थोड़ी ही देर में नीलमोनी खुद QR कोड से एंट्री करने लगे। इतना ही नहीं, उन्होंने QR कोड को अपनी सोसाइटी के व्हाट्सऐप ग्रुप में भी साझा किया और साथ में एक सरल लेकिन असरदार मैसेज लिखा—
“अगर आपके पास सामान योगदान करने के लिए नहीं है, तो आप आर्थिक सहायता देकर भी सहयोग कर सकते हैं।”

हिमांशु के लिए यह पल बहुत ख़ास था। इतने सालों के अनुभव के साथ, नीलमोनी का एक नए तरीके को खुले मन से अपनाना सिर्फ़ इसलिए ताकि काम और बेहतर हो सके, यह उनकी सीखने और आगे बढ़ने की भावना को दिखाता है।

यह कैंप हमें यह याद दिलाता है कि असली बदलाव अनुभव और खुलेपन के साथ आता है। और जब अनुभव के साथ नई सोच जुड़ जाए, तो काम और भी मज़बूत हो जाता है।

आप भी इसमें जुड़ सकते है।

हमारा आपसे बस एक ही निवेदन है – शुरुआत कीजिए, वहीं से जहाँ आप हैं। बदलाव के लिए हमेशा बड़ा कदम उठाना ज़रूरी नहीं होता, एक छोटी-सी कोशिश भी बड़ा असर ला सकती है। आप ‘गूंज की गुल्लक’ से शुरुआत कर सकते हैं या टीम 5000 से जुड़ सकते हैं। अगर आप और गहराई से जुड़ना चाहें, तो लंबे समय तक चलने वाली इस बदलाव की प्रक्रिया का हिस्सा भी बन सकते हैं। इसके साथ-साथ आप कलेक्शन ड्राइव आयोजित कर सकते हैं, गूंज के वॉलंटियर बन सकते हैं, इंटर्नशिप कर सकते हैं, या सिर्फ जुड़े रहने के लिए गूंज का मंथली न्यूज़लेटर भी सब्सक्राइब कर सकते हैं।

जुड़ने के कई तरीके हैं, लेकिन फैसला एक ही है – कदम आगे बढ़ाना।

अधिक जानकारी के लिए www.goonj.org को विजिट करें या फिर हमें [email protected] पर लिखें।

आप भी इसमें जुड़ सकते है।

हमारा आपसे बस एक ही निवेदन है – शुरुआत कीजिए, वहीं से जहाँ आप हैं। बदलाव के लिए हमेशा बड़ा कदम उठाना ज़रूरी नहीं होता, एक छोटी-सी कोशिश भी बड़ा असर ला सकती है। आप ‘गूंज की गुल्लक’ से शुरुआत कर सकते हैं या टीम 5000 से जुड़ सकते हैं। अगर आप और गहराई से जुड़ना चाहें, तो लंबे समय तक चलने वाली इस बदलाव की प्रक्रिया का हिस्सा भी बन सकते हैं। इसके साथ-साथ आप कलेक्शन ड्राइव आयोजित कर सकते हैं, गूंज के वॉलंटियर बन सकते हैं, इंटर्नशिप कर सकते हैं, या सिर्फ जुड़े रहने के लिए गूंज का मंथली न्यूज़लेटर भी सब्सक्राइब कर सकते हैं।

जुड़ने के कई तरीके हैं, लेकिन फैसला एक ही है – कदम आगे बढ़ाना।

अधिक जानकारी के लिए www.goonj.org को विजिट करें या फिर हमें [email protected] पर लिखें।

When Winter Follows Disaster

When disasters like floods, earthquakes and landslides disrupt lives and livelihoods in different parts of the country, a winter that follows the devastation becomes more acute. The cold compounds the existing loss. In such times, winter essentials become the second unreported, invisible disaster that becomes central to peoples’ survival and recovery. 

Between January and November 2025, extreme weather events were reported on almost every day of the year, continuing an upward trend seen since 2022. During this period, reported deaths and crop damage also increased sharply. Researchers now caution that the window of “normal” weather is shrinking, with climate extremes spilling across seasons rather than staying contained within them. (Pandey 2025)

Cascading Vulnerabilities: Roads, Water, and Everyday Movement

In such settings, the damaged roads, water bodies, and broken pathways become more than an inconvenience — these also intensify the winter risk. A broken road delays medical care in freezing temperatures. An overgrown water source forces longer exposure to cold and slippery terrain. A damaged footpath turns daily movement into a hazard when daylight is shorter and surfaces icy. These are not isolated problems. They are interconnected pressures that shape how winter is lived on the ground.

From a Problem to a Path of Solutions: Jamui, Bihar

In Tola Dhanukatari village in Bihar’s Jamui district, monsoon rains had washed away a crucial stretch of road, leaving behind a deep eroded pit. For months, the damaged road divided the village. Vehicles could not cross safely, emergency movement became difficult, and even routine activities like transporting crops, reaching healthcare required exhausting visits on foot.

When Goonj’s team visited, the challenge of access emerged directly from the community. When the Goonj team mobilised the local community, the villagers chose to come together and put their collective efforts into repairing the pit using locally available tools and materials. They filled the pit, solidified the surface with stones, and restored the road with shared efforts. 

The impact was immediate. Vehicles returned, emergency access improved and daily movement regained ease. More than infrastructure, the road restored connection.

Carefully chosen winter clothing and essential items( harvested from peoples’ loving contribution in cities) led by Goonj winter kit was rewarded to everyone who participated in this work – – It was not a charity, but a recognition of the efforts, local knowledge and collective responsibility.

Water Access and Winter Risk: Chamoli, Uttarakhand

In Paini village of Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, over the years access to clean water had become increasingly difficult as the only water stream had not been cleaned for nearly two years. Dense vegetation, moss, and weeds made the area slippery and risky, especially during winter. For women and children, collecting water meant navigating fear of falls, of snakes, of prolonged exposure to cold.

Through nudging conversations the Goonj team brought the villagers together, when they chose to clean their stream. Over the next three days people from the village not only cleaned their stream but also repaired the pathway, cleaned the water tank, and rebuilt a small resting space nearby. Despite cold conditions, people enthusiastically participated in the work. The villagers later shared that  their collective  efforts did more than water restoration, more importantly it rebuilt their trust in themselves, with a strong sense of working together, that had eroded over time. 

Safe Movement Before Winter Sets In: Ramban, Jammu & Kashmir

In Kanthi village of Rambanan district, Jammu & Kashmir, peoples’ vulnerability took the form of a deteriorated footpath connecting the settlement to the main road. For children, the elderly, and those carrying loads, their daily movement across this path had become dangerous – particularly with approaching winter. When Goonj mobilised and motivated the locals to take collective action, they collectively repaired their path over three days, in difficult terrain. The urgency was clear: delaying repairs would have magnified hardship once snow and ice set in. Today, the restored path stands as a marker of people’s efforts, wisdom, and resilience.

Rethinking Winter Relief

Across these stories a common but invisible reality emerges, that of the invisible and unequal impact of cold.

At Goonj our work is as much about expanding the understanding of what constitutes a disaster. While winter is framed worldwide  as a seasonal inconvenience, the on ground reality is the slow-onset but deep impact of an annual crisis. This is why every year we reach out to our people across big metros of Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkatta, Dehradoon and many other cities, urging them to mindfully contribute their unused woolens. Our goal is to build a culture of mindful giving where material, especially woolens, shared is need-specific, timely, and respectful of peoples’ needs and dignity.

Goonj’s annual winter campaign, Odha Do Zidangi (Spread the warmth) campaign is about citizen participation in small, intentional ways to address this annual disaster that impacts millions of people. 

Every winter, what we collect always falls short of what is needed especially by the disaster impacted communities. Last year alone Goonj channelised close to a million woollens and over a hundred thousand blankets , most of which we had to purchase. While the mainstream cycle of material circularity worldwide is largely focussed on harvesting material from the urban masses and then looping this back into making recycled products for them, we urge you to ‘Goonj.. it!’ instead. Goonj It means choosing a path of circularity that uses urban surplus for solving rural development issues to reduce material inequalities. 

References-

Nitnaware, Himanshu. 2026. “India’s Major River Deltas Sinking: Groundwater Extraction Blame, Study Finds.” Down To Earth.

Pandey, Kiran. 2025. “India’s Climate Crisis: 2025 Sees Extreme Weather on 99% of Days.” Down To Earth.

The Tribune. 2026. “Schools reopen, severe chill keeps pupils away.” January 15, 2026.

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..

When Understanding Leads to Ownership

Something shifted. Nilmoni immediately saw the value of the tool. Soon, he began making digital entries on his own.

More than that, he shared the QR code in his housing society’s WhatsApp group with a simple, thoughtful message:

“If you don’t have material to contribute, you can still support by making a small monetary contribution.”

It was not about replacing old ways, but about strengthening them with new possibilities.

Change Begins With Openness

Seeing a volunteer so deeply rooted in traditional methods willingly adopt a new approach was a powerful moment. It reaffirmed a quiet truth often seen on the field — change does not always need big plans or grand interventions.

Sometimes, all it takes is openness to try once.

From registers to QR codes, this small shift became a reminder that when purpose is shared, tools naturally find their place.

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..

Why Cloth Day? 

Globally, we know that the textile industry produces 92 million tonnes of waste annually, with less than 1% recycled into new garments. It contributes to carbon emissions, water pollution, and microplastics in the oceans. In a system driven by fast production and even faster consumption, clothes are worn half as long as they were 15 years ago, and less than 1% of discarded garments became new clothing. (World Economic Forum, 2023; Textile Exchange, 2021)

This is an environmental and human crisis — contributing to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, microplastic contamination, and massive waste of labour and resources.

Yet this is only half the story.

Cloth is more than a problem to be recycled. IT CAN BE MORE. The most significant possibility of cloth lies in understanding its role as a basic need and its connection with poverty alleviation.  This is how cloth impacts how material poverty actually feels and functions in daily life. To understand its possibilities one must first understand how its absence/ scarcity is both a symptom of material poverty and a mechanism that sustains it.

Material poverty often means people are forced to choose between food, shelter, and clothing, and cloth is the most often postponed need — quietly worsening health and wellbeing of the most marginalised, over time. The most invisible but powerful part of cloth (that holds its biggest possibility) is the connection of what people wear with their sense of dignity and of feeling valued in the world. It is because of this social poverty, that people wearing torn, dirty, or inappropriate clothing, often are not able to access places like a fancy restaurant, or a big office or a government building and feel ashamed, excluded or stigmatised as their clothes start to hinder their access to possibilities that these places hold.

Whether it is school uniforms that enable access to education,  work-appropriate clothing that enables access to employment,  or seasonal clothing for winters that allows people to work year-round —  clothing quietly shapes who can participate and who cannot. When we begin to unpack this invisible impact of clothes,  by replacing this scarcity with abundance of clothing, it opens pathways to mobility and income generation.

It is in this understanding that the true potential of cloth becomes clear.

Just like the multidimensional and unequal impact of scarcity of clothes, it also has deeper implications for gender issues. Clothing poverty hits women and girls much harder. Girls drop out of school due to lack of uniforms or cloth for sanitary pads. Inadequate clothing also increases their vulnerability to harassment. Globally, systemic gaps around menstrual clothing and infrastructure continue to push girls out of classrooms. According to a joint WHO–UNICEF global assessment, only 39% of schools worldwide provide menstrual health education, and just 31% have safe disposal facilities in girls’ toilets, leaving millions of girls without the basic support needed to manage menstruation with dignity. These gaps directly contribute to school absenteeism and dropouts, particularly among adolescent girls.

The subtle but deep rooted inequity of clothes within families shows up in the shape of one member’s (often the earning member or male) clothing needs being prioritised over the rest of the family. Many such dimensions of material poverty expressed through cloth, often impacts girls’ educational and safety needs as well. This is how cloth abundance can impact internalized poverty in a big way.

One story from Goonj’s initial years is from Bihar, where cloth from Goonj reached an area just before Chaath, Bihar’s biggest festival. Before Goonj’s entry people from the most marginalised communities in that area would take a high interest debt from the local moneylender to buy clothes for their family. Over a period of time they would really struggle to pay back the principle and interest and in utter desperation would end up getting caught working without wages with the moneylender.. entering a cycle of slavery.. The access to good quality clothes (due to Goonj’s clothes input) just before Chaath broke this cycle and allowed people to celebrate without the burden. There are thousands of such stories of cloth from urban and rural India highlighting an age-old social, cultural and economic aspect of cloth. In India, cloth has long been understood not just as material but as identity, self-reliance, dignity, and social connection. Mahatma Gandhi famously embraced Cloth in the shape of khadi — hand-spun and hand-woven cloth — as a philosophy of dignity and self-reliance. (Mahatma Gandhi, n.d.) In this country people historically understand that cloth carries many meanings and possibilities beyond material; to transform the country by how we produce cloth, wear it, discard it or move cloth.

When we shift how we think about cloth and its place in society, the expanse of its possibilities as an intentional tool for people’s dignity, connection, livelihood, social equity, and climate resilience are vast.

Cloth Day thus invites a different view of cloth: not as waste, but as a connector of people, a vehicle for dignity, and a tool for systemic change. It is this value and possibility of Cloth that Cloth Day celebrates — expanding our viewpoint about its relevance as a social resource. 

Responsibility and Community Instead Of Guilt around Cloth

At present the most prominent and dominant narrative about cloth is as: a major polluter, a recycling problem, and a contributor to climate change and resource depletion, stopping at fabric as a waste stream. Cultural theorist Gay Hawkins, opens up a deeper inquiry into this narrative by saying that, “waste is not only a material category — it is an ethical one.” When we define Cloth with a material lens of “waste” it reduces our attitude to the production, consumption and discard of cloth only to its material presence, distracting us from its emotional, safety and moral role. Then Cloth starts to sound more of a liability, burden and guilt. But when we start to see the entire value chain of cloth, a larger picture emerges. From the people producing cotton and other fibres, to the use of natural resources, energy, and time to make clothes. From people consuming clothing to meet diverse needs, to people discarding and receiving it. In this movement between prosperity and scarcity, cloth can become a bridge to reduce inequality. It can evoke responsibility. It can build community. That is when a world of possibilities around cloth truly starts to open up.

India has historically looked at cloth as a symbol of people’s dignity, self reliance and value in the world. It’s no surprise then that Cloth Day was born in India.. from Goonj that was born more than 2 decades ago with the mission of highlighting the value and need of cloth.. We know that Cloth is rarely waste in itself — it only becomes waste when we choose to classify it that way.

Cloth Day is about encouraging this conscious practice and shared responsibility around production, consumption, disposal, recycling and reuse of cloth across the world. It invites people from all walks of life to act thoughtfully and collectively to see the many possibilities of cloth in addressing the world’s biggest challenges of poverty, inequality and climate change. 

The Missing Half: Cloth as a Human and Social Resource

Women account for roughly 60–80 % of garment industry workers worldwide, highlighting the high feminisation of this labour-intensive sector. A powerful but often invisible aspect is that a majority of these women in cloth-production occupations enter the workforce with minimal formal education, often because other livelihood options weren’t available to them earlier in life.

Work in textile and garment production, while providing income, is also frequently the most accessible option to women with limited education and social capital — not because it’s the best job available, but because other avenues were blocked by barriers such as lack of schooling, vocational training, or mainstream labor market access. This also points to the special significance and possibilities cloth holds for women – not just the ones receiving it (as an extra saree or a cloth sanitary pad) but also for women making cloth. 

Cloth Day recognises this human-centred perspective of the humble piece of cloth. 

Cloth Day: Reframing the Conversation

Like Goonj, many organisations across the world are treating cloth, not as waste but as a circulating community resource. Citizens, organisations and many corporates across India and globally are actively participating in this cycle — mobilised and motivated to contribute their surplus cloth and other materials, which then travel to rural and underserved regions as a catalyst for community-led development.

At scale, Goonj’s circular model has saved over 15 million kilograms of textile waste from landfills (2014–2025), demonstrating the environmental potential of reimagining cloth beyond consumption and disposal. More importantly, within Goonj’s approach, cloth becomes a currency for change. It is exchanged not as charity but as a dignified reward for collective community action around water conservation, sanitation, education, disaster preparedness, and livelihood recovery. Through this model, over 110,000 community-led rural development initiatives have been implemented, where people address local challenges and earn material with dignity.

Unwearable cloth within Goonj’s ecosystem is thoughtfully repurposed into products responding to real needs — over 11 million cloth sanitary pads, quilts, school bags, wedding kits, sitting mats, and cloth bags. These are not just products but livelihood processes, generating 1.3 million+ person-days of employment, particularly for women often excluded from formal economic systems.

Goonj’s work is just one proof point at scale that cloth can create economic opportunity, build community resilience, and strengthen local ecosystems of production and use. There are many others across the globe.

From Local Roots to Global Impact

Our dream is for every citizen to expand the lens about cloth, so that it becomes a bridge: connecting urban lives with rural aspirations, linking consumer choices with producer dignity, and weaving environmental responsibility with social equity. 

Cloth Day invites all of us — individuals, communities, schools, organisations, and policymakers to act on that transformation. When we see Cloth this way — not as waste to be managed, but as a resource to be honoured — we open up new possibilities for poverty reduction, climate resilience, and human connection.

A Shared Pledge: Gentle, Responsible Action

On Cloth Day, communities around the world can take a pledge that reflects this deeper understanding:

“On Cloth Day, I pledge to respect the value of cloth — to use it fully, pass it on responsibly and with dignity, and to support systems where surplus cloth of any kind – becomes an opportunity and resource to reduce people’s poverty, in-dignity, inequality and climate vulnerability.”

References-

World Economic Forum. (2023). Here’s how textile recycling can create jobs and reduce pollution. Source: World Economic Forum.

Textile Exchange. (2021). Global textile waste and circularity statistics. Source: Textile Exchange Report.

Gandhi, M. K. (n.d.). Khadi: Cloth and beyond. Source: Mahatma Gandhi Official Website.

State of Matter Apparel. (n.d.). Sustainable fashion quotes and perspectives.

Project Cece. (n.d.). Quotes and reflections on sustainable fashion.

World Health Organization & UNICEF (2024). Global report on menstrual health and hygiene in schools.

A Visible Change in Just Three Days

After three days of work, the pond looked completely different. What was once a place of fear now appeared clean, open, and safe. The pathways around the pond became usable again, and the space slowly regained its importance in village life.

Planting for the Future

The villagers did not stop at cleaning alone. They understood that without care, the pond could again fall into neglect. To protect and beautify the space, the community planted 85 saplings around the pond. Neem, peepal, guava, and flowering plants were chosen to strengthen the environment and create shade.

A Shared Space, A Shared Belief

Kaushalya Devi, community member, smiles and says,

“Earlier, we thought this kind of work was somebody else’s responsibility. Now we know that if we want, we can also change our village ourselves.”

A Story of Grassroots Innovation and Dignity

The pond revival in Jura village stands as a powerful example of grassroots innovation, where local wisdom, shared labour, and collective responsibility came together. This was not about receiving help, but about taking ownership.

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..

Deciding to Act Together

Recognising the importance of every water source, the villagers decided that waiting for outside help was not an option. People who had earlier faced water shortages understood the value of collective responsibility.

A two-day canal cleaning activity was planned. The goal was simple yet powerful—to restore the canal so it could once again absorb, store, and carry enough water to support irrigation and healthy crop growth.

Two Days of Shared Labour and Determination

Kanahalli witnessed strong community participation. A total of 80 people came together, including men and women. Daily wage workers and youth joined hands with a shared purpose — reviving their village’s lifeline.

With steady effort, they cleared thick layers of mud, weeds, and waste from the canal. Tools were shared, tasks were divided naturally, and the work moved forward with determination. Alongside the hard work, there were conversations, laughter, and a strong sense of unity.

Conversations That Strengthened the Community

Alongside the physical work, a Chuppi Todo Baithak (Break the Silence) session under our Not Just A Piece of Cloth initiative was conducted on menstrual wellbeing. Women participated actively, sharing their concerns and experiences related to menstruation in a safe and open space. These conversations added another layer of meaning to the effort, reinforcing the importance of dignity, awareness, and mutual support within the community. The canal cleaning became more than just infrastructure work – it turned into a space for dialogue, learning, and strengthening community resilience. 

A Visible Change and a Shared Vision

After two days of collective effort, the canal looked renewed. The cleared path allowed water to flow freely again, bringing hope to the surrounding farmlands and community members were rewarded with family kits for their collective efforts.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Change

One of the villagers shared that such canal cleaning activities should be organised every year to maintain the canal and ensure long-term benefits for farming. This reflection showed a shift in thinking from one-time action to sustained community ownership.

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..

Eleven Days of Collective Labour

Under Goonj’s Cloth for Work initiative, the community began repair work. Over 11 days, community members, men and women, worked together despite the tough terrain.

Through continuous effort, the community members repaired the road and were rewarded with Family kits that had need based essentials. The repaired road improved safety and access.

Creating Space for the Future

Villagers didn’t stop at road repair alone. The village had many young children, but there was no proper space for learning. Near the hilltop temple, a small unused patch of land was identified. People began breaking stones from the hill and removing soil to level the ground for a future school space. The work was physically demanding, but the motivation to improve children’s education kept everyone going. The community members shared that they would not stop until enough space was created for children’s education. Their commitment showed that this was not a short-term activity, but a long-term investment in the village’s future.

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..

Three Days That Changed Everything

In just three days, with the effort of the villagers, the traditional well was revived. The water returned, clean and usable once again. Encouraged by this success, the community also worked on reviving another well and building a check dam to improve water storage. The village celebrated this achievement as a festival of unity. Elders took the opportunity to talk to children and youth about the importance of water conservation and collective responsibility.

Recognizing Effort Through ‘Cloth for Work’

The work at Amadi was part of Goonj’s Cloth for Work (CFW) initiative — a model where communities receive materials of need in reward of their efforts, not as charity. All the villagers who participated in this effort received a Winter Kit as a reward. For Goonj, winter itself is seen as a disaster- a time when millions across India face severe hardship due to lack of warm clothing and protection.

A Symbol of Resilience and Dignity

The revival of the Amadi well stands as a symbol of collective strength, dignity, and self-reliance. What began as a small act of cleaning an old well turned into a powerful movement of community-led change.

In restoring their well, the people of Amadi didn’t just bring back water but they revived hope, solidarity, and the belief that meaningful change always begins within the community itself.

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..