From Mother to Hero: Kaviya's Inspiring Journey of Breastmilk Donation

Kaviya Giridharan, a 26-year-old woman from Sundakamuthur, Coimbatore, has become a local hero for her remarkable act of donating breastmilk to newborns in need. Over the course of a year, Kaviya has donated an astonishing 150 liters of breastmilk, providing vital nourishment to infants who lack proper maternal care. Motivated by the plight of newborns facing health challenges, physical limitations, and even the loss of their mothers during childbirth, Kaviya embarked on a mission to ensure their well-being. Despite being a mother herself to a one-year-old toddler, she dedicated herself to donating breastmilk while educating others about lactation and pregnancy-related issues. As a childbirth educator and internationally certified lactation consultant, Kaviya runs an NGO called Magilam Moms, which connects like-minded women and mothers. Together, they visit educational institutions in the state, spreading awareness about the importance of breastfeeding. Kaviya's selfless efforts have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized by Kalam's World Records for donating a staggering 110 liters of breastmilk in just seven months. With the unwavering support of her husband, Giridharan, Kaviya continues to donate her breastmilk twice a month, either directly to hospitals or by pumping at home. Her compassion has also inspired others. More than ten women have followed in Kaviya's footsteps and begun donating breastmilk to newborns in need. Through her Instagram page (@magizham.moms), Kaviya spreads her message of transforming women into breastmilk donors and continues to make a positive impact in her community.

Warrior Moms Across India Take Up Cudgels To Restore Clean Air for Future Generations

Many of us are aware of the adverse effects of climate change and how it is taking a toll on people’s lives. However, there is a glimmer of hope. A group of women has banded together as Warrior Moms to fight against air pollution and improve the world for their children to live and breathe in. The "Warrior Moms" program has started several awareness efforts, from bringing attention to the dangers of firecrackers to discussing the negative consequences of thermal power plants.  They started a campaign to deal with fireworks wherein it was conveyed that each "phooljhari" is equivalent to about 74 cigarettes and no mother would give that much to their child. Many of them included clever one-liners to convey a crucial point and were shared on the group's social media website. 'Ab Ki Baar Saaf Tyohaar' was their hashtag. Another campaign is about thermal power plants. The group has asked the Government to make sure that all the power plants adhere to environmental guidelines. However, the reality is often different. They filed a letter bearing the signatures of well-known personalities like Dia Mirza, Kiran Bedi, etc. Bhavreen Kandhari, one of the core members, represented the group at the COP 26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow last year. The "Warrior Moms" also work with women who live in rural areas. The group has teamed together with several self-help organizations to spread awareness about environmental degradation. Believing that the word "mom" evokes a variety of emotions, the group is accessible to anybody who wishes to contribute in some way to a better future for the next generation.