Utkarsh Global Foundation’s Waari Project Spreads Strong Environmental Message

The Waari Project by Utkarsh Global Foundation has received a heartwarming response from thousands of Warkaris this year during the 2025 Waari. With a mission to protect nature and reduce the use of plastic, the foundation launched an environment-friendly campaign by distributing cloth bags and steel water bottles to the Warkaris.

This year, the Foundation organized a special Environmental Awareness Dindi during the Waari. The Dindi joined the sacred Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrations and spread the message of avoiding plastic. The volunteers actively participated by distributing eco-friendly items and even collected used plastic bottles from the roads, ensuring they were properly disposed of. This was a true service to both nature and society.

Founded in 2010, Utkarsh Global Foundation has been working in the fields of environmental protection, education, and social empowerment. Their work always focuses on community involvement and sustainable practices.

This year’s Dindi, which included 60 dedicated volunteers, began on June 18, 2025, from Dehu—the birthplace of the revered saint Sant Tukaram. As the procession moved through various villages, including Varavan and Baramati, the volunteers performed Kirtans (devotional songs) and marionette shows to explain the harmful effects of plastic use. They also introduced a creative idea—depicting a “ghost of plastic”—to show the threat it poses to our environment.

In a beautiful gesture, the volunteers also carried Tulsi (holy basil) plants as a symbol of purity and sustainability. They stayed at 20-25 stops along the Waari route, serving the Warkaris by massaging their tired feet and providing rest and care. At six of these halts, the foundation conducted special pledge programs. Inspired by this initiative, many Warkaris took an oath to reduce plastic use and dispose of plastic waste properly.

The Dindi concluded on July 6, 2025, at Pandharpur, the holy land of Lord Vitthal. Throughout this journey, the foundation distributed 5 lakh steel water bottles and 5 lakh cloth bags to the Warkaris—a major step toward reducing plastic waste. This was a continuation of their efforts from last year’s 2024 Waari, where they had given out 5 lakh cloth bags and 2.5 lakh steel bottles.

Adv. Dagdu Londhe, Founder and President of the foundation, personally participated in the Dindi and guided the mission. He shared that their work reached beyond Maharashtra—during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, the foundation distributed 25 lakh cloth bags and bottles to pilgrims. He also added that around 250 cloth bag vending machines have been installed in Ayodhya, offering eco-friendly bags at minimal cost.

Adv. Londhe expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response and pledged to continue spreading awareness about plastic pollution across Maharashtra and the nation. He also thanked the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Hon. Shri Eknath Shinde, for his support in making this noble campaign a success.

This initiative by Utkarsh Global Foundation is a shining example of how faith, tradition, and environmental responsibility can come together to make a positive change for our future.