How Youngsters Are Transforming the Landscape of Cleanliness Volunteering
For Ojhas Pathak, Founder of Ecoforce, the journey began with a deep passion for conserving biodiversity on hills. However, he soon realised that true conservation is impossible without addressing the growing problem of waste. The constant littering on natural landscapes became a pressing concern—one that demanded action, not just intent.
In December 2024, he embarked on an independent research journey. Over the next thirteen months, he explored not just environmental concerns, but also the economics and psychology behind waste management. His approach went beyond clean-up drives to include segregation, recycling, and building a sustainable system. The outcome was a clear, actionable roadmap—from formally registering an NGO to implementing structured on-ground solutions.
This spirit of purpose-driven action resonated strongly at the Clean City Talks organised by the Adar Poonawalla Clean City Initiative (APCCI). The 13th session brought together four youth-led organisations—Together India Foundation, Ecoforce, Cleanup Pune, and MyPrakriti—each showcasing their unique efforts towards a cleaner Pune.
Among them, Raj Choksey drew inspiration from his time in France, where he observed disciplined waste management practices. Encouraged by his mother to lead by example, he returned with a renewed sense of purpose. Today, his organisation, Together India, regularly conducts clean-up drives across the city.
Similarly, Dilip Shinde is working towards decentralising clean-up efforts by creating local “waste champions” to ensure long-term sustainability. Ayush Jagtap, Co-Founder of MyPrakriti, has been relentlessly organising drives across hills, streets, and public spaces—transforming awareness into consistent action.
What stands out across these initiatives is a shift in mindset. Today’s youth are not merely raising concerns—they are investing time in research, understanding systems, and building scalable solutions.
