From her college days back in 2014, Sanjana Sanghi has been dedicated to empowering the next generation through grass-roots work in education alleviation. Upholding her role as Teach For India’s Hope Empowerer, she recently led an inspiring class for underprivileged students in Mumbai on the occasion of Teacher's Day, continuing her mission of highlighting the true power of education and preparing them to be future leaders. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sanjana Sanghi (@sanjanasanghi96) Sanjana Sanghi teaches underprivileged kids Sharing a video on Instagram she wrote, “Unboxing Fears, Chasing Hopes & Dreams. That our future is in the bright and able hands of these little dynamites of our country, makes me go to sleep with a smile. Over the past 10 years of working with children at the grassroots level to focus on education both within and beyond the classroom, I come out with only one thought, every time. 'Today, I learned so much more than I could ever teach them'." Sanjana Sanghi on the life lessons she’s picked on over the years As the students remained gripped by the class Sanjana had designed for them, Sanghi shared, “Education goes far beyond what we study in our classrooms and textbooks, it involves a holistic understanding of our own potential, and being empowered with the tools to exploit it. Having gone through the journey of being a self-made individual navigating a complex career, it is often the most unexpected lessons from my classrooms that have been my crutch in the toughest of times. Being able to break down certain life lessons and aid these leaders of tomorrow in unboxing their fears and chasing their hopes and dreams, is a true honor and privilege.” As UNDP India’s Youth Champion, Sanjana has consistently been at the forefront of innovative campaigns aimed at educating and empowering youth. Whether through her upskilling workshops or by leading classes for Teach For India students, Sanghi has always dedicated her time and efforts to educating and inspiring the younger generation. Sanjana Sanghi’s acting front Sanjana made her acting debut with ‘Dil Bechara’. Directed by Mukesh Chhabra in his directorial debut, 'Dil Bechara' is a poignant coming-of-age tragedy romance that captivated audiences worldwide. Released directly on OTT platforms in 2020, the film holds special significance as the last cinematic portrayal of the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. She has also worked in films like 'Dhak Dhak' and 'Kadak Singh'.
05 September,2024 06:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRandeep Hooda is a man of wears many hats. While he is most popularly known for his acting skills, he is known to have many more interests. Over the years, Randeep has used his celebrity status to be the voice of many social causes. As he turns a year older on August 20, we take a look at the causes Randeep Hooda has been the face of. Randeep Hooda has used the power of words to express his thoughts on various social issues. He had once contributed to 'In The Script', a column published by Asian Correspondent as a guest writer. His article titled "Racism against Indians in Australia ..." discussed the violence against Indians in Australia controversy. The actor penned down his personal experience in Australia, where he was subjected to racial discrimination. In the article, he wrote, "My experiences were not in my mind incidents of racial discrimination but more a challenge of an individual assertion of mental and physical superiority". In conclusion, he wrote, "The point is to get tough inside out, play a sport apart from cricket, have heart and stand up in unity and say 'we'll not take shit'. All it needs is a few pioneers and I'm proud to say that I tried [and will continue to do so] and I hope a few others do that too." In 2011, Hooda began writing a blog for Hindustan Times. In September 2010, Hooda and Jackky Bhagnani appeared in a charity fashion show for Khushi, Kapil Dev's NGO to improve poor communities in India. The following year, Hooda raised public awareness of chronic hunger in India. He presented a video to the cast and crew of Jism 2, who shared it on their social media accounts. In December 2012, Hooda participated in an anti-suicide initiative with Imtiaz Ali, Rahul Bose, Mahesh Bhupati, and Nishikant Kamath. Hooda, who had failed Class 12, said, "Don't accept defeat. Fight back adversities. Failure is a myth. Every experience is a just fodder for the future. Suicide doesn't solve the problem, It ends you." Not many in Bollywood can boast of equestrian leanings, but Randeep Hooda can. He is known for his fondness of horses and has quite a few number of horses in a stable in the city. Needless to say, Hooda makes sure they are taken care of. Randeep has been a regular horse rider since his school days.On being asked about his equestrian association, the Jat boy has a philosophical reason. Randeep believes the unwritten laws applied to acting and horse-riding are similar in nature. "In both fields, the principles are the same. As an actor, you have to draw a parallel with the subject at hand and become the character you're playing. Similarly, while riding a horse, you and the horse become one and the connection created helps in making the ride a much smoother one," he said. While he admitted that he cannot claim to be a champion for animal causes, he does love them and hates to watch them suffer. And somehow, Hooda has had many encounters with animals in distress. He picked up one injured stray dog one day and now it's his pet. Likewise, Randeep has treated many wounded birds including an eagle, which was just about to be sold.
20 August,2024 08:00 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a world full of selfish people, there are a few who think about those who can't speak. Shruti Sinha, who is the parent of a cute golden retriever named Aaloo Sinha, is one of those with a heart for the voiceless. In an exclusive chat with mid-day.com, Shruti revealed an emotional incident when she saw a large Fortuner run over a little kitten and how she tried her best to save its life. Shruti shared that she had gone to town for a shoot in the rain, and while on her way back home, she saw a car run over a kitten. "I went to town for a shoot. After shooting in a saree, drenched in rain, I was returning home when I saw a car hit a kitten. It was unfortunate, and I think the driver must not have seen the kitten because she was very small. The car literally drove over the kitten, and I saw it happen. I said to myself, 'This can't be happening.' So I stopped, picked up the kitten, and searched for a nearby vet," she shared. View this post on Instagram A post shared by mid-day (@middayindia) The actress further continued, "On Google Maps, I found a vet just two minutes away. I reached there and called the vet, saying, 'It's an emergency,' but the doctor replied, 'Come after 11:30, it's a Sunday.' I was so angry that I decided to take the kitten to my dog's vet, which was a little farther from where I was. On the way to the vet, the kitten passed away. I knew deep down she was gone, but I still took her to the vet, and they confirmed there was no way she could have been saved because it was a large vehicle that had driven over her. After that, I was heartbroken and cried so much." Shruti also shared that touching the kitten caused a severe allergy on her face and the left side of her body, but this didn't deter her. She remains very determined to do it all over again and shared, "When I returned home, I got an allergic reaction on the left side of my face. It turned red, and I got a lot of pimples; it was burning. My mom said, 'You always do this,' and I replied, 'Ye to karna hi chahiye.' To be honest, I was really sad that day." Shruti is an actress, dancer, and reality TV star, but above all, she is a pet parent who loves her baby boy. For more motivational stories and updates, stay tuned to mid-day.com.
17 August,2024 08:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Shachi ChaturvediDia Mirza, an actor, UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador and United Nations Secretary-General Advocate for Sustainable Development has often been vocal for change and has contributed her efforts in the field of social change, conservation and the environment, urged people on thinking more about India's future. Dia Mirza attended the Youth Sabha 2047: Shaping India's Future event on International Youth Day on August 12. Dia Mirza bats for conservation on International Youth Day 2024 Sharing her thoughts, Dia told ANI, "Everything we use in our daily lives comes from the Earth and has to go back to the Earth in a form and shape that is healthy for Earth and people. A few days ago, we spotlighted to the world that we had overshot the resources the Earth provides annually to all of us, it's called Earth Overshoot Day. This happened in August...we have 4 more months in this year left and we have already surpassed in our consumption or what the earth provides. Which means we are stealing from our own children and grandchildren what they will require to live, to be healthy, to be happy." recommended by Dia urged people to reject single-use plastics and return to sustainable roots. She added, "Change occurs when we make individual choices. So refuse single-use plastics. The simple things that we can refuse are bottles, cutlery, crockery, use your own. I there are young people in India in villages who are starting steel banks where big occasions and big functions are being hosted without creating a single waste product, especially of plastic. So we need to go back to the basics and go back to our roots because our ancestors and our predecessors who lived and walked this earth knew that we needed to be less harmful to the earth. We are the land that serves food in leaf plates, who served water in metal ware and in clay pots." On Monday, several students gathered for Youth Sabha 2047, an intergenerational town hall organised in New Delhi by the United Nations Foundation and leading think tank Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), as part of the Next Generation India Fellowship.The Youth Sabha 2047 marks a significant milestone as India lays down a blueprint to become a developed country by 2047. The Youth Sabha brought together 11 Next Generation India Fellows, students, policymakers, government officials, civil society leaders, and diplomats for a day of engaging discussions, high-level panels, and interactive sessions aimed at shaping India's future with the youth at the centre of it. (ANI)
13 August,2024 06:22 PM IST | Mumbai | ANIOn the occasion of World Nature Conservation Day, here’s why we remember pan-India star Allu Arjun who is also known as the Green Warrior. Brand Ambassador of Telangana Forest Department-Allu Arjun was appointed as the brand ambassador of the Telangana Forest Department in 2021. His involvement brings significant attention to the cause, encouraging millions of his fans to support and engage in activities that protect and preserve the natural environment. Gifting plants and seeds to Friends and FamilyAllu Arjun prefers gifting plants and seeds to his circle of friends which shows his commitment to fostering a green lifestyle. This thoughtful gesture is simple yet powerful way to inspire environmental consciousness within his community and fan base. A Home and Office Filled with Greenery-Known to have over 100 types of plants at both his home and office, Allu Arjun exemplifies how integrating nature into daily life can be both aesthetically pleasing and beneficial for well-being. His green spaces in personal and professional settings, serves as a living example of how one can create a healthy and sustainable environment. Go Green campaign in 2014Allu Arjun’s Go Green campaign aimed at promoting green practices and raising awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. Through this initiative, the Pan India Superstar has been able to spread his influence to drive positive change and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly habits among the public. Adoption of a Village to Promote Eco-Friendly Practices-Allu Arjun’s most significant contribution to environmental conservation is his adoption of a village to promote eco-friendly practices. With this initiative he is directly impacting the lives of its residents and setting an example for others to follow. As a 'Green Warrior,' Allu Arjun not only sets an example for his fans but also contributes significantly to the broader movement towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly living. On the work front: Allu Arjun was last seen in the film ''Pushpa: Part 1' that was released in 2021. For the film, which was a pan-India success, the actor won his first National Award. Currently, he is looking forward to the sequel of the film. Directed by Sukumar, the film also stars Fahadh Faasil and Rashmika Mandanna.
28 July,2024 03:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSanjana Sanghi has always been a firm believer in the power of educating the youth for a better tomorrow. The actress consistently engages in endeavors that empower young minds to make a difference. Entrusted with the responsibility of being the UNDP Youth Champion for India, Sanjana has unwaveringly demonstrated her commitment to her beliefs. Recently, the actress was invited to the UN HQ in New York to further the cause of youth empowerment and collaborate with global teams to take collective action for a better world. Acting on her convictions, Sanjana Sanghi, together with Dia Mirza, UN Goodwill Ambassador, addressed the youth about the importance of a greener future on World Environment Day. Talking about her experience, Sanjana expressed, “Global warming is an alarming issue, and it is massively impacting our environment today. As UN Ambassadors, Dia and I have been diligently committing ourselves to bringing about a change for a better tomorrow. Getting the opportunity for two change-makers to share a stage in inspiring action and hope for a better future was truly an honor. It was indeed a rewarding experience to engage with the future leaders of the world alongside my dear friend Dia Mirza.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dia Mirza Rekhi (@diamirzaofficial) Sanjana Sanghi's journey in youth education began in 2014 during her college days and has since evolved as she continues to serve as the UNDP Youth Champion, always striving to catalyze positive change. Meanwhile, on the film front, Sanjana Sanghi and Rohit Saraf's film 'Woh Bhi Din The' finally saw the light of the day after 11 years of wait. The Sajid Ali directorial takes the audience back in time as the film's plot revolves around the high school adventures of young boys. The film is streaming on Zee5. Besides that, she announced the sequel to 'Dhak Dhak'. Helmed by Tarun Dudeja the film stars Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza, Sanjana Sanghi, and Fatima Sana Shaikh, the film's narrative revolves around four women from different walks of life who come together for an extraordinary journey filled with emotions, adventures, and self-discovery as they embark on a biking trip to Khardung La. The film explores how this journey forever alters their destinies. (With inputs from ANI)
06 June,2024 06:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn the occasion of World Environment Day, the Bhamla Foundation spearheaded an eco-friendly Green Ride Cyclothon, an eco-friendly cycle ride to promote sustainability and raise awareness about a greener and cleaner environment. The event, which also raised awareness around sustainable living and promoting eco-friendly transportation, saw enthusiastic participation from citizens across Mumbai. Several renowned dignitaries such as Burjis Godrej, Aparshakti Khurana, Sunny Kaushal, Stebin, Aaman Devgan, Arsalan Goni, Aditya Seal, Niketan Madhok, Adv. Asish Shelar, and others marked their presence at the event, which was held on May 5 at Carter Road Amphitheater. After the event, Aparshakti took to his Instagram and posted a video from the cyclothon, writing, “Bhoomi Namashkar! Happy World Environment Day @bhamlafoundation.” Sunny Kaushal, who was also part of the cyclothon, wished everyone a happy World Environment Day and wrote, “Wishing everyone a very happy World Environment Day!! I hope you all live and love more mindfully, give back when you can, save what you must, plant and restore more trees. Live a more meaningful and sustainable life. Love more, laugh more, be more!” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aparshakti Khurana (@aparshakti_khurana) Speaking about the event, Asif Bhamla and Saher Bhamla stated, “World Environment Day is a crucial reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve our planet. The Green Ride Cyclothon is not just an event; it's a movement towards embracing sustainable practices. It symbolizes the power of unity and the impact we can make when we come together for a common cause. Our goal is to inspire and educate, particularly the younger generation, about the importance of sustainable living. Even one change in action today can have a larger impact on the universe tomorrow. Let's do everything possible to save the planet!” The cyclothon commenced early in the morning, with hundreds of cyclists pedaling through the city to raise awareness about saving the environment. The initiative by the Bhamla Foundation continues to promote a commitment to having a cleaner and greener environment. Such thoughtful initiatives by the Bhamla Foundation serve as an inspiration to take the necessary steps towards a better and sustainable future. Previously, the Bhamla Foundation, which is dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainable development, celebrated Global Recycle Day by launching recycled benches for sustainable living. Additionally, the foundation has also contributed to reviving the Mithi River.
05 June,2024 07:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Rithvikk Dhanjani is also an eco-conscious citizen, urging fans to expand their eco-friendly efforts beyond just ditching plastic. On World Environment Day, Rithvikk shared his daily sustainability practices and encouraged small changes that can create a significant impact. "While eliminating plastic is crucial, there's so much more we can do," Rithvikk remarked. He suggests reducing home energy consumption by turning off lights and using energy-efficient appliances. Water conservation is also emphasized, urging people to be mindful of tap usage. "We've all seen people leave the tap running when it's not necessary; simply turn it off while brushing your teeth or taking a shower," the actor concluded. Rithvikk further elaborated on the importance of supporting eco-friendly companies in developing sustainable products. "Many companies are actively advocating for eco-friendly products. For instance, some companies have developed eco-friendly earbuds and brushes. Look for these products whenever possible." "Small changes in our daily lives," Dhanjani emphasizes, "can make a big difference. Let's be mindful consumers and work together for a sustainable future." Dhanjani exemplifies his message with an anecdote. "Just a few months ago," he recounts, "I encountered security at an airline counter in Ahmedabad who insisted I print my boarding pass. They asked me to print my ticket, but I didn't want to waste paper. After explaining my reasoning, they eventually understood that I had the ticket on my phone and didn't need a printout." Rithvikk's experience serves as a reminder that small actions can lead to positive change. Individuals need to be conscious of their impact on the environment and make sustainable choices whenever possible. Rithvikk always ensures that he does his bit. The actor has been inspiring people to make their own Ganpati idols for Ganesh Chaturthi and do the visarjan in their own houses. Rithvikk Dhanjani is completely against the use of Ganpati idols made of Plaster of Paris. On the work front, Rithvikk was hosting Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11 with Gauahar Khan. The actor has been a part of several reality shows as a host, and he has also participated in Rohit Shetty’s famous stunt-based shows Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi – Made in India and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 8.
05 June,2024 05:14 PM IST | MumbaiBollywood actress Ananya Panday celebrated World Environment Day in a unique and inspiring way, sharing a Never Seen Before video on Instagram that has captured the hearts of her fans. In the video, Ananya is seen riding a horse through lush greenery, radiating joy and a deep connection with nature. Her heartfelt caption read, "The earth does not belong to us, we belong to the earth 🌱#EnvironmentDay." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ananya 💛🩵💚💜❤️ (@ananyapanday) The post has garnered widespread admiration from her fans, who praise her thoughtful environmental awareness approach. One fan wrote about how this was a wonderful way to celebrate, the comment read, "Such a wonderful way to Celebrate World Environment Day". Another fan spoke about how at peace Ananya looked in the video, “Ananya, you look so natural and at peace riding that horse!” A third fan wrote, “You always inspire us to be better humans of the earth”, while another spoke about how she’s getting in touch with her roots, "Getting in touch with her roots and reminding us to do the same." These comments, among others, flooded her feed, showing how the young actress’ message resonated with many. Ananya’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness and her being the Goodwill ambassador of WWF India highlight her dedication to making a positive impact. She continues to inspire her followers to appreciate and protect our planet, making her a true role model for the younger generation. Meanwhile, on the work front, Ananya will mark her web series debut with 'Call Me Bae'. With Ananya leading the cast as Bella Bae Chowdhary, the 8-part series also features actors Vir Das, Gurfateh Pirzada, Varun Sood, Vihaan Samat, Muskkaan Jaferi, Niharika Lyra Dutt, Lisa Mishra, and Mini Mathur. Written by Ishita Moitra, Samina Motlekar, and Rohit Nair, and directed by Collin D'Cunha, 'Call Me Bae' is the story of Bae, who upon being downsized from heiress to hustler, discovers that her most valuable assets aren't her diamonds, but her street smarts and style. Broke but refusing to be broken, she navigates the newsrooms of Mumbai, finding beaus, behens, and her better self.
05 June,2024 04:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUpasana Kamineni Konidela, known for her dedicated philanthropic efforts in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, has always had a deep commitment towards wildlife conservation and creating access to quality healthcare for staff, who work around the clock for the protection and conservation of wildlife and their habitat. Reaffirming her dedication to the cause, she has been appointed the National Ranger Ambassador for WWF-India, four years in a row. This prestigious appointment comes as a recognition of her unwavering commitment to conservation and humanitarian causes. The appointment follows a collaboration between the World Wide Fund for Nature - India (WWF-India) and Apollo Hospitals Charitable Trust (AHCT). With this, Upasana Kamineni Konidela, Vice Chairperson CSR -Apollo Hospitals promises to provide specialized medical treatment at Apollo Hospitals for forest staff injured in and around protected areas, forest divisions, and tiger reserves. Treatment is also provided to members of local communities in cases of injuries due to human-wildlife conflict. Upasana Kamineni Konidela, in her capacity as National Ranger Ambassador, has played a pivotal role in advocating for the welfare of frontline forest staff. Her appointment underlines the importance of collaboration between the healthcare sector and conservation organizations in safeguarding the well-being of those who protect our natural heritage. Commenting on her impactful role, Upasana Kamineni Konidela stated, "I am happy to serve as the National Ranger Ambassador for WWF-India. Forest rangers are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to protect our wildlife and natural habitats. I am committed to supporting their well-being and ensuring that they receive the care and support they deserve." “The partnership between Apollo Hospitals Foundation and WWF-India has created a unique opportunity to provide critical and life-saving medical care to frontline staff of the forest departments across the country in times of emergency. The jobs of frontline staff involved in conservation are high risk; the reassurance that they will be well looked after in the event of an unfortunate accident gives them the confidence to continue to do their jobs fearlessly and without worry,” Yash Magan Shethia, Director, Wildlife and Habitats Programme. Under the WWF-India AHCT partnership, more than 50 rangers/local community persons have been treated free at Apollo hospitals. As the National Ranger Ambassador, Upasana Kamineni Konidela will continue to champion the cause of conservation and humanitarianism, embodying the spirit of service and compassion towards both people and nature.
05 June,2024 04:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVantara, the esteemed wildlife preservation project founded by Anant Ambani, has launched an inspiring new video campaign featuring top celebrities in honour of World Environment Day. The campaign, tagged with #ImAVantarian, aims to raise awareness and foster collective action towards environmental conservation. The video showcases celebrities including Ajay Devgn, Bhumi Pednekar, Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Sharma, digital sensation Kusha Kapila, and cricket icon KL Rahul. Each celebrity passionately expresses their commitment to the environment, urging viewers to join them in making a tangible difference. The campaign is designed to resonate with a diverse audience, leveraging the influence of these celebrities to emphasize the importance of environmental responsibility. The video encourages viewers to take a pledge for the environment, adopt sustainable practices, and spread the word using the campaign hashtag. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vantara Reliance (@vantara) In celebration of World Environment Day, Vantara is planting 5,000 plants at its premises, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility. Furthermore, as part of its long-term dedication to the environment, Vantara pledges to plant one million trees annually. The company invites everyone to participate and contribute to making a positive impact on our planet. "This World Environment Day, Vantara pledges to continue our commitment to the environment. Every small deed counts, and together, we can create a significant impact. This day is a reminder of how important it is to take collective action towards preserving our planet for future generations," said a Vantara spokesperson. To further engage the community, Vantara is launching an Instagram filter that includes a badge indicating the user has taken the #ImAVantarian pledge. This filter allows users to proudly display their commitment to the planet’s restoration and conservation by sharing stories and adopting sustainable practices. About Vantara: Vantara, meaning 'Star Of The Forest,' is an ambitious wildlife preservation project founded by Anant Ambani and supported by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation. Situated within the Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, India, Vantara spans 3,000 acres and serves as a sanctuary for abused, injured, and endangered animals. Vantara is a comprehensive rehabilitation center dedicated to providing a natural and nurturing environment for its inhabitants.
05 June,2024 03:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
