When Observation Meets Participation
On a crisp morning, a group of 16 volunteers gathered at the Goonj Kolkata office , not just to witness change, but to walk alongside it. Their destination: the Sunderbans, a region often seen through the lens of challenges, but today, through the stories of strength and self-reliance.
Seeds of Change in Ramkrishnapur
The day began at Ramkrishnapur, where women from the community greeted the group with a heartfelt poem. The verses weren’t just words , they were windows into their lives, aspirations, and a quiet determination to do more with what they had.
What followed was a meaningful dialogue around sustainability, inspired by the women’s experiences with kitchen gardening. Encouraged by Goonj, around 15–20 women reclaimed a patch of land to grow fresh, organic vegetables. What was once unused soil now fed families, assisted school meals, and added to household income.
As part of Goonj’s Cloth for Work initiative, these women didn’t just receive family kits , they earned them through their time and care, reinforcing the idea that dignity lies in contribution, not charity.
Kitchen Garden Initiative in the Sunderbans
Standing Strong Against the Tides
At the Mangrove Plantation, volunteers witnessed over 1 lakh saplings rooted firmly in the ground, each one a small act of climate resilience. Men and women alike laid bricks to strengthen the embankments of the Kauravtal River, not just protecting land but investing in their collective future.
Stitching Back Livelihoods, The Vaapsi Way
In Godkhali, the volunteers visited a Garments Manufacturing Unit that stood as a reminder of what’s possible when local skills meet timely opportunities. Launched under Goonj’s Vaapsi initiative during the pandemic, this unit created school uniforms for 37 schools using sewing machines assisted by Goonj.
Beyond clothing, the unit stitched together something far more lasting, a reason for people to stay back in their village, to find pride and purpose close to home, rather than migrate out of necessity.
Learning, Living, Leading
The journey continued to Monmotho Nagar, where the welcome came in the form of a vibrant floral rangoli and eager young faces. Here, Goonj assisted a study centre for children from class 1 to 7, ensuring not just education, but an environment where learning is nurtured with dignity.
This centre also houses a My Pad ATM, Goonj’s unique menstrual health initiative that assists accessible sanitary pads for girls and women at a nominal cost — breaking taboos while building agency.
Seed Bank in Monmotho Nagar
Reflections on the River
Over a simple, shared lunch on a ferry, the volunteers didn’t just exchange food, they exchanged stories. The journey had started as a visit. By the end, it had become a shared chapter in a much larger narrative, one built on dignity, participation, and the belief that small acts, done consistently, change lives.
Volunteers Reflecting During Ferry Lunch
Be a Part of Change
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..
