The Better India

Four years ago, a freak bus accident turned Rishi Krishna’s life upside down, leading to the loss of his right arm. For many, such a tragedy might have spelt the end of possibilities, but for Rishi, it was the beginning of a new purpose.

He teamed up with his friends and decided to make a prosthetic arm that he could actually use. What began as a college project soon evolved into Symbionic — an affordable assistive technology startup designing prosthetics that are lightweight, customisable, and intuitive.

Rishi’s frustration with the lack of practical options fuelled his resolve. “After my amputation, I started looking at all the prosthetic options available in the market and realised that the decent ones were upwards of Rs 20 lakh,” he told YourStory.

Symbionic broke barriers by creating prosthetic arms made from bio-grade plastics and locally sourced materials, slashing the cost to just Rs 2 lakh — a price that could make a real difference for millions of Indians.

With features like a rotatable wrist, individual finger control, and a functional thumb, Symbionic’s prosthetics go beyond functionality to mimic natural body movements while prioritising comfort.

Today, Symbionic is more than just a product; it’s a story of resilience, empathy, and innovation.

#Symbionic #Innovation #Motivation #Prosthetics

[Symbionic, innovation, motivation, prosthetics]

Kerala is setting the stage for a sustainable future!

In a groundbreaking move, the Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (KIIDC) is replacing plastic bottles with bio-bottles made from starch and Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), the first of its kind in India.

These innovative bottles, produced from materials like corn and sugarcane, are not just eco-friendly but also biodegradable. The caps and labels will be compostable, making the entire packaging system green.

Within just six months, these bottles will decompose in the soil, leaving no trace of environmental harm, and if incinerated, they won’t pollute the air.

The initiative comes in partnership with Kochi-based startup '8 Specialists', who are helping manufacture these bottles using bio-foam at KIIDC's Thodupuzha and Aruvikkara plants.

While the cost of these eco-friendly bottles may initially be higher, Kerala's move is a bold step in the fight against plastic waste.

Here's to a cleaner, greener tomorrow!

#Sustainable #Kerala #EcoFriendlyIndia #ZeroWaste #BiodegradableBottles #SustainablePackaging

[bio-bottles, plastic alternative, biodegradable bottles, Kerala sustainability, eco-friendly packaging, bioplastics, PLA bottles]

Imagine needing a visa to travel from Jaipur to Hyderabad.

That could've been our reality… if not for one man - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, The India’s Iron Man.

#historyofindia #DidYouKnow #FirstinIndia #HomeMinister #DeathAnniversary #ironman

[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Death Anniversary, History of India, Iron Man of India]

In India, 1 in 5 girls drops out of school after they start menstruating — simply because they can't afford basic menstrual hygiene.

This harsh reality leads to lost education, stigma, and limited futures.

That’s where Aashraya Seth steps in – In 2019, he founded Impact91 and Happy Periods India to fight period poverty and ensure menstrual equity for girls in underserved communities.

His breakthrough?
The Pad Bank — a ₹2,500 (~$25), non-electric vending machine that dispenses 25 biodegradable pads.

Today, over 200 schools across India have these machines installed, supporting 80,000+ girls and ensuring they never have to miss school because of their periods.

But Aashraya didn’t stop there. His movement goes beyond machines:

✅ 58,000 school-going girls receive free sustainable menstrual products every month.
✅ 5,000 rural women and girls trained to make cloth pads, many now earning a stable livelihood.
✅ A powerful chatbot that educates 60,000+ menstruators on sexual and reproductive health, rights, and dignity.

On this Menstrual Hygiene Day, let's celebrate changemakers like Aashraya who are breaking taboos and ensuring that menstruation doesn't hinder a girl's education.

Impact91

#MenstrualHygieneDay #PeriodPoverty #HappyPeriods #PadBank #Education #MenstrualHealth #Menstruation

Amidst the devastation in Kerala, road safety could easily be neglected. But Vivekanandan M, a true hero, is unstoppable.

He is tirelessly cleaning signboards, that were obscured by mud during the flood and harsh weather, restoring clarity and safety to the roads.

Kudos to him! He reminds us that even small efforts can make a big difference.

Credits : vivekanandan_vlogs on IG

#Roadsafetyweek #roadsafety #KeralaHero #CommunitySpirit #SafetyFirst #Kerala #Inspiration

[Road safety week, Road safety, Kerala, Community Hero, Inspiration]

Born into poverty and almost abandoned at birth, Sanjita Mohapatra refused to give up.

When Sanjita was born in Rourkela, Odisha, her mother was disheartened. After two daughters, the family was hoping for a son.

It was only her elder sister’s insistence that stopped her parents from giving her away.

Growing up, she faced gender bias, financial struggles, and societal pressure. But with the help of teachers, scholarships, and social organisations, she powered through.

A degree in mechanical engineering
A job as Assistant Manager at SAIL
Built her family a home with her salary
Married a supportive partner who believed in her dream
Finally, in her fifth attempt, Sanjita cleared the UPSC exam in 2019.

Today, at 34, she serves as the CEO of Amravati Zilla Parishad in Maharashtra, working tirelessly to improve health and education in the district, empower women through self-help groups, and transform government schools.

#IASOfficer #UPSCJourney

Freedom, adventure, and connection — my heart craved it, and I found it.
~Saraswati Iyer

#SoloTravel #SustainableTravel #WomenWhoTravel #Inspiration #ExploreIndia #TravelStories

[Women Travelling, Women Safety, Saraswati Iyer, Safe Travels For Women, Social Media Influencer, Vlogger]

Can polluted lakes heal naturally?

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University’s innovative vetiver floats are showing us how!

These buoyant hydroponic platforms, equipped with vetiver plants, act as nature’s water filters—removing harmful pollutants, reviving aquatic life, and restoring biodiversity.

At Coimbatore's Ukkadam Lake, this green technology is already making waves, and it’s ready to scale up across India. A simple, sustainable, and scalable way to bring our lakes back to life.

Share this post to spread the word!

#Sustainability #CleanWater #LakeRestoration #Vetiver #EcoInnovation #PositiveNews

[Tamil Nadu, Vetiver, Eco Innovation]

After 16 years in corporate life, Aniish Shah was inspired by his terrace garden to start full-time farming.

In 2016, he left a cushy VP role to finally pursue his passion, and today he earns over Rs 60 lakh a year.

But his journey wasn't easy!
✅Lost ₹8 lakh in his first farming venture due to the harsh climate and poor soil in Maharashtra.
✅Instead of giving up, he took courses in permaculture and biodynamic farming.

In 2017, he built 'Earth Harvests' — a farm-to-table venture that connects over 50,000 customers with weekly crates of fresh, chemical-free produce.

He also started consulting and helped others set up terrace gardens, vertical farms, and hydroponic systems.

In 2019, he transformed 30 acres into a biodynamic farm with over 20 crops, including turmeric, corn, mangoes, and pepper.
✅Adopted sustainable methods — Companion planting, natural pest control, green manure, Jeevamrutha, biochar, and a seed bank.
✅Practices agroforestry — Grows silver oak, sandalwood, bananas, papayas, and more on 1.5 acres.
✅Built a community of farmers — Sources from farmers in Karjat and Satara; ensures fair pricing and dignity.

“Make food your medicine, and you’ll never have to worry about illness,” says Aniish.

Read More : https://lnkd.in/dRWz2CNd

#OrganicFarming #FarmToTable #MBA #SustainableLiving #Agriculture #Entrepreneur #GreenIndia #UrbanFarmer

Vultures once used to be India’s unsung heroes, keeping the environment clean by devouring carcasses and preventing disease outbreaks.

In the 1990s, their population fell by over 95%, largely due to a cattle painkiller toxic to them. This triggered a sanitation crisis, contributing to 500,000 human deaths between 2000 and 2005 and causing economic losses in billions.

Today, efforts are underway to save these keystone species, with passionate individuals working to revive their populations.

Swipe to discover why vultures are vital for our survival and how some heroes are working tirelessly to save their populations. >>

Premsagar Mestri

#NationalBirdDay #SaveTheVultures #WildlifeConservation #VultureProtection #EnvironmentalHeroes

[Vultures, Wildlife Conservation, National Bird Day, Biodiversity, Vulture Conservation, Wildlife Hero]

“They said, ‘Lock him up.’ We said, ‘Watch him shine!’
Today, Samar is breaking stereotypes and proving that every child deserves love, patience, and a chance.

This #AutisticPrideDay, we celebrate neurodiversity and the right to be proud of who we are.

#AutisticPrideDay #InclusionMatters #AutismAcceptance #AutismAwareness #InclusionMatters #BreakTheStigma

When the plane fell, humanity rose on pure instinct.

On June 12, as flames engulfed the wreckage of AI 171, the people of Ahmedabad didn’t wait for help.Raju Patel, a construction businessman, and his team ran straight into the fire despite no training or gear.

With no stretchers in sight, they turned sarees and bedsheets into lifelines, carrying the injured to safety.

They stayed for hours, retrieving charred passports, jewellery, even a Bhagavad Gita—every item handed to authorities with care.

But the spirit of service didn’t stop there.

Even when hospitals ran low on blood, Amdavadis poured their heart out. In just two hours, over 900 units were collected.

Volunteers managed traffic, fed grieving families, and offered shelter, serving over 2,000 people.

Even animals weren’t forgotten.

Doctors and rescuers from Darshana Animal Welfare stepped in to save the voiceless.

In the face of devastation, Ahmedabad displayed a kind of courage no manual can teach.

#AhmedabadCrash #AI171Crash #AhmedabadAccident

For decades, one man brought healthcare within reach for thousands in Tamil Nadu at just ₹10 a visit.

Dr. T.A. Kanagarathinam, fondly known as the “Ten-Rupee Doctor,” passed away at 96 on June 7 in Pattukkottai.

On June 7, at the age of 96, he passed away, leaving behind not just a legacy of service, but a community that called him family.

A life lived for others. A name etched in countless hearts.

🕊️Rest in power, Dr. Kanagarathinam. You showed the world what true healing looks like.

#TenRupeeDoctor #DrKanagarathinam #Respect #HealthcareHero #TamilNadu #RealHeroes #InMemoriam #ServiceAboveSelf #RIP