Sometimes, purpose begins in the most ordinary moments.
For Sujata, it started with a soap advertisement. A passing mention of Goonj sparked something unexpected. She paused. Looked it up online. And something about the idea of transforming urban surplus into dignity stayed with her.
That spark turned into action.
She gathered a few neighbours, collected usable clothes and essentials, and drove personally to the Goonj Rishikesh center. What she saw wasn’t a storage depot. It was empathy in motion, materials handled with care, folded with thought, processed with intention.
“This wasn’t charity. This was dignity in action.”
What began as a contribution soon became a calling.
Sujata visited Delhi’s Goonj Center of Circularity to gain a deeper understanding of the movement. Inspired, she took on the role of a Goonj volunteer in Roorkee. She started small, hosting 1–2 collection camps a year, often transporting Sammaan kits herself to Rishikesh in her car.
But purpose has a way of multiplying.
From Volunteer to Mobilizer
With time, consistency, and connection, Sujata grew her circle. Today, she leads a volunteer network of over 90 active members in Roorkee. She now organises regular collection camps, partnering with local NGOs, schools, and individuals who want to give with meaning.
Sujata has also been an active part of the larger Goonj ecosystem, attending four Chaupal gatherings, participating in cross-city sharing, and even organising volunteer visits to the Rishikesh Processing Unit. For her, this wasn’t just orientation. It was a transformation, letting people see what happens after the material is handed over.
Looking Ahead: Ideas with Heart
But Sujata doesn’t stop at running camps.
She’s now in the process of setting up an official Goonj drop-off centre in Roorkee, making giving more accessible and visible. She has also proposed two thoughtful ideas:
- A fellowship for senior citizens to bring their wisdom and time into purpose-led volunteering
- Rural exposure and village interactions for urban volunteers — deepening awareness beyond city action
What began as a moment of curiosity has now become Sujata’s everyday commitment to build a more compassionate, conscious Roorkee. A city where contributing is intentional, and giving is a habit shared by many.
Because for her, volunteering isn’t a role.
It’s a rhythm.
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..
