“Just like how all of us humans have a right to use the earth’s resources, we also have a duty towards replenishing it! And while the former is the reality, the latter, sadly, has become the need of the hour, though it’s often left unattended. I mean when was the last time, all of us got our hands dirty to clean up our beaches and lakes that get polluted so easily?

Now this realization struck me when I shifted to the city and witnessed a dearth of resources for the first time in my life. You see, having spent a large portion of my early childhood in a village, amidst nature’s bounty, the difference was truly shocking! Something as little as waking up to the sounds of sparrows was extinct in the metros and I knew I wanted to change this in whatever way possible. Plus having known to be one to always follow her heart, I took a big step then, by taking up environmental sciences for a lifelong career!

Again, within this journey, I quickly started exploring various facets like volunteering with NGOs and even working on research projects in areas like wastewater treatment. My interest towards all these subjects was never-ending, to the extent that I physical wanted to contribute to many restoration projects as well! While it’s one thing to learn and preach about waste management, I directly lead by example and got into a cleaning spree where I began decluttering the filth in the water bodies in my area, one after the other.

However, as expected, this move garnered much criticism where everyone questioned the need for me to personally remove the waste. While some felt it was the duty of the state, other’s were of the opinion that it wouldn’t be fit for a girl to go out and publically undertake such operations. Nevertheless, with a bit of effort I stopped paying heed to the varying opinions around me and was focused even more in creating a like-minded community who would strengthen the cause.

In all this, my husband has been my biggest cheerleader. He is extremely proud of what I do and often goes about educating his colleagues as well on sustainability and better living.
Today, with his constant encouragement, I’ve managed to channel the crisitism hurled into something more purposeful and started my entrepreneurial venture in the same field, three years ago. Ultimate, my vision to restore rivers to their original state drives me to work all 7 days with joy and I wouldn’t want to have it any other way!”

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