​

Daredevil dauber

We may hold our breath as onlookers, but for this man painting the walls of Saraswati School in Mahim, it’s all in a day’s work.

Drivin’ into the record books

Well done! Pic/IG@ bright.news

These youngsters are being steered the right way. The Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) headquartered at Churchgate in South Mumbai, has created a record. The WIAA in collaboration with the Singhania Group of Schools, has earned a place in the India Book of Records for holding the largest student gathering for a drawing-cum-slogan competition during the 36th National Road Safety Month in January. At the event, 11,082 bright-eyed, bushy-tailed students participated from the Singhania Group of Schools. The Regional Transport, Mumbai Traffic Police and the school came together for the event, organised by WIAA with guidance from WIAA executive chairman Nitin Dossa. 

Dossa said, “The robust numbers and the creativity tells us that we will have a Gen Next which is extremely alive to the concept of responsible road usage by those on four wheels (drivers) and those on two heels (pedestrians).”

We say, yeah WIAA, and no brakes on learning about road safety, right from school! 

A sincere young talent

Soumya Jinaga alongside Aparna Piramal Raje at the book’s launch

At just 17, Soumya Jinaga is already two books deep into her writing journey and her latest novel, Sincerely, is proof that age is no barrier to telling powerful stories. Unveiled by author Aparna Piramal Raje at Crossword Kemps Corner on 5th July, Sincerely explores the fragile bond between two strangers — Reign, heir to a family company fighting her inner battles, and Ezra, who shuts himself away as illness overtakes him.

This moving narrative tackles grief, love and the quiet strength that comes from shared pain. “The inspiration came after a few close family members were diagnosed with cancer. Watching their journey opened me up to the reality of loss and grief, and how fragile life really is,” Jinaga shares.
As Piramal Raje put it, “It’s truly remarkable that she has delved deep into these issues, at such a young age.” If you’re looking for your next heartfelt read, pick up Sincerely — a story written by a teenager, but wise beyond her years.

Able and more, with medals too

Mohammad Kashif Khana and Sumit Yadav

On July 7 the city saw the final day of the West Zone Regional Abilympics 2025 concluded with resounding success at the World Trade Centre, which had 67 participants with disabilities competing across 15 plus vocational skill categories. Mohammad Kashif Khana, chef at the St Regis Mumbai, who is 100 per cent Hearing & Speech Impaired, won the Gold Medal (West Zone).

“Baking is how I express myself.  Though I was born with complete hearing and speech impairment, I’ve never let that silence my spirit. My pastries, my sugar work — they carry my words,” says Khana, who hails from a small town in Maharashtra. He adds, “I’m not done and my ultimate goal is to win Gold for India at the Finland Abilympics in 2027.”

Sumit Yadav, 21, won the Silver medal in the Engineering Design (ICT Category). The B Tech (Civil Engineering) student of IIT Bombay, who was born with locomotor disability, says, “My design learnings gave me the confidence to participate, and the silver was an emotional moment.”

Capella and calm

Navya Goenka in a session with children at a BMC school in Prabhadevi 

In an age of constant notifications and digital distractions, 14-year-old Navya Goenka is carving out a different kind of space: one filled with harmony and human connection.

Goenka, founder of the Headstrong Foundation, is teaming up with Pehlay Akshar Foundation to explore music as a powerful coping mechanism for mental health and emotional well-being among teenagers. The collaboration is currently being implemented in Pehlay Akshar’s English Room at the Prabhadevi municipal school, where Navya conducts a cappella sessions with students.

“In a world where teens are constantly online, music creates a moment of stillness and connection,” says Goenka. 

Pehlay Akshar’s head, Kripa Shankarnarayan, says, “Partnering with Navya and Headstrong brings a fresh and deeply empathetic perspective to our work.”

It’s Taylor-made for Wiann Mulder!

Wiann Mulder and Mark Taylor

There`s no shortage of heroes in the ongoing India vs England cricket Test at Lord’s. But before Jasprit Bumrah bowled the first ball at the iconic London venue, world cricket was hailing a batsman from South Africa. 

The Rainbow Nation’s captain, Wiann Mulder, declared his first innings when he reached 367 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.

Another eight runs would have put him at par with Brian Lara’s first world record score of 375 in 1993-94 (Lara broke his own record by smashing 400 not against England in 2003-04). 

The declaration, according to Mulder, was done as a mark of respect for the West Indian great. Way back in 1998 at Peshawar, Australia captain Mark Taylor decided not to resume on his overnight score of 334, which was Sir Don Bradman’s Test best. 

Our correspondent Bipin Dani got in touch with Taylor in New South Wales for a reaction to Mulder’s call. Taylor obliged and also said this, which provides an indication of how Mulder will be remembered: “I am glad that I declared overnight on Day 2 to share the Australian record with him [Bradman] at that time. The fact that people still ask me today about my innings in Peshawar in 1998, tells me that I made the right decision.”

If at all Mulder is wondering whether he made the right decision, he has got a Taylor-made answer!