Empowering Doon's Youth

What is it that convinces someone to leave his country and his career and dedicate his whole life to working with children in an alien country? It is the call of the inner voice, says Ken Mc Rae, a Canadian, who has made his home in India since the last three decades. Since then, he has worked with orphan children, operated a school and a hostel in Mussoorie and now runs a youth centre for middle class youngsters, where he helps them resolve their growing up issues.

Click here to read Ken Mc Rae's story.

The Zia Mystery

Twenty years ago, General Zia ul Haq died in a mysterious plane crash that also killed thirty others. The explosion that accompanied the crash was so great that it ripped apart the aircraft – showering the desert where it fell – with mangled masses of burning flesh intertwined with searing hot pieces of steel. It was an explosion that redefined Pakistan’s politics like never before. In one swift move, the country’s military dictator along with most of the top brass of the army were eliminated. Yet, there are still no convincing answers on how the explosion happened or who was behind it. Over the years however, there have been no dearth of conspiracy theories. Or of possible conspirators – since Zia was a man not exactly loved by many.

Click here to read about one of the most enduring mysteries of the Indian subcontinent: who killed Zia?

Swamy and friends

What inspires a 74 year old to settle down in a small village and train children, so that they are able to get equal opportunity to good quality private schooling? "Destiny", says former economist GK Swamy, who has brought about a quiet revolution in the village of Purkal, almost 20 kms away from Dehradun. Swamy and his wife, who settled in Purkal 10 years ago, after Swamy's retirement, have started a unique bridge centre at this village that is helping more than 140 children realise their dreams.

Click here to read about the work that Swamy and his friends are doing in Purkal.