Category Archives: Inspiration / Positive News and Features

Duo give wings to their dreams

Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All
Flying Officers Shivangi Singh and Prathiba Poonia are all smiles at the Combined Graduation Parade at Air Force Academy, Dundigal, on Saturday.

Two more women fighter pilots inducted into IAF

Two more young women fighter pilots, who were inducted into Indian Air Force, were the cynosure of all eyes on Saturday.

The smiles turned to tears of joy and pride for Flying Officers Shivangi Singh and Prathiba, as soon as they came off from the parade ground at the Dundigal Air Force Academy, to meet their families and friends, with hugs, wishes and photo sessions taking over from there.

For them, it was their childhood dream to become a pilot, and their inspiration were Flying Officers Mohana Singh, Bhawana Kanth and Avani Chaturvedi, first women fighter pilots in IAF.

It was Shivangi Singh’s childhood dream to “fly like a free bird” that inspired her to join IAF. Shivangi, a native of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh who completed her graduation in B.Sc (Physics). said convincing her parents and relatives was a big task for her.

“We stay in a joint family. When I declared that I want to join the forces and serve the nation, my parents and other family members were hesitant . Slowly, I started proving myself in sports and other activities and they finally agreed,” she said.

However, Prathiba said that her father inspired her to join the IAF.

Prathiba, who hails from Rajgarh in Rajasthan, is the daughter of an ex-Army officer Chhoturam Poonia. She did her B.Tech (Computer Science) and then joined the IAF.

The duo will now undergo further training on Hawks in Bidar.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Abhinay Deshpande / Hyderabad – December 16th, 2017

Varanasi gets first woman coolie before woman mayor

Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All
Kamlawati, widow of a coolie Pramod Kumar Gaud, received her badge on Wednesday

Varanasi :

The city before getting its woman mayor after the results of civic polls on Friday got the first . With her ‘Billa’ (badge) no-243′ Kamlawati, the mother of four, is mentally prepared to carry the luggage loads of passengers. Kamlawati, widow of a coolie Pramod Kumar Gaud, received her badge on Wednesday.

“As per policy guidelines of the Railway Board, the badge may be transferred to the family member, irrespective of the gender,” the chief area manager Ravi Prakash Chaturvedi told TOI.

“I am happy that the badge of my late husband was transferred to me. It will help me in rearing my children,” said Kamlawati (35), whose husband died in December 2016 owing to some ailment. She is ready to carry the loads of others to look after her three daughters and a son. Her eldest daughter Saloni (14) studies in class 8th, while Soumya (11) in 7th and Shrishti (10) in 5th class. The three-year-old Shresyansh is yet to begin his schooling. “I know the job of coolie needs physical strength as it is a difficult task for a woman like me, but I will do it for the sake of my children,” she said adding that she will join her duty when asked by the authorities.

Hailing from Deoria district Kamlawati lives with the family of her brother-in-law Sikandar Gaud, who is a constable in GRP, in a railway quarter of New Railway Colony near Cantonment station.

The coolie fraternity at the Cantt station is also haapy and ready to extend all support to her while on duty. “We tried to get the badge transferred to her so that she can earn living for her small kids. All of us will happily provide all support to her,” said the president of Varanasi unit of All India Coolie Union Kedar Yadav adding that she will be the first woman coolie in Northern Railway. According to him, a total of 194 coolies are there at Cantt railway station.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Varanasi News / by Binay Singh / TNN / November 30th, 2017

This childless couple in UP are now parents to 51 children

Inspiration / Positive News and Features
Meena (far L) & her family in Muzaffarnagar

HIGHLIGHTS

The couple runs an orphanage on an eight-bigha plot of donated land in Shukrtaal

Nearly a decade into their marriage, they discovered that a tumour in Meena’s uterus rendered her unable to bear children

Currently, they have 46 children under their care and the entire expenditure is met through donations
_________________________________________________

Muzaffarnagar :

Unable to have children of their own, a farmer couple here decided to adopt an abandoned, disabled boy in 1990. Nearly three decades later, they are the proud parents of 51 such children.

The couple runs an orphanage on an eight-bigha plot of donated land in Shukrtaal. There is also a small school on the premises. Currently, they have 46 children under their care — most of the others grew up, took up jobs, got married, and moved away — and the entire expenditure is met through donations.

Meena Rana, 50, of Kudana village in Shamli, married to Baghpat resident Virender Rana, 55, in 1981. Nearly a decade into their marriage, they discovered that a tumour in Meena’s uterus rendered her unable to bear children. They then moved to Shukrtaal in 1990, bought a small plot, and adopted a one-year-old abandoned boy whom they named Mangeram. The child died five years later, but the couple did not stop bringing other abandoned children home.

“I do not care whether they are Hindus or Muslims. All I know is that they are my children. Our main focus is the education of these children,” said Meena.

Of the 46 children living with them now, 19 are girls and 27 boys, many of them physically challenged. The orphanage has a fully equipped kitchen, rooms and a big playground.

“The Shukrtaal gram panchayat provided us with a bigger plot of land. For supplies and other essentials, we mostly depend on donations. Our neighbours provide us with wheat and other basic food items,” said Virendra

Mamta, a 22-year-old raised by the couple, is currently pursuing postgraduation at a district college. “I do not know what my future would have been had they not taken me into their care. I owe them my life,” she said. Mamta is among several charges who have completed their graduation and now volunteer at the orphanage.

“Not many can do what Meena and Virendra have been doing. Giving them the land was the least we could do to help them,” said Shukrtaal pradhan Susheel Sharma.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Lucknow News / by Mohd. Dilshad / TNN / December 08th, 2017

To end VIP culture, UP ADM commutes on cycle for official meetings, daily chores

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders

Muzaffarnagar :

Taking a step towards ending VIP culture and spread the message among other officials in the district, additional district magistrate (ADM) of Muzaffarnagar, Harish Chandra, is trying to set an example here.

Chandra not only commutes by bicycle from his home to office and other places for official meetings, but also completes his daily chores on it. He also never has security personnel with him.

A 1997 batch provincial civil services (PCS) official, 40-year-old Chandra had taken to riding a bicycle during his previous stint in Saharanpur as well. On seeing the ADM take a bicycle to work, the district bar association president, Thakur Anup Singh, also appealed to his associates to start using bicycles instead of travelling by cars or buses in a bid to reduce pollution. “I will soon put a proposal to bring bicycles while coming for the bar meeting,” he said.

“I use the bicycle even for my daily chores. It saves time and fuel,” said ADM Chandra.

Advocate Firoz Rana, who has a chamber only 100 yards away from the ADM office, said, “I know many my associates would like to bring the bicycle to work. I am sure in the coming days they will also use it.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Meerut News / by Mohd Dilshad / TNN / November 29th, 2017

Chetan Chauhan’s promise to Uttar Pradesh Olympic medalists: Win medal, get 3 crore

Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Sports

Chetan Chauhan, former Indian cricket team opener and sports minister of Uttar Pradesh, has announced Olympic medal winners will be given an additional Rs 3 crore in addition to the one they receive from the Central government and has said the state of Uttar Pradesh is undertaking special efforts to promote women sportspersons.

Chetan Chauhan has announced that the additional Rs 3 crore for Olympic medal winners apart from the one that they receive from the Central government is a bid to encourage sportspersons across the state.(PTI)

Former Indian cricketer and sports minister of Uttar Pradesh, Chetan Chauhan has announced that Olympic medal winners will be given an additional Rs 3 crore apart from the one that they receive from the Central government in a bid to encourage sportspersons across the state.

Chauhan was speaking at the closing ceremony of the sports meet in Agra where he declared that the state government had been planning to pump up the rewards in tune with that of the Central government. He also stated that necessary arrangements are being made to step up the quality of football in the state as well.

Urged youngsters to stay fit and healthy, Chauhan said: “The ODI format came in when I was almost at the end of my career. These days there’s Test, ODI, Twenty20 and then the Indian Premier League and so on. It’s very important to stay fit. Back in my days a bowler could bowl at the same speed in the first hour of the day and the last. These days, you can’t see this anymore.”

He further went on to add that the state and the central governments were working in unison to promote local talent, and were driving special campaigns in rural areas.

Referring to women cricketers Deepti Sharma and Poonam Yadav, Chauhan further went on to add: “Special efforts are being undertaken to promote women players, the result of which could be seen at the previous World Cup. The players stated that they want women sportspersons to get opportunities in every discipline and not cricket in order to boost their morale. I would want the governments to support these players financially to help them in the process. The Union Sports minister has stated that there are a few areas that require supervision. We have charted out a few plans and will soon implement it as well.”

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> Cricket / by HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times – Mumbai / December 01st, 2017

Old beauties rally for a cause

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders
Navniet Sekera (BCCL/ Aditya Yadav)

In a bid to spread the message of ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ and ‘Drive Safe and Phone Later’, a vintage car rally was organised by a city club recently. The rally was flagged off by Navniet Sekera, IG 1090, from 1090 crossing and concluded at a five-star hotel in Gomti Nagar.

Rati Narain and Aditi (BCCL/ Aditya Yadav)

Chief guest Arvind Kumar, principal secretary Home, UP, welcomed the participants at the end point. “A lot of accidents happen on a daily basis in Lucknow because of drunk driving and also because of people using mobile phones while driving. Together, we need to spread awareness among people regarding following the traffic rules and regulations,” said Kumar while addressing the participants.

Paritosh Chauhan (R) Sona and Alka (BCCL/ Aditya Yadav)

The vintaged beauties attracted a large number of spectators, both at the starting and end point. Several people took selfies with the vintage cars, while their owners were spotted protecting their cars from any kind of scratches during the process.

Paritosh Chauhan (R) Sona and Alka (BCCL/ Aditya Yadav)

Sandeep Narain came with his three priceless beauties – 1947 MG, 1936 Packard and 1961 Fiat Pininfarina. However, due to some technical fault, his 1961 Fiat Pininfarina stopped midway creating a small traffic congestion. Interestingly, Captain Paritosh Chauhan came with six of his vintage cars.
— By Prachi Arya

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Lucknow News / TNN / November 16th, 2017

Aam Ladki spreads Lucknow’s charm with the power of the web

Business & Economy, Inspiration / Positive News and Features

This ‘aam ladki’ is unleashing the power of web to spread Lucknowi charm across the globe .

The road to entrepreneurship isn’t easy. Supreet Bhatia knew this but she was determined that nothing could deter her from achieving her entrepreneurial dreams. She aspired to become her own boss, and take on the world of e-retail by storm, and she took her first steps in 2014. She left her career in Marketing Communications and founded Lucknowi Andaaz , an online apparel store, for spreading the magic of Lucknow’s exquisite hand- embroidered Chikankari apparel.

Today, in a span of just 3 years, she has established her online portal as a brand, which is well known for its quality handcrafted products and timely delivery not just in India, but across the world.

When we asked Supreet what motivated her to give up her initial fears and drive towards her ambitious project, here is what she had to share.

When did you decide that you want to sell online?

I was an avid online shopper since the onset of online retail culture in India. I started off with a blog where I shared my online shopping experiences to break stereotypes, which eventually led to the business idea of online retail. I was looking for trusted ecommerce builders to help me create the online presence for my business and found a partner in GetMeAShop ; they took over my digital challenges and created my digital shop, while I focused entirely on sourcing the best Lucknowi collections.

Was there a moment when you considered giving up?

No. The undying spirit is what makes for a successful entrepreneur, and I think of myself as one. Yes, there were times I wanted to handle all roles myself but I never thought of giving up. In fact, I decided to delegate tasks and opted and formed right partnerships, and this made my journey in the business world smoother.

What has been your greatest reward which kept on inspiring you?

Independence to take my own decisions, to make my own mistakes and learning from them. Another greatest reward is customer satisfaction. Happy customers inspire me to leave no stone unturned when it comes to providing the best. In Feb 2016, I got the opportunity to share my brand’s story through Facebook India to encourage local marketers to sell online, and I consider it a big achievement for the 27-year-old-me.

Keeping in mind the social and cultural bondages which generally trim down the freedom, confidence and boldness of women, what advice do you have for small business woman entrepreneurs from small towns & cities?

Stop thinking, start acting and take charge. Become self dependent. You want to be treated equal to men, then start acting the same way. Take your own responsibility, work hard and don’t give up. Women have greater courage, intelligence and a knack for entrepreneurship; they just have to stop underestimating themselves. I’m from a small town myself and have always given maximum priority to my work, and I am happy about it.

Where do you see yourself and your business (es) in the next 5 years?

5 years is a long time to plan ahead. I take one day, one challenge at a time. I’m quite spontaneous that way. When an idea strikes, there’s nothing stopping me so who knows what’s in store for Lucknowi Andaaz in the time to come.

Press Release by GetMeAShop via Brandwire.in

source: http://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / ET Home> News> BrandWire> Technology> Internet & Apps / Brand Story by GetMeAShop / Brandwire / May 22nd, 2017

UP lad to represent India in arm-wrestling

Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Sports
Recalling a moment when he was in Class VIII, he how he tamed a tall fellow who used to fight with his friends for sitting in the front row in the classroom

Lucknow :

Being restricted to the wheelchair couldn’t stop 23-year-old Surya Pratap Sharma from flexing his muscles. This UP lad, who has an MBA degree under his belt, aims to bring laurels for the country by competing for the Armwrestling World Cup for Disabled to be held in Poland from November 17-21.

Sharma, who hails from Deoria, told TOI that since an early age he had an inclination towards sports. “I used to watch children of my age play cricket and football, while I had to be on a wheelchair. But this did not discourage me from venturing into sports. I had enormous strength in my arms and thought I could capitalise that to the maximum,” said Sharma.

Recalling a moment when he was in Class VIII, he how he tamed a tall fellow who used to fight with his friends for sitting in the front row in the classroom.

While, 2014 was a water-shed moment for him when Sharma enrolled for BCom course at Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University in Lucknow.

“Some seniors guided my strength into arm-wrestling and teachers kept mentoring me to keep moving. I first entered in a championship in 2014 at New Delhi and since then has never looked back,” said Sharma. My hero is Saju an arm-wrestler from the state of Kerala.

With a shine in his eyes Sharma said his family has been very supportive especially his elder brother Onkar Nath, who works as an HR in a private company in New Delhi. “I will surely bring laurels for my country,” said Sharma.

Sharma was given a cash reward of Rs 50,000 by the Lucknow SSP as a token of encouragement. Lucknow SSP Deepak Kumar said that schools and colleges must include sports in curriculum to encourage children who have sportive bent of mind.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Lucknow News / Schools & Colleges / TNN / November 11th, 2017

Suresh Raina made ambassador of Ghaziabad

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Sports

Ghaziabad(Cricketnmore)

Cricketer Suresh Raina was made the brand ambassador of the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC) at a programme here on Sunday.

“It is a matter of pride for Ghaziabad that Suresh Raina, an international star, is the brand ambassador of GMC and also the brand ambassador of Swachh Bharat Mission,” said V.K. Jindal, Joint Secretary and Director of Swachh Bharat Mission.

Ghaziabad Municipal Commissioner C.P. Singh added: “I am grateful to Raina for accepting my proposal to be the brand ambassador of our Municipal Corporation.”

Raina is a resident of Ghaziabad. It is the only city among 16 municipal corporations in Uttar Pradesh which has been declared open defecation free.

Raina said: “I will offer my best services to the municipal body. I have been emotionally attached to this city. This city gave me strength so that we could win the World Cup.”

source: http://www.cricket.yahoo.com / Yahoo Cricket / Home / by Sahir Usman / October 29th, 2017

Man on bicycle mission to protect environment

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features
Ajay Krantikari on a cycle mission

Allahabad :

About five years back, environment crusader Ajay Krantikari has launched ‘cycling campaign’ in a small village of Patti block of Pratapgarh district to spread message that cycling keeps one healthy and fit and also protects environment. Now, more than 10,000 people, particularly students, have joined his cycle campaign club in Patti, Mandhata, Belha, Shivgarh, Sadar, Laxmanpur and Gaura blocks of the district.

As on daily routine, Krantikari visits government offices, commercial establishments, educational institutes and other public places, urging people to be a part of cycle campaign to protect the environment from vehicular pollution. He interacts with people and apprise them about the benefits of cycling.

Krantikari said, “In 2012, I and some students had started cycling campaign at Ram Raj Inter College in Patti. Within a short span of time, hundreds of youngsters joined my club named it Green Transporting Club (GTC).”

In next two years, around 3,000 people, mainly students became the members of the club. They encourage their friends, relatives and neighbours for cycling at least once a week.

On every Sunday, young members of the club go out for cycling mission in villages and mohallahs, appealing people to adopt cycling at least one day in a week. They said that it it would help in saving petrol and diesel and also protect environment from vehicular pollution.

The campaign got a boost when the authorities of nagar palika, Behla decided to turn the nagar palika area into green zone and encouraged its employees to come on bicycles.

Executive officer, Behla nagar palika, Awadesh Kumar said, “I have urged the employees to spread the message of environment protection and come to office on bicycles. Many employees have started to come on bicycles.

Krantikari said that the rising number of vehicles are increasing air pollution even in small towns. He claimed that people from neighbouring districts like Allahabad, Jaunpur Kaushambi and Sultanpur have joined the club in order to protect environment.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Allahabad News / by Kapil Dixit / October 29th, 2017