Small Hands, Big Impact
Aayushmaan Jalan, a 10-year-old student at The Heritage School, Kolkata, has always been observant. Growing up, he watched his mother, Vandana Jalan, an active Goonj volunteer, organize community collection drives. Inspired by her work, Aayushmaan and his younger brother, Aaradhya, began setting aside their own stationery, books, and toys—not as mere donations, but as thoughtful contributions to children who could reuse them.
Their efforts weren’t just about giving; they reflected a deeper understanding—that materials, when used mindfully, can serve a larger purpose beyond their first use.
The Goonj Summer Challenge – A Lesson in Resourcefulness
When their mother introduced them to the Goonj Summer Challenge, Aayushmaan and Aaradhya saw it as a mission. They eagerly collected stationery and upcycled materials into rural learning kits—pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and pouches—all thoughtfully curated to ensure they reached children with limited access to these essentials.
Not stopping there, the brothers scoured their home for one-sided used paper and called on their friends to contribute. Their creativity shone through when they repurposed empty ice-cream boxes into ‘Goonj Kee Gulak’ (Goonj Piggy Banks) by spray painting them—learning first-hand that even discarded materials hold value when reimagined with purpose.
Aayushmaan & Aaradhya repurposing materials for rural learning kits
Learning Through Action – The Power of Sharing
This experience has shaped Aayushmaan’s perspective, making him more conscious of material usage and waste. He now understands that he is privileged to have an abundance of resources and sees sharing as a responsibility, not charity.
Through small yet impactful actions, these young changemakers are learning a fundamental truth: When materials circulate, dignity and opportunity multiply.
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
