At Sabal Bharat Foundation, we believe in the power of hope and resilience. Through this Page, we will share uplifting stories from across India, highlighting the remarkable achievements of individuals and communities. Whether it’s innovative projects, environmental victories or acts of kindness, we aim to inspire and encourage others to take action and contribute to a brighter future. However small the story may be, we want to feature it to show that even the simplest efforts can spark change and inspire others.
If you also have a positive story to share, kindly email us at: director@sabalbharatfoundation.org
Jyotsna Akhtar, a young woman from Tripura, has become a symbol of resistance against child marriage. In 2023, when she was just 15 years old, Jyotsna bravely defied her parents' plans to marry her off. Determined to continue her education and pursue her dreams, she sought help from her teacher to prevent her parents from getting her married off forcefully. The teacher reported the matter to Childline, who came to the aid of the girl. They also counselled her parents on the issue. Jyotsna's courageous act not only stopped her own child marriage but also inspired others in her community to fight against this harmful practice. Her bravery has made her a role model and a powerful voice for change in the fight against child marriage.
In recognition of her unwavering dedication and remarkable determination in the campaign, Jyotsna was honored with the esteemed 'Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024' in the Social Service category. She received the award from the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, during a ceremony in New Delhi in January 2024.
Manoj Gogoi, a dedicated wildlife rescuer from Assam, has been involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of animals since 2005. Over the years, he has successfully rescued a diverse range of species, including birds, reptiles and mammals. Manoj has rescued endangered species such as the Slender-billed Vulture, Bengal Florican and the Eastern Swamp Deer, alongside many others. His tireless efforts, sometimes working days without rest, highlight his commitment to safeguarding wildlife in Assam. Manoj maintains a detailed log of all his rescue operations, documenting the species, treatment and rehabilitation methods, which serves as an invaluable resource for wildlife conservation.
In addition to his rescue work, Manoj founded the NGO Naturalist for Rehabilitation of Snakes and Birds (NRSB) in 2008, which has become a key player in wildlife conservation in the Kaziranga area. Through NRSB, he has not only rescued countless animals but also conducted awareness campaigns, significantly reducing retaliatory killings of snakes and illegal hunting in the region. Manoj’s rehabilitation centre, established in 2010 with support from a friend, provides a safe haven for rescued animals. His innovative rehabilitation methods ensure animals adapt to their natural habitat before release. Manoj also trains local youths as tourist guides, providing them with valuable skills for wildlife conservation. His work has earned recognition both locally and globally, including through his YouTube channel, where he shares videos of his rescue and rehabilitation efforts.