By M. Reyaz, TwoCirlces.net,
New Delhi: Nainital based non-government organisation Pahal (Initiative), that has developed innovative eco friendly paper bag has been declared the winner of round 3 in the Mahindra Spark The Rise Initiative.
This unique paper bag, seen as best substitute to polythene bags, is also registered with National Innovation Foundation as an innovation in the last year competition.
Pahal, established in 1988, is a voluntary organisation working in the field of microfinance, livelihood support, initiating self-help groups, sustainable development and awareness programmes in Uttarakhand. These innovative paper bags too are he made by marginalized women.
Although Pahal works for all marginalised section, Muslims are their major target. In Delhi, with his wife, to receive another award for working amongst minorities, the Executive Director of Pahal, 55 year old Islam Hussain expressed his gratitude on being declared the winner in the round of the Spark the Rise contest. As winner Pahal will get Rs 2 lakhs for presenting an innovative idea.
Hussain added that one more round is left before the grand finale for the contest. The winner for the contest is chosen based on popular votes and jury’s opinion.
Speaking to TCN, he also informed that they are in talks with the Delhi based Shriram Institute for Industrial Research to “develop semi-automated process” for pasting to be made easier and smoother that would enhance the productivity, he added.
This unique paper bag can hold weight up to five kgs, without tear, he assured, while showing us the bag.
Elated at getting the recognition for the innovative concept, Islam Hussain is confident that within few years he can generate thousands of jobs for marginalised women, if gets little finical support.
He told TCN, “By recognizing this idea, our eco-friendly paper bags will eradicate the use of polythene carry bags from the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand and also across India,” adding, “the production and promotion of these paper bags will not only help eliminate non biodegradable garbage but will also help hundreds of women self-help group members become financially stable.”
With decades of journalistic and social work initiative, Islam Hussain is a pioneer among few activists who initiated the self-help groups and micro financing in northern India, particularly Uttarakhand.