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Winter Days, Rooftops and Roadside Lives: How India’s NGOs Can Save Lives this Cold Season

Every winter Indian cities and towns light up with festivities and for hundreds of thousands of people who sleep rough, the season brings a different reality: shivering nights, respiratory illness, frostbite and sometimes death. Below I’ve pulled together recent, authoritative statistics and practical, evidence-backed ways NGOs can reduce suffering and transform lives not just for winter, but year-round. The scale of the problem (what the numbers say) The Government of India reports that 1,773,040 people were recorded as “houseless” in Census 2011 (9,38,348 in urban areas; 8,34,692 in rural areas). This official figure is the primary national baseline even though experts say true numbers are likely higher because point-in-time counts miss many hidden and intermittently homeless people. Cold waves and winter exposure are not harmless statistics. India’s NDMA notes that from 2001–2019 cold waves caused 4,712 deaths across states - and studies show cold-related mortality remains a large, ...

Vishwakarma Puja 2025 ✨

 🙏 A Day to Honour the Hands That Build Our World Every year, when Vishwakarma Puja arrives, we see workplaces decorated, machines worshipped, and tools cleaned and blessed. But beyond the rituals, this day carries a deeper meaning — a chance to remember and honour the unsung heroes of our society: the workers, the mechanics, the masons, the carpenters, the factory staff, and the transport drivers who keep our lives moving every single day. 🌍 The Real Vishwakarmas Among Us Think about it — when your bus arrives on time, when vegetables reach the market before sunrise, when your car suddenly breaks down and a mechanic brings it back to life — it is their effort, their sweat, and their sacrifice that make it possible. The transport drivers who spend nights on highways so that goods reach our homes. The daily wage labourers who stand for hours in the heat, building our homes and cities brick by brick. The mechanics and artisans who repair, craft, and innovate quietly, away from the ...

People And Planet Day

 Celebrating People and Planet A Day of Compassion, Awareness, and Unity At the serene grounds of Siddharth United Social Welfare Mission in Rajarhat–Newtown, a powerful and heartwarming celebration unfolded—the People Planet Day, organized by the Silico Seva Mandir Foundation, in collaboration with NelsonIQ and Siddharth Mission. This grand event brought together communities, organizations, and individuals with one shared purpose: to honor the deep connection between humanity and nature, and to renew our commitment to a more compassionate and sustainable future. A Soulful Beginning: Words of Unity and Hope Silico Seva Mandir Foundation The event commenced with a beautiful invocation, welcoming all respected guests, friends, and well-wishers with warmth and reverence. The Silico Seva Mandir Foundation, inspired by the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, reaffirmed its mission: "To serve humanity is to serve God." The Foundation has been consistently working at the grassroots level t...

Terrorism: A Curse on Humanity

Introduction Terrorism is not just an act of violence; it is an assault on humanity itself. It challenges the foundations of peace, security, and development. It does not discriminate between the innocent and the guilty, the young and the old, or the rich and the poor. In today's interconnected world, terrorism has become a global curse, leaving no nation untouched. It thrives on hatred, fear, and destruction, aiming to destabilize societies and cripple economies. Understanding its roots, impacts, and solutions is essential if we hope to rid the world of this menace. Understanding the Origins of Terrorism Terrorism does not arise in a vacuum. It is born out of multiple factors, including: 1. Political Oppression and Instability When governments fail to provide justice, equality, and representation, resentment brews. Political instability and authoritarian regimes often create an environment where extremist ideologies flourish. 2. Religious and Ideological Extremism Misinterpretatio...

Introducing Science to Young Minds and the Role of Silico Seva Mandir Foundation

In an age where technology shapes every facet of our lives, nurturing scientific thinking in young minds is more than a necessity—it's a responsibility. Science teaches us to question, to seek evidence, and to solve real-world problems with logic and creativity. But for millions of children, especially in rural and underserved areas, the world of science remains out of reach—locked behind the walls of inaccessible labs or under-resourced classrooms. The Silico Seva Mandir Foundation is changing that. With a passionate mission to democratize science education, the foundation is working tirelessly to ensure that every child—regardless of geography or income—gets the opportunity to explore, understand, and fall in love with science.  Why Science Matters at a Young Age Children are born scientists. Their minds are full of questions—Why do stars twinkle? How does a plant grow? What makes rain fall from the sky? These questions are more than idle curiosity; they are the foundation of cri...

The Silent Sufferers of Holi: How Stray Animals Endure the Festival

Silico Seva Mandir Foundation Holi, the festival of colors, brings immense joy and vibrancy to our lives. It is a time of celebration, togetherness, and fun. However, amid all the festivity, there is a silent group of beings who suffer immensely—the stray animals. While we rejoice in colors, music, and celebrations, these voiceless creatures often face distressing conditions that go unnoticed. The Impact of Holi on Stray Animals 1. Toxic Colors and Their Harmful Effects Traditional Holi colors are often made with synthetic chemicals, heavy metals, and toxic substances. When these colors come in contact with animals, they can cause severe skin infections, allergic reactions, and even poisoning if licked or ingested. Stray animals, who lack proper care, suffer the most from such exposure. 2. Noise and Fear The loud music, shouting, and bursting of water balloons create an atmosphere of fear for stray dogs, cats, and birds. Sudden noises can make them anxious and lead to panic-induced acc...

Companionship in Old Age

A Pillar of Emotional Well-being that Inspires Care and Togetherness Aging is a natural phase of life, bringing with it a wealth of experiences, wisdom, and reflections. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges—especially the emotional and psychological burden of loneliness. As social circles shrink due to the loss of peers, family distances, or reduced mobility, many elderly individuals find themselves longing for meaningful connections. In this context, companionship plays a crucial role in fostering mental and emotional well-being during old age. The Importance of Companionship in Old Age Companionship isn't just a source of joy—it's a cornerstone of health and longevity. Numerous studies highlight how social isolation in the elderly can lead to a range of health issues such as depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, high blood pressure, and even an increased risk of mortality. On the flip side, having someone to talk to, share stories with, or simply spend time...