Bharat is a land with a rich past, an inspirational present, and an aspirational future. However, more often than not the spotlight is never shone on those individuals and communities who are making a difference and bringing glory to the nation. Small victories that go unnoticed, have a huge potential to positively influence the society.
The Bharat Rising Series cuts through the noise to bring you the most inspiring stories, remarkable achievements, and positive progress from across our nation and the wider Bharatiya community. In this weekly series, we not only bring to you inspirational present-day stories but also provide a glimpse of the rich civilizational heritage that goes under the radar.
Science & Technology
Skyroot Aerospace is a Bharatiya start-up that got its orbital launch right on the very first attempt. Vikram-1 was launched from Sriharikota’s ISRO Satish Dhawan Space Centre on 18 July. Not only was this the first orbital launch by a private Bharatiya space company but it made Bharat only the third country in the world to have a domestic private firm achieve this milestone. Moreover, Skyroot is the first company that reached space on its first attempt.
In the land of Aryabhatta, Bhaskaracharya, and Brahmagupta among others, two youngsters and their team of young scientists have brought glory to the nation. Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, who started the company in 2018, deserve all the praise for their glorious achievement.
Sports
The country’s sportspersons put up a good show in the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Bharat was placed fourth with 39 medals (13 gold, 17 silver, 9 bronze). Mirabai Chanu achieved the distinction of become the first Bharatiya woman weightlifter to win three consecutive CWG Gold medals. Gulveer Singh made a mark for himself by achieving the rare milestone of winning a silver in the men’s 10,000m track race. Equally impressive was the show put up by Bharat’s para-athletes.
Environment & Wildlife
The country’s rich wildlife needs to be preserved for the coming generations. In a pioneering move, Maharashtra will harness technology to protect its wildlife, particularly birds. Maharashtra is set to develop the country’s first AI-powered bird sanctuary at Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary through a ₹45-crore Eco-Nature Park. AI-enabled cameras, acoustic sensors and data analytics will track bird species, migration, nesting and behaviour in real time, supporting conservation and research. The project will also promote eco-tourism through nature trails and birdwatching facilities while protecting the Ramsar-designated wetland and its diverse migratory bird population.
Another remarkable achievement in this area was the addition of Arunachal Pradesh’s Glaw Lake to the list of Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. This has taken the country’s total number of Ramsar Sites to 101. The designation, announced on 3 August 2026, also marks the first such recognition for Arunachal Pradesh.
Upcoming Hindu Festival
Nag Panchami is an important Hindu festival celebrated during the Shravan (Sawan) Maas. It falls on Shukla Paksha Panchami Tithi. It is a day when women worship Nag Devata and pray for the welfare of their families, particularly their brothers. This year Nag Panchami will be celebrated on 17 August (Monday).
Shravan Maas, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, is one of the most auspicious periods in Hindu Dharma, particularly dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva. This month is marked by heightened spiritual practices, with devotees observing fasts, performing rituals, and engaging in deep devotion. The Mondays of Shravan, known as Shravan Somvar, hold special significance, with devotees fasting and offering prayers to Bhagwan Shiva for blessings and protection. This year Shravan began on 13 August and will end on 11 September.
Suggested Reading
1) Why I Like Saṃskṛtam (Part One)
2) Pakistan’s fourfather problem
3) India’s semiconductor programme turns students into chip designers
5) From Red Corridor To Red Carpet: How India Transformed Its Naxal-Affected Hinterland
