In a unique and eco-conscious initiative to mark World Environment Day, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), in collaboration with the voluntary organisation Prabhat Trust, launched a textbook donation drive benefiting students of tribal Ashram schools run by Rayat Shikshan Sanstha.
Under the initiative, over 1,000 well-maintained textbooks used by Class 9 and 10 students from municipal schools were collected, assembled into sets, and dispatched to schools in the Wada and Mokhada regions. The effort is rooted in the environmental ‘3R’ concept — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle — encouraging the reuse of educational materials while reducing paper waste.
“This innovative initiative serves a dual purpose — promoting environmental sustainability and supporting students in under-resourced tribal areas,” said an official from NMMC. “By reusing books, we reduce paper waste and extend educational resources to those in need.”
The book sets were ceremonially handed over at the NMMC headquarters, where Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde presented them to Mokhada Ashram School teacher Tukaram Londhe, in the presence of Prabhat Trust head Dr. Prashant Thorat. Dr. Shinde also flagged off a specially arranged vehicle carrying the books to the recipient schools.
Senior NMMC officials present at the event included Additional Commissioners Sunil Pawar and Dr. Rahul Gethe, Deputy Commissioner of Administration Sharad Pawar, Deputy Commissioner of Education Sangharatna Khillare, and Solid Waste Management Deputy Commissioners Dr. Ajay Gadade and Santosh Warule. Representatives from Prabhat Mahila Bachat Gat, including Dr. Ashlesha Thorat and Sunita Mohite, were also in attendance.
Adding to the day’s eco-friendly theme, dignitaries were presented with bags made from recycled cloth — created by the Prabhat Mahila Bachat Gat using fabric repurposed from old clothes.
“This initiative is a perfect example of how the 3R concept can be implemented practically and meaningfully,” said Dr. Kailas Shinde. “I urge all Navi Mumbai residents to contribute their children’s used textbooks so more students can benefit.”
The campaign highlights the power of community-led action in both environmental conservation and educational support.
