[1]Inspirational stories can stimulate social change. That is the idea behind Real Icons of Change (RIOC), a series organised with the motive of inspiring young people.
“These are people from ordinary walks of life, who have achieved great heights through personal endeavour. They’re not cricketers, filmstars or celebrities. They are free of celluloid and full of soul,” says Lynn De Souza from RIOC.
Talking about his cause, campaign to save the Ganga, Swami Shivanandji, says, “The cause of cleaning up the Ganga has been Matri Sadan’s struggle for over 15 years. The ashram was set up to offer its residents some peace of mind. What we saw around was appalling. All we could see were thousands of trucks that were being loaded with the minerals and sand and being quarried from the riverbeds.”
For Lt. Cdr. Tomy, it is all about pushing the limits of one’s endurance. “All human beings want to test the limit of their existence. My way to do it was through the circumnavigation expedition. Youth is the best time to invest in yourself.”
For Dr Kurup, it’s a dedicated battle against tobacco. “Anything requires a lot of commitment to sustain. There is no point if we convince people once and sit back. The tobacco lobby is still strong. Our country is young and we need people who are convinced to respond,” he says.
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/tab9jpg-906