The Times of India

In an inspiring effort to safeguard wildlife, villagers near Vellode Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu embrace a cracker-free Diwali tradition that spans over twenty years. Children are now enjoying the festival with sparklers, while the community comes together to wear new clothes and indulge in festive delicacies, celebrating both their culture and the revered ecology of the sanctuary, which draws numerous migratory birds each year.

In Pune, women like Jyoti and Sulochana have embraced professional driving as a means to overcome personal adversities. After losing her husband, Jyoti now relies on this job to provide for her daughters. Similarly, Sulochana turned to driving to fulfill her aspirations amidst challenges. The Nirman initiative has made a significant impact, training hundreds of women for driving careers and offering essential skill development and job placement assistance.

Pustakwale began its journey in 2020 by organizing book exhibitions in housing societies in Pune. The venture quickly gained popularity by selling books directly to families and schools. Over time, it expanded its reach to over 1,000 communities and numerous schools and corporates. The founders aim to promote reading habits through their initiatives and partnerships. They envision expanding their model across India while maintaining a focus on community engagement.

Saksham Kumar established Tech on the Field with a mission to empower rural farmers by imparting knowledge about modern agricultural technologies, significantly enhancing their livelihoods. This impressive initiative has engaged over 25,000 farmers in 300 villages, hosting 250 workshops in five districts. Moreover, Kumars intervention has seen 20,000 farmers enroll in government assistance programs and 15,000 linked to vital produce markets, leading to a notable 10% hike in their incomes.

Radhika Saran and her team have ingeniously crafted Rumble Rims, a concussion-screening headset that capitalizes on advanced infrared camera technology to analyze eye movements for detecting concussions. Recently honored with the global medical category prize at the James Dyson Award, this prototype is designed to be budget-friendly, priced under $350, ensuring its accessible to sports teams while further developments are planned with input from industry stakeholders.

In an inspiring move, Delhi teenager Krish Aggarwal has co-founded Project Vayu, an initiative aimed at eliminating air pollution in classrooms. By creatively modifying regular fans with inexpensive filters costing about 140, over 10,000 students in underprivileged schools have benefited. Recognized on the 2026 Diana Award Roll of Honour, Project Vayu is committed to expanding its impact, ensuring that clean air is accessible to every child.

A software engineer has raised concerns about limited Diwali leave for employees working far from home. Many professionals face challenges traveling long distances for the festival, limiting time spent with family. The online discussion highlights a need for flexibility in holiday policies that accommodate personal celebrations. Some users shared experiences of extended holidays in other countries, calling for similar practices in India.

After the demonetisation hit his land business hard, Ketan Sodha turned to strawberry farming. Despite initial hurdles, he adopted soilless cultivation techniques that boosted his yields significantly. His farm is now thriving with impressive sales figures. Looking ahead, Sodha aims to establish a larger facility to ramp up production and make strawberries available beyond the usual market seasons.

Aadvik Jain, a teenager from Delhi, started Team Period to tackle menstrual stigma after witnessing a friend's struggles. The initiative aims to educate students about menstrual health and improve access to products. Aadvik and his team have conducted workshops and awareness campaigns to reduce the embarrassment surrounding menstruation. Recently, Aadvik received the prestigious Princess Diana award for his efforts and social impact.

In a remarkable feat of engineering, 17-year-old Akshit Khera from Gurugram has crafted a solar-powered three-wheeler. This initiative responds to high transportation fees, aiming to transform mobility for struggling families. Budgeting meticulously at Rs 102,536, Akshit worked with local fabricators, planning rigorous testing phases before contemplating broader production. His heart is set on donating the vehicle to a deserving family and contemplating further enhancements.

Shah Rukh Khan shared a heartfelt reflection on how their father's death deeply affected both him and his sister. While he coped with humor and engaged in various activities, his sister faced a prolonged battle with grief, choosing to withdraw from social life. He conveyed profound admiration for her inner strength, emphasizing that this dialogue illustrates the diverse ways people process grief and the emotional scars it can leave.