It all starts at home

Wazir, who lives in Curtorim Village, Salcete, runs a repair shop, looks after a family of 3 members, and works diligently towards his commitments and responsibilities, spends his day just as any other person would. Although, what makes him distinct is how he not only thinks about himself and his family, but believes that the environment is a significant part of our being. He caters the belief we all should be adequately responsible for taking care of it.

“Perhaps because my own life has largely been devoted to the pursuit of Waste Management and Behaviour Change, I am trying everyday to propound the idea in and around my community” Wazir said.

What worries him most is the open dumping. He often initiates the Clean-up Drives, takes up Awareness Sessions with his people and promptly proffers the problems related to waste management in the Gram Sabha meetings.

His aim lies not only in putting forth the complaints and challenges faced by the people, but in suggesting the possible solutions to those problems with a nuanced and well rounded perspective.

The CEGP Field team went to see him at work, noting with interest the clarity of his thoughts, his zest for social work along with his deep understanding of the challenges of sustainable development in the steepy-sloopy areas he lives in. He had left the team in awe of his commitment to not only direct changes he sought imperative, but himself to be the change the society needs.“It all starts at home”- He says. With exclamation he impressed upon his view that he alone can encourage people for a few months, perhaps even a few years, but to eternally preserve the idea and sustain the interest of people, a dedicated waste-collection system needs to be established.

His only wish, he says, is to witness the sight of a vehicle coming to collect their waste, to see his hilly lanes clean and to breathe in fresh, clean air.