The concept of positive deviance is the the idea of identifying what is going right in an area in order to amplify it, as opposed to focusing on what is going wrong and fixing it. The term was first used in the 1990s by Tufts professor Marian Zeitlin who documented “Positive Deviant” children in poor communities who […]
In recognition of the fundamental principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Bridges to Justice (IBJ) is dedicated to protecting the basic legal rights of ordinary citizens in developing countries. Specifically, IBJ works to guarantee all citizens the right to competent legal representation, the right to be protected from cruel and unusual punishment, […]
What is Solar Impulse? It’s already quite well known, but here’s how it’s described on the Solar Impulse website: “The gigantic, but ultra-lightweight dimensions of this revolutionary airplane – capable of flying day and night without fuel – are its trademark feature.” It’s a long-range solar powered plane whose challenge is to fly around the […]
By Pankaj Adhikari With the Indian rupee over the past few months continuing its losing streak against the dollar, and foreign investors leaving Indian shores, sentiments about the Indian economy are gloomy and bleak. A world renowned economist, our Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, has taken over the finance portfolio. There is no reason whatsoever to […]
Bonnie Fatio, “founder of AgeEsteem®, is an internationally recognized motivational speaker who inspires and challenges. For more than 20 years, she has specialized in motivation and its power to influence positive change in individuals and organizations.” On her website, Bonnie asks us to, “Envision a world where age and aging are celebrated and people of […]
By Pankaj Adhikari, Amarkantak (Madhya Pradesh) – This story is about a doctor in central India. He is fighting a lone war against government apathy and bureaucratic bungling to raise funds for a school for tribal girls in a remote village called Pondki in Madhya Pradesh. He is badly in need of funds for the […]
Here’s a follow on story to Vertical Farming. It’s also about urban farming and “inspiring communities to build sustainable food systems that are equitable and ecologically sound, creating a just world, one food-secure community at a time.” Check out Growing Power. Founded in 1993 by retired basketball player, Will Allen, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Growing Power […]
By Pankaj Adhikari BEIJING (June 4, 2012) – This is the story of a Bengali in Beijing, of the searingly intense personality of a creative artist whose enthusiasm for Potunghua (Mandarin) borders on passion. His extraordinary tale is filled with scholarly eccentricities, wit, humor and a deep love for everything Chinese. Meet Amitava Bhattacharyya. Armed […]
… Arnold Schwarzenegger They are: 1.Trust Yourself 2.Break the rules 3.Don’t be afraid to fail 4.Don’t listen to the naysayers 5.Work your butt off 6.Always give something back