Founder Message
The world generates 2.01 billion tonnes of solid waste annually. India is the 2nd largest populated country and 3rd largest economy in terms of purchasing power. The urban India generates 62 million tons of waste annually. Only 43 million tonnes are collected out of which 31 million are dumped in landfill and just 11.9 million tons are treated. Dumping yards are mostly open places that hold mixes of different materials are dumped without precautions. It results most degraded toxic environment.
My name is Anbalagan. I founded an organization named “Aimabig”. I grew up in a middle-class family. While finishing school, I was forced to work in a leather factory. There, I found an extension of leather damaging, generation and valuing waste. It created my passion for waste management, and later, I finished my master’s in behaviour study on occurrence of waste generation. In 2018, I met a student whose mother did rag-picking. Their challenges in life replicate what I had experienced. I want to create dignified employment and a more sustainable society for their well-being.
“Aimabig” means “loving” in Filipino language. “Aimabig” represents an embodiment of the personality of someone who never gives up on their passion for loving the most. It is not about chasing it to achieve success or obtaining the things that they love. Whether the object of their love is big or small, lies in the act of loving without any expectations. They make a concerted effort and have a sincere interest in consistently pursuing their love the most, with an open heart for learning and exploring their love more deeply.
We believe that waste is a resource that is in the wrong place. Therefore, I wish to create a standardized waste management system and skills that prevent waste to end up in dumping sites. What is needed is a circular system where rag-pickers become resource managers then rag-pickers will not be exposed to these dangerous environments. They lead a more secure and dignified life as well the environment wins.
Thanks with Regards
Founder – Aimabig