident at age fourteen, turned personal adversity into a mission to aid others with similar injuries. The article outlines his journey from rehabilitation to designing assistive tools that facilitate recovery and daily independence. It highlights his commitment to accessibility and the practical impact of his creations on the disabled community, emphasizing how his firsthand experience informs product design. While specific technical specifications are not detailed, the piece underscores the broader significance of youth‑driven innovation in the field of medical aids. Why it matters: Empowering people with disabilities through homegrown solutions fosters resilience and expands the reach of inclusive technology.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Two engineering students, Abhishek Gupta and Abhinav Shekhar Vashistha, transformed a college cleanup initiative into WeVOIS Labs, a Jaipur-based waste management company now operating in over 36 Indian cities. Their journey began in 2014 after leading a campus cleanliness drive, prompting them to address India's growing waste problem and inefficient urban sanitation systems.
WeVOIS Labs leverages technology to improve waste collection, segregation, and recycling. They digitally map properties, use RFID tags for traceable collection, and provide drivers with optimized routes. This system ensures accountability and visibility for municipal authorities. Beyond collection, the company focuses on recovering value from waste, sending wet waste for composting and dry waste to material recovery facilities where AI-enabled systems assist in sorting. They also established a textile recycling facility in Jaipur to process discarded clothing.
Crucially, WeVOIS Labs prioritizes the dignity and livelihoods of sanitation workers. Co-founders Abhishek and Abhinav witnessed firsthand the challenging conditions—irregular incomes and lack of safety equipment—faced by these essential workers. Today, WeVOIS supports over 2,000 sanitation workers and field staff, providing stable salaries, training, and a respectful work environment. Workers like Mohammad Rafiq report increased income and more time for family, while others like Nikhil Goyar and Babita Kumari note improved respect for their work. The company's long-term goal is to help build 100 zero-waste cities.
Why it matters: This initiative demonstrates how technology and social responsibility can transform essential urban services and uplift vulnerable communities.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
KGP12, an India-born cheetah, has given birth to four cubs at Kuno National Park on September 18, a significant milestone just after Project Cheetah completed four years. This new litter elevates India's living cheetah population to 56, with 36 of these magnificent animals now born within the country.
This event marks a poignant new chapter for KGP12. She previously gave birth to four cubs in April 2026, but tragically, that first litter did not survive, succumbing to a leopard attack in the wild within weeks. This time, the new cubs were born inside a secured enclosure at Kuno, offering enhanced protection during their vulnerable early stages, with forest officials monitoring from a distance to minimize disturbance.
KGP12 herself was born at Kuno in 2024 to Gamini, a cheetah brought from South Africa, making her part of the first generation of cheetahs reintroduced to India. Her new offspring represent the vital next generation, crucial for establishing a self-sustaining population. Project Cheetah, which began with cheetahs from Namibia in September 2022, and later from South Africa and Botswana, aims for long-term survival and reproduction in India.
Why it matters: This birth signifies a critical step towards establishing a resilient, self-propagating cheetah population in India, proving the success of reintroduction efforts.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
In 1994, Major Durga Das, an ex-Army officer, and his wife Jyoti Jasol purchased 2.5 acres of barren land in Udaipur, a landscape dominated by cacti. Driven by a desire for a more creative life and the Major's commitment to serving both nation and environment, they envisioned a transformation. Their initial venture into floriculture proved unsuccessful, but Jyoti harbored a persistent dream of establishing a homestay.
Returning to the land in 1999, Jyoti collaborated with local craftsmen like Shivji to construct what would become 'Devra,' a name honoring local tribal temples. To revitalize the soil, they strategically brought nutrient-rich, loamy earth from Pichola Lake, a practice no longer permitted today. By 2004, Devra officially opened its doors with three rooms, evolving into a 10-bedroom heritage homestay amidst flourishing fields.
Today, Devra boasts extensive permaculture, yielding a diverse range of produce from wheat and seasonal vegetables to various fruits, including 400 kg of chikoos annually. Traditional chulha cooking methods, often led by Shivji’s wife Rupa Bai, who remains an integral part of the staff, offer authentic flavors. Jyoti also teaches these heritage cooking techniques, attributing the deliciousness to the land's fertility and unique homemade fertilizers. The couple actively integrates into the local community, taking guests to nearby villages for cultural exchange. Their journey exemplifies the power of persistence and collaboration in building something significant from scratch.
Why it matters: This story highlights how dedication and community spirit can transform barren land into a thriving, sustainable haven, providing livelihoods and preserving local culture.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
A centuries-old Marathi folk ritual, Gondhal, has garnered international attention as the inspiration behind India's official entry to the 99th Academy Awards. On September 18, 2026, the film "Gondhal" was unanimously selected for the Best International Feature Film category, bringing a global spotlight to a tradition long performed quietly in family courtyards.
Gondhal is one of Maharashtra's oldest living folk art forms, where hereditary performers, called Gondhalis, sing mythological stories and express gratitude to family deities. Dressed in vivid colors and often tossing lit torches, they perform to the rhythm of sambal drums, tal cymbals, and chipli clappers, while women join in a swirling dance. This ritual, passed down through generations, is a binding family custom after significant life events like weddings or overcoming illnesses.
Directed by Santosh Davakhar, the film "Gondhal" weaves a story around this tradition, featuring a 25-minute single continuous shot—a notable technical achievement that earned it the Best Director award at the 56th International Film Festival of India. Released in Indian cinemas on November 14, 2025, with music by Ilaiyaraaja, the film was praised by the Film Federation of India jury for its technical execution and fusion of style with substance. This selection marks a historic honor for Marathi cinema and Maharashtra's rich folk traditions.
Why it matters: The film's Oscar entry elevates a significant cultural heritage to a global platform, ensuring broader recognition and appreciation for Maharashtra's vibrant folk traditions.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
POSITIVE · The Better India · editor 10/10 · 1 min read fact-checked
Suyash Jadhav was told he would never swim again after a tragic accident at age 11 left him without both arms below the elbows. After nearly three years away from the water, he returned to swimming and never looked back. Jadhav went on to claim India’s first Asian Para Games swimming gold, compete at three Paralympic Games, accumulate more than 150 medals, and receive the prestigious Arjuna Award. His journey from an unfinished childhood dream to a record‑breaking career illustrates remarkable determination and resilience. Today, he stands as a role model for aspiring para athletes across the nation, showing that physical limits can be transcended through perseverance. Why it matters: his story expands possibilities for para athletes and underscores the power of resilience.
Source: The Better India · permalink · more positive
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