Pune: ‘Jyoti Savitrichi Lekare’ Event Celebrates Academic Success of Waste Pickers’ Children

Pune, 27th November 2025: The achievements of children from waste picker families were celebrated on Thursday at the annual programme ‘Jyoti Savitrichi Lekare,’ held at Tilak Smarak Mandir. The event was organised by the Kagad Kach Patra Kashtakari Panchayat (KKPKP), a union of waste pickers. Noted actor, writer and director Sarang Sathaye, Pune Municipal Corporation Additional Commissioner Pavneet Kaur, and District Social Welfare Officer Radhakisan Devdhe attended the programme.

The event spotlighted the determination and resilience that shape the lives of waste pickers and their families. Students shared stories of their parents’ struggles to secure dignity and opportunities while performing one of the most essential yet stigmatized jobs in society. A play titled ‘Maze Bhavishya Mazyach Haati’ (My Future Is in My Hands) was also performed, portraying the challenges of slum life and the pursuit of education.

This year, 124 children passed their Class 10 exams and 111 cleared Class 12. Many have overcome significant hardships — including financial constraints, parental loss, and social barriers — to pursue education.

Among them is Class 10 student Bismillah Mulla, who secured 82% while studying science on her father’s mobile phone. Chetan Naiknavde, raised by his grandmother after losing his father and being abandoned by his mother, scored 79%. Rohit Mohite, who cleared his Class 10 exam in his fifth attempt, later went on to design a “stress meter” during college.

Boxer Arya Pagare challenged stereotypes to score 65%. Two waste pickers — Priyanka Kamble and Komal Gaikwad — also passed Class 10 while continuing their daily work.

Over 500 waste pickers and their children participated in the celebrations, reinforcing a collective commitment to education despite limited resources.

Founded in 1993, KKPKP has long advocated for improved education and welfare policies for waste picker communities. Its efforts led to the establishment of SWaCH, India’s largest waste-picker-owned cooperative, which enables thousands of workers to earn dignified livelihoods while supporting the education of their children.

A book titled ‘Himmatiche Varasdar’ — featuring inspiring stories of waste pickers’ children — was released during the event.

Speaking about her journey, engineering student Renuka Dhavane said, “When my Class 12 result and photo appeared in the newspaper, my mother was informed by people while she was at work. After everything she has gone through to educate me, that moment was her greatest joy.”

The mother of four daughters, waste picker Anju Mane — who recently returned ₹10 lakh in cash found in waste — was also felicitated. Her daughter, Diksha, said, “Despite pressure from relatives to marry us off early, my mother focused on our education. I want to tell all students — study sincerely, that is the real path to growth.”

First-year BCom student Prarthana Dodamani shared, “Because of my mother’s work with SWaCH, I am able to pursue higher education. She always tells me that girls must choose their own future — education is our strongest tool.”

Praising the contribution of waste pickers to Pune’s waste management system, Additional Municipal Commissioner Pavneet Kaur said, “SWaCH has played a vital role in keeping Pune clean for two decades. We will work collaboratively on future waste policies. Hearing the stories of these students fills me with pride.” She also stressed the need to review scholarships like the Ghanbhatta scheme to ensure better inclusivity.
“It is important to acknowledge that waste pickers are frontline workers who keep our cities running,” said filmmaker and digital content creator Sarang Sathaye. “They have shown us what responsible citizenship truly means. Our platforms will always support their concerns.”

District Social Welfare Officer Radhakisan Devdhe added, “It is especially encouraging to see families prioritising the education of daughters. Even after facing hardships, returning such a huge sum of money with complete honesty is an act deserving of the highest respect.”

The event served as a powerful reminder that with access to education, children from waste picker families are transforming futures — not only for themselves, but for the generations that follow.