Becoming the Difference

Hello,
I hope you all are doing well. This blog is about a meaningful initiative I recently took part in. On Mahatma Gandhi's 151st birth anniversary, I had the opportunity to contribute to the principle he championed throughout his life: Swachhata (Cleanliness). Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Sanitation is more important than Independence.”
Cleanliness is essential for a healthy environment and the well-being of all living creatures. Therefore, understanding cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation is crucial. Gandhiji emphasized that cleanliness promotes good health and stressed the importance of changing ourselves before expecting the world to change. In 2014, our respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan under which we pledged, "I shall not litter and won't allow anyone to do so." However, many of us still need to remember that commitment.

How Did I Learn About This Initiative?

Gandhiji once said, "So long as you do not take the broom and the bucket in your hands, you cannot make your towns and cities clean." Before judging or instructing others, it was important to start this work myself. On September 30, I received an email from United Way Mumbai about a volunteer beach cleanup drive organized on October 2, 2020. This event, held on International Coastal Cleanup Day, was in collaboration with Beach Please India. I decided to participate.

About the Organizations

United Way Mumbai is a non-profit organization and part of the 130-year-old United Way movement. They collaborate with over 400 NGOs and corporates to improve lives. Their work spans multiple areas, including shoreline cleanups, mangrove conservation, child development, disaster relief, malnutrition, road safety, fighting diseases like diabetes and hepatitis, and empowering women.

Beach Please India is a youth initiative dedicated to protecting Mumbai’s oceans from marine debris.

Why Is This Important?

Every year, more than 14 billion pounds of garbage—90% of which is plastic—is dumped into the ocean. Mumbai, with its 114 km coastline and vibrant beaches, faces the brunt of this pollution.

The effects of litter are devastating. Imagine 14 billion pounds of garbage dumped in your home or on the streets where you live—it would be unbearable. Now consider the harm this does to marine life. Oceans, which cover 70% of Earth's surface, produce half the oxygen we breathe and absorb 50% of human-produced CO2. Protecting our oceans is essential for the survival of both marine ecosystems and humanity.

What Did We Do?

On October 2, at around 7 a.m., we gathered at Dadar Beach to clean a small section of the shore. About 30 to 40 volunteers participated, working from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. We collected and properly disposed of solid waste eg., plastic, bottles, and wrappers. Considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we maintained social distancing and followed all government and police guidelines.

I look forward to participating in more cleanup drives and contributing to the welfare of society.

A Small Step Towards a Big Change

I know this isn’t a huge achievement, but the awareness and concern behind this action are what truly matter. This city, this country, is ours, and we need to take responsibility for it. Change starts with us.

I urge you all: if you ever get an opportunity to contribute to the welfare of our country or planet, seize it. This is how we can bring change and make the world a beautiful place.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Is there any better way to pay tribute to the Father of our Nation?

Thank you!

~ Ketaki Koltharkar

CONTACT

United way Mumbai
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