He creates wealth out of waste

The new generation is on a constant drive to upgrade their gizmos as a new model hits the market every other day. When the old models are usually dumped in storerooms as ‘outdated junk,’ there are students in the same city who dream of this junk as luxury.

Nawal Mehta took the initiative by donating a computer to Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Government Primary School, Mannagudda, in his home town Mangalore as they have commenced a computer literacy programme and wants the message to reach other youngsters.

“I hope this initiative will be widely emulated wherever the compulsion to upgrade leaves behind useful and functioning objects. It may take some effort to clean out discs or incur minimal expenditure to replace an outdated hard disc, but the end result is worthwhile for social and environmental impact,” says Mehta speaking to City Herald.

Redistribution drive
The redistribution drive need not be confined to electronic items alone, says Mehta and informs that seasonal items like rain shoes which tend to be unused after the monsoon can meet the footwear needs of barefoot children. Items like schoolbags, lunchboxes, sports equipment, partially used stationery items when collected at the close of an academic year and redistributed before the start of another will beneficially bridge the gap between excess and necessity.

“Items like pencils, books and cricket bats are eco-sensitive objects with their origin in trees. The point is to use them as rationally as possible and hence contribute towards saving the deteriorating environment,” he opines.
“The computer has proved to be very useful for the children as well as the school office. We are familiarising the children with the basics of computers and they are having a good time with drawing and colouring softwares,” informs Mannagudda School Headmistress Joyce Henrita.

Passing the message
Nawal first mooted his drive at “Thinking Day” on August 8 conducted by the Centre for Integrated Learning, where the spirit of patriotism was sought to be merged with socially thoughtful action in the approach to Independence Day.
The audience comprising Commu-nication students of the London Trinity Guildhall Mangalore Center and their parents were enthused and spontaneously came forward for implementation with collection cells in different schools. The children present have also formed their own “Give Back Clubs” where they will assess their own useful discards and redistribute in the area of need. 

Nawal also addressed students of his former alma mater, Lourdes Central School, Mangalore. His program entitled “Sensitivity and Sensibility” evoked an enthused response, which may get translated into competitive collections on an inter-house basis to be rewarded on Children’s Day. Though he has made his point to some 1,500 students, he hopes to extend his reach to more schools on his next vacation.
“The aim was to establish a momentum,” he says, “which the synergies in place will take forward.” 

“It’s quiet inspiring to see such social concern from young age groups. We are trying to find companies and institutes who are trying to upgrade their systems and are also on a lookout for needy schools who are deprived from the necessities,” says Chairperson of Mangalore Ladies Circle 82, Preethi Pinto.
She further informs that she will be available as a contact point for receiving donations of this type and onward disbursement to needy institutional beneficiaries. Interested can contact 9845289232.
Sandhya C D’Souza