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Girl Child

Not Just an Idol

Not Just an Idol

When you think of some of the biggest festivals in India, you cannot miss Navratri and Dussehra. Navaratri– which literally translates to nine nights – is celebrated primarily in the northern region of the country by observing fast and praying to different forms of the goddess; in the east, particularly in West Bengal, the festival is celebrated as Durga Puja.

Pujo, as the Bengalis call it, is a grand celebration of the goddess which transcends religious boundaries. The festival celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The origins of Durga Puja can be traced back to the late 1500s, with the first grand worship of Goddess Durga recorded in Bengal. Over the centuries, the festival has evolved from a private affair of zamindars (landlords) to a community celebration that involves elaborate rituals, cultural performances and artistic displays.

The central feature of the festival is that beautiful idols of the goddess are installed in different locations where the devotees gather to offer their prayers, engage in cultural activities, etc. On the final day, the idol is taken to a nearby water body for immersion.

Durga Puja and Women Empowerment

Since the inception of the festival, the theme of women empowerment has been intrinsically linked with Pujo. First of all, it is the goddess who is worshipped and celebrated during the festival. Durga can be seen as a divine symbol of feminine strength, resilience and courage. This divine feminine energy, called Shakti, is revered in Indian culture.

Another name for Durga is Mahishasur Mardinior the slayer of the demon Mahishasura. The demon represents the forces of darkness and evil and the Shakti defeats him through her power and restores the balance in the universe.

A very unique tradition linked with the festival is that the soil from the courtyards of courtesans is used for the making of the idols. The practice is known as ‘punya mati´ which translates to ‘sacred soil’. A popular story behind this tradition is that a group of courtesans had once helped a leper who was actually Lord Shiva, following which they were blessed by him and he granted them the boon that no Durga idol will be considered without using the soil from a courtesan’s courtyard.

Whatever the story behind the practice may be, it symbolises that the festival honours and includes women from all walks of life, providing them dignity and respect that they deserve. In contemporary times, Durga Puja has continued to serve as a platform for promoting women’s rights and empowerment. Many pandals and cultural programmes during the festival focus on themes related to gender equality, women’s education and social justice.

Initiatives in 2024

Like every year, the Durga Puja pandals are being used for highlighting important social issues. A number of pandals in Kolkata are focusing on the theme of women empowerment. For example, the Dum Dum Park Yubak Brinda pandal is highlighting how handicrafts have provided livelihood to women living in rural areas. Similarly, Jodhpur Park Sarbojanin is showing the struggles of underprivileged women and how they overcome these struggles.

Beyond Kolkata, similar themes can also be seen in other parts of the country. In Delhi’s Chittaranjan Park, the Kali Mandir Durga Puja Samitiis dedicating its pandal to the memory of a woman doctor who was brutally murdered. The pandal aims to raise awareness of issues like women’s security.

There are several other pandals across the country that are focusing on different aspects of women empowerment and other issues related to women. Apart from that, the pandals are also known to innovate and use sustainable building practices. With lakhs of people visiting these pandals, the organisers understand the impact these initiatives can create.

Past Initiatives during Durga Puja

These initiatives are not isolated occurrences but it has been happening over the years. For example, Maruti Vihar Sarbojanin Durgotsav in Gurgaon had adopted the theme of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao to highlight the importance of education for girl child. The pandal featured dark artworks representing female foeticide, gradually transforming into a brighter ambiance culminating at the idol of Goddess Durga, symbolising hope and empowerment.

The Durga Puja of Kolkata was also inscribed on UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021. It was because of the importance of festivals in promoting inclusivity and social cohesion. These are small examples of the cultural and social significance of the festival and how its impact goes beyond the religious territory.

Durga Puja as a Festival of Hope

The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, the victory of feminine energy over demon kind and as it continues to evolve, it is becoming an effective platform for highlighting the ills in our society. By focusing on themes such as women empowerment and environmental sustainability, Durga Puja can continue to be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for social transformation.

The festival’s enduring relevance is proven by the fact that its popularity is only growing in other parts of the country and the world, not only among the Bengali community. Therefore, using it as a platform to highlight social issues, including the issue of equality and safety for women, can go a long way.

In conclusion, Durga Puja is much more than a religious festival; it is a celebration of women’s empowerment and a symbol of hope for a better future. By embracing themes of social justice and environmental sustainability, the festival can continue to inspire positive change and contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and equitable society.

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Education

Making Indian youth world ready

Making Indian youth world ready
Making Indian youth world ready

Have you ever wondered what would become of us if the population continued to rise at a significant rate? Centuries ago, it was predicted that it would take hundreds of thousands of years for the world to reach 1 billion people. Refusing to stay true to the prediction, the global population has grown seven times that size in the last 200 years.

According to the United Nations, the global population is 8.2 billion in 2024, and it is expected to touch 10.3 billion by the mid-2080s. The UN’s recent report estimates India’s population to be 1.45 billion in 2024 and projects it to touch 1.69 billion in 2054. Recently, India has surpassed China and has become the most populous country in the world. The UN predicts India would be the world’s largest populous country throughout the century. 

Meanwhile, the India Employment report 2024 says the country’s working population has gone up from 61% in 2011 to 64% in 2021. It also estimates the working population to touch 65% in 2036. The report was jointly produced by the International Labour Organization and the Institute for Human Development. The report also pointed out that the number of youths engaged in the workforce has declined to 37% in 2022. The centre for monitoring the Indian economy’s recent data shows that the unemployment rate increased from 7% in May 2024 to 9.2% in June 2024.

With the increasing population and growing unemployment rate in the country, it will become extremely difficult even for graduates to find jobs within the country. That’s why it becomes important to prepare youths for joining the global workforce. Both the government and various nonprofits have been working towards skilling the Indian youths in numerous ways. Some of them are as discussed below.

Government initiatives

Both the union and state governments have been launching various schemes to train and upskill youths to help them grab employment opportunities. Some of the notable government schemes are listed below.

  1. Skill India Mission

To bridge the gap between the unemployed youths and industrial requirements, the government had extensively launched a scheme called the Skill India Mission in 2015. Its vision is to promote multiple skill-related programmes among youths. The mission offers numerous offline and online courses like computer applications, e-commerce, graphic design, financial accounting and hardware technology. Their innovative training programmes, which are curated with the help of industrial experts, aim to build a society where skills would open doors to endless employment opportunities.

  1. Startup India scheme

The programme was implemented with the intention of assisting business owners and creating a strong startup environment in the country. Its aim is to change India from a nation of job seekers into a nation of job creators. It was launched in 2016. Through its financing programmes, such as the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups, and Startup India Investor Connect, the government has been creating business prospects and providing tax advantages to assist new businesses. Incubators and accelerators are set up all around the nation as part of the program to give companies access to networking opportunities, infrastructure, and mentorship—all of which are essential to their development. Many young entrepreneurs have been inspired to create scalable enterprises by it. There are 1.49 lakh accredited startups, and 3,947 startups have been funded till date. To promote creativity among the entrepreneurs, national startup awards have been given annually.

  1. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana—National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)

It is the flagship programme of the Union Ministry of Rural Development. The aim of the programme is to ensure that economically backward households, mainly in rural areas, get either profitable self-employment or skilled-wage job opportunities for their sustainable livelihood. As a part of the scheme, beneficiaries would be provided skill development training and placement opportunities. Through innovations, the development of new infrastructure, market assistance and rural self-employment institutes, the programme also promotes self-employment. Under the scheme, Self Help Groups (SHGs) would be entitled to avail of subsidised loans. As per the NRLM website, 10.30 crore households were mobilised into SHGs till date, and 31.51 lakh SHGs have availed of loans worth Rs 73,648.18 crore during the financial year 2024-25. 34.28 lakh SHGs provided community investment funds for their businesses.

  1. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (youth training programme)

The programme aims to promote a survivable environment for youths to both acquire skills and choose a career path that is aligned with their aspirations and abilities. The scheme trains people aged between 15 and 59 years. The scheme has been functioning effectively since 2015. Under the scheme, 28.24 lakh youths have been registered in the current financial year. According to the Skill India Digital website, the scheme has 13,947 training centres in 735 districts, which train youths for 825 job roles in 37 sectors with the help of 6,601 training partners. About 19.12 lakh youths are trained, 10.75 lakh trainees are assessed, and 9.41 lakh trainees are certified this year. Training was provided to candidates in various sectors, including electronics, IT and ITeS, apparel, beauty and wellness and apparel, among others.

  1. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)

The scheme was launched in 2013 and is aimed at reducing poverty among urban households. To achieve their goal, the government enables successful self-employment and skilled-wage employment opportunities for backward households. This in turn will help them to improve their livelihood. The scheme also provides housing facilities to homeless living in urban areas. Under the scheme, access to suitable spaces, institutional credit, social security and skill development training would be provided to urban street vendors to help them access the emerging market opportunities. The scheme promotes community-based organisations and self-help groups among the urban poor to enhance their collective strength and participation in local governance. Also, affordable credit and financial assistance are provided to microenterprises as a part of the programme. The scheme has been implemented in 790 cities till date.

Smile Foundation’s contribution to employment opportunities

To bridge the gap between the industrial demands and skill sets of youths, Smile Foundation has been taking numerous steps. To understand the willingness of youth, we mobilise the community. It is only then that they enrol them in the training courses of their choice. Training lasts for about six months. Post-training, we provide them with hands-on training to prepare them for workplace challenges and career guidance. Our role just doesn’t end there. We try to go above and beyond to promote job placement and have partnerships with other companies and typically also offer post-placement help.

The organisation has over 800 career counselling and industry exposure sessions under its belt in addition to over 74 skilling centres. In order to generate job possibilities, we have also worked with more than 400 massive industrial businesses in industries including finance, insurance and healthcare. ICICI Lombard, BLK Super Specialty Hospital, HDFC Financial Services, HDFC Life, Venkateshwar Hospital, Fortis Hospital and Apollo Pharmacy are a few of our employers.

Meanwhile, we have also partnered with several industrial experts, including the Wadhwani Foundation, the NIIT Foundation and Tata Strive, to provide effective upskilling and vocational training. With the knowledge and resources that we have acquired from their partners, the foundation has constantly been upgrading its curriculum in core employability skills, banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) and digital marketing. The foundation has ensured that the trained candidates get placed in various companies including Quess Corp., Better Place and TeamLease.

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Smile

Importance of time management for children

Top 10 Champions of Gender Equality in India

Imagine a world where we effortlessly balance work, house responsibilities, workouts and still manage to have time for our favourite video games or reading books. Sounds like a dream, right? One common complaint we hear as adults is the lack of time for the things we love. However, if we take a moment to reflect, effective time management could allow us to materialise this utopia. In fact, mastering this essential yet often overlooked skill can genuinely change our lives.

Think back to your own childhood: with school, tutoring, homework, and playtime, there was always so much to fit into those few hours after school. Children today face similar challenges, with packed schedules that often leave little room for relaxation or creativity. They are constantly juggling academic pressures, extracurricular activities and social obligations. For many, understanding how to manage their time effectively doesn’t come quickly. Teaching them this vital skill can be challenging but crucial for their development.

Time management is not just about checking off tasks on a list; it is about helping children cultivate a sense of balance in their lives. It encourages them to prioritise what truly matters, whether it is studying for an important exam, participating in sports or simply spending time with family and friends.

Striking a balance

Understanding time management begins with the vital lesson that time is a finite resource—it must be used wisely. Once children grasp this concept, they can better balance their daily activities, significantly impacting their academic lives. Numerous reports indicate a significant correlation between educational achievement and time management. A study published in the EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) in August 2021 highlights that effective time management is a crucial factor that can profoundly impact an individual’s overall performance and success.

Let us picture Riya, a young student navigating her busy schedule filled with school projects, after-school activities, and socialising with friends. At first, Riya struggles to keep up, often racing to complete assignments at the last minute. But when she learns the principles of time management, everything changes. Instead of scrambling to finish a project the night before it is due, Riya starts breaking her tasks into smaller, more manageable segments. She sets aside specific time blocks for research, drafting and revision. This method not only improves the quality of her work but also alleviates her everyday stress.

By mastering time management, countless students like Riya will not only enhance their school performance. They will also discover the joy of balancing responsibilities with leisure, making their days more fulfilling. In fact, this will boost their self-esteem and confidence in everyday life. Furthermore, having a better sense of managing time effectively also allows children to explore their interests and develop hobbies—whether it is painting, playing an instrument or participating in sports. These activities enrich their everyday lives beyond just school work, foster creativity for them and build stronger friendships. In the process, children will also gain a sense of autonomy that spills over into varied aspects of their lives.

Putting things into action

When considering various strategies to help students manage their time effectively, it is essential to begin by explaining the concept of time management. This foundational understanding sets the stage for practical implementation. Children also need to be taught the importance of setting priorities. By teaching them how to discern between urgent and non-urgent responsibilities, they will gain the ability to make informed decisions on how to spend their time wisely.

One practical approach is to guide students in creating a personalised schedule. Students can learn to distinguish between work and leisure time by working together to outline their daily activities. For example, they can allocate specific time slots for homework, study sessions and breaks, allowing them to see how each part of their day fits into a larger framework. This visual representation helps them stay organised and reinforces the importance of adhering to their schedules. By actively engaging in this process, students gain valuable insights into prioritising tasks and remaining on track, fostering a sense of responsibility and independence that will benefit them throughout their academic journey and beyond.

Promise for a better future

When we teach children about time management, we are also helping them build a better future. When children learn to plan their days, they cultivate goal-setting abilities. Setting achievable goals, like improving a maths grade or mastering a new skill, teaches them the value of perseverance and hard work. These experiences shape resilient individuals who understand that success often comes from consistent effort. A 2021 study published in PLOS ONE revealed an interesting finding: time management has a more significant impact on well-being—particularly life satisfaction—rather than just on performance. This suggests that effective time management may primarily enhance well-being rather than simply boost academic or work performance.

Thus, in the longer run, time management can empower young children to transform their daily routines and create a fulfilling life—one that seamlessly integrates work and play. This foundational skill will serve them well into adulthood, fostering independence and confidence as they navigate their own busy lives. After all, aren’t we all, as adults, striving for a more balanced life?

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CSR

CSR collaborations for youth to empower them

Agents of Change: India’s Young People
Agents of Change: India’s Young People

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has gained considerable momentum in recent years, becoming an integral part of how businesses operate. At its core, CSR refers to the voluntary actions organisations take to address social, environmental, and ethical concerns in their operations and stakeholder relationships. It reflects a company’s commitment to balancing business goals with creating a positive impact on society.

CSR encompasses a wide range of initiatives—including community development, ethical governance, environmental sustainability, employee welfare, and support for key social issues such as healthcare, education, and disaster relief. Increasingly, organisations are viewing CSR as a strategic tool for stakeholder engagement, particularly with young people.

Recognising that youth are central to the future of any society, many businesses are now aligning their CSR strategies with youth empowerment. Young people play a vital role in shaping social and economic progress, and enabling their participation in the business ecosystem fosters long-term impact. By engaging youth meaningfully, CSR initiatives contribute to building more inclusive, resilient communities.

CSR as a Driver of Social Change

Unlike traditional business models focused primarily on profit, CSR initiatives are guided by the principle of giving back and promoting equity. Their transformative power lies in the potential to create sustainable change at the grassroots.

A powerful example is a company investing in a nationwide scholarship programme, ensuring access to quality education for underprivileged youth and shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

Education and Collaboration: The Foundation of CSR for Youth

In India, education remains a critical lever for youth empowerment, especially in rural regions where quality learning is often out of reach. According to a 2021 global education index, India ranks 32nd, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.

Through well-designed CSR programmes, corporates can bridge this gap by supporting initiatives that enhance learning outcomes in underserved areas. Collaborative efforts can introduce digital infrastructure in rural schools—providing laptops, internet connectivity, and access to digital content.

Such digital transformation not only improves the quality of education, but also boosts attendance, digital literacy, and student engagement, making learning more inclusive and future-ready.

Enabling Young Changemakers and Social Entrepreneurs

We are witnessing the largest youth population in history—and CSR must evolve to match their potential. One forward-thinking approach is to support young social entrepreneurs running not-for-profit initiatives. These youth-led organisations are often deeply committed to social impact and bring fresh, agile solutions to persistent challenges.

By trusting and investing in these emerging leaders, corporates can multiply the scale and reach of their CSR outcomes. Some companies already support youth entrepreneurship through incubation, mentorship, and funding—encouraging innovation, job creation, and grassroots economic development.

How CSR Initiatives in India Empower Youth

CSR efforts in India are increasingly aligned with youth development goals, focusing on areas such as education, skill training, health, and entrepreneurship. Some common ways CSR is making a difference:

  • Skill Development: Many companies fund training programmes in areas like technology, hospitality, and manufacturing to make youth job-ready. These are often implemented in collaboration with NGOs and vocational institutes.
  • Youth Employment: By hiring local youth or creating livelihood opportunities, companies help drive economic stability and encourage a more peaceful and productive business environment.
  • Health & Wellness: CSR programmes also promote mental health, hygiene, and nutrition through awareness drives and healthcare access—especially in rural communities.
  • Sustainability Engagement: Young people are also involved in climate action, waste management, and green practices as part of CSR-led environmental awareness campaigns.
  • Leadership & Community Service: Programmes encouraging youth participation in leadership and volunteer roles help build skills like communication, teamwork, and social responsibility.

Smile Foundation’s CSR Collaborations for Youth Empowerment

Since its inception in 2001, Smile Foundation has been committed to enabling underserved communities through education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and livelihood training. One of its flagship programmes, the Smile Twin e-Learning Programme (STeP), has become a leading platform for youth-focused CSR collaborations.

Through STeP, Smile Foundation delivers skill development and job-readiness training to underprivileged youth, helping them access meaningful employment opportunities. The results speak for themselves:

  • 90,000+ youth trained
  • 56,000+ youth placed in over 400 reputable companies
  • A majority of trainees are young women, contributing directly to gender inclusion and empowerment

These numbers reflect the programme’s deep impact—and its potential for further growth through CSR partnerships. As India’s youthful population seeks to contribute meaningfully to society, partnerships with organisations like Smile Foundation can amplify economic development and drive sustainable change.

Conclusion:
As the CSR landscape evolves, its focus on youth empowerment is both timely and essential. By investing in the next generation—through education, skill-building, health, and entrepreneurship—corporates are not just fulfilling social responsibilities, but also shaping a stronger, more inclusive India.

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Smile

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day

Every year on October 10th, World Mental Health Day is observed to raise awareness about mental health issues around the world and mobilise efforts in support of mental health. Mental well-being is no longer a topic confined to hushed conversations. It has become a priority in public health, recognised as integral to overall well-being and community resilience. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly one billion people worldwide suffer from some form of mental disorder, yet mental health services remain largely inaccessible, underfunded, and stigmatised. The COVID-19 pandemic further worsened this crisis, unveiling deep-rooted flaws in mental health systems across the globe. This World Mental Health Day, let’s reflect on the journey ahead in creating a world where mental health is treated with the same urgency as physical health.

The Global Burden of Mental Health Disorders

Globally, mental disorders account for 1 in 6 years lived with disability, yet they receive less than 2% of national health budgets in most countries. Depression alone affects 280 million people globally and nearly 720,000 people die by suicide each year, making it one of the leading causes of death among 15-29-year-olds. In addition, anxiety disorders affect over 264 million individuals worldwide. The economic burden of mental health disorders is staggering—by 2030, the global economy is projected to lose up to $16 trillion due to untreated mental illnesses, through reduced productivity and healthcare costs.

In India, the statistics are equally alarming. Evidence suggests that approximately 150 million Indians require mental health care interventions, yet fewer than 30 million are receiving them. The treatment gap in India for common mental health disorders is between 70% and 92%. Suicide rates in India are among the highest in the world.

Stigma and Barriers to Mental Health Care

A major barrier to addressing mental health globally is the pervasive stigma surrounding it. In many cultures, including India, mental illness is often seen as a personal or spiritual failure, leading to stigma, social isolation and underreporting. Stigma extends to healthcare professionals as well, many of whom are not adequately trained to address mental health issues with sensitivity and care.

There is also a severe shortage of mental health professionals globally, with an average of 13 mental health workers per 100,000 people. In low-income countries, this number is much lower. India, for instance, has only 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, compared to the global recommendation of 3 per 100,000. This gap in healthcare infrastructure leads to delayed treatment, poor outcomes and exacerbation of mental health conditions.

Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental health issues are increasingly coming to light in the workplace. Thus, WHO has identified “Mental Health At Work” as the theme for this year. The WHO has identified depression and anxiety as leading causes of lost productivity globally, with an estimated cost of $1 trillion per year to the global economy. In India, a survey by Deloitte revealed that 47% of professionals identified workplace-related stress as the primary factor impacting their mental health. Around 80% of the Indian workforce has reported mental health issues over the past year. The survey estimated that poor mental health costs Indian employers around $14 billion annually in absenteeism, lower productivity and attrition.

Many companies are beginning to recognize the importance of mental health support for their employees. Initiatives like the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), supported by leading corporations, aim to create mentally healthy workplaces by fostering an environment where mental health is prioritised and stigma is reduced.

Mental Health in the Digital Age

With the rise of digital technologies, mental health interventions have taken new forms. Telemedicine and mental health apps are bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers, particularly in underserved areas. Platforms like Talkspace and BetterHelp have made mental health services more accessible, affordable and private. In India, initiatives like e-Sanjeevani, a government-backed telemedicine platform, are gaining traction, especially in rural areas where access to mental health professionals is limited.

However, digital solutions also have their challenges. The digital divide—where access to technology is limited—remains a significant barrier, especially in developing countries like India. Furthermore, the use of technology in mental health must be paired with robust data protection laws to ensure patient privacy and trust.

Initiatives to Improve Mental Health

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have recognized the importance of mental health. Specifically, SDG 3.4 aims to promote mental health and well-being. The WHO’s Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030 outlines a strategy for countries to develop accessible, community-based mental health services. It advocates for mental health inclusion in universal health coverage, increased funding, better training and expanded public awareness efforts.

In India, the government has launched several initiatives to tackle the mental health crisis. The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 decriminalised suicide and guaranteed every individual the right to mental health care. The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) aims to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare, making it more accessible to people across rural and urban settings.

The Bottom Line                      

World Mental Health Day reminds us of the urgent need for collective action in addressing the global mental health crisis. As mental health becomes an increasingly recognised component of public health, we must move from awareness to action. The future of mental health lies in universal, accessible and compassionate care systems that prioritise the well-being of every individual. Prioritising mental health funding and integrating services into existing healthcare frameworks is the need of the hour.

Public awareness campaigns are essential to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention. Training healthcare professionals, particularly at the primary care level, can help close the treatment gap. Collaborations between civil society, governments, NGOs and the private sector are equally crucial for building sustainable mental health systems. By bridging gaps in infrastructure, reducing stigma and leveraging technology, we can create a world where mental health is seen not as a luxury but as a fundamental human right.

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Education

AI in Early Childhood Education: A Transformative Tool

Globally, the influence of artificial intelligence (AI)  has reached beyond its origins, making significant inroads into education, healthcare, astronomy and geopolitical affairs. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in our daily lives, its potential benefits cannot be overlooked. Discussions about integrating AI in early childhood education have gained considerable traction. The goal is to ensure inclusive and equitable education for all, developing lifelong learning opportunities

AI’s rapid integration into education is highlighted by South Korea’s initiative to introduce AI-powered digital textbooks in 2025, aimed at addressing educational inequality and reliance on private tutoring. Likewise, the UAE is implementing AI-driven personalised learning to enhance critical thinking and academic performance. This programme tailors lessons to individual student needs, provides targeted feedback and utilises real-time analytics, allowing teachers to focus on interactive learning experiences. A pilot project has already shown a 10% improvement in learning outcomes.

How AI helps in Education?

AI-driven tools can personalise educational content to cater to each child’s unique learning style and pace. This personalised approach not only enhances foundational skills, but also establishes an interactive learning environment that nurtures creativity and problem-solving abilities.

When AI-driven solutions are integrated with quality education initiatives, they can significantly increase access to economic and health opportunities. This integration can contribute to achievingSustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education for all; Goal 10, aimed at reducing inequalities; Goal 3, which focuses on good health and well-being; and Goal 1, which seeks to eliminate poverty.

Bridging the Educational Divide in Rural India

In rural India, the challenges to early childhood development are compounded by limited access to quality educational resources and trained educators. Many children in these areas lack exposure to stimulating learning environments, which hinders their cognitive and social development. Here, AI can serve as a bridge, offering resources that would otherwise be unavailable.

The Indian government has initiated various educational programmes aimed at improving access and quality of education for rural children. Initiatives such as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Mid-Day Meals, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao have made strides in enhancing educational facilities. However, there is a pressing need to incorporate modern technologies like AI to maximise these initiatives’ effectiveness.

By integrating AI into existing programmes, the government and other stakeholders can ensure that rural children receive tailored educational support. For instance, AI platforms in India could provide training for educators, helping them to adopt innovative teaching methods and better address individual student needs. Moreover, AI tools can deliver engaging educational content through mobile devices, making learning more accessible even in remote locations.

Experts from the industry, Mr Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO of Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya have rightly highlighted how AI educational programmes for rural children can change the face of learning saying, “AI analyses learners’ performance data to identify strengths and weaknesses, creating personalised learning paths with targeted practice tests and activities. This tailored approach provides customised support, especially in areas with limited access to individual assistance”.

Recognising that every child learns differently, utilising AI-driven educational tools for children in rural India can provide substantial opportunities for enhanced and continuous learning. This approach empowers them with the hope and belief that they, too, can dream big and work towards realising their aspirations.

CSR Investments: A Game Changer for Educational Structures

In a socially conscious world, where consumers increasingly consider brands’ impact on their communities, CSR initiatives have become vital for strengthening the relationship between corporate and their customers. In this context, creating AI-supported environments to enhance rural education in India can facilitate two significant positive transformations: a) educating rural communities, and b) demonstrating to consumers your commitment to being a trustworthy and ethical brand.

To begin with, CSR initiatives can partner with well-aligned organisations to develop platforms and mobile applications that provide learning in local languages. AI tools can be used to gather data on performance and learning outcomes, enabling us to tailor strategies that enhance each child’s educational experience. Additionally, AI-driven teaching initiatives can support educators across the nation in meeting contemporary educational demands, thereby providing children with relevant and enriching learning opportunities.

Smile CSR Partnership Goals

Since its inception, Smile Foundation has been dedicated to providing every child with access to quality education that reflects contemporary teaching trends. By equipping students in our Mission Education programme with digital resources and STEM labs, we are aiming for an inclusive learning environment that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, ensuring strong and well-rounded foundational skills.

Through our Life-Cycle approach, Smile Foundation annually empowers over 1.5 million underserved children and families across 2,000 villages in India. Our initiatives in education, health and women’s empowerment, combined with technological advancements, aim to create sustainable change by delivering essential services directly to those in need, fostering resilience and economic independence within marginalised communities.

We firmly believe that through collaborative CSR efforts, targeted investments and transparent planning, we together can transform India’s educational system into one that is accessible, affordable and equitable for all children. By providing invaluable learning opportunities, we can not only change the lives of these children but also uplift their communities and ultimately, contribute to the nation’s growth.

Categories
Education

What’s the need of quality education in rural India?

What’s the need of quality education in rural India?

About 1.5 centuries ago, attempts were made in India to make education free and mandatory, and yet, we are unable to guarantee that every child attended school even today. The British government moved the enactment of the Compulsory Education Act in 1870 in England to ensure free and compulsory primary education in India. By adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, education has formally been recognised as a basic human right. Not just that, the Indian government had pledged to make universalisation of elementary education. Following constant efforts, it passed the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE) 2009 as a pursuant to the 86th amendment to the Indian Constitution.

Despite the efforts, the country has numerous out-of-school children and the quality of education requires immediate improvement, especially in rural areas. In addition to the existing challenges of urban areas, schools in villages have limited infrastructure, a lack of qualified teachers and social discrimination. But how good will it be if every child in the country can get access to quality education without any social or geographical differences? Read along to understand the need for quality education in rural India.

Importance of quality education in rural India

Believe it or not, education is one of the powerful tools that is capable of transforming lives and communities beyond imagination. It is the cornerstone of development. In a country like India where the majority of the population resides in villages, the need for quality education is vital. Because the growth of the country is dependent on it. According to statistics, the rural population of the country represents 65% of its total population and its contribution to the country’s GDP is 35–30%. Some of the important reasons why quality education is essential are discussed below.

  1. Boosts economic development: By providing quality education, villagers are equipped with skills and knowledge that are required for employment and entrepreneurship. Graduates can grab job opportunities in several sectors, including government, technology, healthcare and science. Also, quality education fosters entrepreneurial spirit in individuals and encourages them to set up their own businesses. Thereby, creating numerous job opportunities. This not only reduces underemployment and unemployment situations in rural areas but also helps in increasing household incomes. Along with education comes awareness. It in turn helps individuals to know and practise sustainable agricultural practices to increase yields and reduce expenses.
  2. Empowerment and gender equality: Without education, there is no empowerment. Even today, communities impose numerous societal restrictions on villagers, especially on girls and women. But quality education will enable them to question these norms and make informed decisions. Challenging these norms makes them empowered and an empowered community becomes capable of addressing its own challenges. Similarly, education helps women to break the gender barriers and participate in the workforce and decision-making community without any fear. This will help in reducing the gender gap in the workforce across various sectors. 
  3. Civic participation: Quality education drags along knowledge about the rights and responsibilities of an individual. It helps the community to understand how a democratic country works and what’s their role in it. When a person understands what he is capable of, they will foster a sense of empowerment and make informed participation in elections and local governance. Education also helps one to analyse social and political issues by promoting critical and rational thinking. It also promotes awareness of the diverse culture of the country and various perspectives. It in turn helps one to foster tolerance and inclusivity, thereby creating a cohesive society.
  4. Sustainable practices: When a person is educated, they will become aware of the local and global environmental issues like biodiversity loss and climate change. This awareness will help them to foster a sense of responsibility towards environmental stewardship and practise sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices like crop rotation, organic farming, rainwater harvesting and integrated pest management. These techniques enhance productivity and help in conserving natural resources. Education also increases awareness about the importance of using renewable energy resources like solar and wind power, thereby, it cuts down the reliance on fossil fuels. Knowledge sharing among community members can lead to collaborative projects that address local environmental concerns.
  5. Health awareness: Quality education creates awareness about health issues, their connection with sanitation and nutrition and preventive care. Educated individuals follow hygienic practices, healthy dietary choices, are involved in physical activities, take vaccinations and follow medical advice. They lead a healthier lifestyle and reduce the incidence of chronic diseases. Educated families, especially mothers, provide adequate nutrition, seek medical care and follow health guidelines, contributing to the well-being of their children. Education also creates awareness about mental well-being and destigmatises mental health issues.

Smile Foundation’s contribution

Realising that education is the key to addressing poverty, population control, unemployment and healthcare issues, Smile Foundation has been playing a role in making quality education in India accessible to children from marginalised communities. We have vowed to empower underserved children by offering education, nutrition and wellness support through our flagship programme Mission Education.

Volunteers from the organisation work closely with children from economically backward families, differently abled children, disaster-struck children, orphaned and street children and children living in tribal and remote villages. The foundation has taken up 261 projects in various parts of the country. In the year 2022–23, we have helped 1.20 lakh children to receive quality education, more than 44,000 girls to receive vocational training and 2,000 girls to receive scholarships for higher education. We have also helped over 25,000 children by providing infrastructure support.

What’s more satisfying than to hear testimony from beneficiaries? One such beneficiary is Lavanya. Her father left her family shortly after she was born and her mother died in an accident. Lavanya was adopted by her mother’s cousin. She grew up along with her cousin Shobha. Things were going smooth both for Lavanya and Shobha until the latter’s father died five years ago. There was never enough food at home and things turned bad for both of them. After much attempts and efforts, both the children are studying in Class IV at the foundation’s Mission Education Centre in Hyderabad. The stories of Debasmita and Nehra were not different. Today, they all study at the foundation’s centres established at various parts of the country.

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Education

Teaching our teachers

Teaching our teachers

When you think of your teachers from school or college, what comes to your mind? Was there a teacher who inspired you to take up a new hobby? Someone who gave you confidence when you were doubting yourself. Or a teacher who was like a friend – who listened to you and gave important advice. Teachers are present as mentors, guides and friends during the most formative years of our lives. This is why the role that they play becomes extremely crucial. A good teacher can shape the future of their students so that they grow up to become ethical, hard-working and empathetic individuals. A bad teacher, however, can set someone on a wrong trajectory.

India’s Guru-Shishya Parampara has highlighted the centrality of this role for ages. There are poems written in respect of one’s guru and mythological stories also establish the guru as a guiding light. A teacher’s influence on a student extends well beyond the classroom. They don’t just help the students to excel in their careers but also instil important values in them and shape their character. This is the reason why it is needed that our teachers are equipped with necessary skills to adapt with the changing times. A well-trained teacher creates a larger impact. This is why teaching our teachers is of utmost importance.

Schools and Teachers in India – Current State

India boasts one of the largest education systems in the world, with over 1.5 million schools and approximately 9.2 million teachers. Majority of the schools in this system are government-run and cater to a large majority of students not just in rural and semi-urban areas, but also in urban cities. However, the biggest challenge that these schools face is an acute shortage of teachers.

Also, the size of India’s education system and the population of the country offers both opportunities and challenges. This is because managing such a large number of schools, ensuring availability of resources, training of staff, and smooth functioning of classrooms can be a daunting task. Running this machinery needs a lot of checks and balances at each step, and a lot of reliance is on the shoulders of bureaucrats working on the ground.

There is a huge disparity between private schools, which are managed by a trust or a proprietor, and the government schools. Since private schools are motivated by revenues, they put a lot of emphasis on providing modern facilities both in urban and rural areas. However, government schools often take time in catching up with these changes. Even bigger is the problem of scarcity of teachers in rural schools.

Lack of Teachers in Government Schools

The recommended student-to-teacher ratio by the Right to Education (RTE) Act is 30:1 for primary schools and 35:1 for upper primary schools. However, the actual ratio in many schools is much higher that leads to overcrowding in classrooms and mismanagement. There have been reports that show entire schools in rural areas having only one or two teachers who teach multiple classrooms. They also have to make do with rudimentary infrastructure facilities.

This brings us to the bigger challenge of training and skilling of teachers. For a system to function in a robust manner, it is important that it stays updated with the latest trends in the industry. With the rapidly changing technology and new pedagogical techniques, there is a need for the teachers to be trained in new ways of teaching. However, India’s big education system is so busy dealing with basic infrastructural challenges that the aspect of teaching the teachers is easily left behind.

Importance of Skilling Teachers

Skilling teachers ensures that they are equipped to handle modern teaching methodologies, integrate technology into the classroom and address the diverse needs of students. Professional development programs help teachers stay current with educational trends and improve their teaching practices.

With the advent of digital technology, teachers need to be proficient in using them in the classrooms. This includes using multimedia content to teach, leveraging online platforms and games for collaborative learning, and implementing data analytics to track students’ progress. Moreover, there is a need for the teachers to be trained in a way that they understand social and cultural contexts, display critical thinking and are able to treat every student fairly. All this can be achieved by continuous skilling of the teachers.

Effective teacher training programmes focus on both pre-service and in-service training, ensuring that teachers are well-prepared before they enter the classroom and continue to develop their skills throughout their careers. These programmes cover various aspects, including subject knowledge, pedagogical skills, classroom management and the use of technology in education.

Workshops, seminars, online courses, peer-learning and many other methods can be used to keep the culture of learning and growing alive within the teacher community.

Ways to Enhance Teacher Training

Here are some of the ways that can be used for implementing a strong teacher training program:

  1. Blended learning – A mix of both online and offline training can go a long way in training teachers. They can understand the concepts through online courses. However, since teaching is a practical, hands-on experience, they can benefit from offline training and workshops.
  2. Mentorship programmes – Another good way is to identify experiences and skilled teachers who are doing a good work in their schools and pairing them with young teachers who can learn from them. This way, new teachers can have a mentor to go to and resolve their queries. It can also create a culture of self-motivated learning among the teachers.
  3. Continuous professional development – One of the trends which has taken the corporate sector by storm lately is upskilling and reskilling. It is because the employees know that they need to stay updated in the ever-changing market. A similar culture of professionalism can be nurtured within the teaching community by designing professional development programmes and creating necessary monitoring tools.
  4. Technology integration – As discussed above, digital learning is essential to running efficient modern classrooms. It is important that our teachers know how to use the digital tools and leveraging technology to enhance every aspect of classroom teaching-learning. Technology can help them to cut down on administrative work and focus on more creative tasks. Therefore, the need is to integrate technology in our schools and classrooms and provide necessary technical support to the teachers so that they can leverage this technology.

Conclusion                                      

Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of society. In India, the need for well-trained and skilled teachers is more critical than ever. With a large population of young people who are in schools and colleges right now, India can use their potential to ensure future growth. This can be achieved by creating teachers who can propel the students in the right direction. That’s why we need to invest heavily in teaching our teachers.

Categories
Nutrition

Scarcity of nutrition on our plates: Leading to Crisis

Scarcity of nutrition on our plates: Leading to Crisis

Nutrition is fundamental for good health and well-being. It promotes growth and development, ensuring proper physical and cognitive development. Nutrition provides the energy needed for daily activities and bodily functions. It is also linked to better mental and physiological health. In today’s era of artificial intelligence, everything seems to be artificial including our food and dietary habits. Just like information is so readily available; anywhere & everywhere, just in one click, we want our food in the same manner, just in one single click.

Reports suggest that most working professionals living in a tier-1 city order at least one meal from outside. With food delivery apps lodging a growth rate of 15.98% in India and projecting a rise to a 9.7-billion-dollar market by 2025, it seems a good startup venture but is alarming for health and wellness. On the contrary, it could be a good time to enter the health and wellness industry since the rise of food delivery apps will also lead to a rise in several lifestyle disorders and heart-related diseases. Due to changing food and lifestyle choices, people are forgetting their roots, traditional foods and eating methods. They are carelessly filling their plates and stomachs, ignoring the nutrition criteria. Let’s get a brief understanding of what nutrients are:

Nutrients

In layman’s language, nutrients are the compounds in food that provide us with energy that facilitates repair and growth and helps us carry out different life processes. Nutrients can be broadly categorized into macronutrients and micronutrients. These can be further classified as:

Macronutrients

  • Carbohydrates: They are the body’s main sources of energy. They can be found in foods like bread, rice, pasta, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Proteins: They are essential for the growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues. Sources include pulses, beans, nuts, dairy products, etc.
  • Fat: They are energy storehouses that protect organs and aid in the absorption of vitamins.

Micronutrients (Also known as vitals)

  • Vitamins: These are organic compounds that are crucial for various bodily functions. For example, Vitamin C is important for the immune system, while Vitamin D is essential for bone health.
  • Minerals: Inorganic elements like calcium, potassium and iron are vital for processes such as bone formation, nerve function and oxygen transport in the blood.

Nutrition Crisis

In a study, it was found that about 99.3 percent of the global population intake insufficient nutrients. The findings also suggested that around the world, almost 70 percent, or over five billion, people do not consume enough iodine, vitamin E and calcium. In India, while more women consumed insufficient amounts of iodine, vitamin B12 and iron, compared to men, more men consumed inadequate amounts of zinc and magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc and vitamin C, compared to women. This leads to a nutrition crisis where a significant portion of the population is unable to access or consume adequate nutrients necessary for maintaining health. This can result from various factors, including food insecurity or scarcity, economic instability, natural disasters, climate change, health crises such as pandemics, or conflicts and displacements due to wars causing food production and distribution disruptions.

A nutrition crisis that lasts for a long time can lead to various disruptions and issues. This includes malnutrition leading to wasting, stunting, or an underweight population. Severe malnutrition, especially in children, can lead to higher mortality rates. Chronic malnutrition can also affect physical and cognitive development, particularly in children. Malnutrition can reduce productivity and increase healthcare costs, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment. We need to implement sustainable agricultural practices, improve food systems and enhance economic resilience. This will also help us ensure access to healthcare and nutrition education to prevent and treat malnutrition.

Nutrition crisis is a complex issue

Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes improving economic conditions, enhancing agricultural practices, strengthening healthcare and sanitation, ensuring effective implementation of government programmes and addressing social inequalities. Let’s discuss some major reasons for the nutrition crisis:

  • In India, a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, limiting their access to nutritious food. This also leads to economic disparities where while some regions and communities have better access to food, others struggle with severe shortages.
  • Agricultural practices like cropping patterns of a country also hold significant importance when it comes to food availability. In India, the major focus remains on cultivating rice and wheat which often overshadows the production of more nutritious crops like millet and pulses. This also happens due to ineffective policy interventions and low minimum selling price policies.
  • Limited access to healthcare services, especially in rural areas is the major reason for exacerbating malnutrition in India. These poor sanitation and hygiene practices lead to diseases that can worsen nutritional status.
  • Insufficient public health expenditure is still only about 1.3% of India’s GDP, which is insufficient to address the widespread malnutrition. Adding to it, programs like the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and mid-day meal schemes have also faced disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Social factors like gender inequality and low literacy rates are also responsible. Women, especially in rural areas, often have less access to nutritious food leading to higher rates of malnutrition among women and children. Similarly, a lack of knowledge and awareness affects their ability to make informed nutritional choices.
  • Sometimes natural disasters, pandemics or extreme weather events leading to floods, drought and other climate-related events can destroy crops and reduce food availability.

Let food be your medicine

Ensuring access to nutritious food for all remains a challenge. This needs the combined efforts of the government, local self-help groups, nonprofits and other social organisations to ensure food security and awareness for all. Strengthening agricultural policies that promote sustainable farming, improving public distribution system (PDS) efficiency and expanding programmes like the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to ensure that nutritious food reaches marginalised populations. Nonprofits can also work with local organisations to spread nutrition education and awareness.

Smile Foundation also works in rural areas to spread nutritional awareness. We conduct school and community programmes to emphasise nutrition education from a young age, fostering lifelong healthy eating habits. Food available today lacks nutrition due to various uncertain reasons and the changing climate. In such cases, scaling up fortification efforts for common foods like rice, wheat and edible oils with essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, folic acid and vitamin A is crucial. This can also be added to food programmes like the Midday Meal Scheme. Government programmes like the Anaemia Mukt Bharat and Poshan Abhiyan should be reinforced with better monitoring and coverage, ensuring that iron, folic acid and other nutrient supplements reach those in need.

Smile Foundation’s Smile on Wheels initiative visits the remotest areas of the country with our mobile hospital and a great medical team that regularly checks treats and updates health-related issues of the residents providing them with the best facility at their doorsteps. The programme also covers maternal and child nutrition for long-term health improvements. The government’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare systems and integrate nutrition counseling into routine healthcare services can encourage better dietary practices.

As Hippocrates said, “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.” So, before you need to rely on medicines, make food your medicine to heal your body. Awareness about nutrition will go a long way and encourage mindful and conscious eating habits.

Categories
Girl Child

Let our children breathe

Let our children breathe

How many of us believe that their children are breathing fresh air after placing one of the oxygen-producing indoor plants in their bedroom? If you are one of them, then you definitely need to be aware of the latest report titled ‘The State of Global Air: 2024’. It was jointly published by the Health Effects Institute and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Global Burden of Disease project. According to the report, India recorded the largest numbers of air pollution-related deaths among children aged under five years in the world. The country has lost 1.69 lakh children below five years to air pollution and other related diseases in 2021. It means 464 children are dying every day due to factors associated with air pollution.

Not just that, India contributes to over 50% of all ozone-related Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) deaths across the world. It has recorded 2.37 billion such deaths and is followed by China and Bangladesh. India, along with China, account for about 54% of the total global disease burden. India has been ranked third in the list of countries that had the worst air quality in 2023.

Research shows that India’s air pollution level is among the highest in the world. All its 1.4 billion citizens are exposed to the most harmful pollutants emanating from multiple sources. It has been posing a heavy threat to the country’s economy and health. Isn’t the data shocking? Read along to learn more about air pollution, which has been coined the silent killer. 

What is air pollution?

Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful physical, chemical, or biological substances in the atmosphere. The pollutants can arise from both natural sources like wildfires and volcanic eruptions and man-made activities like transportation, combustion devices and industrial processes. These pollutants can adversely affect human health, the environment and the climate as they alter the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set guideline limits for air pollutants to protect public health. Their data show that almost 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds the limit and contains high levels of pollutants. Middle- and lower-income countries are among those who suffer from the highest exposures.

Pollutants that cause public health concern are particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and ozone. Particulate matter (PMs) are tiny particles suspended in the air that can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues. It is categorised based on its sizes into PM2.5 (fine particles) and PM10 (coarse particles). Volatile organic compounds are organic chemicals that can evaporate into the air, often found in paints, solvents, and fuels, contributing to smog formation.

Impact of air pollution on health

True to its coined name, air pollution is indeed a deadly disease. People exposed to high air pollution are more likely to get respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, trachea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, reproductive, neurological and immune system disorders, and cancer. The WHO has strongly established the relationship between air pollution and type 2 diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Studies have constantly established the connection between short-term exposure to higher levels of outdoor air pollution and reduced lung function, cardiac problems, and asthma. The association of PM2.5 with an increased risk of death is also being established by experts. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Science, researchers have found that the number of deaths decreased significantly after air pollution regulations were strictly implemented and coal-powered plants were shut down. The research that studied 21 years’ data found that exposure to PM2.5 from coal was associated with a mortality risk that was twice as high as the risk from exposure to PM2.5 from all other sources.

When a person is regularly exposed to air pollution, he is prone to chronic diseases and cancer. Exposure to the pollution is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in human cells that lay the foundation for cancer and chronic diseases. Air pollution, in particular PM2.5, has been classified as a human carcinogen, a leading cause for cancer, by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2013. A recent study revealed that chronic exposure to air pollution can affect every single organ in the human body and exacerbate existing health conditions. Children and adolescents are very vulnerable to air pollution because of their immature immune systems and organs. Air pollution damages the health of children and increases the risk of diseases later in their lives.

India and air pollution

WHO says that all of India’s 1.4 billion population is exposed to the unhealthy levels of PM2.5 that are emanating from various sources, like burning fossil fuels. Exposure to these particulates can cause deadly diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, stroke and lung cancer. The size of the particulates is about one-thirtieth the width of a human hair. The particulates at this size can also come from windblown dust, including dust from roads, industrial plants and construction sites. IQAir has released a list of the most polluted cities in the world based on over 80,000 data points collected between 2017 and 2023, and nine out of the top 10 cities are in India.

Research reveals that more than 50% of PM2.5 emissions are formed in a secondary way in the upper atmosphere when different types of gaseous pollutants from one area, such as ammonia, mix with other gaseous pollutants like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from another place. This secondary form spreads wider and farther than primary PM2.5. It means that the pollutants travel across states and cities without any jurisdictional restrictions.

Rapid urbanisation and a significant rise in the number of vehicles play an important role in the high pollution levels in the country. Urbanisation produces construction dust, among others. In addition, constantly emerging factories and power plants release pollutants at various degrees. Despite the development the country has witnessed in the last few decades, its people continue to burn waste in open sites, releasing harmful smoke and chemicals into the atmosphere. Not just that, people in rural areas still burn crop residues, especially during the winter seasons.

Studies point out that India has lost 1.67 million people in 2019 alone to air pollution. The number accounts for 17.8% of the total deaths that occurred in the country. India has been paying a heavy cost due to the air pollution. According to the WHO, the country’s lost output from premature deaths and morbidity due to air pollution accounted for economic losses of 28.8 billion and 8 billion US dollars, respectively, in 2019. The amount—36.8 billion dollars—was 1.36% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Conclusion

It is high time we both, as individuals and communities, pay attention and take effective steps to reduce air pollution. By limiting the release of pollutants in the atmosphere, we could avoid further damage done both to the living beings and the environment as a whole. By improving the quality of air, we are actually helping our children breathe without any struggle.

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