Turning trash into kindness: A man's mission of waste to welfare | Fusion - WeRIndia

In the twin cities of Hubballi and Dharwad, Veerappa H Arakeri follows a simple principle: never let your waste go to waste.

An engineering graduate, Veerappa left a secure, well-paying job to dedicate his life to a greater cause: recycling waste and funding charity.

Since 2014, Veerappa has been riding his bike through neighbourhoods, collecting plastic and e-waste from households. The items are sold to recyclers, and every rupee earned goes directly to charitable work.

Veerappa used to earn ₹4 lakh a year. However, left his job as he wanted to do something more meaningful.

Supported by his joint family, wife, and son, Veerappa has donated nearly ₹2 lakh over the last decade.

His Akka Foundation helps orphanages, goshalas, the underprivileged, and contributes to PM and CM relief funds.

Veerappa doesn’t just give away money. He donates books, pencils, and clothes to slum children, often bringing smiles to young faces who eagerly wait for his visits.

He also distributes reusable goods like shoes and clothes, ensuring nothing fit for use goes to waste.

The process is simple. Residents receive a collection bag. Once full, Veerappa picks it up and replaces it with a new one.

People don’t charge him for their waste; they feel proud to contribute. His wife, Chitra, initially hesitant, now proudly supports his efforts.

Veerappa ensures every donation is well-planned. He verifies the needs of the recipients before helping.

The Akka Foundation also plants trees and joins in city cleaning drives, making it more than just a recycling mission.

Locals describe him as kind, humble, and sincere. Veerappa accepts no cash, only waste and reusable items.

His dedication proves that change starts small, sometimes with a plastic bag, a pencil, and a bike.

In a world chasing profit, Veerappa’s work is a rare reminder that compassion, not cash, defines true wealth.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on March 03, 2017

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/957894