The month of October is the month of “giving”; the month is thoughtfully carved out to be the month of this joy. It is a festive time; this is a time when people look forward to good weather after months of hot humid days. All this motivates us to clean and organize the house — not-in-use things are collected and given away. The happiness and satisfaction of giving away are attained only when we know that our used items reach a place where they can be further used.
The organisations working to collect the not-in-use items plan weeks ahead. Families have their own thoughts and practices on giving, and there must have been quite a few other ways too; however, instances of community participation in Sector-50 were —
Community Effort in Kailash Dham: Successful collection of E-waste, clothes, and plastic was done. Residents who recognize the hazards of improperly disposed waste ensured the success of yet this year’s campaign, just as they did the last three years. The campaign was a joint effort by the change-makers of Kailash Dham, other Sector 50 residents, KD office staff, and the foundation that collected. The collection drive took place on Friday, 25 October.
We are proud to have saved substantial amounts of E-waste, clothes, and plastic from landfills or careless disposal, thus protecting our soil and water from further contamination. While we still have a long way to go, this is a significant start. I have noticed how more and more people are joining in and thus making such initiatives a huge success. (by Mohita Bhansali, Kailash Dham)
Diwali ki Safai in Mahagun Morpheus: We all grew up listening to ‘Diwali ki safai’ days before the festival, and we at Morpheus did it a little different this time. We organised a collection camp in our premises on 19 October. It was a part of the initiative, Daan Utsav (earlier the Joy of Giving). A stall of their handmade products (upcycled from what we consider waste) was also put up, and the response from our residents was outstanding, be it donations or sales.
Such events not only spread positivity but also help us to pause and reflect on our wants and needs and enable us to understand the difference. What a wholesome way to start the festive season! (by Anuja Agarwal, Mahagun Morpheus)
Welfare Initiatives: Ramagya school installed a fridge outside their main gate for keeping food prepared in excess at home but not consumed, so that people in need may take it. This was aimed to prevent and reduce food wastage at home. Similarly, a drinking water facility having RO system and watercooler has been installed in front of the main Gate of ATS-II to provide free drinking water to passers-by specially rickshaw puller, vendors, press-walas and laborer.
