Unsung Heroes

U. Sagayam is a senior IAS officer in Tamil Nadu, who is widely known and appreciated for his anti-corruption activities. Here are 10 amazing things to know about the officer, who will make you believe in the power of civil services.

Plastic waste is a menace everywhere in the country. Meet the Plastic Man of India who has found a solution to reduce this waste by building roads and making stone coated with plastic waste.

Modern urban life, exciting and rewarding as it may be for many, brings its own share of problems. People feel isolated being away from family, don’t have time to make lasting friends, and often feel depressed. Helping Hand volunteers counsel those who have no one else to turn to and provide support to mental health professionals as well. Read more about this unique organization.

This is the story of one man who decided to democratise communication and create a media platform where everybody can become a reporter – with just a mobile phone.

An Australian, Mark Balla, has been raising funds for the construction of toilets in Indian schools since 2013. After making an eye-opening visit to a school in Dharavi, Mumbai, he decided to set up a charity that aims to build 20,000 toilets in schools so that teenage girls never have to leave their education midway.

Hemant Patel has personally witnessed what hunger can do to people — not once but twice. The first time was when his own daughter was sick and he had no money to feed her. And the second time was after the 2002 riots in Gujarat when he saw hundreds of people sitting outside a hospital with no food. In the 13 years since then, Hemant has been going regularly to government hospitals and slums to provide meals to the poor. This is his story.

Meet Kinkri Devi - the environmentalist from Himachal Pradesh who fought against limestone quarrying in Sirmaur district. Noticing the immense environmental damage cause due to quarrying, Kinkri Devi chose to speak up and took the mine owners to court. This is her story.

This is the extraordinary story of three young girls and their never-say-die spirit, which has changed the education scenario in a small village near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. They faced apathy, taunts and humiliation in their battle against ignorance and deep conservatism. Thanks to their efforts, 90% of the children in their village attend school today.

Far from home and loved ones, these heroes sacrifice their own lives so the entire nation can sleep in peace. The stories of their courage and passion are larger than life. Read on and be inspired by 10 such army heroes – they are legends whose tales will not just make your chests swell with pride, but whose sacrifices will leave your eyes a little moist.

Dr. Vishal Rao, a Bangalore based oncologist, has developed a voice prosthesis that can help throat cancer patients speak after surgery. And unlike the extremely expensive ones available in the market today, this device will cost just Rs. 50.