Paryavaran Sakhis of the Bishni Devi Self-help group are a common sight in Ringora village, surrounded by the world-famous Corbett Tiger Reserve. Paryavaran Sakhis, i.e., Friends of the Environment, refers here to the women. The Sakhis tell us how instrumental women have been in activism for protecting Mother Earth.
One of the Paryavaran Sakhis, Khasti Mehra, is a mother of three and a savior for many. Sakhis of Waste Warriors are trained and supported to collect dry waste door-to-door in their communities. Along with Sakhis Pooja, Khimuli, Sunita, and Indra, they ensure waste collection in Kyari, Dhikulli, and Ringora, collecting around 800 kg of dry waste from 351 households. Dry waste is stored in the waste bank, and it is then meticulously sorted into 20-22 categories before being sent to recyclers.
Through her unwavering determination and dedicated efforts, Khasti Mehra has not only earned respect within the panchayat but has also become a robust and influential voice. Her passion for environmental preservation and her proactive nature have garnered recognition as an advocate for positive change in the community.
The cultural landscape of every community is defined by its practices and traditions. And these also impact the kind of work people do in their communities. Waste is a highly stigmatized profession and is also very much defined by caste, which makes it difficult for people to feel accepted and respected for their work. Khasti Devi, on the other hand, gathered a sense of agency for herself and continued to work with dignity, reflecting on their group’s initiatives, like anchoring a public event to raise awareness about waste segregation. This event, specifically designed for a group of tourists, showcased her ability to engage, educate, and inspire others.
Apart from the societal pressures, one also navigates challenges personally, which is reflected in our conversation with Khasti Ji, where she shares, “I only studied up to the fifth grade, but having worked with Waste Warriors for over five years now, I have gotten to know the world differently. This is also why I am ensuring that my kids study well.”
There are many voices of reason worldwide, and a journey like hers and many others stand as a testament to the transformative power of individual action and leadership. It shows that even at the grassroots level, one person can make a substantial impact on the world around them.
