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Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], December 16: The Innovators Against Covid (IAC) program, launched by Vruksh Ecosystem Foundation and supported by GIZ India, has chosen five aspiring innovators who are providing solutions in healthcare, education, and livelihood in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has disrupted nearly all businesses and will continue to change how organisations operate and do business in the future. The IAC programme was launched with the goal of having a high-touch engagement with innovators, building solutions to the Covid-19 response, and providing them with a cohesive environment with stakeholders from local geography to collaborate and build future startup companies.

Arasi Arul brought a one-of-a-kind solution to address and meet the needs of elderly people who live away from their children. Individuals have been isolated due to widespread lockdown and preventative measures, which have harmed the global economy and limited access to physical and mental healthcare. However, the elderly, who have been disproportionately affected by both the virus and the lockdown measures, have reaped the fewest benefits from digital solutions. Arasi started a virtual caretaker service for parents who live away from their children.

School closures widen learning inequalities and hurt vulnerable children and youth disproportionately. 60.5% of the world’s student population was affected by school closures; 1.05 a billion learners in 109 countries were out of school. The Ekatra team, Prasenjit, Viresh, Abhijeet & Suraj took upon this challenge to build a tool for educators and organisations to deliver learning at scale, combining the power of Text (SMS & WhatsApp), Audio & Video communication. For a simple breakdown of how Ekatra works, once the courses are uploaded onto the Ekatra platform, the teacher can choose what time of day to send their daily text (500-700 characters each), as well as if they want to receive their course over Whatsapp, or SMS. They receive an image for visual cues followed by an audio call that enables instructors to answer students’ queries over a synchronous medium. Ekatra’s long term vision is to provide education to millions without access to adequate education, or even the internet, worldwide.

The M19 Initiative led by Richa & Vaibhav; started in March 2020 as a response to the pandemic. Their maker space, Maker’s Asylum, started making face shields to support the frontline workers only to realise that they could make a few in the lab while the situation demanded a lot more. That was the beginning of the M19 Collective – Makers fighting COVID19. In the last year, the collective manufactured not only 1 million face shields in 49 days but also active respirators, rebreathers, sanitisers, intubation boxes and much more. Since April 2021, the collective has reunited to work on the scarcity of oxygen in the country. This engagement aims to adopt an innovative approach for a decentralised model of knowledge sharing for manufacturing by connecting different maker spaces and outreach to local communities as well as to ideate and develop solutions for responding to the challenge of equipment repairs and their product life-extension. It can enable manufacturers to meet immediate needs relating to COVID-19 Response, including through local manufacturing, repair and maintenance, and thereby contribute towards Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy. Makers Asylum has now started hosting Repair Cafe – a unique initiative to build capacity in the country to repair oxygen concentrators.

On similar lines, and as an active part of the M19 Collective, Fablab Nagpur gave a place for innovators to power their Ideas, a playground for inventions to happen, possibilities for makers to make anything, an ecosystem for creativity, and space for like-minded people. Pratik and Asim opened their space to makers offering the space and tools to manufacture solutions to fight the pandemic digitally. It also ran several initiatives to enable creativity in children and young adults. The Protocademy is an initiative that enables the philosophy of Design-Develop-Deploy. It runs over 60 days enabling multi and interdisciplinary projects and experiential-based learning programmes. Anyone from any discipline can come up with their newly born ideas and nurture them by designing, developing a prototype and manifesting using advanced fabrication tools to a well-furnished deployable product.

Since March 2020, most of the artisans in the country have been unemployed. Artisans and weavers are the third largest segment among the poor. Their current situation is getting very low perception notwithstanding the call for “vocal for local” and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat”. Raaha, started by Amrita & Radhika, is powering growth in the artisan economy by facilitating digital access to handmade goods. Today’s conscious global consumers work together with social enterprises and artisan communities to bring beautiful, environmentally positive gifts and immersive cultural experiences to consumers. In addition, Raaha curates immersive learning experiences for global audiences to engage with craft communities and artisans, preserving age-old craft forms. These workshops are Team Building and engagement, Students, Craft Enthusiasts, Cultural groups, and whosoever wants to start their journey as advocates for artisans. The Artisan Shop was created as a pandemic response not-for-profit initiative by Raaha + Ka-sha + Loom & Hand. The collective action movement to support our Weavers + Artisans by giving access to global consumers to buy directly from the makers.

Vruksh Ecosystem Foundation is an Innovation & Entrepreneurship Ecosystem; a think tank facilitates organisations and institutions to implement an innovation ecosystem and support global goals for a sustainable future. We enable a cohesive environment with stakeholders from local geography to work together and build future startup companies. If you are someone who wants to #BuildTheFuture, reach out to us at hi@vruksh.org!

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 15: On this Occasion of World Digital Day Celebration and Book Launch Honorable Governor Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari ji congratulated Dr. Rekha Chaudhari and appreciated her unique work will definitely bring the attention of citizens across the globe. He also said the book reveals to us that how important it is for us human beings to be close to nature which helps us to revive and recharge us to do productive work.

Dr. Rekha, during her speech, pointed out one of the burning issues of our society, which is the rampant use of social media and technology. Digital detox is an essential step towards a healthy lifestyle and mental health. Dr. Rekha says this book is dedicated to her father and his emphasis on Health and Education as given her this perspective to bring such unique concepts in front of the world today.

Dr Rekha’s (Zep Foundation) is a non-profit organization that is creating a movement to give the world a digital detox. It’s time to re-program yourself and reclaim your human journey. It is an NGO that has been conducting research in the healthcare industry in India for over 16 years and is working closely with tribal and rural practices to discover the secrets of a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Rekha’s Research has also been published in WHO, and she was invited by John Hopkins, Harward and Oxford University to publish her research.

Today WDDD  is celebrated in many countries, In India from wellness Industry  Members like Parineeta Sethi ( Chief Editor Global Spa Magazine) , Niqi Kundhi (GEO SPA), Sushmita Sarangi (Commercial Director JIVA / Niu & Nau) Is working on teaching how to strike a balance between the online and offline world.

# Dr Rekha Chaudhari Twitter Campaign also received tremendous positive responses and  feedback from social media users across India.

The Campaign went on top 1 trending and became a topic of discussion across the Twitter users.

After the Launching of the book, the event was followed by giving  Award to the Dignitaries who excelled in respective fields by Honorable Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari ji. Awardees were Smita Thackeray, Archana Nevrekar, Smita Jaykar, Krishika Lulla, Anushka Yoga, Miss Malini, Nisha jamval, Vikas mittal, Ritoo datta, Aahna Kumra, Piyuus Jaiswal, Simran Ahuja.

Dr Rekha Chaudhari is thankful to WDDD Committee Members, all the Ambassadors for helping to implement WDDD Motto in Society. Ambassadors like   Archana Nevrekar, Aparna Shah, Preeti Singh, Namrata Thakkar, Payal Pokarna, Archana Jain for organizing WDDD celebrations in their respective areas. Special thanks to Smita ji Thackeray for all her support for WDDD Initiative. Mickey Mehta and  Agnelo rajesh also made their presence over at the event.

Dr Rekha Chaudhari has invited all to help this social cause and asked to read her book so that it reaches out to the maximum people and create an awareness of Wellness and help us to uplift many young lives. The revenue generated through the purchase of the book will be utilized by the foundation for social causes.

New Delhi (India), December 15: How many of you can relate with the fact that ‘Age is just a number?’ 40 years old Tarun Gill has proved that it’s never too late to start something new. If you are passionate towards your aim, then nothing should stop you.

Starting his journey as a working professional in MNC to becoming a professional men’s physique athlete, Gill’s journey is an inspiration to those millions of people who think of retirement in their 40s. Tarun has created history in Asia’s biggest bodybuilding competition IHFF Sheru classic Amateur Olympia by coming in the top 10 in one of the most competitive categories of the show.

Tarun said, “I just want to say that my hard work paid off. I literally gave in my sweat and blood to prepare for the competition. I want to thank my coach, Noor Khan, who made this happen.

This was a competition where people from across the globe participated, and coming in the top 10 is a very big thing. Men’s physique category is more of a beach body competition wherein you have to look very aesthetic. Proportionate shoulders, six-pack abs and tight core are some of the main requirements, also in this category, you don’t wear trunks, instead, you wear a Bermuda. So, you have to look very aesthetic. For achieving this look and participating at this age, people from across the globe and different age groups are getting inspired by my efforts; the whole experience is overwhelming. Even some of the very renowned bodybuilders having years of experience in the field are amazed to see the condition of my body. They’re really surprised by the fact that a normal-looking fat guy with the problem of chest fat can achieve such great results and transform the body.  However, the body transformation

challenge which I took was extremely difficult, but as they say, ‘where there is a will, there is a way’. Just set your goal and work towards it to achieve.”

He also added, “Even I did a series of 141 days on YouTube where I documented each and everything about my transformation. I captured everything, my everyday training, diet, supplements, and also how I am feeling. Without fail, I uploaded videos every day and shared everything with my viewers, which garnered a lot of appreciation. My viewers connected with me on a very emotional level; they became a part of my journey.”

December 15: Surrogacy and/or egg donation have proven to be a godsend for most of the individuals that have otherwise failed to conceive naturally. Still, one must keep in mind that this procedure needs a great deal of patience, as well as medical and legal understanding, along with a full-fledged support system.

Intended parents (IPs), Surrogates, IVF experts, Egg donors, and even the Surrogacy Agency that organises the process all have various perspectives on Surrogacy. Yet, the arrangement facilitates the dreams and ambitions of every individual involved in some way or another.

Speaking of surrogates, they have the chance to help a family in need while simultaneously receiving compensation for their work. Intended parents, on the other hand, get to witness the most awaited moment of their lives.

So, we can say that it’s a win-win arrangement for everyone concerned, even to the people and entities engaged in facilitating IP surrogacy visits, such as hotels, planes, attorneys, and local tourist operators. (At the pinnacle of surrogacy for international IPs, India’s fertility tourism industry was estimated to be worth $ 2.3 billion.)

Gaurav Wankhede, the founder of BecomeParents.com, a well-known surrogacy agency, expressed his thoughts on international cross-border surrogacy. Surrogacy, in his view, has evolved over the last seven or eight years, especially since several Asian nations have enacted harsher surrogacy regulations.

Gaurav Wankhede states that most of the IPs dealing with him come over with a budget of $35,000-$40,000, and that there are certain destinations that facilitate affordable surrogacy while still offering access to the finest medical facilities and best-in-class ART (Artificial Reproductive Techniques) services. Kenya, a country that has lately emerged as a popular destination for fertility tourism, is one of these places where surrogacy services may be obtained at a minimal cost.

Benefits of surrogacy for Intended parents

Surrogacy brings some significant benefits for IPs, irrespective of their sexual orientation, so, no matter if you are a same-sex couple, married heterosexual IP, or single parents, you can benefit from surrogacy in numerous aspects.

Gaurav Wankhede affirms that surrogacy is in great demand in this region of the world, and he goes on to highlight some of the benefits of surrogacy and ART service in Kenya over other possibilities.

• Kenya is one of the most developed nations in eastern Africa, as well as the heart of medical tourism in the area, with world-class medical facilities and IVF clinics maintained by internationally recognised medical service providers.
• Apart from participating in local safari tourism, international intended parents are invited to participate in the surrogacy journey and are typically able to attend several key surrogacy stages, including the embryo transfer and being there for their child’s delivery.
• Single mothers are reasonably simple to discover in Kenya, which is crucial for European clients who prefer single or divorced surrogate mothers; Kenya also has outstanding air connectivity, making it an easily accessible destination. Furthermore, Kenya is an English-speaking country, making communication simpler.

Benefits of surrogacy for surrogate mothers     

Most of the Surrogacy supporters, according to Gaurav Wankhede, have worked hard over the last 15 years to make it mandatory for every intending surrogate mother to receive appropriate counselling in which her rights, obligations, and responsibilities are fully explained before she begins her journey as a surrogate mother.

Surrogacy can help these remarkable women and their families in many ways.

• Surrogate mothers can talk to the intended parents about their pregnancy experience and develop a strong bond with them during the procedure.
• Surrogates frequently form lifetime ties with the families they aid during surrogacy, and all surrogates who have delivered, experience a huge feeling of personal fulfilment and pride in knowing that they have helped another family in such an unbelievable way.

Surrogacy may be a physically and emotionally draining experience for both parties, according to Gaurav Wankhede. All the hard work, however, is ultimately justified by the sense of realizing one’s dream of becoming a parent.