As 2019 comes to an end, we look back at some unsung heroes who went viral this year - not for any Tik Tok videos, but for their brave efforts towards noble causes. From saving the lives of strangers to feeding orphans, these heroes have done us proud in their own ways!
1. Sanitation Worker’s Bollywood Twist to a Garbage Song
We’d recommend skipping Tanishk Bagchi’s Bollywood remixes and instead listen to Mahadev Jadhav’s music instead. A sanitation worker based out of Pune, Jadhav recently went viral for his unique remix of ‘Kajra Mohobbat Wala’, from the film Kismat. The song aims to raise awareness about sanitation, waste disposal and cleanliness.
2. This Girl Raises Traffic Awareness by Dancing Her Way Into People’s Hearts
When was the last time anyone took an intern in their office seriously ? Well, if Shubi Jain is an example to go by, then we dare say, we must! This young MBA student from Symbiosis Pune was seen raising traffic awareness on the streets of Indore during her internship. But, with her dance moves! She says, “I was attracted to manning the traffic after watching some students who were working as traffic volunteers and creating awareness about traffic rules among people.”
3. This ‘Eco Baba’ Is the Only Baba India Needs
Punjab’s Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, also known as “eco baba” is famous for his water conservation efforts. In 2000, Seechewal, along with a group of volunteers, cleaned up the filthy Kali Bein canal in Kapurthala. That’s how he got the name. And ever since, he has continued to contribute to the environment in all the little ways possible. Most recently in August, Seechewal and his volunteers reached out to the flood-hit villages of Punjab with medicines, food and drinking water. If only *all* babas were like this, right?
4. The (No) Dowry Man
While payment as well as request of dowry has been illegal in India for quite some time, we all know that the ground reality is quite different. Which is probably why the internet couldn’t help lauding Jitendra Kumar, a BSF constable, who recently refused to accept dowry worth Rs 11 lakhs. But what’s more impressive is that Kumar’s in-laws were initially quite puzzled with his decision. Kumar further added that the money should be used to help his wife complete her higher education instead.
And yes, we know that the bar for men is already quite low; why applaud men for doing something they already should be doing? But, every drop makes an ocean, right?
5. Making the World a Better Place, Re 1 Idli at a Time!
Sounds too good to be true? Believe it or not, but for the past 30 years, Kamalathal Paati - an 80 year old woman residing in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu has been serving Re 1 idlis to her customers. Everyday she wakes up in the wee hours of the morning and spends the day cooking up to a 1000 idlis a day. She refuses to raise the price of her idlis any further, which comes as a big boon for daily wage earner and the needy. who reside in the area
6. The End of the Grandpa Kitchen Era
Kindness comes in all shapes and forms. Sometimes, even a YouTube channel! Narayana Reddy not only ran his famous YouTube channel ‘Grandpa Kitchen’, but also used it as a means to help the local orphans. Reddy would use his YouTube channel to cook lavish meals for children and also raise funds for the same. From doughnuts to pizzas to biryani, Reddy always ensured that the children got the best. But sadly, if 2019 gave us some male heroes, it also took away one as Reddy passed away on 27 October.
7. India’s First All Women Rock Band Is Breaking Glass Ceilings & Stereotypes!
‘Dreaming ke pressure cooker ki seeti ko bajney do! Kajal chudi bindi jhumke payal se sajney doo. Mere hausalon ke shankh naad bajney do bajney do bajney do…’ That’s how the line goes for one of the songs of India’s first all women rock band ‘Meri Zindagi.’ The lead singer-songwriter Jaya Tewari says that they are all middle class women who find joy in the extra ordinary by jamming early in the morning before heading off to work or college. Jaya holds a PhD in music.
8. Miss Kohima Runners up Who Told PM, “Focus on Women, Not Cows!”
Many have thought of this but not everyone had the guts to say it out loud. At least, not until Khrielievinuo Suoihu said it. An 18 year old girl from Nagaland told Prime Minister Narendra Modi to shift his focus on the betterment of women and not cows. This took place during the Q&A round of Nagaland’s state-run beauty pageant on 5 October, where she was asked what would she like to tell the PM if she were invited for a chat with him. She was the first runners up of the competition!
9. The Man Who Walked Through Fire
In May 2019, a tragic incident took place when a coaching centre building in Surat caught fire. 22 students lost their lives in the accident. But despite the tragic loss, some good prevailed as a man named Ketan didn’t think twice before running into a burning building to rescue students. He managed to stand on the ledge of the building and rescue at least two girls.
10. This Dog at Chennai Railway Station Deserves a Govt Job for Her Dedication!
The Railway Protection Force, also known as the RPF, has the perfect assistant in Chinnaponnu who not only ensures that passengers don’t cross railway tracks but also barks at them for travelling on the footboard. This assistant is none other than, Chennai railway station’s dog. According to a vendor, Chinnaponnu was abandoned at the station two years ago and has been here ever since. She is usually calm, does not bother the general public and only goes along with people wearing the khakhi uniform. We love the good samaritan!
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