Baby steps towards self-reliance
The My Bhoomi initiative launched by Sri M in October 2023 is dedicated to caring for Mother Earth, and tackling air, soil, and ocean pollution. One of the earliest initiatives in attainment of this vision is a war against plastic pollution. The Satsang Foundation has been creating awareness, educating, and conducting cleaning drives to reduce plastic waste and empowering communities with sustainable alternatives.
The My Bhoomi initiative also reaffirms its commitment to the 2023 Declaration by Sri M of a Plastic Waste-Free Kumbh in 2027, a commitment that has been reaffirmed, adopted and promoted by the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority. The Satsang Foundation’s key objectives focus on long-term ecological restoration include rejuvenating the Godavari River, preventing single-use plastics, and fostering community stewardship.
The spirit of this commitment also beautifully aligns with Our Power, Our Planet - the theme for World Earth Day 2026, transcending geographical barriers and resonating with a worldwide vision.
The sheer zeal and sincerity of My Bhoomi volunteers under Sri M’s guidance, has created a powerful story of collective action and environmental stewardship.
Community Outreach and Collective Action
A flagship Plastic Waste Collection Drive was organised on the World Environment Day 2025 when residents of Shree Ramchandra Nagar in Nashik attended awareness sessions conducted by TSF. Participating in a door-to-door collection drive, the proud residents helped gather over 220 kg of plastic waste which was disposed of responsibly.
At Gagangiri Elanza, Mulund East, Mumbai more than 35 families actively participate every alternate Monday to collect plastic waste. This project has created a scalable waste management system supported by barcode-enabled collection bags, a resident tracking effort via a mobile app, and the introduction of a monetary incentive for the plastic collected. The use of digital technology will reduce the need for active volunteer follow-up in future, thereby making the process seamless. This project is supported by Bintix.
Sensitizing and empowering the young
Several institutions have participated in the awareness campaigns conducted by The Satsang Foundation in its quest to educate the younger generation about the ills of the plastic pandemic.
It started at The Deccan Girls Hostel, Pune on 8 August 2025 where 30 students participated. The session focussed on health and impact of plastics on the environment and marine life. Students were also trained to conduct clean plastic collection. Healthier alternatives to plastics such as cloth bags, bamboo brushes, metal straws were recommended. The highly motivated students pledged to reduce the use of plastics. With emphasis on educating the young, several school students went through awareness sessions
On 19 September 2025, over 1,500 students of Smt Rangubai Junnare School, Nashik, across Classes 5-8 were taught the importance of opting for organic and sustainable choices. The aim was to prepare them for fundamental lifestyle changes, rather than mere recycling. A similar exercise was conducted in R N Podar CBSE School, Santacruz, Mumbai with over 600 students across Classes 6-8. The events concluded by building a strong student commitment followed by plastic collection for recycling drives in November.
A unique event was conducted in Anweshana Montessori, Bengaluru on 16 October 2025 where 80 young students and teachers participated. The students were inspired to consider themselves as “My Bhoomi Rakshaks” and the focus was on marine pollution and the impact of plastics on marine life. The Montessori started its monthly plastic collection journey from 6 November. Seed packets, educational material, and environmental awareness kits were shared with the participants.
E-Waste Collection Drives
From plastic waste collection the initiative has since extended to E-waste collection and recycling, thereby preventing toxins like lead and mercury from contaminating soil and water. Multiple E-waste collection drives across Bengaluru in 2025-26 have successfully recycled over 250 kg of E-waste.
A significant milestone for the My Bhoomi initiative has been its extension to Eastern India. Amidst awareness webinars, a maiden drive in Kolkata across three centres collected a significant 297 kgs of E-waste, handed over to Hulladek Recycling for safe disposal.
World Water Day Plogging Mission
A very special event to mobilise the Plastic Waste-Free Kumbh vision was conducted on 22 March - World Water Day 2026, and an extensive plogging drive at Brahmagiri, the origin of the Godavari was undertaken. Around 100 participants including students from Nashik Education Society and K. K. Wagh Engineering College took the lead in the event. In a profoundly symbolic ritual, the sacred waters of the River Godavari were poured into a kalash in preparation for the Kumbh Mela 2026. The students conducted outreach sessions to sensitize shopkeepers and the local community, gently encouraging them to give up on non-recyclable plastic items and adopt sustainable alternatives such as Bhoomi Bags and cloth bags.
The ploggers collected approximately 980 kg of plastic waste at the end of the cleaning drive. Key recommendations from this drive included the installation of metal meshes on the kunds, having permanent anti-plastic signage in ecologically sensitive areas, and advocating a total plastic ban in the region.
The combined spiritual and ecological overtone of the initiative reinforced the message that Mother nature is our greatest nurturer.
Vision Forward
While significant ground has been covered, the road ahead for My Bhoomi is steep. With a well-defined start in Mumbai, Nashik, Pune, Bengaluru, and now Kolkata, My Bhoomi is gradually building a nationwide movement, founded on mass awareness, individual responsibility and collective action.
From young children to larger communities, and from plastic collection to E-waste management, every single project folds into a single unified goal: nurturing our My Mother, Our Bhoomi.
To know more about our teams and be a part of this movement, please write to us at connect@satsang-foundation.org.
