A Timeline of Belief, Action, and Impact
"Every movement has a moment of origin. Ours began not with funding or influence, but with a question: How can I help, using what already exists?"
The Paper Revolution began as a college assignment. Pranav Patil sought guidance from his mentor, Mrs. Aparna Unhale, who suggested:
Collect old newspapers and use the proceeds for social good.
Pranav saw potential in the ordinary. Waste paper became a resource, and collective effort became a pathway to change.
Pranav, along with friends Rahul, Siddhesh, Suyesh, and Paraj, began collecting raddi door-to-door. With no funding but strong intent, they formed RADDI – Paper Scrap on 5th September 2016.
Using funds from the first collection, the team organised a hygienic lunch for people in need at Thane railway station. This experience shifted their focus from one-time relief to long-term change.
Focus shifted to education. The "One to Many" initiative began, supporting underprivileged children to join mainstream schools.
Work expanded to Zilla Parishad schools and migrant learners. The focus deepened on ensuring educational continuity and preventing dropouts.
On 17th January 2019, the group was officially registered as The Paper Revolution Foundation. With 30+ members and 260+ donors, the movement had a clear identity.
Amidst the pandemic, the Foundation established Pratibhashali Varg in Karhe village, Vikramgad. Starting with 15-20 students, it became a stable learning centre for Adivasi children.
Today, with 25,000+ kgs of raddi collected and 680+ students impacted, the movement is stronger than ever. Growth has not changed our DNA; it has strengthened it.
Our journey is not measured only in numbers, but in lives influenced. Looking ahead, we aim to expand learning centres and inspire greater youth participation. The future is something we are building deliberately, one action at a time.
Every day someone donates, someone volunteers, someone learns.
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