Tamil Nadu

Fighting cancer and a conservative background to chase her scientist dreams, B Vijayalakshmi belonged to that rare community of people who develop new ways to sail if they cannot change the direction of the wind.

India has earned itself the title of being the fastest developing solar power industry in the world, while also boasting of being the lowest cost producer of solar power in the world.

“On the one hand, I knew I wanted to make someone happy by giving them hair for a wig, but at the same time, I felt scared. I kept thinking of friends’ reaction. My mother kept telling me about all the blessings I would get for this, and I think that is what helped me.”

District Collector Sandeep Nanduri would frequently receive petitions for jobs from the differently-abled. Realising that it wasn't possible to provide government jobs to everyone, he decided to enable them to run their own venture!

This garden is inspired not just by Japanese farmer and philosopher Masanobu Fukuoka’s method of natural farming but also puts to use principles of agroecology, permaculture strategies, and the Miyawaki Method of afforestation.

"Whether it is the middle of the night or an insufferably hot afternoon, I never refuse a ride to a woman. Even after my 8-9 hour shift has ended," says the 48-year-old Raji who has been driving an auto for 20 years now!

Apart from growing chemical-free food, he also created a seed bank named Aadhiyagai (which means first blooming in Tamil), with more than 300 native vegetable and fruit seeds.

"I was 12 when I began working in paper mills and workshops. I don't want any child to face such difficulties and give up on their dreams, so I do whatever I can to help." #Respect #RealLifeHero #ImpactThatMatters

But don’t let the norms of any restaurant dictate how much plastic you generate. Carry your own bottles, straws and containers and win the game of eco-friendly living!

Way back in 1996, a farmer won the panchayat elections and took a bank loan to set up a community windmill. Today, this panchayat is not just free of any dependence on the govt. for its power needs, it has also ensured drinking water and housing for all its residents!