#maharashtra

Wanderlust

Tapola: Explore This Mini Kashmir in Maharashtra!

Give yourself the ideal escape for a weekend at Tapola in Mahabaleshwar. The Tapola hamlet, also known as the "Mini Kashmir," is a lovely location that provides visitors with a gorgeous ambiance for them to unwind, rest, and find peace of mind. It's a charming village that's well known for providing a temporary respite from the bustling city life. It's also a fantastic destination for those who enjoy the great outdoors. Places to Investigate: Tapola is well situated where the Koyana and Solshi rivers converge. Here, Tapola Lake is a popular tourist destination that provides boating opportunities. This lake is a portion of the Shivsagar Lake, a 90-kilometer backwater area of the Koyna Dam. Tapola offers chances for boating, swimming, kayaking, and water scooter rides, making it a sanctuary for lovers of water activities. Beautiful places like Triveni Sangam, Bamnoli Island, and others are included on the boat cruises. Along with engaging with locals, tourists may camp in the middle of nature and enjoy some peaceful time on the islands. Through Tapola Eco Agro Tourism, engage with the community and discover more about their way of life. Visit the village school to have a conversation with the younger residents. Another option is to head near the strawberry fields and assist locals in gathering the berries. Engaging in activities such as feeding, washing, and tending to the cows gives visitors a firsthand look at the way of life of the locals. Entry Fee and Tapola, Mahabaleshwar Timings; Tapola village's surrounds may be explored without charge, but if you'd want to go boating, you'll have to spend INR 750 for a 45-minute speed boat trip or INR 1400 for a one and a half-hour excursion per person. Regarding hours, the Tapola village is open all day and may be visited at any time. It should be noted that the yacht club has set hours of operation, which are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Sunday. How Can I Get to Mahabaleshwar's Tapola? The Tapola Village in Mahabaleshwar lies around twenty-five kilometers away. Thus, in order to go to Tapola, you must first travel to Mahabaleshwar, which may be done by car, train, or plane. Once you're in Mahabaleshwar, you may use the list of the best vehicle rental businesses in Mahabaleshwar to choose local transportation, such as a rental cab, for hassle-free, comfortable travel. This is the most practical mode of transportation for all ages, and it's possible that many tourists choose it. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ― Mark Twain

23 Jan 2024

Wanderlust

Glowing Forests: Experience the Magic of the Purushwadi Fireflies Festival

Every year, the small village of Purushwadi in Maharashtra hosts a spectacular event that has become a popular tourist attraction in India. The Purushwadi Fireflies Festival is an eco-tourism initiative that aims to promote the conservation of the environment while providing visitors with an unforgettable experience. The festival takes place in the weeks leading up to the monsoon season, typically between May and June, when millions of fireflies come out at night and light up the forests in the surrounding areas. This natural display is nothing short of mesmerizing and has drawn visitors from all over the world. Apart from witnessing the spectacular display of fireflies, visitors to the festival can indulge in a range of activities, including night walks through the forest, cultural performances, and traditional village experiences. The festival also provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the local community's way of life and the importance of preserving the environment. While the festival has provided economic opportunities for the locals and helped to boost the village's economy, it has also raised concerns about the impact of tourism on the delicate ecosystem. As such, the organizers have emphasized the need for responsible tourism practices. To reach Purushwadi, visitors can take a bus or taxi from Mumbai, Pune, or Nashik. The village is located approximately 180 kilometers from Mumbai, 225 kilometers from Pune, and 80 kilometers from Nashik. The Purushwadi Fireflies Festival is an event that combines natural beauty, cultural experiences, and eco-tourism, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the beauty of India.

2 May 2023

Wanderlust

Explore This Serene Beach Destination Where History, Culture, and Adventure Meets in Perfect Harmony

Tarkarli is a small village located in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, India. Known for its serene beaches, clear waters, and water sports, it is an emerging tourist destination. The village is situated along the western coast of Maharashtra and is surrounded by lush green hills and the Arabian Sea. Tarkarli boasts of a long stretch of clean and pristine beach that offers a perfect setting for a relaxing vacation. The crystal-clear water of the Arabian Sea offers an opportunity for water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating. The village is also home to the Sindhudurg Fort, a historical monument that attracts history enthusiasts from across the globe. The best time to visit Tarkarli is between October to February when the weather is pleasant and cool. The village can be easily reached from major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Goa. One can take a bus, train or hire a private vehicle to reach the place. Tarkarli has numerous accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Local cuisine is a must-try for all tourists. The village is known for its seafood delicacies such as fish curry, prawn fry, and sol kadi. Apart from the beach and historical sites, the place also offers a unique cultural experience. The village is home to the Malvani culture, known for its music, dance, and cuisine. Tourists can witness the vibrant culture of the Malvani people during festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri.

7 Mar 2023

Wanderlust

Good News

Indore and Surat Named Cleanest Cities, Maharashtra Emerges as Cleanest State

City Cleanliness Awards: Indore's Seventh Triumph Indore and Surat have been jointly awarded the title of the cleanest cities in India, while Maharashtra has been declared the cleanest state, according to the annual cleanliness rankings released by the Union government. The rankings take into account various factors such as door-to-door waste collection, waste segregation at source, cleanliness of public areas, clean water bodies, and citizen feedback. For seven consecutive years, Indore has maintained its position as the cleanest city in the Swachh Survekshan Awards. Surat, which has consistently been in second place behind Indore for the past three years, has now taken the top spot for the first time. Both cities have achieved impressive milestones, including 100% door-to-door waste collection, 98% waste segregation at source, and 100% remediation of dumpsites. First-Ever Tie: Indore and Surat Share Top Honor In the category of cities with a population over 1 lakh, both Indore and Surat shared the first position. However, in the rankings of large cities with a population over 10 lakh, Indore secured the top spot while Surat followed closely at second place. The evaluation process for the rankings considered several parameters including door-to-door waste collection, waste segregation, cleanliness of public areas, the presence of clean water bodies, and citizen feedback on the cleanliness of their respective cities. This year's awards saw the first-ever tie for the top position, with both Indore and Surat sharing the honor. The third cleanest city in the country according to the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 was Navi Mumbai. State-Level Achievements: Maharashtra Takes the Lead Moving to the state level, Maharashtra emerged as the cleanest state with impressive statistics. The state achieved 89.24% door-to-door waste collection and 67.76% waste segregation at source. Madhya Pradesh secured the second position among states, with 90.59% door-to-door waste collection and 54.1% waste segregation. Apart from the city and state rankings, other notable recognitions were awarded as well. Chandigarh received the accolade for having the best safety standards for sanitation workers, titled Safaimitra Surakshit Shehar. Varanasi was named the cleanest "Ganga town," while Sasvad in Maharashtra was declared the cleanest city with a population below 1 lakh. Mhow Cantonment took the crown for the cleanest cantonment in the country. Bottom Five States: Cleanliness Challenges Persist On the other end of the spectrum, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Nagaland, and Tripura were ranked the bottom five states in terms of cleanliness. The Swachh Survekshan exercise has grown significantly over the years, covering a larger number of cities and urban local bodies. In the 2023 round, a total of 4,416 urban local bodies, 61 cantonments, and 88 Ganga towns were evaluated. The assessment process included 1.58 crore online citizen feedback and 19.82 lakh face-to-face views. At the awards ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the importance of waste management and the need to create wealth from waste. She highlighted the detrimental impact of garbage on health and commended the efforts of the Swachh Bharat Mission in addressing legacy dumpsites. Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri acknowledged the progress made in waste processing, which has increased from 15-16% in 2014 to almost 76% today. He also noted the need to eliminate manual sewer cleaning, which poses risks to sanitation workers. The recognition of Indore, Surat, and Maharashtra as the cleanest cities and state underscores the importance of maintaining cleanliness and sustainable waste management practices across the country.

12 Jan 2024

Good News

Courage Knows No Age: Pune's Six-Year-Old Arishka Laddha Conquers Mount Everest Base Camp

Arishka Laddha, a courageous six-year-old girl hailing from Pune, Maharashtra, has etched her name in history as the youngest Indian girl to conquer the Mount Everest Base Camp. Situated at an awe-inspiring altitude exceeding 17,500 feet, this challenging expedition took Arishka and her mother, Dimple Laddha, on a 15-day journey filled with trials and triumphs. Facing extreme temperatures ranging from -3 to -17 degrees, Arishka braved the harsh conditions by donning layers upon layers of clothing. When asked about her experience, she expressed her happiness and mentioned encountering yaks and mules along the way. Arishka also shared her ambitious desire to climb the summit of Mount Everest. Her mother supported her decision and expressed her willingness to get her trained professionally. Dimple Laddha revealed that the plan to embark on this remarkable journey was impromptu. Despite concerns from experts about taking such a young child, they decide to go ahead, but with caution. She emphasized that Arishka has always led an active lifestyle, frequently trekking forts such as Sinhgad in Pune. The duo's determination and love for adventure enabled them to achieve this remarkable feat. Meanwhile, Nepal, home to eight of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest, anticipates a surge in climbers during the upcoming spring climbing season. Nearly 1,000 climbers, including local guides, are expected to attempt the arduous ascent. Mount Everest, often referred to as Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan, has captivated explorers since it was first identified as the tallest mountain above sea level. Over the years, commercialization has drawn an increasing number of climbers, with over 6,000 individuals having successfully reached its summit. Arishka Laddha's incredible accomplishment at such a tender age serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us that determination and courage know no boundaries. Her unwavering spirit and thirst for adventure have undoubtedly set her on a remarkable path, one that may lead her to conquer the world's highest peak in the future.

10 May 2023

Good News

From Cow Hugs to Ghee-Making: Inside Truly Desi's Cutting-Edge Experience Centre

Truly Desi has taken a massive leap towards sustainability and eco-friendliness by launching its very first state-of-the-art Experience Centre in collaboration with Vrindavan Vedic Farms. The Experience Centre, nestled in the picturesque village of Jambhul in Maharashtra, promises visitors an immersive journey into the world of A2 dairy products and organic farming. The Experience Centre aims to promote organic farming and improve the economic prospects of farmers and rural communities in Maharashtra. It offers visitors an opportunity to learn about regenerative and biodynamic organic agricultural practices and witness them firsthand. The center will display traditional ghee-making processes, cow hugging and feeding, and participation in farming operations such as sowing, harvesting, and more. The Experience Centre also features a meditation and agnihotra center, a fertilizer preparation center, and a buying station where customers can purchase organic products on the spot. Guests can also enjoy farm-fresh supper and unwind in the tranquil farm setting. Truly Desi Co-Founders, Mohit Rathod and Rupali Kakade, emphasized that the Experience Centre aims to provide customers with the transparency they deserve, particularly with the growing need for genuine and easily accessible organic food. The Experience Center aims to foster trust and transparency in the agriculture industry, where sourcing authentic organic products can be challenging. The company offers desi dairy products, organic fruits and vegetables, and certified organic products. Vrindavan Vedic Farm currently has around 100 cows and generates electricity through its Biogas facility. They produce their own organic fertilizer in-house, which is free of chemicals and manufactured from cow dung, urine, biogas slurry, and bacterial cultures. The Experience Center is a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture and providing consumers with authentic and easily accessible organic products. Truly Desi and Vrindavan Vedic Farm's collaborative efforts are sure to make a positive impact on the agriculture industry and benefit farmers and rural communities in Maharashtra.

30 Apr 2023

Good News

From Mumbai to Shirdi: Embark on a Spiritual Journey in India's Newest High-Speed Trains

Shirdi, a small town located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, is a popular destination for both spiritual seekers and tourists. The town is most famous for being the resting place of the revered saint Sai Baba, whose teachings continue to attract people from all over the world. Every year, millions of people visit Shirdi to pay their respects to Sai Baba and seek his blessings. Now, devotees have a reason to rejoice as Shirdi is even more accessible with the introduction of two new Vande Bharat Express trains from Mumbai to Shirdi and Solapur. The CSMT-Shirdi train will run six days a week, with departure from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) at 6:15 am and arriving at Shirdi at 12:10 pm. The train will leave Shirdi at 5:25 pm arriving at CSMT at 11:18 pm. The train will take a stunning route via Thal ghat (Kasara), offering passengers breathtaking views of the ghats. The train will have halting destinations at Dadar, Thane, and Nashik Road, and is expected to cover the distance in seven hours. The Vande Bharat Express trains are equipped with advanced technology, including CCTV cameras and a communication system to speak with crew members in emergencies. The trains also come equipped with Kavach compatibility, meaning they are fitted with the Automatic Train Protection system, which prevents collisions between two trains by activating the braking system when necessary. In addition, these trains will traverse the hilly incline of the ghats without the support of additional locomotives, a feat made possible by the fitting of parking brakes. With their impressive speed and advanced technology, these trains are set to revolutionize travel within Maharashtra, making it easier for locals and tourists alike to explore the state's rich cultural and historical sites. The introduction of these two Vande Bharat Express trains highlights the government's commitment to improving connectivity and infrastructure, ultimately benefiting the people of Maharashtra.

5 Mar 2023

Good News

This New Portal Will Help Trace Your Lost or Stolen Mobile Phones

Now, you don’t need to feel helpless or dejected at the loss of your phone. Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday unveiled a portal to trace lost o stolen phones. The portal has been started on a pilot basis in Maharashtra and will be eventually implemented throughout the country. Speaking at the event, Ravi Shankar said that it is an attempt to leverage the power of technology and communication for the welfare of the people. How The Portal Works Whenever a call is made, the call records display the phone number and the IMEI number of the handset from which the call is made. IMEI ( International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15 digit unique indemnification number present in every phone which is allocated by global industry body GSMA and bodies authorized by it. In the event of loss or theft of your mobile phone, you will have to lodge an FIR and inform the Department of Telecom (DoT) via helpline number 14422. DoT will immediately prevent the use of the reported lost/stolen phone by blocking it. All major service providers like BSNL, Reliance Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, Idea will be informed. If anyone tries to use the phone, these service providers will inform the police and help to track the phone. Advantages Of The Portal The move to block the IMEI number will prevent the mobile phones to duplicate the IMEIs across the network. The DoT is also working on a database of IMEIs called the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) which has access to GSMA’s global IMEI database, allowing comparison of IMEI numbers to identify counterfeit handsets. This new portal will certainly bring down the incidence of mobile phone thefts and help trace lost phones.

17 Sep 2019

Good News

Beware Of Spitting And Littering Around

If you are in Mumbai and you feel like spitting, be careful as there will be marshals around who will extract a fine from you for the offence. The Maharashtra government has imposed a fine on littering, spitting and urinating in public places. For big cities such as Mumbai and Pune, the fine for spitting has been fixed at Rs150, for littering at Rs180 and for urinating at Rs200. Citizens found guilty of any of the above violations will be charged the penalties. This initiative has been undertaken across the state as part of the Swachh Maharashtra drive under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

3 Jan 2018

Good News

Now Shops Can Remain Open For 24 Hours, Maharashtra Becomes First State To Do So

New year and Christmas is going to be really special for the people of Maharashtra as it has become the first state to remain open 24×7. With this overwhelming news, there is happiness, a smile of joy and satisfaction across the state. On Tuesday, the Maharashtra government issued a notification declaring shops to remain open 24×7 throughout the state. However, there will be restrictions on timings of liquor shops and movie theatres. The theatres will have to be shut down by 1 pm and liquor shops timings remain as they are, no change in timings for the closure of liquor shops. Though the Houses of the legislature had cleared the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2017 that allows shops to remain open 24×7 in August itself, the government gave its consent in September and consequently the Act came into effect actually from Tuesday when the state government issued the notification. The new Act of functioning seven days a week actually benefits almost 34 lakh establishments across the state. At the same time, the Act also allows the women to work only if they are willing to between 9.30 pm to 7.00 am. provided the employer ensures their safety and transportation from the establishment to their residence. The workers can work for 9 hours a day or 48 hours a week and must be given twice the wages for overtime. They can also claim weekly holiday and paid leaves. With this, we can very well say the real celebration begins now...

21 Dec 2017

Good News

Now, road trips in Maharashtra will be more comfortable

Solving the problem of open defecation, the state has taken a good step. Maharashtra’s highways may soon get state-of-the-art toilets every 25km. Usually while travelling, citizens feels the need of toilets but have to halt at some restaurants due to unavailability of good public toilets. Now, the public works department (PWD) will soon identify 300 spots to construct modern toilets with the help of oil companies that have their petrol pumps at these spots. The work on construction of 37 toilets will start immediately after the monsoon. The companies will have to maintain the toilets as per international standards and dispose of human waste scientifically for the next 33 years. As per the report published in Hindustan Time, an official from PWD said, “The land along the state highways is usually owned by the PWD. We are identifying spots along the highways where petrol pumps can come up. We will make it mandatory for the oil companies to build state-of-the-art toilets. We had a series of meetings with the companies.” The scheme has been initiated under the Swachcha Maharashtra mission.

17 May 2017

Good News

Proposals from college students to tackle socio-economic problem

Now college students to come up with the solutions for 11 socio-economic challenges that Maharashtra faces. These proposals are a part of Transform Maharashtra, an initiative launched by Action for Collective Transformation (ACT). This organisation aided by state government is started by young socio entrepreneurs. Right from dedicated corpus to fund struggling start-ups to execute energy-efficient community housing projects in record time to producing bio-gas, there are many projects which proposed by many college students to tackle the socio-economic problems in the state. The best five proposals selected in this initiative will be presented in front of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and the state will in return decide how these proposals will be successfully implemented. One team proposal sought to address the issue of urban housing by providing a road map to building energy-efficient homes. with housing being one of the major concern, the team suggested that modular house construction at rapid speed will be a solution for making the city become smart city. While another college suggested that the state generate more of bio-gas on a large scale that will also solve the state’s waste problems. This will also reduce the dependence on liquified petroleum gas (LPG).

4 Apr 2017

Good News

BNHS to ring birds in the state

The Maharashtra Forest Department will now coordinate with Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) to study the bird routes, migration patters and also nesting sites. This initiative has been specially taken for bird ringing. This coordinated work will allow BNHS to compile the data and share the systematic compilation to forest department. BNHS has been ringing birds since 1926 in various parts of the state. BNHS will now draft the protocol for bird ringing. It will provide assistance to non-governmental organisation and educational institutions to undertake such studies, said a BNHS press release. The work of BNHS is known in the field of bird ringing since 1926 in various parts of the state. It will also draft the protocolol for bird ringing and would provide assistance to non-governmental organization and educational institutions and encourage them to undertake studies related to bird ringing. While giving the information to the Times of India, Dr Deepak Apte, director, BNHS said, “BNHS has ringed over a million birds at different places in the Indian subcontinent. It has carried out numerous long-term projects like the Avifauna project and Bird Migration project focusing on the movement of population structure of the Indian Avifauna, and migration pattern of Indian birds and making its data bank respectively.” "We hope the Government of India will also accept our request to make BNHS the nodal agency for bird migration studies at the national level," said Dr. Apte.

28 Mar 2017

Good News

Maharashtra is first state to maintain digital biometric record of criminals

The Maharashtra government will soon replace manual registers of criminals with digital biometric record for the efficient working of the police force. It will create a database of criminals by digitizing their biometric information and photographs. The state government has decided to go for the Automated Multimodal Biometric Identification System (AMBIS) to modernise the police force. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that Maharashtra will be the first state in the country to implement it. The technology used will be most accurate including ultrasonic fingerprint identification, iris recognition, facial imaging and signature samples. An official from the home department said that the cyber crime cell will hand over this Rs 54 crore project to the Maharashtra police. The conviction rate in the state has improved from 42% to 58% this year. At present, of the CCTV footage is not clear, it is not accepted by the court. The biometric system will help to verify a suspect as well as save the data to maintain records. As the results will be accurate, it will be accepted by the courts too. Modernisation of the system was long due and this digital system will help the police to conduct their work promptly and efficiently. There is also a move to connect this system with CCTVs in all police stations, district headquarters and state headquarters. Officials said the technology is currently being used by the US Army and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to profile convicts and suspects. Apart from speeding up the investigation, the biometric system and the use of other advanced software for all type of records will provide accurate information and better results while matching suspects' fingerprints or other records.

26 Mar 2017

Good News

Star Citizens

Maharashtra's Padwoman: Woman Officer Takes Initiative to Make Sanitary Napkins Easily Available at PDS Shops

In a bid to address the lack of access to sanitary napkins among women, Vandana Georaikar, a deputy collector at the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) in Maharashtra, has taken up the challenge to make these essential hygiene products easily available. Georaikar aims to combat the prevailing stigma associated with menstruation and promote better menstrual health practices among women, particularly in rural areas. According to Georaikar, only a small percentage of women in India, particularly in rural areas, use sanitary napkins. This lack of awareness and access to hygienic sanitary products has serious health implications, with a significant number of women facing health issues during their menstrual cycles. A staggering number of women in India succumb to uterine cancer each year, with a majority of cases attributed to the lack of awareness and unhygienic practices. To address this pressing issue, Georaikar proposed a government policy to ensure the regular and easy availability of sanitary napkins. She collaborated with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Hasan Mushriff, the former rural development minister, to discuss the implementation of this policy. Their plan involved leveraging the government-aided public distribution system (PDS) shops, which already serve as a hub for essential commodities, to distribute sanitary pads. Georaikar's efforts received support from various NGOs and business associates who helped in distributing sanitary pads in designated areas. However, she emphasizes the need for a sustainable solution that ensures women have regular access to these essential products. By advocating for a government policy and leveraging existing distribution networks, Vandana Georaikar is determined to make a significant impact on the lives of women in Maharashtra, promoting better menstrual health and hygiene practices and reducing the health risks associated with inadequate menstrual care.

3 Sep 2023

Star Citizens

Breaking Barriers: Meet Asia's First Woman Loco Pilot Driving the Vande Bharat Express

Surekha Yadav, Asia's first woman loco pilot, has yet again made history by becoming the first female to operate the newly-introduced semi-high speed Vande Bharat Express train in India. This achievement is another feather in her cap, adding to her already impressive career as a trailblazer in the male-dominated field of railway engineering. She piloted the semi-high-speed train between Solapur station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai on Monday. The train departed Solapur station at right time on March 13 and reached CSMT five minutes before the scheduled arrival. Ms. Yadav was felicitated at platform number 8 at CSMT. Surekha Yadav, who hails from Satara in the western Maharashtra region, became India's first female train driver in 1988. The Vande Bharat Express, which was launched in 2019, is a semi-high-speed train that can run at speeds of up to 160 km/h. It is India's first semi-high-speed train, and its introduction was seen as a significant milestone in the modernization of Indian Railways. The train has several advanced features such as automatic doors, Wi-Fi, and GPS-based passenger information systems. Surekha Yadav's achievement is an inspiring story of a woman breaking gender barriers and achieving success in a male-dominated profession. Her success sends a powerful message to young women that they can pursue any profession they choose and excel in it.

14 Mar 2023

Star Citizens

This Young Lad Works to Make Rural Women of Maharashtra Self-Reliant

Wasudev Mishra hails from a village in Maharashtra and he has seen many problems that people face on account of poverty and unemployment. He was very disturbed when his sister had to quit school and join a low budget school so that he could continue studying in English medium school. He learned many lessons in self-reliance during an exchange program in the US. On his return, he volunteered for different social projects. He soon realized that he wanted to help the rural women of his village by empowering them with skills that would help them earn. Silaigram Wasudev was only 19 years old when he founded Silaigram in 2018. Silaigram is a social impact startup that aims to provide sustainable livelihood in rural parts of India. Realizing that there was hardly any support for young girls and women to nurture their talent , he decided to empower them with opportunities. In India, tons of cloth waste is generated daily which finds its way into landfills and oceans. In Silaigram, this cloth waste is upscaled to make jholas and kurtis. One Of A Kind Design Lab When a woman worker made a wristband out of waste cloth, Wasudev was very impressed by the creativity .It encouraged him to start a one of a kind design lab for women where they are provided with the necessary material and they are free to make their own designs. This design lab is unique as the fabric design industry is mostly dominated by men. Last year, thousands of kilograms of waste cloth (including synthetic cloth) were upcycled thus preventing it from entering the ocean’s ecosystem. Wasudev was elected as Ashoka young Changemaker in recognition of his ability to bring a positive change. Image Source: YourStory

29 Oct 2019

Star Citizens

Positive Reads

‘No Screen Time' Rule - Could This Be the Next Global Trend?

One fascinating story has created a buzz on social media after Anand Mahindra, the well-known businessman and prominent social media personality, recently tweeted about it. A village in Maharashtra has imposed a daily 'no screen time' period starting at 7 pm. The story has caught the attention of his Twitter followers, many of whom are considering trying out the concept of a "digital detox" for themselves. The village, Mohite Vadgaon, located in Maharashtra has a population of around 3,000 people, and has implemented this rule to tackle online addiction. In addition to this, the village even has a patrolling team that checks every house to ensure that the rule is being followed. The initiative has also inculcated a culture of spending quality time with family members, which the villagers really appreciate. Mahindra's tweet has sparked a discussion on social media, with many people liking the idea and some saying that they are already following the practice and have benefitted from it. In addition, some people also shared other possible versions of similar practices that could be followed, such as having a 'car-free day' once a week. It is surprising to see that a small village in India has taken such an initiative and set an example for the rest of the world. In the age of digital overload, this practice can be beneficial in maintaining mental and physical health, as well as promoting family time and productivity. The fact that Anand Mahindra himself is experimenting with the idea shows how important it is to have a balance between our screen time and other aspects of our lives.

3 Apr 2023

Positive Reads

Alibaug: The Perfect Beach Destination

Alibaug is a small coastal town located in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. It is a popular tourist destination known for its pristine beaches, historical sites, and serene atmosphere. One of the most popular attractions in Alibaug is the Alibaug Beach, which is a pristine stretch of golden sand surrounded by palm trees and crystal-clear waters. The beach is a perfect place for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The nearby Kihim Beach is also worth a visit, with its calm waters and lush green surroundings. Another notable attraction in Alibaug is the Kolaba Fort, which was built in the 17th century by the Maratha King Shivaji. The fort offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and is a popular spot for picnics and sunset viewing. For those interested in history and religion, the Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple is a must-visit. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the holiest places in the region. Alibaug is also known for its lush green landscape and is a perfect destination for nature lovers. The town is surrounded by mango orchards, coconut groves, and lush vegetation, and is a great place for a relaxing walk or picnic. In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Alibaug is also famous for its delicious seafood and traditional Konkani cuisine. Visitors can sample local dishes such as fish curry, solkadi, and bhakri at the many seafood restaurants in the town.

31 Jan 2023

Positive Reads

Gudhi Padwa - Its time for the festivities to begin

Gudhi Padwa is an important festival of the people of Maharashtra which is celebrated to welcome the new year. It also heralds the advent of the spring season which is also closely associated with agriculture. It is believed that on this day, Lord Brahma created the cosmic universe. Therefore, on this auspicious day, Lord Brahma is worshiped and the Gudhi is hoisted to invoke the preserver of the universe, Lord Vishnu to shower his blessings on the family. On this day, people young and old begin their day with a holy bath and wear new clothes. Maharashtrian women generally drape a nauvari which is a nine yard saree and adorn themselves with traditional jewellery. Men are usually dressed in a kurta pyjama and sport a saffron or red turban. Women and children enjoy making beautiful rangolis. Nowadays, people use flowers and candles to make the rangoli look more attractive. The rangoli is meant to ward off negative energies and bring in good luck. On Gudhi Padwa, a red, yellow or saffron cloth which is considered auspicious is hoisted on a stick and a new kalash made of silver, copper or bronze is inverted over it and placed near the entrance of the house. This is called the Gudhi. It is decorated with red and yellow flowers which are believed to be auspicious and symbols of fertility and well being. The Gudhi is a sign of prosperity and good things to come. Usually on festivals, we love to eat sweet prasad, but during Gudhi Padwa, people are treated to a unique preparation made from neem and jaggery which signifies the bitter sweet experiences in the journey of life. Various delicacies are also prepared like puran poli, puri shrikhand, ambe dal, batatyachi bhaji, chana usal and even modaks which are relished on this occasion with family, friends and relatives. A unique interesting fact about this festival is that women in Maharashtra ride motor cycles while wearing nine yard sarees. This tradition has its roots in celebrating heroic Marathi women in history who rode horses. As Gudhi Padwa is considered auspicious, people usually wait for this day to buy a new home or a vehicle. This day is of great significance in some other states of India and is known by various names such as Ugadi in Telugu and Yugadi in Kannada. I wish all my readers a happy Gudhi Padwa. May the New Year bring prosperity to all.

27 Mar 2017

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