SocialStory's top three: From an animal recovery center that turns into an organic farm to the motorman hero of Mumbai, here are our top picks of the week
1. Motorman prioritises safety of passengers over self
Despite being attacked with chilli powder, Laxman Singh drove 18 kilometers in one of the busiest suburban railway routes of India, ensuring the safety of 2,000 passengers on board. There wasn’t anyone else to replace the 48-year-old motorman, due to the ongoing protest against the Pulwama attack. Knowing this, Singh kept washing his eyes at stations on the way, until he reached Kalyan, Mumbai, where he was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Read more: Chilli powder flung into his eyes, motorman drives 18 km ensures safety of 2,000 passengers on board
2. This farm is a safe haven for stray animals
Nestled in the foothills of Himachal’s Kangra Valley, Peepal Farm is an animal recovery centre that also doubles up as an organic farm. Started by Robin Singh, Joellen, and Shivani Bhalla in 2014, the farm wishes to alleviate the pain stray animals face. So far, Peepal Farm has carried out 591 rescue operations, undertaken 128 sterilisations, facilitated 99 adoptions, and treated 86 injured animals.
Read more: Strays no more: how Peepal Farm is helping injured and abandoned animals find care, love, shelter
3. Government and corporates come together to help raise funds for victims of Pulwama attack
As India is still reeling in the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 44 of its CRPFs in Jammu and Kashmir, many government websites as well as digital and crowdfunding platforms are working towards collecting funds for the families of the victims. To help the citizens donate generously, the Ministry of Home Affairs has enabled payments via internet banking or UPI through the web platform. E-wallets like Google Pay and Paytm have introduced an option on their home page through which people can directly contribute towards this cause.
Read more: Pulwama terror attack: Here's how you can help families of the CRPF martyrs