From advances in sanitation to skateboarding champions: inspiring initiatives helping our environment

This 79-year-old botanist has lived her entire life without electricity

In today’s world where it is almost impossible to live without electricity, Hema Sane, a PhD holder in Botany from Savitribai Phule University, and a former professor at Garware College, has managed to live without electricity throughout her life. The sole motive is her love for nature and the environment.

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Hema’s small house in Budhwar Peth, Pune, is surrounded by different trees, housing many birds. She believes that she’s here only to look after the planet.

Chennai based startup creates an app to better the lives of the aqua farmers in India

After bearing a huge loss due to infected shrimps, aquaculture practitioner Arun Prakash created a mobile application called FarmMOJO. It helps predict aquatic animal diseases and suggests ways to enhance water quality. This application was launched by Aqua Connect, a startup whose motive is to solve the problems of aquatic farmers using technology.

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Around 3,000 farmers from Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have benefited by using this app. Aqua Connect has employed 10 research analysts to test freshwater samples and analyse the quality of water and upload the information on the app. With the past data, the research analysts also help the farmers to detect whether the aquatic animals are infected or not.

15,000 water urinals functioning with waterless systems: Flush-Me-Not

At present, India is facing the worst-ever water crisis with over 600 million people - nearly half the country’s population - suffering from extreme water stress according to a report by NITI Aayog. However, flushing toilets is not typically recognised as a cause. But, each flush uses at least 1.6 litres of water. To help curb this waste, Diversey, a global cleaning and hygiene company, launched an innovative solution called Flush-Me-Not.

Flush-Me-Not promotes careful use of water using recycled polymer urinal screens and concentrated odour eliminator. Each package costs Rs. 6,000 and can be used for almost a month in 12 urinals if used according to the standard procedure.

It is already in use in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, public restrooms around the Vaishno Devi temple in Kashmir, across multiple outlets of fast food chain McDonald's, and also in some branches of Delhi Public School.

A Hindi teleseries that explores the “flush ke baad ki khaani”

Navrangi Re! is a teleseries sponsored by a joint venture by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, BBC Media Action, and Viacom18. This teleseries focusses on the developmental issues in India with the use of drama, wit and satire.

The showmakers are trying to inform and educate viewers about the need and importance of ‘faecal sludge management (FSM) and treatment’.

It is aired on Viacom 18 network’s Hindi General Entertainment Channel Rishtey as well as on Colors Gujarati and Colors Odia. In a series of 26 episodes, this TV show explains the problems faced due to lack of proper sanitation facilities.

A short film based on a nine-year-old bags the Best Documentary Award at Atlanta Film Festival, US

A 24-minute short film Kamili, based on the skating skills of Kamili Moorthy, who’s from Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, won the Best Documentary Award at the Atlanta Film Festival this April. Directed by New Zealand filmmaker Sasha Rainbow, it talks about this small girl’s journey to becoming a successful skateboard champion. Kamili was helped by her mother and grandmother.

The storyline revolves around the struggles faced by Kamili’s mother Suganthi Moorthy while raising her daughter and helping her become the skateboard champion she is today.

This picture of Kamili skateboarding in a frock without any shoes was uploaded by Tony Hawk, who was impressed by her skills. She became an online sensation when it was uploaded.

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