Pune: SWaCH Warkari Unite with Devotees to Celebrate Arogya Waari
Pune, 2nd July 2024: The Arogya Waari event, organized by the Maharashtra State Commission for Women at the Nivdunga Temple in Bhavani Peth, saw enthusiastic participation from devotees, waste pickers, and various officials.
Notable attendees included Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol, Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women Rupali Chakankar, and Minister of Women and Child Development Aditi Tatkare, alongside Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials.
Promoting the message of social unity, waste pickers from SWaCH’s Bhavani Peth, Kasba, and Bibwewadi wards performed the song “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. The campaign raised awareness among citizens about the necessity of segregating waste and the importance of regularly paying the monthly service fees to waste pickers.
The waste pickers urged everyone to uphold their dignity by segregating wet and dry waste and emphasized mindful waste disposal, reminding the public that someone has to handle the waste they discard. They also advised against littering in open spaces and burning waste.
Pune MP and Union Minister 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, forming 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.
