As I stepped out of the Vishwavidyalay metro station on a crisp Sunday morning, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and purpose. I was on my way to join a cleanliness drive organized by The Umeed Foundation NGO in collaboration with AAVYA, a student group from Miranda House college. This wasn’t my first cleanliness drive, having participated in 4-5 drives with Vrikshit foundation earlier, but it was my first time with this new group.
The weather was perfect, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the trees that lined the path from the metro station to Miranda House college. I took a leisurely walk, soaking in the sights and sounds of the campus, and arrived at the college gates around 10 am. I was a bit late, but the enthusiasm of the young volunteers already hard at work made up for my tardiness.
As I joined the group, I was struck by the sheer number of plastic cups, bottles, and wrappers littering the area around the SBI ATM. The volunteers were diligently collecting plastic waste, leaving behind biodegradable materials like paper, wood, and leaves.
I donned my trusty gloves, which I had purchased from Mr. DIV store for a mere 70 INR, and got to work. The gloves proved to be a game-changer, with their rubber coating and mesh material keeping my hands dry and comfortable throughout the drive.
As we worked, I couldn’t help but notice the sheer volume of plastic waste generated by the campus community. Plastic cups from tea and coffee stalls, discarded banners and posters, and even leather car seat covers (yes, you read that right!) were among the items we collected. It was disheartening to see the lack of responsibility displayed by some individuals, but heartening to see the dedication of the AAVYA volunteers.
Together, we filled around 35 big plastic bags with plastic waste, which were then loaded onto garbage trucks provided by the municipal corporation of Delhi. By the end of the drive, we had filled two entire trucks, and the area looked significantly cleaner than when we started.
But the day wasn’t just about cleaning up trash; it was also about compassion and kindness. The AAVYA volunteers took the initiative to create a makeshift shelter for the dogs and puppies roaming the campus. It was a touching gesture, and a testament to the empathy and concern of these young individuals.
As I reflected on the experience, I realized that cleanliness drives like these are not just about picking up trash; they’re about building a sense of community, fostering empathy, and inspiring change. The Umeed NGO and AAVYA have shown that even small actions can make a significant impact when done collectively.
I left the campus feeling proud, inspired, and already looking forward to the next cleanliness drive. If you’re reading this, I urge you to join the movement and make a difference in your own community. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener, and more compassionate world.
