Solid waste management is one of the most tedious tasks in an urban city. Parivarthana is one such waste management unit, in Bangalore, which converts solid waste to wow! Parivathana is a waste management unit in Christ University, an initiative of Centre for Social Action, a student volunteer body. The procedure of the waste management is a simple one. The key lies in the segregation of wet and dry waste. The dry waste is then converted to recycled products, like paper, folders, bags and so on. The wet waste is used to make biogas and manure.
The Parivarthana unit also supports a self help group consisting of approximately twenty women, who are in charge of conversion of the dry waste into reusable products. In a society where the economically deprived are marginalized and economically poor women are doubly marginalized; women in the Parivarthana unit are an inspiration to many for they have a tale to share which ignites hopes in us.
In an interview with Reeta, who is originally from Bihar and is a worker of the Parivarthana unit, she talked about her life before and the changes that occurred after she started working in Parivarthana
 How did you come to Bangalore?
My husband had been working in Bangalore before we got married. I was in Bihar for 15 years. It has been two years since I have been living in Bangalore.
How many years have you been working here? What all tasks make up your daily work?
I have been working for over a year now. My daily work is to collect waste from the “Dry Waste” bins and collect waste papers. The waste paper is then converted to paper pulp. The pulp is then used to make recycled sheets, which are left to dry. Some of the recycled papers are coloured and used for the purpose of art and crafts. Most of it is also used for making notebooks, files, folders and so on.
Where did you work before this?
I used to work in a beauty parlour, doing mostly menial work like collection and disposal of the rejected hair.
How has life changed after you started working at Parivarthana?
Life is much easier since I started working here. We do not have to struggle to make ends meet. In case of any physical injury or health issues we have assistance available readily. Even during financial problems we are given support, this has made our lives much easier.
What kind of a relationship do you share with all the working women?
There were many women, who worked here but have been shifted to another unit. We all worked together. Some women have recently joined and we all share camaraderie and harmonious working relations. We try to help each other, in every way we can.
You work in an educational institution. What do you think is the importance of education?
Education is an important aspect of life. My son, who is only five years old, is here today with me. I would like to see him as a part of the educational institution someday. So that he can have a better quality of life.
What are your future expectations?
My only hope from the future is that everything remains the same. All I expect is good behaviour and not being treated indifferently. I hope that even in the future all the members of the self help group continue to work harmoniously as always.