Experts’ Corner

Human rights in India are not confined to legislations, declarations, or courtrooms. They live in the everyday dignity people experience in classrooms, workplaces, and communities. As the world advances toward the promises of the SDGs, India’s constitutional values and the Panch Pran vision of Amrit Kaal a developed nation by 2047, freedom from colonial mind-sets, pride in heritage, unity in diversity, and a deep sense of duty remind us that rights are not bestowed; they are inherent. And among all the forces that democratize those rights, education remains the most powerful enabler, shaping citizens who not only demand their rights but also uphold the rights of others.   From Campus to Community: Where Rights Are First Practiced   Campuses are

The global climate crisis has moved far beyond scientific projections and is now an undeniable reality affecting societies and economies across continents. Extreme weather events, rapid biodiversity loss, resource scarcity, and rising temperatures are reshaping how businesses operate and how communities survive. In this environment, the corporate sector finds itself at a defining moment. Companies are not only part of the climate challenge but also central to the solution. Corporate climate commitment has therefore evolved from being a voluntary gesture to a strategic necessity—one that influences investments, consumer expectations, supply chain stability, and long-term resilience. Forward-thinking organizations today understand that climate responsibility is not a financial burden but an opportunity to innovate and grow. Businesses that integrate sustainability into their

The issue of waste generation has emerged as a critical challenge in today’s society, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its magnitude and the urgent need for sustainable waste management. With the increasing population, urbanisation, and industrialisation, the volume of waste generated has reached unprecedented levels, resulting in severe environmental, health, and socio-economic consequences. The world generates over 2 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, most of which is not managed in an environmentally friendly manner. Overflowing landfills, polluted rivers, and plastic-choked oceans are daily reminders of humanity’s growing footprint and agonising depletion and pollution of resources. In India, almost 69 million tonnes of waste is created annually, out of which only approximately 14 tonnes of waste is treated. This

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is like the proverbial elephant vast, multidimensional, and perceived differently by each observer. Environmentalists view it through the lens of climate action and planetary balance; social activists see it as a tool for justice and inclusion; policymakers interpret it in terms of governance, ethics, and accountability; international institutions associate it with peace, cooperation, and global solidarity; while businesses relate it to prosperity and inclusive growth. Each perspective is partial, yet together they reveal the true essence of CSR; a collective commitment to create value for people, planet, and society. No single view is absolute; it is in the convergence of these perspectives that the spirit of responsible business truly emerges. A decade of CSR spending in

Building a Global Pipeline of Space-Ready Students Through Vision, Mentorship & Corporate Partnership In a rapidly evolving world where space exploration is becoming a defining marker of national strength, one truth stands above all: the power of any space-faring nation ultimately lies in its people, not just its technology. Mission ShakthiSAT—a historic initiative led by SpaceKidz India—embodies this truth by placing girls at the centre of global space transformation. Among the key figures shaping this mission in India is Wg Cdr Jaya Tare (Retd, IAF)— India’s first woman IAF Pilot-Analog Astronaut , CEO of Newrizon Space, and Indian Ambassador for Mission ShakthiSAT. Her leadership and mentorship bring credibility, clarity, and global momentum to this unprecedented global endeavour. Mission ShakthiSAT is

“Satyam Shivam Sundaram” — The True, the Auspicious, and the Beautiful are One. The world, at its core, is sustained by rhythm, grace, and harmony. When the inner and outer worlds unite at that sacred point of balance, creation happens — and we call it Art.  The river of life finds its expression through painting, music, dance, poetry, and countless creative forms. A brushstroke mirrors the heartbeat, a melody echoes the breath, and a sculpture captures the silence between two thoughts.  Art, in its purest essence, is not merely a pursuit of beauty — it is a communion of being. When words fall short, colours speak. When logic pauses, rhythm flows. From ancient cave paintings to contemporary murals, art has

The Missing Colour in Mental Health Why does mental health still sit in the shadows when a brushstroke, a melody, or a shared story can offer comfort and connection? On 10 October, World Mental Health Day, I strongly feel this question demands urgent reflection. India faces a silent epidemic. According to the National Mental Health Survey (2023), over 10% of adults live with mental health conditions, yet nearly 80% receive no formal treatment. Millions of Indians silently struggle with stress, trauma, and isolation, particularly youth, differently-abled individuals, and marginalized communities. The reasons are complex: stigma, lack of access, and limited community-based support. While clinical interventions are essential, they are not the only path to healing. Art offers an alternative —

October 10th, each year comes as a timely reminder to humanity to observe World Mental Health Day. This day also issues an unwritten mandatory acceptance of the fact that mental health is not to be viewed as a luxury but as a fundamental component of human well-being. This day gives a clarion call for action, compassion and collective responsibility. The 2025 theme “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right,” emphasizes this objective, urging individuals, organizations and governments to facilitate access, understanding and empathy in all walks of life. In recent years, much progress has been made in understanding mental health, and it has been widely discussed, yet it still occupies a paradoxical space, where despite this it is still deeply

A Journey Through Time and Spirit Cradled in the lap of the Himalayas, Kashmir is more than a landscape—it is a living chronicle of faith, art, and intellect. Its misty valleys echo with ancient chants, and its rivers carry whispers of sages who once shaped the very essence of Indian spirituality. Through the lens of history and mythology, Kashmir stands as a luminous thread in the vast tapestry of Indian civilization. The Ramayana recounts its emerald forests where vanaras searched for Mata Sita; the Mahabharata venerates it as a land as sacred as Sindh or Gandhara. Kalhana, the celebrated historian, called Kashmir “the land loved by the gods.” Such reverence in scripture affirms the valley’s place not merely as geography,

Education is a universal right, a beacon of hope, and a foundation for empowerment. Yet, for countless children with special needs, this right is still surrounded by barriers—social, emotional, and systemic. At SURTAJ Special Children Foundation, we believe that these barriers are not permanent walls but challenges waiting to be transformed into stepping stones. Our vision is clear: to create a future where every child, regardless of ability, can learn, grow, and thrive in an inclusive environment. The Need for Inclusive Learning Children with special needs are often left behind in conventional learning systems. Limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and societal misconceptions often hinder their growth. But every child has unique abilities, waiting to be nurtured. Inclusive education is not charity—it