Mumbai-based AYSG collects record amount of raddi for community work * Finds its way into Limca Book of Records
Old news is good news – at least for Arham Yuva Seva Group (AYSG), a group formed by Jain community members.
Set up in 2005, AYSG is now in the Limca Book of Records for collecting the maximum amount of old newspapers and waste papers in a single day.
As part of its Maha Pasti Abhiyan (MPA), or mega newspaper collection, AYSG collected 61.82 tonnes of old newspapers in Mumbai alone in a single day. The all- India figure was 151.21 tonnes.
All for a good cause. The proceeds of this fundraiser will go towards community support, health care, education and food for the poor, and also for animal welfare.
But how did they pull it off? According to Rajesh Kothari (42), a core team member: "We have 55 centres across India. Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Amravati and Pune are among those.
"Our 1,500-plus volunteers went on a door-to-door campaign in various societies to collect newspapers and old, corrugated boxes. We also have tie-ups with various schools, colleges, and corporate houses. Last month, a bank's branch decided to donate a whole month's newspapers."
This year, the fourth mega collection of old papers, will be held on April 10. The target this time is 150 tonnes. "We plan to make drinking water fountains and toilets in schools. School kits will also be distributed," says Kulkarni.
Last year, the group donated the proceeds to 5,008 students. "We went back to the houses from where we collected newspapers and made a database of housemaids who have kids. We donated kits that included writing boards, books, compass boxes etc," said Kothari.
How did the idea strike AYSG? "We got inspired by our guru Rashtra Sant Namramuniji Maharaj Saheb and took up this activity, among other things. The purpose was to spread the word that even little raddi (heap of newspapers) can make a difference. The other objective was to connect the youth with humanitarian activities. During our MPAs, we send WhatsApp messages, leaflets and word-of-mouth."
After MPA1, AYSG assisted 1,000 blind families with a month's grocery. The second campaign collected enough money to donate a dialysis machine to the Rajawadi hospital in Ghatkopar. Over 1,500 patients have benefited till date.
AYSG also get food from the ISKCON kitchen, which is donated to at least 200 people at each centre in Mumbai. "We have around 15 centres," says Kothari.
As part of its summer project, AYSG instals bird feeders and water bowls for birds and animals. During winter, it distributes blankets to beggars. The group also holds camps where schools, orphanages and widowed mothers can be adopted. Blood camps, eye check-up camps, medical camps and disability camps are the other activities.
Whoever said today's newspaper is tomorrow's wrapper!
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