Page 67 - Mann Ki Baat - English, February,2023

Waste to Wealth: Self Help Groups Driving the
Success of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

Self Help Groups (SHGs) Several women joined me in this
have played a crucial role in movement. We started preparing
the success of Swachh Bharat products and participated in
Abhiyan since its inception. several fairs and exhibitions to
The SHGs have not only sell those products. Our aim is to
actively promoted awareness create awareness on cleanliness
on hygiene and cleanliness, and create a plastic-free
but have also popularized environment.”
innovative methods of turning Talking about the mention
waste into wealth. Recently in his of her work by the Prime Minister,
'Mann ki Baat' address, the Prime Kamala Moharana said, “I never
Minister mentioned the praise- expected the Prime Minister
worthy work done by Kamala himself would praise my work
Moharana from Kendrapada one day. When I heard it, my joy
district of Odisha. had no bounds. Today, I feel so
Kamala Moharana runs an proud that I have incorporated
SHG, where women use the waste Swachh Bharat Abhiyan into
plastic from milk pouches and my profession. Soon after the
packing materials and convert episode of 'Mann ki Baat' was
them into beautiful products like aired, many people came to
baskets, mobile stands, etc. This congratulate me. I felt happy.”
has not only become a good The story of Kamala
source of income for the women, Mohrana is a perfect example
but it is also helping in ensuring of the positive impact of SHGs
cleanliness in their locality. on Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. By
The team of Doordarshan turning waste into wealth, she
talked to Kamala Moharana to is not only helping the women
know more about her initiative. generate income and become
“People in my locality made a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat,
fun of me when I started this but also contributing towards
initiative to promote Swachh a cleaner India. With such
Bharat Abhiyan. I have a clear dedicated citizens, the dream
vision, which is to convert daily of Swachh Bharat will soon be
waste into daily usable items. realized.

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