By Impactlens Correspondent
Among the volunteers was Bhumika Mhetre, a 19-year-old Green Youth volunteer from Yerwada, who described the day as one she would never forget. “I don’t know how to explain today—it just felt really special. We walked from Vishrantwadi to Sangamwadi collecting plastic. It sounds like such a small thing, but it didn’t feel small at all. Some Warkaris smiled at us, some appreciated us, and many blessed us. Those little moments made me emotional because they made us realise that what we were doing truly mattered. We were tired, our feet hurt, and it was messy, but we also laughed together, made memories, and experienced something beautiful. Today wasn’t just about picking up plastic; it was about caring for something bigger than ourselves.” Her reflections captured the spirit of hundreds of young volunteers who discovered that community service can be both joyful and transformative.
As lakhs of Warkaris walked with devotion towards Pandharpur, the air echoed with the chants of “Vitthal Vitthal” and the spirit of faith transformed Pune’s roads into a river of devotion. Yet, alongside this inspiring journey lay a growing environmental challenge—thousands of discarded plastic bottles, food packets, disposable plates, and carry bags left behind on the pilgrimage route.
Determined to ensure that devotion and environmental responsibility walk together, TrashTech Pvt. Ltd., in collaboration with the Green Youth Movement, launched the Plastic-Free Wari Campaign. On the very first day of the initiative, more than 100 Green Youth volunteers joined hands to remove nearly two tonnes of plastic waste from the Palkhi route, demonstrating that protecting the environment is also an act of devotion. Volunteers from the Christ College and SNDT College joined the campaign in large numbers.
For years, people have admired the remarkable food services and hospitality offered to Warkaris. At the same time, many have expressed concern that the roads often become covered with plastic waste after the procession passes. This year, instead of merely discussing the problem, Green Youth volunteers chose to become part of the solution.
Armed with gloves, garbage bags, and a deep sense of responsibility, the volunteers walked behind the Palkhi, collecting plastic waste and ensuring that the pilgrimage route remained cleaner for everyone. The campaign was driven by a simple but powerful belief: if elderly Warkaris can walk hundreds of kilometres with faith in their hearts, young people can surely walk beside them in service of the environment.
The experience was far more meaningful than simply cleaning roads. Throughout the day, volunteers were greeted with smiles, words of appreciation, and heartfelt blessings from the Warkaris. Those moments transformed a cleanliness drive into a deeply spiritual experience.
The campaign also demonstrated an important lesson in volunteerism. One person picking up plastic quickly inspired another to join, and before long, individual action became a collective movement. Every filled garbage bag represented not only cleaner roads but also growing environmental awareness among pilgrims, local residents, and young volunteers alike.
The initiative reflects TrashTech Pvt. Ltd.’s broader vision of promoting the circular economy, responsible waste management, and citizen participation in building cleaner communities. It also aligns with the Green Youth Movement’s mission of nurturing environmentally conscious young leaders who actively contribute to sustainable development.
The Plastic-Free Wari Campaign reminds us that devotion is not confined to prayer alone. It is also expressed through actions that protect nature, preserve public spaces, and serve fellow citizens. As the volunteers discovered, every piece of plastic removed from the pilgrimage route was a small offering of respect to both the environment and Mauli.
The campaign continues with the hope that many more citizens, institutions, and volunteers will join this growing movement. Together, they can ensure that one of India’s greatest spiritual pilgrimages also becomes one of its cleanest.
