SrishtiZens

15/10/2025

Baijayanti and her husband Basanta opened ‘Chapter - 1’, a cafe-cum-reading space in Jagatsinghpur town, Odisha recently to draw people towards books and within a short span of time, their concept has become a hit!

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, baked cookies and the sweet smell of new books draw people to ‘Chapter - 1’ cafe at Jagatsinghpur town. Step inside it and you will witness a sweet change - people of all age groups reading books.

Here, while one has to pay for a coffee or a snack, sitting down to read a book throughout the day does not come with a price tag.

Baijayanti is a writer and researcher in Sanskrit language. A voracious reader herself, she wanted to inculcate the habit of reading among people, particularly youths and the elderly. “It is no secret that people across all age groups love spending time scrolling through social media on their mobile phones. Chapter - 1 is an effort to make reading for them an enjoyable experience which they can combine with food. At the cafe, access to books is free,” she said.

Basanta, who is a software engineer, said while mobile shops are mushrooming in the town, there is hardly any new book shop coming up. “Because, youths have lost interest in reading under the influence of mobile phones and social media,” he added.

The cafe has close to 1,500 books of different genres and the space can accommodate 20 readers at a time.

Source: The New Indian Express

14/10/2025

What if the seeds you toss after eating jackfruit, jamun, or litchi could help fight plastic pollution?

At NIT Rourkela, Dr Preetam Sarkar and his team have done just that.
They’ve transformed these overlooked seeds into biodegradable films that:
> Extend fruit shelf life — tomatoes last 15 extra days
> Completely decompose in 60 days, nourishing soil microbes
> Protect against harmful microbes using natural nanomaterials.

This isn’t just packaging, it’s a circular economy in action.

Starches from seeds, tamarind kernel polysaccharides, and nanoparticles like zinc oxide, chitosan, and lignin make the films strong, flexible, and safe for fruits like tomatoes, sapota, and bananas.

As Dr Santhosh Ravichandran says: “The seeds we discard every day hold incredible potential. Once the films degrade, they become nutrients for the soil.”

This innovation reminds us that nature often holds the solutions to our biggest problems.

Imagine a world where every discarded seed sparks a cleaner, greener planet.

Read More : https://thebetterindia.com/innovation/biodegradable-packaging-nit-rourkela-fruit-seeds-plastic-alternative-innovation-india-10542069



[Biodegradable Packaging, Eco-Friendly Innovation, Plastic-Free India, Sustainable Food Packaging, Sustainable Startup]

14/10/2025

Japan’s early education system prioritizes teaching respect, discipline, and responsibility over grades and exam performance.

Children learn manners before mathematics and empathy before competition. Students develop responsibility through practical activities including cleaning their own classrooms, caring for nature, and growing plants.

The educational philosophy aims to raise contributors to society rather than competitors, emphasizing values and humility over academic rankings.

This approach reflects the belief that true greatness is measured by character rather than test scores, and that generations raised with kindness, curiosity, and respect will build better societies and communities.

11/10/2025

In India, a new company has come up with a smart and eco-friendly idea. They use cow dung to create biodegradable paper, packaging, and decorative items. This is a great way to help the environment by reducing waste and stopping the use of harmful materials like plastic.

The process starts with collecting cow dung, which is a natural and renewable resource. The team then transforms this dung into a safe and useful product. By making paper and packaging from cow dung, the startup not only helps to clean up waste but also provides an alternative that can break down naturally without harming the planet.

This innovative approach is not just good for the environment; it also supports local farmers and promotes traditional practices. By using materials that are readily available in rural areas, the startup helps create jobs and encourages sustainable living. This new way of making products shows that we can be creative and find solutions that are beneficial for both people and the planet.

10/10/2025

Pooja Pal, a 17-year-old innovator from rural Uttar Pradesh who proves that determination can overcome any obstacle.

Growing up with no electricity and no toilets, she refused to let her circumstances define her future.

With creativity and hard work, she developed a low-cost, dust-free thresher to protect farmers and children from harmful agricultural dust, a long-standing problem in rural India.

Her invention gained national recognition and took her all the way to Japan, where she proudly showcased her creation at the prestigious Sakura Science High School Programme.

Pooja’s story is a powerful reminder that true heroes are not those in the limelight but those solving real-world problems with courage, innovation, and perseverance.

She inspires millions of young dreamers to believe that no background is too small and no dream too big.

10/10/2025

Plant now — shade takes years, but regret takes seconds.

10/10/2025

At NIT Rourkela, scientists led by Dr Preetam Sarkar turned fruit seeds like jackfruit, jamun & litchi into biodegradable films that replace plastic & vanish in 60 days.

07/10/2025

07/10/2025

05/10/2025

CLASSROOMS TO CLIMATE ACTION CRUSADERS: 78 SCHOOLS UNITE TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE
First-of-its-Kind Green Revolution in Schools
As climate change intensifies with rising temperatures, vanishing forests, and acute water scarcity threatening the future of our planet, a powerful movement is taking root in India’s classrooms. From Classrooms to Crusaders is not just a competition—it is a clarion call for action, where 78 schools have stepped forward to prove that the fight against climate change begins with the youngest voices of our society. This initiative aims to transform students from passive learners into active crusaders for the environment, building a generation that doesn’t just inherit the earth but safeguards it with vision, responsibility, and empathy.
In a landmark initiative blending education with environmental stewardship, the Kerala Public School Trust, Rotary Club of Jamshedpur, and SrishtiZens, a pan-India network of school eco-clubs, have joined hands to launch “Classrooms to Climate Action Crusaders”—a pioneering collaboration-based competition that transforms schools into hubs of sustainability. This program began in July 2025 and will conclude in December 2025.
A total of 78 schools from across the region have already registered. The competition will see students report monthly progress with geo-tagged photos and real-world actions—focusing this year on tree plantation and water conservation. Evaluations by a panel of eminent environmentalists, educators, and community leaders will take place after the submission of projects.
Quoting renowned environmentalist James Gustave Speth, the organisers underscored the spirit of the campaign:
“The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed, and apathy—and to deal with these, we need a spiritual and cultural transformation.”
By harnessing the collective energy of students, the organisers envision schools across India becoming epicentres of change, inspiring communities to move from awareness to sustained climate action.
OBJECTIVES OF THE COMPETITION
• Promote Sustainability: Build living models of eco-conscious campuses through collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
• Foster Community Engagement: Unite schools, local authorities, and communities around environmental awareness.
• Empower Students: Nurture empathetic, solution-oriented leaders with entrepreneurial mindsets.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
• Top 4 prizes worth ₹1,00,000 | ₹75,000 | ₹50,000 | ₹25,000
• Special Awards for the best work on “Environmental Conservation in Indian Traditions”, innovative student-led solutions, and parent-led initiatives.
• Trophies & Certificates for outstanding contributions
• Certificates of Participation for all schools
• A grand three-day residential programme and award ceremony with presentations and workshops in March/April 2026.
ABOUT THE ORGANISERS
• SrishtiZens: A pan-India network of eco-clubs fostering youth-led climate action.
• Kerala Public School Trust: Serving 21,000+ students in Jamshedpur and beyond with a vision of accessible, quality, and value-driven education.
• Rotary Club of Jamshedpur: Established in 1936, with a proud legacy of advancing education, health, and environmental conservation.

05/10/2025

🌟 Heritage Restored, Legacy Preserved! 🌟

Indore’s 300-year-old historic stepwell, built by the legendary Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, has been beautifully restored and rejuvenated. 🙌✨

What was once left in neglect and overgrown with weeds has now been revived to its former glory, showcasing the rich architectural brilliance and cultural heritage of India. The restored stepwell is not only a symbol of sustainable water management practices of the past but also a cultural landmark that connects modern India to its glorious history.

This transformation is a shining example of how heritage conservation can preserve history while beautifying our surroundings for future generations to cherish. 💧🏛️🌿

05/10/2025

Tree belts are a natural sound barrier that can reduce urban noise levels by up to 50%.