Recently while browsing through the internet, I came across the life stories of two ordinary children who became extraordinary persons because of what they did, the new possibilities they envisaged for themselves, others, the world and creation. The first child is Gauravi Kaushik from Jaipur. The second one is Ranjitha from Orissa. The theme for this issue of the Magnet, New Beginnings, was inspired by them. This in addition to the fact that Christmas always has a spontaneous delight which leads us to a recommitment of our selves.
Gauravi’s Little Steps
Gauravi Kaushik is presently a 16-year-old teenage high school student. She is the Co-Founder of NGO R-4. What does the 4 Rs of this NGO stand for? – REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE and RESTORE. Where did Gauravi get her vision? What was that extraordinary event that pushed her on to something new?
In fact, there is nothing extraordinary. When she was ten years old, she saw her elder sister collecting and storing kitchen waste for a few days and converting it into manure for plants. She was thrilled. That day, says Gauravi, ‘I found my vision. I realized I will embark on a journey towards making this society, this country and finally this world a better place to live in.’
Gauravi along with her sister first started a number of environmental initiatives in their school in Jaipur. In 2013 when Gauravi was 7 and her sister 13, they started R-4. Initially they managed the project together and gradually they developed a network of 200 volunteers and 650 followers on Facebook.
What is their mission statement? – Reading and preaching about conservation is not enough. We have to act, and act now.
What did/do they do?
- They started with waste management projects which spread throughout Jaipur.
- They worked for sustainability along with volunteers.
- They helped with planting trees, made people aware about the importance of segregating waste through waste collection marathons, theatre festivals like Jairangam and other events.
- Presently, they organize annually a campaign called Meri Bhee Diwali event for which the vision is to see every child happy on the festival of Diwali. In view of this vision, they organize a collection drive for old festive clothes and foot wear every year – since 2016 to date. They are then washed, packed and distributed to those in need.
Pushpa Joseph
To read the entire article, click Subscribe
