What went right in 2020: the top 20 good news stories of the year
It’s been a year like no other. As challenging as 2020 has been, the past 12 months have also seen big wins for the environment, society and culture, human rights – and even health.
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2020 has seen big gender equality gains.
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- Disease breakthroughs in 2020 included new potential cancer treatments and falling hepatitis B cases in children under five.
- Technological advances brought us a world-first artificial eye and new NASA intelligence of water on the moon.
- The United Nations, World Food Programme, World Economic Forum and other agencies continue to tackle global challenges including hunger, climate change and gender equality.
This year taught us that no good news is too small to share
“Summer is on its way and my partner and I managed to grow this rose which has a wonderful scent.” A picture of a beautiful orange flower accompanied the note—part of a weekly email sharing good news with the members of our research center. One year ago, an announcement like this could have seemed insignificant and irrelevant to the important work of science. But amid the difficulties of 2020, it was anything but. It put a smile on my face, and hopefully it did the same for my colleagues. It helped build human connection. And it reminded us that, even this year, good things happened.
10 good news stories that lifted our spirits in 2020
2020 has been a challenge, but there has been plenty of good news to see us through to the new year © Westend61 / Getty Images
Let’s be honest, 2020 has been a real struggle. But there’s something about a year of downs that makes the ups even more important somehow, making us truly value good news when it does indeed arrive. That’s why we rounded up 10 positive stories from the past year that have lifted our spirits and kept us inspired. Here’s our top picks.
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The Better India’s Heroes of Sustainability have dedicated their lives to protect the planet — planting huge forests, helping hundreds lead sustainable lives, or even saving entire species. And these heroes have no plans to stop until the Earth heals.
Fable : Love transcends all
This happened 175 years back.
Dhanya was a kind hearted 50 year old woman belonging to a low caste. She was seen talking to a five year old brahmin boy with great intimacy. It appeared as though she was seeking some obligation and the boy gave her a firm commitment. The lady left the place with her eyes moist._
Dhanya was a poor mid wife, who attended to the delivery of the boy’s mother when he was born. From that day she developed an inexplicable emotional bondage with the boy. She felt that he was all in all for her and he would protect her in times of need._
After a period of 5 years it was decided to celebrate the Upanayanam of the boy. The boy’s elder brother was advising the young boy about the implication of the ritual and advised him about the code of conduct._
‘Maatru Biksha’ is an important concluding ritual in Upanayanam during which the boy receives the first Biksha (a cup of rice) from his mother and gets her blessings first. Every mother feels proud of this event._
When the elder brother was narrating about this ritual, the boy said that “I will receive the first Bhiksha from Dhanya only. I have given word to her”.
Having come from an orthodox family, the elder brother alarmingly said “It is great unorthodoxy & we will lose respect among the pundits in the village.”
The boy immediately retorted “Brother, everybody including elders requested Lord Rama not to leave for the forest. But Rama had promised his father and to keep up his ‘word’ he left the palace. In the same way I have given a word to Dhanya that I will treat her as my mother during the function. I don’t deserve this sacred thread if I don’t keep up my promise.”
Yet the brother was not convinced. The day arrived. With the auspicious playing of shehnai, among the chanting of mantras the function went on well. The elder brother thought the boy would have forgotten about the earlier discussion. The ritual “Maatru Bhiksha” was about to start. The boy’s mother and other ladies were ready to give ‘Bhiksha’.
But the boy with a small bag in his hand proceeded towards Dhanya who was standing in a remote corner with some rice and fruits to offer to the affectionate child._
While all the brahmin pundits were looking on and the ladies were standing in amazement, the boy prostrated before Dhanya and received the first ‘Bhiksha’ from a low caste woman, when untouchability was at its peak._
Dhanya, with tears in her eyes, blessed the child and this was her only desire in life.
While everyone expected a hue and cry about the incident, the chief pundit appreciated the child for the *”Sathya Vaak Paripaalanam”* and blessed him wholeheartedly.
The memorable silent revolution took place in a small village in West Bengal and the boy was *”GADHADHAR”* who became popular as *”Ramakrishna Paramahamsa”*.
It is perhaps, this seed of intimate love and affection originated from a poor lady that laid the foundation for the great Ramakrishna Mutt, surpassing all caste, creed and religions in the world.
Interpretation :
As the fable shows us, it is indeed principles like love and truth that transcend all man made barriers. This is one lesson, perhaps the only one we all need to learn in the journey of our lives to become better human beings.
Sharing positive news 