Good times to you, friend.
We revert to our original format in this volume. Straight-shot
arrows of positive developments from here and there.
This week's theme is surprise. Events that startle us. In a pleasing way, of course.
Enjoy!
News from the public domain
Brain implants of the
future
As a technology, cochlear implants are already 3 decades
old. The same thought – that a machine can be used to receive external stimuli
in a decipherable manner – is now at the core of brain implants. Now, interpreting
a paralyzed brain’s intent is looking more feasible each passing day. In fact,
the future resembles science fiction – it consists of skills that can be
downloaded into the brain and thoughts that no longer need to be articulated.
The future is a place where physical challenges and
disease-related handicaps will be mitigated to a large extent. This Wall
Street Journal article offers some glimpses of such a future.
A role that changed a
life
Whoopi Goldberg didn’t really believe that her roles made a
difference. And then, during an interactive talk show in the Netherlands, she came
across a mildly autistic man. Want to know what happens next? Sure you do.
Watch the clip here.
Seeds of change
In a growing economy like India, millions of entrepreneurs
give wings to their dreams. Tens of thousands even manage to soar high due to
their efforts. A good many of them also owe their success to socially-inclined
venture capitalists. Unlike the hard-nosed “professional” VC, the
socially-inclined VC desires a holistic model and zero side effects. Nor do
they want a quadrupled return on investment in 3 years. These silent champions
– who back innovations and give underdogs a chance – are one of the reasons we
can aspire for a more equal society.
Today, I’m choosing to highlight one particular Incubator
named villgro via this hopeful video. But
mind you, hundreds of such cells exist in India alone.
Can a white supremist
change his mind?
Can a white man, pure white, bred on pure Nazi beliefs
change? Can he spend years recruiting kids into a hate-centric ideology and
then turn around to fight for the other side? Well, such a man would be on the
hit list of a violent community. But if he has seen light at the end of the
tunnel, this threat will not dissuade him from switching sides. That’s the
story of TJ Leuden. Watch him in action here.
Remote Pakistani
village now has light and limelight!
A micro-hydropower
station is changing lives in the village of Serai. It is apparently the
first development initiative in the “most neglected and ignored” region of Swat
in Pakistan. At any rate, the rough terrain and tough chore-centric evenings in
Serai now look brighter. Literally. Perhaps this is a sign of things to come.
Kaam chalu mooh bandh
An anonymous group of Bangaloreans, who call themselves The
Ugly Indian, perform minor miracles all around the city. They prefer working to
cribbing, as can be understood from their motto: kaam chalu mooh bandh.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So here are thirty
thousand words of unbelievable change. Do have a look. And don’t forget to
salute these change agents!
In case you are wondering… no, this movement isn’t
restricted to Bangalore alone. Google the good folks to know more and become a
part of this change.
In conclusion
Till next week… make your life be filled with positivity.
To read the previous volume of Positivity Weekly, please click
here.
To read the next volume of Positivity Weekly, please click here.
To read the next volume of Positivity Weekly, please click here.
And as always, do write in with story ideas and personal
contributions. You can reach us at positivityweekly@gmail.com
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