City youth turns waste into opportunities

Parth Seth turns waste woollen clothes into yarn to be reused in woollen apparels. Hailing from the city, Parth studies at St George's College, Mussoorie. In an inspiring blend of sustainability, creativity and social impact, he founded "Dariyaan", a project which successfully up-cycled over "5,000 kg of salvage yarn into more than 1,350 handcrafted rugs", which have been distributed to under-served communities.

The initiative has not only "reduced factory waste by 80 per cent but also created meaningful employment opportunities for more than 10 women, enabling them to earn a stable income while honing their craft. Additionally, the project achieved a 25 per cent increase in sales, reflecting the growing support for eco-conscious and socially responsible products.

"As the founder of the project, I took the initiative to create a platform that fosters creativity, expression and meaningful dialogue," said Seth. "From conceptualising the vision to bringing it to life, I learned the nuances of leadership, organisation and collaboration. This journey taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability and building a community around shared ideas and passions."

The project's innovative approach has attracted attention from prestigious institutions, with orders now coming in from IIGM Delhi, further validating its impact and reach.

‘Dariyaan' stands as a remarkable example of how thoughtful design and social entrepreneurship can "turn waste into opportunity, empower communities and promote sustainability", demonstrating the transformative power of purpose-driven projects in today's world.