People know of a Rajghat that is in Delhi and a memorial to Late Sh. Mahatma Gandhi, but there is one more in India - a Rajghat, a small village at the banks of Chambal in Dhaulpur, which even 70 years after Independence, is covered in darkness and despair.

This Rajghat is devoid of all basic infrastructure to sustain Life (as per The Fundamental right to Dignified Life Under Article 21) with no connectivity to other districts. 

• None of the government's schemes have been implemented.
• There are no roads, lights or basic medical facilities.
• Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink around the banks of the Chambal. The villagers have no alternative but to drink water from the Chambal directly, in which the DEAD BODIES of humans as well as animals can be seen floating. 
• There are frequent crocodiles attacks on the villagers. 
• Only 2 males have gotten married in the last 20 years.
• Some have cellphones, but to get them charged, either they have to head towards the city or they have to buy a battery.

And yes, once the sun sets, Rajghat is lapped in utter darkness.

At the age of 21, you filed a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) on their behalf. What is the present state of the Rajghat case? 

Presently with the help of Judiciary, Executive and local people, the voice of Rajghat is triumphantly rising in the hearts of fellow citizen. Unconditional support has come in the form of financial aid, legal advice, self help groups, NGO's and philanthropists who've extended their kind assistance in not only raising awareness but also aiding the infrastructure.

Recently, High court has issued a notice to The CHIEF SECRETARY of Rajasthan, and has asked to answer within 6 weeks in reference to the PIL that I filed in the high court. We are planning to implant a solar energy based electricity and Solar based water filtration system. Now, people from across the borders are extending their helping hands.

जिस गांव में कभी जानवर भी नहीं जाते थे, उस गांव में आज अधिकारीयों और मंत्रियों की रेलमपेल लगी हुई है।
I hope कि राजघाट में अब सुबह होने वाली है। आजादी के 70 साल बाद आज राजघाट सच में "आजाद" होने वाला है।

(The same village where once even animals never went, today sees a line of bureaucrats and ministers queuing up to help. I hope that at least now, Rajghat will have a morning after this long darkness. After 70 years of freedom for the rest of India, it looks like finally the people of the village too will get their freedom.)

What is the most memorable incident that has happened during the period of your mission yet?

One of the most memorable incidents that I recall was when I was sitting with an IAS officer and was discussing the issues of Rajghat. He sarcastically asked me " अश्वनी, सिर्फ राजघाट ही क्यों? ऐसे तो कई गांव हैं। फिर आप सिर्फ राजघाट के लिए ही क्यों परेशान हो?" 

("Ashwani, why are you so bothered only about Rajghat? There are so many such villages?")

To this I replied" सर मैं मानता हूँ कि राजघाट इकलौता नहीं है, ऐसे हजारों राजघाट और होंगे, बेशक होंगे। माना पूरे  देश में ऐसे 1 लाख गांव होंगे। मैं सनकी हूं, इसमें से 1 गांव कम कर जाऊँगा, 99 हजार 999 छोड़ जाऊँगा। कल कोई और सनकी आएगा, वो 1 और कम कर देगा। ये ऐसे ही कम हो सकते हैं। सिर्फ यह सोचकर कि ऐसे तो कई गांव हैं, इन्हें कौन सही करेगा, हम हाथ बांध कर बैठे तो नहीं सकते ना !! किसी ना किसी को तो शुरूआत करनी होगी ना! किसी मसीहा का इंतजार क्यों करूँ? Why not me. चलिए मैं ही शुरू करता हूँ ।"

(To this I replied, "Sir, I agree that there may be thousands of such Rajghats, perhaps lakhs even. Even if I can reduce the number by even 1, then there will only be 99,999 villages to save. Tomorrow, someone else will come to save another. This is the only way we can save them. Simply saying that there are so many villages so why bother, nothing will change. Someone has to make the start. Why should we wait for a messiah? Why not me? So I decided to begin.")

  

As soon as the words left my mouth, I actually regretted it. I was sure he would throw me out of the room, you see! After all, he - as a bureaucrat himself - was a part of the administration against whom I had raised my voice for Rajghat. But he gave me a strong positive reaction by saying:

"Dr. Ashwani, if you are searching for that one person that will change the life of despair of Rajghat, take a look in the mirror. It's YOU." He also added "The moment you are ready to quit is usually the moment right before miracle. Therefore don't give up ever on any issue. And as far as Rajghat is concerned I will join you in this mission." 

He not only helped me with legal aid but also conveyed the problems and suggestions to the governments of the state as well as union.

It seems amazing that at such a young age, you are doing so much for the people of Rajghat while also balancing the hard stress of being a medical student? I know I could never have done what you are doing back in my days as a student. How do you handle such stress?

My parents have supported me throughout this as have friends. I've managed my time in such a way that I optimally use my spare and recreational time to balance studies as well as my mission to save Rajghat. And yes, when the stress gets too much, I do unwind, travel and enjoy with my friends like any regular college student. I am no different.  

The present day Indian youth is spirited yet frightened of challenges and risks. In this modern scenario when even capitalistic countries are turning towards a Socialistic approach, aren't we neglecting 'Development For All' as directed by our preamble and directive principles?

There's risk in everything. All mothers take the strongest risk, as from embryo till our delivery, every moment is risky. From infectious diseases to abortions due to unfortunate reasons, she risks her life but despite all the pain, she delivers us. If she can take such tough risks, is the job to serve our fellow citizens that risky in comparison? See the masons who works from Dawn to Dusk, breaking the stones to build a bridge, is the duty towards our fellow citizens that risky and hard?

I think that even with the slightest of positive motivation we can direct the energy of masses to Build and Develop The True Independent Socialist, Democratic Republic of Union of India.

How can we, as fellow concerned citizens, help the people of Rajghat? 

• Please promote #SaveRajghat in whatever possible way you can!
• Only money is not enough, carry forward the Voice of RAJGHAT so that others can hear of their fellow Indians in need.
• As a fellow citizen, strive to give your best, in any way possible, like voluntary free education, health care services. 
• Make people aware of their duties (Article 51-A) first, then their rights (Article 14-30). 

Let us aim to make the village economy self-sustaining to achieve GandhiJi's dream of the true Independent India, where the villages are the Temples of Economy, Polity and Society.

Authors note:

In the recently concluded event held in Jaipur by Changing Tomorrow aimed to inspire young minds, Ashwani and I were two of the guest speakers of the ChaT Youth Summit. 

His inspiring words resonated with audiences young and old who were in awe of the efforts this young man was taking to improve our country. People like him inspire far more faith in the future of India than most of our political leaders and deserve to have their voices reach a larger audience.

I can do that with this blog. 

All year, I have been writing about Real Life Heroes of Kindness and Compassion from around the world who changed lives with their selfless gestures and efforts. 

On September 1, 2017, I met one in real life.

I am taking My Alexa Rank to the next level with #MyFriendAlexa with BlogChatter

"I want it." the little boy said, licking his lips as he stared at the last slice of bread lying on the plate. His mother's eyes however rested on the hollowed out shape her son had playfully carved into the bread.

"I want it too." she replied wistfully, her eyes never leaving the heart within the bread as she stroked the empty spot on her left finger where, a lifetime ago, a wedding ring had rested, blissfully unaware.

Linking this post to  Friday Fictioneers, hosted by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff – Fields. You can find other awesome entries to this week's Friday Fictioneers here.

The first trailer for Avengers: Infinity War will likely arrive close to the release of Thor: Ragnarok in October and the description (available online) features everyone. Makes sense thus to catch up on your Marvel Cinematic Universe story line then, does it not?

What do you do when you come across a friend whose social media post suggests they may be considering suicide? 

The first real step is the most simplest and yet, the one least done. Yes, social media is a vast ocean and there are other closer friends and family for this person. You may not even be close. But you are a friend. 

It will not hurt you to type down 140 characters inquiring about their well being. It is ten seconds for you. It maybe the difference between life and death for them.

02. Be compassionate.

When they talk of how they feel, be kind even if you disagree with their interpretation of their problems. Reply with 'I am there to listen to you', 'I am sorry you have been feeling this way' and 'You matter to me'.

Do not mock their feelings. Avoid statements like 'Others have it worse than you', 'It is just a silly exam/guy/girl' or 'God will not forgive you.' Making someone who is on the edge feel even more guilty is never a good idea.   

03. Assess and Alert

I wish kind words were enough but yes, the reality is that by the time someone posts something sorrowful on social media, the pain has overwhelmed them. You need to be frank with them and ask them directly if they have been thinking of suicide. 

If so, assess if they have the means to commit suicide (poison, sharp instruments.) Again, you can directly ask this question. Often you will be surprised by the honesty of their answers when the right question is asked in this vulnerable state. It is imperative that you understand that you are not putting the idea in their head by talking to them of suicide.

If there is an immediate danger, consider alerting friends on their time line who may be nearby to their location. Inform them of your conversation and make them aware of the urgency of the situation.

While you may know all the tricks for getting Facebook likes and shares, allow me to add a life-saving addition to your knowledge - Facebook's Page to Report Suicidal Content.      

04. Help them connect to Suicide Helplines

One of the saddest facts in Suicide Prevention is the fact that none of us - NONE OF US - know or have the numbers of suicide helplines in our contact lists. If you find your friend willing to consider talking about his/her feelings but unwilling to trust friends and family, redirect them to a suicide helpline which allows the benefit of anonymity.

Please note here that you must be clear to your friend that you are not abandoning him/her. Make a deal to reconnect once they have finished talking to the helpline.

For your convenience, I am sharing the numbers I have come across for Suicide Prevention Helplines in India.

I chose a blue candle for this image because as per 'Candle Magic' based on colour therapy, the blue candle signifies 'Opening Lines of Communication'

Aasra (Mumbai) 02227546669

I am also redirecting you to the Emotional Support Helpline Directory app launched today (10 September 2017) that gives you an even more elaborate list of all the suicide helplines in the country. Please download it. It is, literally, a life saver.

05. Follow up the next day.

I always come back to that inspiring sentence which was the campaign of 'To Write Love on Her Arms' in 2015: "We will see you tomorrow." Show them that someone is looking forward to hearing from them the next day. 
It is a few kind words via direct messages or a call at most. But you can save their life by reminding them of what they have forgotten - that they matter in this world.

Suicide accounts for a life every 40 seconds globally. WHO states that for every adult who committed suicide, there are 20 more who attempted it. Think of those numbers. In 2012, India was estimated to have the highest number of suicides in the world by WHO. 
We must do better if we are to save our friends. 

I hope when the time comes, you will hear their indirect cries not just in real life but on social media too. I hope you will make the time for them and help them off their ledge. I hope you will inspire them to live once more.

I will see you tomorrow, my friend.

Authors note:

Every year on September 10 - World Suicide Prevention Day, I write on the topic of Suicide Prevention. 

• My Friend, Are You Thinking of Committing Suicide. (2014)

• This is Not How My Story Ends. (2015)

• Inspirational Celebrities Who Almost Killed Themselves in their Darkest Moments (2016)
• How to Help a Friend Who Shares Suicidal thoughts on Social media (2017)

Also linking to #MyFriendAlexa with BlogChatter

You can find other posts for this photo prompt here

Global: 13,36,840

India:    60,074 

Authors note:

Global: 13,82,281

India:  62,263

History has never been kind to African Americans but even within that narrow field, the hate mongering and vile assaults by the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) were the stuff of nightmare. The KKK were (and still remain) a domestic terrorist group whose sole purpose was eradicating the freed slaves following the Civil War.

But I want to talk to you about two people: one of the heads of the Ku Klux Klan Johnny Lee Clary and the man he despised for so many years, Reverend Wade Watts.

First Encounter: The Radio Debate

In 1979, when Imperial Wizard (equivalent to being a national leader of the Ku Klux Klan) Johnny Lee Clary met Wade Watts at a radio station for a debate on racism, his first gesture set the tone for what was to come. He withdrew his hand after accidentally shaking the hand of Watts recalling the Klan rule that 'physical touch of a non-white is pollution.' Instead of being insulted, the Reverend laughed and consoled him saying 'he need not worry as his black wouldn't come off.'

The debate was filled with slurs and insults heaped upon Wade by Clary. And through it all, Wade smiled and said 'Jesus loves you.' When Johnny could take no more, he stood to leave. Wade stopped him before he left the station and showed him a baby abandoned by a black teenage boy and a white girl. The Reverend had adopted the baby as his own and to Johnny he asked,"You say you hate all black people. Tell me, how can you hate this child?"

The Reverend's final words to the Klan leader who ran out the door that day was 'God Bless you, Johnny.  You can't do enough to me to make me hate you. I'm gonna love you and I will pray for you whether you like it or not.'

Waves after Wave of Hatred

Angry at being embarrassed on national radio, KKK leader Johnny Lee Clary responded the only way he knew how. Along with the Klan, Johnny would drive by Wade's house, throwing garbage all over his lawn and showering death threats. When Wade did not take the bait, Johny upped the ante.

Dressed in their iconic ceremonial robes, the KKK came to the Reverend's doorstep one night with flaming torches and dared him to come out to meet them. Reverend Wade calmly opened the door, stared at these masked men in robes and simply said 'Boys. Halloween is 4 months away. I don't have any trick-or-treats for you. Come back in October.' before calmly closing the door on their stunned faces.

At a loss, the Klan asked Johnny what he wanted to do next. So a few nights later, they made a huge cross and set it on fire outside the Reverend's window, another of the most iconic fear-inducing tactics associated with the KKK. The Reverend once more came out and this time asked them if they wanted hot dogs and marshmallows for their barbecue.

Stunned by his inability to ruffle Wade, the Klan went a step further. Johnny burnt down Wade's church. As the fire was being put out by law enforcement, Johnny called up and said in a muffled voice "Hey boy. You better be afraid. We are coming to get you. You don't know who we are but we know who you are." Before he could finish his threat, the Reverend replied, "Hello Johnny. A man like you takes the time to call me. I am so honoured. Let me do something for you." And then he started to pray to the Lord to forgive the Imperial Wizard who had just burned his church down.

The Chicken Incident

At this point, Johnny was confused but he was not ready to give up his hatred for African Americans or the Reverend in particular. One day, when they saw Wade go to a restaurant, 30 members of the Klan entered and surrounded his table. Johnny told Wade "Boy, this restaurant is for white folk only, not your kind. So I am going to make you a promise." Pointing to the chicken on the Reverend's plate, he said,"I am going to do the same thing to you that you do to the chicken. So you think real hard before you touch that chicken."

Reverend Wade Watts looked at the chicken, then the thirty men surrounding him and finally at his long standing nemesis Johnny. He then picked up the chicken and kissed it.

Everyone watching in the restaurant burst out laughing, including to Johnny's chagrin, his own Klan members. Unable to control their laughter, Johnny hurdled them out of the restaurant as the Reverend continued with his meal. That day, the Klan stopped harassing the Reverend.

Redemption

In the years that followed, Johny found his disillusionment with the Klan growing as he grew tired of hate. At the back of his mind, he remembered one old black man who had defeated his Klan, simply because the latter used his heart to stand up to their brawn. He wanted to make amends and help share love instead of the hate he had been spreading. He burned his coveted Klan robe in the backyard and left the Klan, resurfacing two years later as a preacher.

When the time came, he returned to his town but found none ready to accept him in his new robes. So Johnny turned to the only person in his surroundings capable of helping him - Reverend Wade Watts. The Reverend welcomed his old nemesis with open arms and so it came to be that Johnny Lee Clary gave his first sermon in the very same church (now rebuilt) that he had burned down years ago, a lone white man now standing in front of a crowd of annoyed black men and women.

That day in the church, with Wade by his side, Johnny won back the community with his heartfelt talk of finding himself. When Johnny made the altar call for anyone wanting to turn over their life to Jesus, among those children who stepped forward was a 14 year old girl. When Johnny noticed the Reverend crying and inquired about it, Wade pointed out that this girl - Tia - was the same adopted baby of the Reverend who Johnny had first turned his back on at the radio station years ago.  

Wade and Johnny would go on to become best friends. 

Why I want you to remember the real life story of Reverend Wade Watts and Johnny Lee Clary

Reverend Watts represented everything the Klan hated. And they were hellbent on destroying him. Yet, the jovial man beat the feared Ku Klux Klan without ever raising his hand against them. He beat them with forgiveness and humour.

In his ideals, he reminds me of the quote from his own close friend Martin Luther King Jr.

I remember a time when having an air conditioner or a television set was a luxury for a middle class family. A time before that when having an Ambassador was a status symbol. The difference there was that they were non-essential objects that slowly became a necessity in our lives as the years moved on. They were, however, not life-saving.

The simple act of breathing is. And whether you are aware of it or not, if you live in any large city in India, the chances are your lungs are already taking in dangerous levels of toxic particulate matter every day. 

As per the latest updates from the data collected by the Global Burden of Disease Project (GBD), the official statistics stand at 55 lakh premature deaths every year due to air pollution alone.  Of those, 12 lakh who die, including small children exposed to this polluted air, are Indians. The GBD project placed air pollution as the 4th greatest risk of death, higher than malnutrition, obesity, alcohol and drugs.

The number of Particulate matter per cubic meter (PM 2.5) that gets inhaled when you breathe in slowly settles down in the lungs over time. They impair your ability to breathe and deliver oxygen to the rest of your body, affect your heart and yes, over time, they do lead to cancer of the lungs. This number which should ideally be 25 can go as high as 300 on a bad day in Delhi. 

With the increasing population density in large Indian cities, one of the biggest culprits behind air pollution remains traffic pollution. Stuck in the snail-paced crawl for hours, you are not protected from these particulate matter merely by passive methods like closing the windows and turning the air conditioner on, I fear.

Scarily, you may be exposing your family to 9-12 times higher pollution from inside the car, based on former UK goverment chief scientific advisor Professor Sir David King's damning reports. 

And yet, we know we are at a stage where we cannot really live without traveling by car, whether it be dropping the children at school or going off to work. In such scenarios, you need to actively combat and filter out these air pollutants inside the car the same way you do for your drinking water.

Products like the Philips GoPure SlimLine 230 Car air purifier actively remove fine particles and toxic gases from inside, filtering the air within entirely in just 13 minutes. 

The unique filtration tech by Philips removes particles like PM2.5 as well as toxins with a Clean Air Delivery Rate of 10m3/hour to ensure the health of your family.

The air purifier is designed to keep you not just healthy but relaxed and stress-free, as it operates automatically and allows you to focus on driving while also refreshing your air with a natural fragrance. 

The air purifier removes dust, allergens, smoke, odours, bacteria and virus all while snugly fitting anywhere in your car with a diminutive weight of 800 gms.

Suitable for children, pregnant women, allergy sufferers, asthma patients and owners of pets,  it does more than filter, of course. It also senses the air-particles around you and gives you updated indicators on the quality.

The long term damage done from air pollution is often catastrophic and irreversible. It is as devastating for a young child who has to suffer acute episodes of breathlessness growing up as it is for an elderly Indian who has worked so hard for the country for decades as you grew up only to be unable to take a deep breath anymore now that his lungs have weakened. We don't talk about it. But we should. 

Still not convinced? 

These are the Air pollution levels in India on 16 August 2017.

You can check today's levels here 

Healthy air is not a luxury. It is a necessity. 

The best time to invest in it was yesterday. The next best time... is now.

The Philips GoPure SlimLine 230 Air Purifier can be bought online here.