"I was repulsed by my work for so long," the 35-year-old woman recalled about her earlier days as a waste-picker when she had to grope through piles of rotting garbage to fish out material which had some monetary value. Today, under the umbrella of SWaCh, waste is worship for this section of the society, who has discovered a life of dignity and respect.
Empowered, they voluntarily came forward to celebrate Republic Day in their very own way at the SWaCh parking ground in Thergaon. "Celebrating Republic Day came as a proposition from the waste pickers," said Sonali Kunjir, area coordinator, "and we encouraged their enthusiasm as it indicated their empowerment after transitioning to service providers." In a unique exhibition of group work, drivers and waste pickers gathered at 6am and with great gusto cleaned and decorated the area and made arrangements to unfurl the national flag.
Everyone bowed in reference to the national flag as 50 year old waste pickers, Draupadi Shinde hoisted it in Ward D. Similar celebration was held in Ward A. Bringing in another aspect of waste management, Pintu Bhurunge entreated waste pickers to sell recyclable waste to Kashtachi Kamai, a cooperative recycling shop in Thergaon run by SWaCh Plus. Each year the profits generated by the shop are distributed among the members depending on the quantum of waste they sell.