Pune: SWaCH Waarkari unite with devotees and celebrate Arogya Waari
Pune: SWaCH Waarkari unite with devotees and celebrate Arogya Waari
At the Arogya Waari organized by Maharashtra State Commission for Women at the Nivdunga Temple in Bhavani Peth, the campaign featured participation from devotees, Murlidhar Mohol (MP, Minister of State), Rupali Chakankar(Chairperson, Maharashtra State Commission for Women), Aditi Tatkare (Minister of Women and Child Development), Pune Municipal Corporation officials, and enthusiastic waste pickers from Swachh’s Bhavani Peth, Kasba, and Bibwewadi wards.
Promoting the message of social unity, the waste pickers sang “Padu Chala Re Bhint. They emphasized the importance of holistic cleanliness and waste management through waste segregation, encouraging the community to segregate waste, not people. They also raised awareness among citizens about the necessity of segregating waste and the importance of regularly paying the monthly service fees to the waste pickers. They urged everyone to uphold the dignity of waste pickers by segregating wet and dry waste. They also emphasized the importance of mindful waste disposal, reminding the public that someone has to handle the waste they discard. Waste pickers also advised against littering in open spaces and burning waste.
Hon. Murlidhar Mohol acknowledged and praised the efforts of SWaCH waste pickers who reach every doorstep daily for waste collection.
The Pandharpur Waari is a significant spiritual pilgrimage for millions of warkaris in Maharashtra and forms a strong foundation of spiritual tradition. Similarly, in Pune, SWaCH waste pickers are like ‘Arogya warkaris’, conducting a daily Arogya Waari by collecting waste door-to-door. They form the backbone of the city’s solid waste management system and protect its health. To honor their dignity, citizens are urged to segregate wet, dry, and sanitary waste and join this Arogya Waari. The importance of Sant Tukaram’s words, “What is the purpose of visiting Kashi or bathing in the Ganges if one’s heart is not pure?” was underscored during the program.
