Latest news with #Chintan
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
NDMC, NGO Chintan launch solar-powered micro MRF for E-Waste at Khan Market
To reduce the burden on landfills by strengthening decentralised community-centric initiatives, New Delhi Municipal Council, along with NGO Chintan, has set up a solar-powered micro material recovery facility (MMRF) at Khan Market. The initiative is part of a larger plan to operationalise eight decentralised centres across the NDMC areas, each designed to tackle specific waste streams through collection, segregation, repair, reuse, upcycling and safe disposal, in line with Solid Waste Management Rules 2016. These are basically dhalaos that have been converted into MMRF plus reduce, reuse, recycle centres. This facility will specialise in e-waste collection and their responsible handover for disposal. The site, located close to the parking for public convenience, will facilitate the collection of waste such as old shoes, clothes, paper, books, domestic hazardous waste and, most importantly, various e-waste items. "We had a facility here earlier, but now this is revamped properly. We have placed multiple boxes, specifying the items that can be dropped in each of them. Besides paper and mixed plastic, separate sections are made for dumping batteries, stereos, keyboards or tablets, wires and earphone chargers, considering all these electronic items are processed separately," said an NGO representative. "We also have a machine to compress plastic bottles. Collected and segregated waste will be transferred to registered processing units." Launching the facility along with Chintan founder Bharati Chaturvedi, NDMC chairman Keshav Chandra said, "We encourage NDMC waste generators to participate in this project by dropping off their waste or calling for a pickup." Another key feature is a solar panel of 1kW capacity installed at the entrance to run the fan and lights and the weighing machines at the centre. "It will showcase how renewable, green energy can fight heat, improve health and also enable more efficient waste management," said Chaturvedi. NDMC has come across many new waste streams, from textile waste to shoes, said medical officer of health Dr Shakuntala Srivastava. "Trained waste pickers, integrated into the formal waste system, will manage operations, strengthening both environmental sustainability and livelihoods," said an official.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
‘Trash talk' gets smarter: Solar-powered centre to collect e-waste at Khan Market
New Delhi: To reduce the burden on landfills by strengthening decentralised community-centric initiatives, New Delhi Municipal Council, along with NGO Chintan, has set up a solar-powered micro material recovery facility (MMRF) at Khan Market. The initiative is part of a larger plan to operationalise eight decentralised centres across the NDMC areas, each designed to tackle specific waste streams through collection, segregation, repair, reuse, upcycling and safe disposal, in line with Solid Waste Management Rules 2016. These are basically dhalaos that have been converted into MMRF plus reduce, reuse, recycle centres. This facility will specialise in e-waste collection and their responsible handover for disposal. The site, located close to the parking for public convenience, will facilitate the collection of waste such as old shoes, clothes, paper, books, domestic hazardous waste and, most importantly, various e-waste items. "We had a facility here earlier, but now this is revamped properly. We have placed multiple boxes, specifying the items that can be dropped in each of them. Besides paper and mixed plastic, separate sections are made for dumping batteries, stereos, keyboards or tablets, wires and earphone chargers, considering all these electronic items are processed separately," said an NGO representative. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No dark spots, 10 years younger! Just take this from Guardian URUHIME MOMOKO Learn More Undo "We also have a machine to compress plastic bottles. Collected and segregated waste will be transferred to registered processing units." Launching the facility along with Chintan founder Bharati Chaturvedi, NDMC chairman Keshav Chandra said, "We encourage NDMC waste generators to participate in this project by dropping off their waste or calling for a pickup." Another key feature is a solar panel of 1kW capacity installed at the entrance to run the fan and lights and the weighing machines at the centre. "It will showcase how renewable, green energy can fight heat, improve health and also enable more efficient waste management," said Chaturvedi. NDMC has come across many new waste streams, from textile waste to shoes, said medical officer of health Dr Shakuntala Srivastava. "Trained waste pickers, integrated into the formal waste system, will manage operations, strengthening both environmental sustainability and livelihoods," said an official.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Time of India
Lender killed by kin for asking them to repay Rs 25,000 loan
Rajkot: A dispute over Rs 25,000 loan turned fatal for the lender who was allegedly murdered his two relative in Jakhaniya village of Kutch's Mandvi taluka on Thursday. Chintan Gor, the victim, was stabbed to death by Jigar Gor (31) and Jay Gor (20). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Jigar was enraged as Chintan kept reminding him to repay Rs 25,000 he had lent him a few months ago. The Local Crime Branch (LCB) arrested both assailants from Madhapar village later in the day. On Thursday, Chintan again called Jigar requesting repayment as he needed the money for a family function. Jigar asked Chintan to come to Jakhaniya village to collect the money. When Chintan and Priyen reached there, Jigar told him to come at a nearby temple. As soon as they reached there, Jigar assaulted him while Jay stabbed him with a knife. Priyen rushed Chintan to a hospital where he succumbed. Investigation officer H M Vaghela of Kodai police station said Chintan was involved in agricultural work. Jigar is also a farmer, while Jay works at a roadside food stall.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Remembering an organizer par excellence: Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar
Among various leaders who have spearheaded mass organisations in India, Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar, also known as Guruji Golwalkar, is distinctly remembered for his organisational prowess and credited for his exemplary leadership. During his tenure as the Sarsanghchalak, the RSS managed to overcome multiple existential challenges, achieved unprecedented expansion in Shakhas and the grassroots network, and successfully established multiple new organisations. Dr Hedgewar Spotted Guruji's Organisational Prowess. Guruji's organisational prowess was spotted by Dr Hedgewar himself. Both met each other in 1932, and later that year itself, Dr Hedgewar invited Guruji as one of the Chief Guests for the Vijayadashmi celebrations in Nagpur. Guruji was merely 26 years old at that time. It is obvious that something about him must have stood out for Dr Hedgewar that he decided to invite him as the Chief Guest in Nagpur. A few years later, in February 1939, Dr Hedgewar conducted a ten-day-long Chintan at Sindi, near Nagpur, to discuss the organisational structure and procedures of the RSS. Apart from his colleagues, Appaji Joshi ji and Nanasaheb Talatule ji, the meeting was attended by a select group of young Karyakartas, including Guruji. An article in Appaji Joshi ji's memoirs mentions an informal conversation between him and Dr Hedgewar. The latter had asked what if they were to nominate Madhavrao Golwalkar as the next Sarsanghchalak. To this, Appaji had replied, 'Excellent'. Guruji and Sangh's Organisational Culture The Sangh's steady expansion and success in mobilising and training Karyakartas have been attributed to its robust organisational structure. Various practices in the Sangh's organisational culture were either initiated or strengthened by Guruji. Over the years, these practices were actively adopted by innumerable Pracharaks and Karyakartas. The Sangh practice of staying with Karyakarta families during Pravaas started with Guruji, who embedded it as a systematic arrangement. Guruji travelled across the country for organisational expansion and spent considerable time with Karyakartas. He once said, 'The train is my home', as he used to travel so regularly. During visits to various states for Sangh activities, he would never stay in a hotel or a Dharamshala. He would only stay with workers or office bearers. Over the decades, this practice has played a pivotal role in strengthening the organisation as it enabled Pracharaks to directly engage with Swayamsevaks and their families, understand their concerns, and motivate them to actively undertake organisational work. Moreover, during his visits, Guruji used to actively interact with Karyakartas and their families across the country. Usually, he would meet parents and well-wishers of Karyakartas together, followed by one-to-one meetings. Apart from official work, he would utilise these interactions for understanding local traditions, cultures and languages. Encouraging full-timers Guruji used to consistently advise that the success of organisational work was contingent on own resources and efforts rather than others. In 1941-1942, there was an acute need for young Karyakartas to expand organisational activities and fulfil the growing demand for Sangh activities. Guruji urged young Swayamsevaks: 'We need Pracharaks…we need Pracharaks'. He emphasised that, 'Karyakartas don't fall from heaven. For this, we will have to make efforts ourselves and create Karyakartas from amongst ourselves. We will have to walk the path of duty with firm resolve and austerity by giving up all thoughts about our personal lives…the mission before us is enormous with very little time in hand…..Let us close all the doors of our personal lives and take a pledge to put in concerted effort. Let us become Sanyasis for one year.' Efforts led by him bore fruit, and innumerable young Karyakartas beyond Nagpur volunteered to dedicate themselves full-time to the organisational work of the RSS. Leadership in tumultuous times A hallmark of Guruji's organisational leadership was leadership by example. During the ban on the RSS, he was arrested and initially kept in the Sivni jail in Maharashtra. Subsequently, he was moved to the Baitul jail, which was considered to be similar to Cellular jail in Andaman and usually meant for dangerous prisoners rather than political prisoners. Despite the horrible conditions of the Baitul jail, Guruji maintained his policy under arrest: 'no demands, no complaints'. His consistency had a positive effect on the cadre and motivated them in testing times. The ban on the RSS was lifted at midnight on July 11, 1949, and Guruji was released from the Baitul prison on July 13. He immediately started Pravaas for organisational work. In addresses to Swayamsevaks across the country over the next couple of months, Guruji encouraged them to focus on organisational activities rather than ruing over government actions. On July 24, Guruji addressed Swayamsevaks at the Parshuram Mahavidyalaya. He clearly stated, 'What had to happen has happened, but there is no need to swell with pride'. He appreciated Swayamsevaks for maintaining due conduct during the Satyagraha, not breaking any rules, and avoiding confrontation with the government. Guruji's qualities as a leader focused on the growth of the organisation is evident in the fact that he did not demonstrate any kind of vengeance against the government. He said, 'This is our government, why should we oppose it? Why should we have animosity towards it?' He added, 'It is true that there are differences between the government and us, but is there any place where there are no differences? There are differences even within families.' In August 1949, Guruji received a rousing welcome from Swayamsevaks when he visited Delhi. In his speech, Guruji thanked supporters, re-emphasised the Sangh's objectives and encouraged them to continue their work. He said, 'Obstacles come up on the path of renaissance of Bharatiyataa, and that too from our own people. But, against whom should we show our anger? People who desire to destroy this national life force may express anger any number of times, but one who has envisioned this grand national personality, he cannot be angry.' His words of encouragement for Swayamsevaks were: 'We shall move ahead in this job of human-building and move ahead towards progress of Bharatvarsh, looking at various problems from cultural perspectives in accordance with their wishes and feelings, and build a well-organised power-house for the nation.' Growth of the Sangh Parivar Guruji played an instrumental role in the founding of various Sangh Parivar organisations. It is helpful to recall some initial interactions between Guruji and Pracharak Dattopant Thengadi ji that culminated in the formation of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh. In 1950, Thengadi ji received an invitation from the President of INTUC, the Congress-affiliated trade union, PY Deshpande, to work for their organisation. Guruji asked him to join the organisation and advised, 'Follow the discipline of the organisation you are going to work.' Thengadi ji's rich experience led to the founding of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh in 1955. A unique aspect of the BMS has been the commemoration of Vishwakarma Jayanti as Bharatiya Shramik Divas. This was based on Guruji's advice, as Thengadi ji had once asked him whether there is an honoured day for labour in Bharatiya tradition. Guruji had mentioned Vishwakarma Jayanti in response to this query. Similarly, Guruji played a crucial role in the entire process that culminated in the formation of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, from initial conversations to formal foundation. Apart from mentoring the establishment of new Sangh organisations, Guruji also motivated them to remain independent and self-sufficient. This is evident in his conversation with Balasaheb Deshpande, who played a key role in founding the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram. In 1958, the Madhya Pradesh government denied a grant to Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram after initial approval. Deshpande was clearly told that it was due to their association with the Jana Sangh. When Guruji heard about this matter, he clearly advised that such organisations should be self-reliant and conduct all activities with people's cooperation instead of dependence on government funds. Conclusion In this light, Guruji was more than a person leading an organisation. He was a builder of movements, individuals, and institutions. Through discipline, vision, and quiet determination, he inspired Karyakartas to devote themselves to national awakening. His legacy as an organiser par excellence lives on in every dedicated Karyakarta and every institution that he helped create. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Scroll.in
03-06-2025
- General
- Scroll.in
White roofs can cool down homes – but scaling up this simple solution is a challenge
In the last few years, Sahani Begum found that the desert cooler she owned was barely effective enough. Her small, two-storeyed home in RK Puram's Hanuman Labour Basti in New Delhi would become unbearable in the summers, the temperature inside rising much higher than outside. Then, her son heard about a quick and simple solution through the internet – painting their roof white. Studies have found that applying reflective white paint on cemented roofs can reflect between 30% and 70% of direct sunlight, significantly reducing indoor temperatures. Begum's son bought the paint and finished painting two coats on the roof in a single day. They felt the difference immediately. 'We could sleep in relief,' Begum, who is in her fifties, told Scroll. As heatwaves become more frequent and intense in India, experts say it is no longer enough to simply avoid direct exposure to the sun – even indoor heat poses a risk to human health. In fact, during summers, depending on the material used for construction, temperatures inside buildings can be as much as 12 degrees Celsius higher than outside, said Bharati Chaturvedi, director at Chintan, a non-profit that works on waste management and livelihoods. In Delhi, low-income communities that cannot afford air-conditioning are experimenting with small-scale, low-cost solutions like the one that Begum's family tried. City-level heat action plans have also recommended these – the 2024-'25 Delhi heat action plan recommends a 'pilot project on roof painting with white color – cool roof and or distribution of gunny bags for putting on the tin roofs/asbestos in slums'. However, while these affordable solutions are attractive, they face considerable challenges on the ground. Begum's family, for instance, has struggled to continue painting their roof year after year. A year after the family first did the job in 2023, Begum noticed that the paint had chipped off at places and needed a redoing. The NGO Chintan helped her household along with 39 others in the basti to complete the work. The organisation took care of all associated costs – they bought the paint and paid workers to do the painting. This year, however, the project ended. Begum's family will have to incur their own expenses to repaint the now chipped roof once more – she explained that the cost could go up to Rs 3,000. 'It's not going to be possible,' she said. Indeed, experts working on interventions like these are concerned about whether they can be scaled, considering that they can be expensive or do not last long. Indeed, as a report by Chintan found, in the around 200 houses they had introduced the intervention in, 'not even a single painted cool roof' was 'almost fully white, as initially applied' after a year. 'Painting white roofs does not work for everybody,' said Vinita Rodrigues, a project manager at Fair Conditioning, a Mumbai-based organisation that works on thermal comfort across five cities including Delhi. In fact, Rodrigues explained, many solutions that focus on roofs are not even feasible to attempt given that families do not always find it easy to use the area. In some places, their team found high-voltage wires in close proximity to roofs, which would make it unsafe for home owners to carry out any kind of work on them, while in other places, goats would venture on the roofs, and damage structures that had been installed to help tackle the problem of heat. Rodrigues added, 'A diversity of solutions has to be accessible to people. We cannot have a one-size fits-all approach.' A range of problems Other experts agreed that proposed solutions had to take into account a range of conditions on the ground. Thus, apart from concerns of cost and availability of material, 'practicality of the interventions also becomes a factor', said Manu Gupta, co-founder of SEEDS, an organisation that works on improving disaster resilience among communities. For instance, Anshu, another resident of Hanuman Basti, found that painting her home's roof white was ineffective because it was made of tin. 'Compared to other cemented roofs, the cooling effect was not as much since the tin captures a lot of heat,' she said. Another practical problem that many residents faced was that they used their roofs for a variety of purposes, limiting the space available to do any kind of work, and the effects of solutions such as painting. 'Most of the people here sell scrap for work,' said Anshu, pointing to several roofs we could see around, which were covered with material such as cardboard, paper, glass, metal and plastic. 'For them, the roof is an important storage space and many continue keeping their material.' Close to the Bhalswa landfill in north Delhi, residents faced a more unpredictable hurdle while experimenting with a solution. With Chintan's support, they had used large plastic bottles filled with water on roofs: the water's ability to absorb large amounts of heat created a thermal mass, which helped lower the temperature inside buildings by as much as 3 degrees Celsius compared to the outdoors. However, many residents found that after a few months, the bottles began to be stolen for their high resale value. To ensure that solutions provided are effective for specific kinds of houses, Fair Conditioning carries out 'house audits', which help them to understand 'if structurally, a certain solution works for a certain type of home', said Rodrigues. These audits document information like the age of houses and water availability. The problem of affordability As in Begum's case, many proposed solutions are also unaffordable to communities. For instance, Rodrigues explained, in situations where people use roofs for other purposes, experts have recommended working with other materials, which can be used under the roof to cool the home. Among these is alufoil, an industrially made material, which can be layered indoors, on the ceiling of a house, to trap heat. 'But we found that this was an expensive material and so we have been looking for alternatives to this,' said Rodrigues. One replacement they have been experimenting with is multi-layered plastic, such as the kind used on the silver side of packets of chips. 'We have found it to be quite effective,' she added. But communities told Rodrigues and her team about another problem that they encountered when they tried this solution – rat infestation. 'Somehow, rats were finding a way to enter the sheets we had installed,' she said. 'And now we are looking for ways to block their entries.' Rodrigues explained that the most effective solutions to the problem of heat were 'dynamic solutions'. She was referring to designs such as one involving a chain and sprocket mechanism, which rotates installed panels so that they can be positioned horizontally in the morning to block heat, and vertically in the evening to release trapped heat. This can reduce the indoor temperatures by 2 degrees Celsius. 'But the problem is that since there is a lot of metal in this design, these are expensive,' she said. 'So our design team is currently working to find local alternatives to replace this as well.' The report by Chintan also pointed out another aspect of the chain and sprocket solution that increased its costs. 'Chain sprockets need constant greasing to work which may not be sustainable in the long run and incur additional costs,' the report stated. Anshu noted that even a cheaper solution such as painting roofs was unlikely to catch on since most families in her locality did not own their houses. 'Anyway I live on rent. Why would I want to spend this much money on a house which is not even mine?' she said. Some organisations have tried tapping into existing government policies and grants to fund such work. 'In Pune, we found that communities in low-income areas are eligible for housing repair grants every year through the city administration,' said Gupta. Involving communities to ensure durability Many experts believe that involving people in projects from the time they are initiated can inculcate a sense of ownership over them, and thus increase the likelihood that communities will carry work forward even without the support of NGOs. SEEDS' Gupta explained that they constantly received a 'live feed' from communities about their experiences. 'In one experiment, we had used cow dung and mud as a binding material on a bamboo frame,' he said. After households began using it, 'people told us that it smells. We had not thought of it,' he said. The best solutions, Gupta added, came from 'codesigning with communities', which would involve 'negotiations of cultural nuances' and soliciting their active participation in the work. Fair Conditioning conducts 'listening workshops' that encourage communities to be involved right from the designing of a solution. 'Our approach is that the communities know their homes the best,' Rodrigues explained. 'And having these discussions ensures that a certain type of solution works for a certain type of home.'
