Of electric bikes and healing plants: paving the path to sustainable success

Meet Vishnu Patel who builds sustainable electric bikes for the differently abled

Retired Gujarati businessman, Vishnu Patel, has been addressing the mobility needs of Persons with Disability (PWD) with his electric bikes. These bikes are built from discarded materials like circuit boards and remotes and use lithium ion batteries for power. This ensures that the vehicles are produced through sustainable means and do not consume non-renewable fuels.

Vishnu, 60, builds and designs these bikes himself, with assistance from his son, Nikhil. He first came across the idea of building green vehicles from scratch through do-it-yourself YouTube tutorials. Born with Polio and having hearing impairment, Vishnu wanted to combine his concern for the environment with his wish to help PWDs in becoming more independent. He has built 10 such modified vehicles so far and the cost of building each bike ranges between Rs 30,000 to Rs 60,000.

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Flower power: woman helps patients cure illnesses with indoor gardens

In January this year, Suma Manzil struck upon the idea of turning to the healing properties of plants to cure illnesses. The 53-year-old social entrepreneur recognised the need for greenery in and around people’s homes to combat the ill-effects of pollution. With her green thumb, she helps people set up indoor gardens consisting of plants that control the harmful impact of air-borne pollutants on respiratory systems.

Suma ensures that an extra element of sustainability is added to her project by not using plastic pots. Instead, she recycles used objects like ceramic vessels and beer bottles. Additionally, the proceeds from the sale of these plants is directed towards the treatment of those suffering from illnesses.

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Delhi’s BioD Energy converts used cooking oil into biodiesel

Delhi-based Bio-D Energy, a social organisation, is actively taking steps towards producing and promoting eco-friendly sources of energy. Founded by Shiva Vig in 2014, the enterprise processes used cooking oil to create biodiesel. This product offers a clean and renewable alternative to petrol and diesel, and is currently being supplied to logistics companies, residential colonies, petrol pumps, manufacturing units, and other industries.

Not only does the usage of biodiesel keeps in check the greenhouse gas and carbon emissions, it also ensures that cooking oil isn’t repeatedly used beyond its point of consumption. BioD Energy obtains the oil from sources like McDonald’s, Oberoi Hotels, and Nestlé, and chemically processes it in its facility in Bawal, Haryana. With a daily production of 100 tonnes of biodiesel, the organisation is working towards minimising pollution and strengthening India’s energy security.

Wonders from waste: Riya Maker upcycles plastic bags to make beautiful products

The fight to curb the menace of plastic has found itself a new supporter. Sixty-six-year old Riya Maker has been upcycling old plastic covers and bags into beautiful objects for everyday use. Riya, who stumbled upon this idea through do-it-yourself videos on YouTube, has always been keen to do her part in protecting the environment. With her upcycling venture, she has found a creative and sustainable solution. Riya makes bags, clutches, baskets, and tea coasters and gives them away to family, friends, and neighbours for free.

Vibha Swaminathan and Devang Kumar Agarwal score 100 pc in ISC Class 12 exams

Devang Kumar Agarwal from Kolkata and Vibha Swaminathan from Bengaluru have topped the Class 12 ISC exams this year by scoring 100 percent in all subjects. Vibha, a student at Mallya Aditi International School, had opted for humanities and her subjects included Economics, English, Political Science, History, and Mathematics.

Devang from La Martiniere Boys School, Kolkata, on the other hand, is a science student and had chosen Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, and English. While Devang wants to be a computer engineer, Vibha has her eyes set on a career in Law.

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