We do have plans to expand our operations outside Bengaluru in the coming years. Over the years of learning, we encourage every volunteer in our organization to identify civic problems in their locality, come up with an idea to solve the problem, mobilizes people to support and implement sustainable solutions. We support our volunteers with all necessary requirements from Government connects to materials support to implementation support.
1. Tell us more about 'Let's Be The Change' and the Journey involved in it.
Let’s Be The Change (#TeamLBTC) is a non-profit organization which aims to build a cleaner, healthier and a more sustainable society by working in synergy with citizens and the government. LBTC is mainly comprised of volunteers whose vision is to make Bengaluru regain its grandeur.
My journey with LBTC started back in June, 2013, after my second PU exams and right before the CET placements when I proposed the idea of doing something good for Namma Bengaluru to all my friends. On the 5th of July, 2013, I had the first meeting with 10 of my friends who showed up and agreed to join hands to do something good for the environment.
In the beginning, in order to get a clear idea on what environmental issues we could address, we conducted rigorous surveys in public places. In the survey we asked citizens what were the civil issues / problems faced every day in their neighborhood and what we as “teenagers” could do to solve them.
Most of our surveys found that citizens were worried about the garbage that was being dumped in their neighborhood. Understanding the issue, we took the help of social media to ask more people to come forward and join hands in cleaning garbage dumps (Urban eyesores) to make Namma Bengaluru beautiful.
2. Why did you decide to start a social organization? What connected you to the cause?
From my childhood, Bengaluru has been very special to my heart. Bengaluru which is the Silicon Valley of India, Garden City of India, has the capacity to make anyone fall in love in their first visit.
Due to the rapid urbanization in Bengaluru, waste management became a challenge. We saw lot of urban eyesores (garbage dumps) in and around the city and very shortly Bengaluru was named as “Garbage City” which triggered us to start an initiative towards #CleanBengaluru campaign.
Day by day as and when we started working closely with the Municipal Corporation (BBMP), we understood the root cause of the problem and challenges in managing waste and got more connected to the cause.
3. How can one manage funds for such ventures?
In a social enterprise we think with a solid implementation plan, targets and goals, raising funds for any projects. Initially it might be little difficult but as and when positive impact is created and showcased, it helps citizens, foundations, established organizations to believe and connect with the cause.
4. Do you have any plans for expanding your NGO outside Bengaluru? How did you gather 15000 volunteers?
Yes, we do have plans to expand our operations outside Bengaluru in the coming years. We are presently working on building a scalable model for Self-Sustained Solid Waste Management Communities. It mainly focuses on people’s “Behavioural Change” towards handling waste.
Over the years of learning, we encourage every volunteer in our organization to identify civic problems in their locality, come up with an idea to solve the problem, mobilizes people to support and implement sustainable solutions.
We support our volunteers with all necessary requirements from Government connects to materials support to implementation support. We currently have volunteers from almost all the localities in Bengaluru.
5. Your organization has also tied up with PPF. Where does that come from? Are you a dog lover?
Yes, I’m very passionate towards animals especially dogs and cats. I have been an active volunteer at Precious Paws Foundation (PPF) from 2011 and have been attending rescue calls, pet adoption drives, and many more activities hosted at dog shelters, corporate offices and public places. I have personally learnt lot of things from PPF, which makes me be connected with the organization.
6. What are some of the most important factors for running a successful business?
- Be positive and believe in the business idea
- Love and enjoy everything you do
- Never give up
Anirudh S Dutt (Founder - Let’s Be The Change)
In Instagram Id - @dutt_anirudh/@team_lbtc
In Interviewed by – Aradhana Kumari
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