Sometimes, preparing for one dream can lead you to discover another. For Akshay Ridlan, a young UPSC aspirant, that moment came not from a textbook or a mock test, but from a heartbreaking news article. It was about a 17-year-old autistic boy who went missing—mistakenly sent away on a train, never to be found again. The tragedy struck a deep chord in Akshay. He couldn’t let it go.
Instead of turning the page and moving on, he chose action. That one story became the seed of something extraordinary: Project Chetna—a life-saving initiative designed to help reunite lost individuals with their families.
A Simple Idea. A Powerful Impact.
At the heart of Project Chetna are QR-coded pendants. These small lockets contain essential medical information and emergency contacts—an instant digital ID for people who are unable to communicate, whether due to autism, dementia, or other conditions. If someone wearing the pendant is found alone or disoriented, anyone with a smartphone can scan the QR code and help them find their way home.
What began as a modest idea has become a lifeline for families across India. From senior citizens suffering from memory loss to young children with developmental disorders, these pendants are offering something invaluable: peace of mind.
More Than a Project, a Movement
Akshay’s initiative isn’t just about technology—it’s about compassion and community. “This is just the beginning,” he says. “I want more people to step forward and be part of this.” And rightly so—Project Chetna reminds us that true change doesn’t always come from the top. Sometimes, it begins with one person choosing not to look away.
His story is a powerful reminder that anyone—yes, even a student buried in books—can be a force for good.
Your Friday Motivation:
We often wait to “make it big” before giving back. But Akshay didn’t wait to clear the UPSC exam or become an officer. He saw a need and filled it—with empathy, ingenuity, and courage.
So, as you wrap up your week, ask yourself:
What’s one small step you can take to be someone’s lifeline today?
Because real heroes don’t wait for the spotlight. They create it.
Stay inspired with #ForceForGoodHeroes—a powerful series spotlighting India’s unsung change-makers. Let their stories remind you: the power to change the world is already in your hands.
#FridayMotivation #ProjectChetna #AkshayRidlan #RealHeroes #ForceForGood #Inspiration #UPSCWithHeart #IndiaForChange
Source: The Better India
