Uttar Pradesh

Two years ago, this sugarcane farmer made a decision that helped turn all his losses into an additional source of income! It was to do pearl farming. Today, his additional annual income is to the tune of Rs 8 lakhs!

In 2011, the retired postman used all his life savings and the gold jewellery belonging to his wife, Tajamulli Begum, to construct a replica of the Taj next to his house in the village of Kaser Kalan in the Bulandshahr district of Western Uttar Pradesh.

“I came from a lower middle-class family. I know the value of small things that can light up a festival."

The students run around 12 batches, and teach some 500 children from bastis around the campus.

Even as we all relish the delicious snacks and create intricate rangolis, some states follow their own unique traditions over these five days. Here is is a look at five of them.

A leader who was worshiped by his regiment, the daring hero of Dograi was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for his incredible courage and exemplary leadership.

A shrewd administrator with a penchant for going after the corrupt, Bhure Lal served in the Indian Army for seven years and saw action during the 1965 Indo-Pak war!

“The quintessential 21st-century woman, an ace at any responsibility she is trusted with! I got to know that she is very hard-working. Despite the fact that she has a newborn, she did not take childcare leave. She opted to go to duty.”

Incredibly, this IAS officer went all the way to the Supreme Court to prove his disability did not hamper his dedication!

When he tested the model on the school grounds, it was a raging success. From the district level of the Inspire Awards to the state and national level exhibitions, his invention won laurels.