What's Good, India? | From a Labourer-Turned-CEO To a Real-Life Swades Couple!

In a world brimming with challenges, it's easy to miss the sparks of hope lighting up every corner of our nation. But here's the truth: India is alive with changemakers, quiet revolutions, and everyday heroes rewriting narratives.

What’s Good, India is your weekly dose of all things inspiring—a celebration of the incredible stories, innovations, and initiatives that remind us why positivity and action matter.

Every Thursday, we’ll bring you the heartbeat of a better India, one inspiring story at a time. Let's start seeing the good, and more importantly, being it. Ready to dive in?

This Week’s Spotlight: Top 3 Stories of the Week

1. Woman Turns Love for Stray Dogs Into a Rs 56 Lakh Business with Life-Saving Collars

A heartbreaking accident involving a neighborhood stray sparked Rimjhim Joshi Shende’s mission to create Pawsitivity — a groundbreaking initiative crafting QR-enabled reflective collars for street dogs.

These collars do more than enhance night visibility; they store essential health and location information, providing crucial, life-saving protection for the dogs.

What began as a simple, compassionate idea has evolved into a thriving business that empowers underprivileged women, proving that when compassion meets innovation, it transforms lives in unexpected ways.

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2. India’s 2nd HIV Patient Is Now Giving 400 Children a New Life

Born transgender and cast aside by the world, Noori's journey is one of unparalleled courage. After fleeing to Mumbai for safety, she found love with Dutta, a military man.

But when tragedy struck again with Dutta’s death, Noori faced unimaginable hardships, including an HIV diagnosis. But she refused to be defined by her circumstances.

Instead, she chose life and ignited a spark of hope. Today, through the SIP Memorial Trust, she provides a loving home to over 400 children orphaned by HIV. Noori's story is a testament to the incredible resilience of the human spirit.

3. Farm Labourer to CEO of a Billion Dollar Firm: Jyothi Reddy’s Incredible Journey

Once a farm labourer and child bride at 16, Jyothi Reddy’s life seemed destined for hardship. Raised in an orphanage in Warangal, Telangana, she refused to let her circumstances define her.

Determined to give her children a better future, she learned English, taught herself computers, and eventually moved to the U.S. through sheer grit.

Today, she is the CEO of Key Software Solutions, a billion-dollar firm, proving that no dream is too big when paired with relentless perseverance.

Week in a Wink: What Made News On Social Media

22-year-old Sai Dinesh, hailing from a humble background in Hyderabad, defied numerous challenges to achieve an All India Rank of 40 in the Chartered Accountancy exams.

Despite financial constraints, a major health setback during his exams due to COVID-19, and initial skepticism from family and friends, Dinesh stayed resolute in his pursuit.

His journey, marked by sleepless nights and determination, was driven by his desire to uplift his family from poverty. Now, he aims to ensure a better future for his parents and sister, who stood by him through it all.

Golamunda, a region once plagued by poverty and migration, has become a beacon of resilience, thanks to Krushnachandra Nag's journey.

Born into hardship, Krushna started as a driver earning Rs 2,500/month but returned to his ancestral land to pursue farming. By adopting organic farming methods and cultivating chilies and tomatoes, he turned a modest 25 decimals of land into a thriving business.

Today, Krushna farms 16 acres, earning Rs 85 lakh annually, and runs a Farmer Producer Organisation that has transformed over 200 lives.?

In a powerful act of kindness, Sushant Divgikar, also known as Rani Ko-HE-Nur, transformed a career achievement into a life-changing opportunity for Dr. Ruth Paul John, India’s first transgender doctor.

Using earnings from voicing Park Sung-hoon’s character in the Hindi dub of Squid Game Season 2, Sushant funded Dr. Ruth’s postgraduate education in medicine. Dr. Ruth, who overcame immense odds growing up as an orphan in Khammam, earned her MBBS and now serves at Osmania General Hospital, specialising in compassionate care for HIV/AIDS patients.

Sushant’s contribution allowed her to pursue her MD in Emergency Medicine, marking a historic moment in India’s healthcare landscape. As Sushant shared, “The joy in giving is unparalleled because that’s the highest blessing.”

??Inspiration In Motion: Watch This!

Vijaya and Venkat Iyer, the real-life Swades couple, left behind their comfortable lives abroad to dedicate themselves to uplifting India.

They’ve made a tremendous impact—adopting 15 newborn girls, empowering over 600 women with micro-loans, establishing Rs 10 clinics, and providing scholarships to keep children in school — highlighting how small efforts can make a big difference for those in need.

?? Quote of the Week

“Tough criticism from the right people is the friend request you should not ignore. Accept criticism and accept no as an answer; you'll probably benefit from it.”

– Edelweiss CEO Radhika Gupta

Photo of the Week

Help a Changemaker: #DonateABlanket That Warms Hearts & Homes

In the wintry ghats of Benares, thousands of migrant workers, widows, and homeless people face the harsh cold, surviving with just a mat between them and the freezing ground.

But Divyanshu Upadhyay of Hope Welfare Trust is changing their reality with a simple yet powerful solution—a blanket made from recycled textile waste. These blankets not only provide warmth but also empower women through work, helping them regain their dignity.

For just ?300, you can gift a blanket that makes a difference. Join the movement and #DonateABlanket to be the warmth in someone's winter.

Donate now!

?? What’s Happening – Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Date: 11th January, 2025 (7:30 am – 9:30 am)

Carter Clean Up

Calling all Mumbaikars! Join the Carter Beach Clean-Up and restore the beauty of Bandra’s shores.

Tackle plastic, cans, and waste—making a real difference in the community. Start the new year with purpose and positive impact!

?? Weekend Cheer List

Flight Into Fear: The Captain's Story

Captain Devi Sharan, a name synonymous with courage, announced his retirement last week — but his heroism during the Kandahar hijack will forever resonate in history.

While 2024's most acclaimed series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, captured his bravery, for a deeper, personal account, Flight Into Fear: The Captain’s Story offers an intimate look at his extraordinary leadership on that fateful Christmas Eve.

For anyone inspired by real-life tales of courage, this memoir is a must-read—an unflinching portrayal of a man who faced fear head-on, embodying the true essence of heroism.

Paani

Paani, a Marathi film produced by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, follows Hanumant Kendre, who fights to make his drought-stricken village water-independent after his marriage proposal is rejected due to the crisis.

Based on a true story, Paani was awarded Best Film on Environment at the 66th National Film Awards and was screened at the New York Film Festival. Released on 18 October 2024, it’s a powerful and inspiring watch.

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Thanks for reading! Remember, each small effort counts in making India a kinder, better place. See you next week with more stories that celebrate the heart and spirit of our nation.