Category: Social

Social

Threads of Empowerment: JCI Sanquelim Hosts 10th Aari Workshop in Sattari

Tanisha Cardozo

In a continued effort to promote skill development and empower local communities, JCI Sanquelim successfully concluded its 10th Aari Workshop at Bhirondem in Sattari. The initiative marked yet another milestone in nurturing creativity and self-reliance among women in the region.

The six-day workshop saw the participation of 10 women, who were trained in the intricate and delicate art of Aari designing. Known for its detailed embroidery techniques, Aari work requires precision, patience, and creativity—skills that the participants actively developed over the course of the training. More importantly, the workshop provided them with a strong foundation and the confidence to pursue Aari art professionally, should they choose to explore it as a source of livelihood.

This initiative was conducted under the KAABIL Project of JCI India, a nationwide program focused on enhancing employability and empowering individuals through practical skill-building activities. Through such programs, JCI organizations across the country continue to make a meaningful impact at the grassroots level.

The workshop was led by JC Smita Gawalkar, whose expertise and hands-on guidance played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the training. Her approach not only focused on technical skills but also encouraged participants to believe in their creative potential.

The certification ceremony was held in the presence of JC Asmita Gauns, President of JCI Sanquelim, and JC Nikita Desai, who applauded the participants for their dedication and enthusiasm throughout the workshop.

A special note of gratitude was extended to Mrs. Rajana Rane, Panch Member of Bhirondem Panchayat, for generously providing the venue and supporting the initiative. Her contribution helped create a conducive environment for learning and collaboration.

The success of this workshop highlights the importance of community-driven initiatives in creating opportunities and fostering independence. With each such effort, JCI Sanquelim continues to inspire change—one skill, one individual, and one community at a time.

Social

JCI Vasco Distributes Free Water to 1000+ During Carnival

Tanisha Cardozo

In a thoughtful gesture of community service, JCI Vasco successfully organised the “UDAK – Free Water Distribution” initiative during the carnival celebrations held in Vasco da Gama on February 16, 2026. The initiative aimed to support parade goers and participants by helping them stay hydrated amid the intense heat.

    With large crowds gathering to witness and take part in the vibrant carnival festivities, the need for hydration became essential. Recognising this, members and volunteers of JCI Vasco stepped forward with dedication, distributing water bottles and assisting attendees throughout the event.

    The initiative saw enthusiastic participation from volunteers, who worked tirelessly under the sun to ensure that people remained refreshed and comfortable. Their efforts not only provided relief but also reflected a strong spirit of community care and responsibility.

    The response from the public was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the timely support. The initiative successfully benefited over 1000 individuals, making it a meaningful contribution to the celebrations.

    Through “UDAK,” JCI Vasco once again demonstrated the impact of small yet significant actions in enhancing public well-being, especially during large-scale events like Goa’s carnival.

    Social

    A Final Act of Kindness: Johnny Depp Opens His Home to Eric Dane

    Tanisha Cardozo

    In a deeply moving gesture that has resonated across Hollywood, Johnny Depp is reported to have opened one of his Los Angeles homes to fellow actor Eric Dane during the latter’s battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), offering him a place to stay free of cost in the final months of his life. The act of generosity came at a time when Dane’s health was rapidly declining, underscoring the importance of compassion and support in moments of vulnerability.

    Eric Dane, widely known for his role in the popular television series Grey’s Anatomy, had been battling ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that weakens muscles and severely impacts physical function over time. As his condition worsened, daily life became increasingly difficult, requiring constant medical care and support.

    According to reports, Depp’s gesture provided not just physical shelter but also a sense of dignity and comfort during an intensely challenging period. It reflected a quieter, more personal side of celebrity life, where relationships and empathy often take precedence over public image.

    Speaking after Dane’s passing on February 19, his close friend and former co-star Patrick Dempsey shared insights into the severity of his condition. He described how Dane had gradually lost his ability to speak, had become bedridden, and struggled with basic functions such as swallowing. The rapid deterioration of his health made the final months particularly difficult for both him and those around him.

    Throughout his illness, Dane remained closely connected to his ex-wife Rebecca Gayheart, despite their separation in 2017. Together, they share two daughters, and Gayheart played a significant role in his care. In a heartfelt essay published in December 2025, she revealed the extent of the support required, noting that he had round-the-clock nursing care divided into multiple shifts, some of which she personally managed when needed.

    She also reflected on the overwhelming support they received from friends, family, and colleagues after Dane made his diagnosis public. The response, she shared, was filled with generosity, kindness, and a willingness to help in any way possible. Connecting with others going through similar experiences also became a source of strength during an incredibly challenging time.

    This story, while marked by loss, ultimately highlights the enduring impact of empathy and human connection. Depp’s gesture stands as a reminder that even in an industry often associated with glamour and distance, moments of genuine kindness can leave a lasting impression, offering comfort when it is needed most.

    Social

    Tamil Nadu Startup Turns Pilgrimage Plastic Waste Into Furniture for Forest Offices

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    Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

    At the sacred Vellingiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, thousands of pilgrims climb the steep trail each year, carrying food packets, snack wrappers and water bottles as offerings and essentials. By evening, forest officials and volunteers undertake the less-visible task of clearing the plastic waste left behind.


    Now, that discarded plastic is finding new life within the same forest landscape.

    In partnership with Coimbatore-based Recompose Recycling Private Limited, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department has converted multi-layered plastic (MLP) waste collected from the Vellingiri trekking route into functional furniture. Installed at the Forest Range Office in Booluvampatti, the pieces include an almirah, a table and a three-seater sofa — all made from recycled plastic gathered along the pilgrimage trail.

    Closing the Loop on Multi-Layered Plastic

    Multi-layered plastic, commonly found in snack wrappers and sachets, is difficult to recycle due to its layered composition. Instead of sending this material to landfills, the forest department channels it to Recompose Recycling, which processes the waste into roofing sheets, covering sheets, paver blocks and other durable materials.

    By fabricating these materials into furniture for forest offices, the initiative creates a visible and practical link between waste generation and reuse. For a pilgrimage site that experiences seasonal surges in footfall, this model offers a structured way to manage plastic waste locally rather than shifting the burden elsewhere.

    The company’s efforts extend beyond Vellingiri Hills. In Kittampalayam village panchayat in Coimbatore district, 1,908 kg of processed multi-layered plastic waste was used to construct a new bus shelter, replacing a damaged structure.

    The initiative relied heavily on community participation. Local authorities educated residents on source segregation and composting organic waste, ensuring that plastic waste could be systematically collected and repurposed. The resulting bus shelter stands as proof that low-value, hard-to-recycle plastic can be transformed into long-lasting public infrastructure.

    Across India, several enterprises are experimenting with plastic waste solutions. Companies are building supply chains to convert discarded plastic into high-quality recycled materials, while others are using plastic waste to repair roads and construct durable infrastructure.

    What sets the Vellingiri initiative apart is its integration at the source — a site of faith — in collaboration with government bodies and local communities. By organising collection and recycling directly at the pilgrimage site, the project demonstrates how environmental responsibility can coexist with tradition.

    Each year, pilgrims climb the Vellingiri Hills in devotion. Today, through organised recycling systems, the plastic left behind returns in the form of functional assets — supporting and sustaining the very forest landscape that draws visitors in the first place.

    Social

    Goa Moves Toward Zero Waste with Godrej Consumer Products’ Innovative Programme

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    Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

    Goa, February 19, 2026: Known for its pristine beaches and vibrant tourism, Goa faces a unique sustainability challenge, particularly in its rural and semi-urban areas. Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) is addressing this gap with its Integrated Waste Management Programme in the Talukas of Bicholim and Sattari, implementing long-term, community-driven waste solutions.


    Partnering with Sampurn(e)arth Environment Solutions, the Mineral Foundation of Goa, municipal councils, and village panchayats, GCPL’s initiative has diverted more than 5,800 metric tonnes of waste from landfills and recycled over 490 metric tonnes of low-value plastics, including commonly discarded milk packets.

    Historically, waste collection in these regions was inconsistent, with limited source segregation and informal workers operating without adequate safety or social security. GCPL’s program introduced a complete system—from door-to-door collection to material recovery at the Bicholim MRF, secondary sorting at Harvalem, and recycling at Pissurlem—ensuring accountability at every stage.

    Technology plays a key role, with QR-code–based monitoring enabling local authorities to track collection coverage and segregation in real time. Community engagement, through household visits, school programs, cultural outreach, and exposure visits, has helped make waste segregation a daily habit.

    A strong focus on waste worker welfare is another highlight. Over 1,300 workers are provided personal protective equipment, enrolled in social security schemes, trained in safe handling, and organised into Self-Help Groups, promoting dignity, financial inclusion, and long-term livelihood security.

    The Milk Packet Collection Initiative engaged students as sustainability ambassadors, collecting nearly 140 kg of used milk packets between March 2024 and July 2025, demonstrating the impact of everyday actions on environmental change.

    Pakzan Dastoor, Head – Sustainability & CSR, Godrej Industries Group, said, “With over 5,800 tonnes of solid waste diverted from landfills, our Goa initiatives reflect that sustainable change happens when infrastructure, citizen participation, and worker welfare come together.”

    Omkar Manjrekar, Block Development Officer, Bicholim Taluka, added, “QR Code–based waste management brings smart accountability to every doorstep, strengthening monitoring and improving overall collection efficiency.”

    By integrating infrastructure, behaviour change, and social inclusion, GCPL’s initiatives in Goa set a benchmark for corporate-driven sustainability, demonstrating how companies can foster environmental stewardship, accountability, and community-led transformation.

    Godrej Consumer Products is a leading emerging markets company committed to health, beauty, and sustainability. As part of the Godrej Industries Group, it operates in over 1.4 billion households globally, leading in household insecticides, hair care, soaps, air fresheners, and wet tissues. Through its Good & Green and DEI initiatives, GCPL works toward creating a more inclusive and environmentally responsible future.