The Save Rimjhim campaign
This is a story about an island that no one had visited or even heard of. It had a huge lake with waters as clear as the open skies. In it thrived all kinds of animals: fish of every colour, shape, size, and type, turtles, squids, alligators, crabs, lobsters, octopuses and more. What made the lake truly special was that all the creatures subsisted only on plants and weeds that grew under water.
One day, a young man named Puneet landed there because the ship he was travelling in had been wrecked. He had managed to survive and reach the island. He roamed around, fascinated by the lake and the creatures in it. One day, an idea struck him and he waited patiently to be saved. Soon, he was spotted by a rescue team and brought home.
Puneet's neighbour at home was Neeraj, a nine-year-old boy. A few days after Puneet's return, Neeraj heard his grandfather and Puneet's father talking. 'Puneet was shipwrecked on an island, which had a special lake,' said the latter, describing it.
'I have never heard of such diverse creatures living together in harmony,' exclaimed Neeraj's grandpa.
'Neither have I. But, sadly, there is a serious threat to the lake. Puneet wants to convert it into a centre for water sports such as kayaking, paddling, canoeing, snorkelling and other activities and build camping sites around the lake. People will come from all over, stay there, and participate in the activities. It will become a major tourist attraction and he will get rich in no time.'
'But what about the creatures who have made the lake their home?' asked Neeraj's grandfather.
'Puneet says he will simply dump them in the sea. He wants the lake to be used only for water sports.'
'But the animals who have thrived in the pristine waters of the lake will not survive in a new environment. They will die in no time.'
'I know. His mother and I tried to convince him but he won't listen. He has always been a greedy fellow and becoming rich matters more to him than anything else.'
'But will he be able to carry out his plan on his own?'
'Since his return, Puneet has been talking to several companies. Two big organisations have agreed to sponsor his project. Now, there is no stopping him. I really don't know what to do,' his father replied sadly.
Neeraj sat in shock. His thoughts kept going back to the animals in the lake. There was no way they could survive in the unknown and unfriendly waters of the sea. Then he had an idea. One person could save the animals: his best friend Razia's sister Noor, who was a wildlife photographer. So, Neeraj rushed over the Razia's house. Luckily Noor was at home. He quickly told her the entire story and waited to see her reaction.
Noor thought for a while and, snapped her fingers. 'I've got it. I'm going to use social media to save the poor creatures.'
Razia and Neeraj looked at each other. 'I didn't get it,' Razia said, and Neeraj too shook his head.
'You know, I have more than 125k followers on Instagram. Besides, I have a strong presence on Facebook as well. I am also a part of several groups on WhatsApp. I am going to post about Puneet and his evil intentions right away. I shall request my followers to spread the word. I am sure the posts will soon go viral on social media . The movement to save our lake, which I am going to name Rimjhim, will pick up.'
'But, didi, will that stop Puneet?'
'It will generate a lot of negative publicity, which I am confident Puneet's sponsors would like to avoid. I am sure they will shelve the project.'
Razia was not so sure but Neeraj loved the idea. He high-fived Noor and ran home to share the good news with his grandpa.
Noor put her plan into action. She created a little animated video about the unique lake and wrote about how some avaricious people were planning to destroy it and how it needed to be saved. As she had predicted, the Save Rimjhim campaign went viral and Puneet's sponsors backed out.
'Noor, even though Puneet's evil design has fallen flat, do you think the danger is over? For all we know, he might renew his project after sometime,' Neeraj's grandpa said during a party he hosted for Puneet's parents, the children, and Noor.
'He dare not, grandpa. As long as our little army of two-and-a-half generations is around, Puneet and his kind will never succeed,' Noor replied, as everyone clapped and cheered.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Training prog for civil defence volunteers kicks off in UT
1 2 3 Chandigarh: Punjab Governor and Union Territory Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria formally inaugurated the Civil Defence Volunteer Training Programme at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA) on Saturday. The inauguration also marked the beginning of the programme's first batch of volunteers. Deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav welcomed the volunteers with a heartfelt address, assuring full support from the Chandigarh administration. He reflected on the overwhelming public response to the initiative launched post Operation Sindoor, where a modest registration camp at Tagore Theatre on May 10 drew an unexpected crowd of over 5,000 citizens, far surpassing the anticipated 800. This surge of civic enthusiasm led to the selection of 1,600 volunteers from a pool of 7,300 registrants for the first phase of training. These volunteers will be trained in four batches of 400, undergoing a six-day intensive programme that includes sessions at MGSIPA, the fire department, Western Command Army, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Looking ahead, a valedictory ceremony in mid-July will celebrate the volunteers' commitment, where they will receive certificates, uniforms, and ID cards. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] - 2025 Top Trending Search - Local network access Esseps Learn More Undo The city's civil defence structure will be organized into a pyramid command system, ensuring efficient localised disaster management. At the top will be the chief controller, followed by chief wardens, deputy chief wardens, post wardens, sector wardens, and finally the wardens, who will directly oversee the volunteers. Home secretary Mandip Brar emphasized the importance of proactive preparedness, saying, "What truly defines a city is not just how it responds to a disaster, but how prepared it is before the disaster strikes." Kataria urged citizens to embrace the spirit of responsibility, resilience, and readiness, encouraging enthusiastic participation and execution of duties when needed. Volunteers took a solemn pledge, echoing the civil defence motto: "Working for the benefit of all." Among the many inspired citizens is Monika Thakur, a resident of Sector 20, who discovered the programme through Instagram. Driven by a sense of duty, she stepped forward to contribute to the safety and security of her city.
India Today
a day ago
- India Today
Ranthambore tigress Arrowhead dies at 11, here's a look at her family tree
Ranthambore National Park mourns the death of one of its most famous tigers, Arrowhead (T-84). Known for her beauty, bravery, and strong lineage, she died at 11 years old, after fighting bone cancer and a brain tumour. Arrowhead was more than a tigress: she was the essence of wild Ranthambore, and the proud granddaughter of Machli, the 'Queen of Ranthambore.'Arrowhead's death signals the end of an era of magnificence in Ranthambore's landscape, but her legacy will remain through her cubs and the innumerable lives she National Park is grieving the death of one of its most recognisable wild residents - Tigress Arrowhead (T-84). At 11 years of age, she passed away after dealing with bone cancer and a brain tumour. Known for her looks, tenacity, and royal heritage, Arrowhead was much more than a tiger - she was an exemplar of strength, beauty, and survival of the wild. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sachin Rai (@sachin_rai_photography)A LEGACY FROM ROYAL TIES Arrowhead was born in 2014 to Tigress Krishna (T-19) and was the granddaughter of the great Machli (T-16), known as the "Queen of Ranthambore." Machli is one of the most photographed tigers worldwide. She played a significant role in increasing wildlife tourism and the benefits of conservation awareness for tigers in India. Arrowhead was raised by her mother and grandmother, retaining not only her territory but also a courageous BY HER NAMEadvertisementArrowhead earned her nickname and fame from the identifiable arrow-shaped marking on her forehead. The arrow symbol was unique to her, which made her easier to identify. She lived in Zones 2, 3, and 4 of Ranthambore and was one of the most visible and photographed tigresses in the park. Her presence brought joy to countless wildlife photographers and visitors. Ranthambore tigress Arrowhead dies at 11, here's a look at her family tree (representative image, source Ranthambore website) Arrowhead was a powerful tigress and a gracious mother. She produced four litters during her lifetime, which helped expand the tiger population in Ranthambore. She is responsible for over 50 tigers that now exist in the family tree of Machli. Her daughter, Kankati (RBT 2507) was recently moved to Mukundra Tiger Reserve, where she will now carry on her mother's legacy in a different FAMILY TREE OF ARROWHEADHere's a look at the extended royal lineage of Arrowhead:1. MACHLI (T-16) – GRANDMOTHERKnown as the 'Queen of Ranthambore'Had multiple littersMother of three known daughters: Sundari (T-17), Krishna (T-19), and another less-documented female2. KRISHNA (T-19) – MOTHERDaughter of Machli:Gave birth toArrowhead (T-84)Lightning (T-83)Pacman (T-85)3. ARROWHEAD (T-84) – DAUGHTER OF KRISHNAGave birth to at least four littersOne of her cubs, Kankati (RBT 2507), now lives in Mukundra Tiger Reserve.4. ARROWHEAD'S SIBLINGSLightning (T-83): A Known tigress still in RanthamborePacman (T-85): Also sighted in the park Ranthambore tigress Arrowhead dies at 11, here's a look at her family tree (representative image, source Ranthambore website) To the forest personnel, wildlife photographers, and tourists, Arrowhead was much more than a majestic creature; she was part of the heart and soul of Ranthambore. Her calm self-confidence, maternal protectiveness, and gutsy demeanour inspired the respect and admiration of all those lucky enough to meet her death ends an era, her bloodline lives on. Arrowhead's heritage will inspire generations of new wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists, through her offspring, and through the myriad of stories shared by those who saw her in her natural, democratic ecosystem.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
When a hug and insistence to gift became a premonition
A hmedabad: A day before the Air India Flight 171 crashed, 17-year-old Prachi Gajjar unknowingly spoke the last words her best friend, Disha Thakkar, 18, would ever hear from her. "This is the last time I am giving you something," Prachi said jokingly, asking Disha to choose a birthday gift. The words became a grim premonition. Among the victims were Prachi and her father, Jayesh, who were in the Atulyam hostel delivering tiffins to her aunt and others when the plane tore through. Disha and Prachi had been best friends since Class 9, were inseparable through their school years, and even planned attending the same college the coming term. On June 11, the two spent the afternoon at Prachi's home, where she was teaching Disha computer coding when she suddenly took her to the terrace as the weather was good. Once there, overcome by emotion, she broke down and tightly hugged a surprised Disha. "She said, 'No matter what, I'll always be with you. No one can separate us'," Disha recalled. "We hugged and cried. Who knew we were saying goodbye." Afterwards, Prachi insisted on giving Disha a present for her birthday that was six months ago. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] getfittoday Undo Prachi dragged a protesting Disha to a garment shop, then back home, laying out her own clothes. "She kept saying, 'This is the last time, I am giving you something'. I wish I had taken it." On the fateful day, Prachi called Disha to ask if she'd accompany her father and her to deliver tiffins at Atulyam hostel. Disha felt unwell and declined. At 12 noon, Prachi sent her an Instagram message from her father's phone: "Call me in the afternoon, I need to talk to you." Disha saw the message only that evening and replied, "Okay." At midnight, she felt a sudden urge to speak to her friend. When she called, Prachi's aunt picked up. and broke the news: Prachi, her father, and another aunt had perished. Disha fainted from shock. "I keep thinking, what if I'd gone with her, maybe things would have been different." After the accident, Disha stayed at Prachi's house for a week, going home only for nights. "I still feel her around me, her voice gently calling, 'Oye'!"
