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Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Changemaker: From rural roots to national impact
In the heartlands of Haryana, where patriarchal traditions and agrarian struggles dominate social discourse, a silent revolution is being led by Sandy Khanda. Born in Khanda village of Jind district, Khanda witnessed social injustice, inequality, and environmental neglect first-hand. But instead of toeing the line, he channelled his energies into ensuring development, emerging as a dynamic youth changemaker with a pan-India presence. Sandy Khanda, founder of Green Pencil Foundation. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo) Today, he spearheads the Green Pencil Foundation, a youth-led non-profit dedicated to climate action, menstrual hygiene, sustainable development, and public health care access for marginalised communities. 'I want touch more lives. I want to set up sanitary pads vending machines in rural areas and continue my focus on encouraging education for the girl child. My plan is to set up sanitary vending machine in each village so that they can easily get it without any hesitation,' he said. Born in a lower-income farming household, Khanda's early life was shaped by the harsh realities of rural India. He witnessed gender-based violence, oppression of khap panchayats, and the devastating impact of debt on families. 'I saw honour killings, girls being denied education, and green cover vanishing overnight. These weren't just news stories—they were my reality,' he said. In 2014, Khanda moved to Gurugram to pursue engineering, but the urban landscape presented its own set of challenges, from toxic air to disappearing green spaces. Troubled by these issues, he started volunteering on the weekends to organise awareness drives on waste segregation and sustainable living. In April 2016, he was hit by a speeding bus—an accident that left him fighting for his life. During his three-month admission to a private hospital and then AIIMS, Delhi, he endured 16 surgeries. The incident changed his life, Khanda said, detailing how he conceived the Green Pencil Foundation from his hospital bed. 'I remember staring at the ICU ceiling, wondering if I would ever walk again. That stillness gave me clarity—my life had to stand for something bigger,' he said. What began as modest campaigns in Gurugram now has a pan-India presence, impacting over 200,000 people across more than 15 cities. The organisation's flagship campaign, 'Periods of Pride'—to provide eco-friendly cloth pads and increase menstrual hygiene awareness among girls—has now reached 400 schools across Faridabad, Gurugram, Delhi, Noida, Ambala, Panchkula, Mahendergarh, Pune, Mumbai, Nanded, Shimla, Patna, Jamshedpur, Hyderabad, Imphal, and several remote villages of Haryana, among others. Among other notable campaigns are the 'One Home, One Tree', which encourages families to plant native tree species, 'Climate Chaupal' for localised dialogues on climate justice, and 'Slum to School,' which provides education and hygiene kits to underprivileged children. Khanda proudly said that the foundation's initiatives are deeply aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and government missions, such as the Viksit Bharat 2047 and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Khanda also runs 'Sustainable Practices Workshops', aimed at shaping eco-conscious lifestyles among the youth. These workshops have been conducted in 150 schools and colleges across Faridabad, Gurugram, Delhi, Noida, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. The sessions emphasise experiential learning and behaviour change, encouraging students to adopt sustainable lifestyle practices.
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Counterfeit cancer drugs: Most drug samples tested are genuine, says Delhi govt
Most of the cancer drug samples taken from private pharmacies by the Delhi government to check their purity are genuine, health department officials said on Thursday. The government collected 160 samples from private pharmacies in June, of which 127 were specifically cancer drugs, as part of an investigation into counterfeit drug rackets. A pharmacy in Delhi. (AFP) Samples were taken from distribution hubs near cancer centres in South Delhi, including AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, and Lok Nayak Hospital adjoining the Central Delhi zone, Daryaganj and Bhagirath Place near Rajiv Gandhi Hospital in Rohini, and Laxmi Nagar in East Delhi. The samples included Imatinib (Veenat 400), a combination drug (used alone or with other medicines) to treat different cancers, and Capegard 500, used for breast, colon, and rectum cancers. 'Of the 127 samples of cancer drugs collected from various outlets in Delhi, 75 samples have been declared to be genuine and complying with the prescribed quality norms. The report for the remaining 52 samples is awaited. All the samples whose reports have been received so far are declared to be of standard quality. For the other 30 samples of the total remaining 52 samples, the inquiry report will also likely come soon,' said a senior official from the drug control department on Thursday, requesting anonymity. In June, health minister Pankaj Singh ordered an investigation following multiple complaints about counterfeit drugs being sold in the city. Explaining how the drugs were tested, the official cited above said that after the samples were collected, they were sent to labs for testing along with the chemicals and other substances required for the tests. The official added that the fake cancer drug racket is spread across several states. 'While the drug control department is taking steps to monitor the movement of doubtful quality/counterfeit drugs in Delhi, more collaboration from different agencies could help in eradicating the racket at hand,' the official said. In the past month, there have been several reports of fake cancer drugs being sold in Delhi. On June 6, HT reported that eight men were arrested in Delhi for running a racket selling counterfeit cancer drugs. Among the drugs recovered were high-value cancer treatments such as Opdivo, Pembrolizumab, Cetuximab, Lenvatinib, and seven other critical injections and capsules. Investigators said the medicines, typically priced between ₹1 lakh and ₹3 lakh, were being sold for ₹30,000 to ₹50,000.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Harvard gastroenterologist urges people to throw away THESE 3 toxic bedroom items ASAP
For most people, their bedroom is considered the safest place-- where one can simply be comfortable and themselves. However, did you know that you could be keeping some everyday items in your bedroom that are highly toxic. So much so that they may be secretly harming your health-- from affecting your respiratory health to your sleep-- if ignored for long. On June 14, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, MD, MPH— a board-certified gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and interventional endoscopist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford— shared an important reminder on Instagram. In his post, Dr. Sethi highlighted three common household items that could negatively affect gut health, sleep quality, and overall well-being if not replaced or used with caution. "Did you know your bedroom might be silently affecting your gut, sleep, and long-term health? In this eye-opening video, Harvard and Stanford-trained doctor Dr. Sethi breaks down 3 common items found in most bedrooms that you should throw out ASAP," his post read. Here are the 3 things toxic bedroom items he pointed out and urged people to throw away for better health: 1. Old pillows Pillows may look harmless, but over time they become breeding grounds for dust mites, allergens, and bacteria. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo According to Dr. Sethi, if your pillow is older than one to two years, it could be interfering with both your sleep and respiratory health. Dust buildup can worsen allergies, trigger sinus problems, and even affect skin health. Replacing pillows regularly can help improve sleep quality and reduce exposure to irritants. 2. Synthetic air fresheners While air fresheners are often marketed as a quick way to make rooms smell fresh, many synthetic versions release chemicals that can be harmful. Dr. Sethi explained that these products often emit phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been linked to hormonal disruption, respiratory problems, and even reproductive health issues. Supporting this claim, a study by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) in 2007 found that 86 percent of air fresheners tested contained phthalates, including some that were labeled 'unscented' or 'all-natural.' Phthalates are commonly used in plastics, perfumes, sealants, and aerosols, and long-term exposure may increase the risk of asthma and other health concerns. Dr. Sethi recommends natural alternatives, such as essential oils, instead of synthetic sprays. 3. Worn-out mattresses Did you know that mattresses don't last forever, and holding onto one for too long may cause more harm than comfort? Yes, you read that right! Dr. Sethi suggests that mattresses older than 7 to 10 years can compromise sleep quality and contribute to chronic back or neck pain. An old mattress can lose its structure, leading to poor spinal alignment, which in turn affects long-term posture and overall rest. Why this matters While none of these items may seem immediately dangerous, Dr. Sethi emphasises that they can silently affect health over time. Simple changes— like replacing pillows, switching to natural room fresheners, and investing in a good mattress— can make a noticeable difference in improving both sleep and overall well-being. For many, the bedroom is where rest and recovery happen. Making it a healthier space might just be one of the simplest ways to support better long-term health.
The Hindu
21 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Haryana teacher cremated; mobile internet suspension extended by a day in Bhiwani
The last rites of a 19-year-old teacher, whose death will be probed by the CBI, were held in Bhiwani on Thursday (August 21, 2025). The teacher's body was found in a field in Bhiwani on August 13. She had gone missing on August 11 after leaving the school, purportedly to enquire about admission at a nursing college. On Thursday (August 21, 2025), the Haryana government extended the suspension of mobile internet, bulk SMS (excluding banking and mobile recharge) and all dongle services provided on mobile networks except voice calls in the Bhiwani district for 24 hours from 11 a.m. On Wednesday (August 20, 2025), Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had said that based on the demand of the woman teacher's family, the government would hand over the probe into her death to the CBI. After a third autopsy was conducted at AIIMS, Delhi on Wednesday (August 20, 2025) afternoon, her body reached Bhiwani late last evening. Earlier, the post-mortem examinations had been conducted at the Bhiwani Civil Hospital and the PGIMS Hospital in Rohtak. On Thursday (August 21, 2025) morning, her last rites were conducted with a large number of people in her native village Dhani Laxman in Bhiwani attending the cremation. The teacher's father was inconsolable as the funeral pyre was lit. Earlier, the Haryana government had ordered the suspension of mobile internet, bulk SMS and dongle services in Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri districts for 48 hours from 11 a.m. on Tuesday (August 19, 2025) amid public outrage over the death of the teacher. On Thursday (August 21, 2025), the government extended the suspension of mobile internet only in the Bhiwani district. According to the order issued by Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Sumita Misra, 'This order is being extended to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order only in the jurisdiction of district Bhiwani for next 24 hours, that is from 11:00 hrs of August 21..' Earlier, the teacher's death caused massive outrage, with people blocking roads in the district, and the opposition parties, including the Congress, demanding a CBI probe. The residents, who had been sitting on a protest at the Dhani Laxman village in Bhiwani, had formed a committee to spearhead their dharna. They had urged the government for a probe by the CBI and an autopsy of the deceased at AIIMS, Delhi. On Tuesday (August 19, 2025), the residents said their protest would continue indefinitely till their demands were met. After the demand was accepted, the dharna was lifted. On Monday(August 18, 2025), police had claimed that the investigations pointed to the teenager killing herself by ingesting poison. Her father on Tuesday (August 19, 2025) rejected the finding and refused to cremate the body, demanding 'justice'. 'The administration is saying that my daughter committed suicide, but I can say that she can never commit suicide. I want justice,' he said. The opposition parties had flayed the BJP-led state government, claiming that the alleged murder was proof of a 'breakdown of law and order' under the saffron party. Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the role of the state government and the police had been 'negligent and irresponsible', and an 'unfortunate attempt is being made to prove the whole case as a suicide'. (Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State's health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416 and Sneha's suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050. Helplines across the country can be accessed here)
Hindustan Times
21 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Bhiwani woman teacher cremated, Haryana govt extends internet ban
A day after the Haryana government decided to hand over the 19-year-old Bhiwani playschool teacher's death case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and conducted her third autopsy at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, her family cremated her at their native village of Dhani Laxman on Thursday in the presence of a large gathering and administrative officials. After the Haryana government decided to hand over the 19-year-old Bhiwani playschool teacher's death case to the CBI and conducted her third autopsy at AIIMS, iNew Delhi, her family cremated her at their native village of Dhani Laxman on Thursday. The body of the teacher was brought for the last rites from the Bhiwani civil hospital on Thursday morning and her younger brother lit the pyre. On Thursday, chief minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that the case will be handed over to the CBI for an inquiry on the family's request. Inspector general of police Rajshri, who was at the cremation, offered condolences to the bereaved family. Loharu sub divisional magistrate Manoj Kumar was also present and assured the family of an impartial inquiry. The woman's father said that the cremation was conducted only after the state government accepted their demands of handing over the case to the CBI and carrying out the autopsy for the third time at AIIMS, New Delhi. Meanwhile, the Haryana government has extended the suspension of internet services in Bhiwani district for one more day — until 11 am on Friday — as a precautionary measure. Earlier, internet services in both Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri districts were suspended until 11 am on Thursday. The teacher had gone missing on August 11, and her body was recovered two days later near a canal in Singhani village. Initially, the police registered a case of murder but the probe found she had committed suicide by consuming insecticide. The family rejected the suicide findings and refused to cremate the body, demanding the case be handed over to the CBI and a third autopsy at AIIMS, Delhi.
