Boparai Kalan’s women lead sustainable revolution

A quiet uprising against plastic pollution is blooming in Boparai Kalan, led not by scientists or policy-makers, but by women who till land, nurture homes, and now, are championing eco-conscious living.

On July 12, which is celebrated as Paper Bag Day, 35 women came together under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Women in Agriculture, guided by Dr Shivani Rana, Scientist in the Department of Resource Management and Consumer Science of Punjab Agricultural University, and what unfolded was more than just a workshop—it was an awakening.

Amid laughter and learning, participants handcrafted paper and cloth bags, competed with spirited creativity and pledged to switch to biodegradable options.

In her motivational address, Dr Rana reminded the group that change isn’t massive it’s meaningful. “Paper bags don’t just reduce pollution,” she said, “They remind us that sustainable choices begin with simple actions.”

In a corner of the hall, thirteen-year-old Gurleen, a student passionate about art and craft, was visibly inspired. “This is amazing,” she said, holding up her colourful handmade bag. “From now on, I’ll make paper bags for my family and even teach my school friends,” she said.

Other women echoed a collective realisation. “We never thought something so simple could make such a big difference,” said Prakash Kaur. “It’s empowering to know we’re contributing to a cleaner Punjab,” she added.

“We have seen plastic choke our soil and cattle. Now we know we can do better,” said a participant.

Among the winners of the paper bag competition were Sukhwinder Kaur, Prakash Kaur, Amandeep Kaur and Sukhjot Kaur and there was no mistaking the pride etched across their faces. These women weren’t just making bags; they were weaving hope into a future they now feel empowered to shape.

The event closed not with applause but with a collective vow: to use what they learned and teach others. Sustainability, here, isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a grassroots pledge, hand-folded into every paper bag and stitched into the resolve of rural women who are now stewards of a cleaner Punjab.