Pollution at dangerous levels!

 The alarm bells are ringing! A grave situation for the next generation.

This isn't just any winter fog. This is smog (smoke + fog). This is the extent of the pollution in the capital of India. This is affecting brand India, big time!

This situation is not new for Delhiites, but what is appalling is that nothing major seems to be done over the years to bring about a positive change in the situation.

Let us begin by understanding what is AQI...

AQI stands for the Air Quality Index.  

These quality standards differ from region to region. In India, the NAMP (National Air Monitoring Programme) is operated by the Central Pollution Control Board. There are six AQI categories 

[Source: National Air Quality Index (cpcb.gov.in) ]

The schools shall remain closed for some days as a measure to reduce the impact of the pollution. The schools/educational institutions can conduct their classes online. 

The government of Delhi is also planning to implement its 'odd-even' policy, but the apex court - The Supreme Court has questioned whether this policy was effective in reality or just for the optics.

So this 'odd-even ' policy means that vehicles with licence plate numbers ending in even digits are allowed to operate on even dates, while those ending in odd digits can ply on odd dates.

The government may also consider a stay on the construction work in and around Delhi. 

How this is affecting India's image?

1. The players of the Cricket World Cup 2023 have gone on to cancel their practice sessions. Some of those have been seen practicing with their masks on. [In future the other sportspersons will follow suit]

[Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh - before their match in Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium]

2. According to studies the average life expectancy reduces by up to 10 years if you reside in a severely polluted area.

3. In the long run, this may affect the decisions of corporations and investors. 

Mumbai hasn't yet reached the low levels as Delhi, but the pollution levels are rising at a rapid pace.

Let us hope that the leaders are able to muster the courage to make the right decisions. After all, what is required is strong political willpower to transform the situation.

Let us hope for a positive change soon.

What measures can you suggest? 

'Where there is a will, there is a way!'

When an example proves the proverbial...!

Today let us salute the efforts of Sheetal Devi - the armless archer from India who has made us proud by winning a silver medal followed by two gold medals at the Asian Para Games 2022 in Hangzhou (China).

She was born in 2007 with a condition known as Phocomelia which results in the ill development of a limb. The journey of the hero begins when the others perceive it as a dead-end. 

Her talent was first brought to the world by the army.

The Indian Army's Rashtriya Rifles unit first spotted her talent, and after participating in an event organized by the army, coaches Abhilasha Chaudhary and Kuldeep Wadhwan decided to train her.  

Unfortunately, the doctors ruled out the possibility of prosthetics, but that did not deter Sheetal Devi. 

Very similar to this is the case of an American archer Matthew Stutzman (Paralympics - Silver medalist 2012). 

Sheetal Devi was determined and with the guidance of her coaches made ALL her dreams come true.

One day after a ride in a car she put her feet on the steering at proclaimed that one day she too would drive a car....!

These are real-life heroes who have the power to motivate us all. As a wonderful gesture Mr. Anand Mahindra, Chairman (Mahindra Group), in his X account offered her any car of her choice that they would customise for Sheetal Devi.

She is just sixteen years old (DOB: Jan 10,2007), and this is just the start. 

Wish her all the very best, and hope that the readers will draw a lot of motivation from her example.

Cheers!