Ep 61 Green Talks – The Golden Touch of Soil: Anjali Choudhary’s Mission with Sunheri Mitti

”One to change a few. A few to change many. Many to change the world. It all starts with one.”

Every year, on December 5th, we celebrate World Soil Day to highlight the importance of healthy soil and sustainable soil management. Soil is more than just dirt beneath our feet—it’s the foundation of life. Unfortunately, human activity has pushed soil quality into a critical state, with erosion, depletion, and contamination threatening its ability to support plant life, hold nutrients, and sustain our planet’s ecosystems.

Degraded soil can no longer deliver on its promise to nourish our crops and safeguard biodiversity. But hope springs from initiatives that aim to restore soil health through tree plantation, composting, and promoting eco-friendly practices. One such beacon of hope is Anjali Choudhary, the force behind Sunheri Mitti—a grassroots initiative redefining the way we connect with the soil, our waste, and our planet.

Sunheri Mitti

Why “Mitti” is Gold: The Vision of Sunheri Mitti

Sunheri Mitti, aptly named to reflect the golden treasure beneath our feet, focuses on creating awareness and providing actionable solutions for living sustainably. It delves into activities like:

• Soil Health Initiatives: Educating farmers and urban communities about composting kitchen waste and adopting natural fertilizers over chemical alternatives.
• Waste Management: Promoting segregation and proper disposal to prevent soil contamination.
• Sustainability Workshops: Empowering individuals to adopt zero-waste practices and embrace mindful consumption.
• Tree Plantation Drives: Planting resilient native tree species that restore barren lands and create vibrant ecosystems.

At its heart, Sunheri Mitti combines the science of sustainability with grassroots activism. It strives to inspire communities to treat soil not as a mere resource, but as the golden thread that connects all living things.

Anjali Choudhary, a Research Associate at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) specializing in agriculture, is the founder of ‘Sunehri Mitti,’ an initiative dedicated to promoting soil health and environmental sustainability through composting and eco-friendly practices. Her journey began in 2018 when she observed animals consuming plastic-contaminated food waste on the streets of Bharuch, Gujarat. This incident motivated her to start composting her kitchen waste using an earthen pot and dry leaves from her garden. Over time, she refined her composting techniques and expanded her efforts to educate others about sustainable waste management. Through ‘Sunehri Mitti,’ Anjali conducts workshops and awareness campaigns, encouraging communities to adopt composting and other environmentally friendly practices to enhance soil fertility and reduce waste.

Anjali’s passion isn’t confined to planting trees or promoting composting. She’s also an author, co-creating the book Eco-Bliss: Incorporating Mindful Consumption for Lasting Happiness. This transformative guide emphasizes the importance of conscious choices in daily life—from the food we eat to the technology we use. With its grounding in practical, mindful practices, Eco-Bliss empowers individuals to lead happier, balanced lives while minimizing their ecological footprint.

Anjali’s work has been celebrated far and wide. From being a speaker at TEDx, IRMA, and IIMA, to receiving accolades such as being honored at The Changemakers’ Conclave by the Centre for Science and Environment in New Delhi, she has inspired countless individuals to rethink their approach to sustainability. Her initiative has also contributed to significant programs like the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, helping cities improve waste management practices.

Green Tatwa Talks

In today’s episode of Green Tatwa Talks, we will dive deeper into Anjali’s inspiring journey. From her grassroots efforts with Sunheri Mitti to becoming a changemaker in sustainability, Anjali shares her invaluable experiences, insights, and lessons. Whether you’re a gardener, an environmentalist, or someone curious about living sustainably, her story will inspire you to take meaningful steps toward a greener future.

Through Sunheri Mitti, Anjali Choudhary reminds us that taking care of the soil isn’t just an environmental act—it’s a humanitarian one. Healthy soil means abundant crops, vibrant greenery, and balanced ecosystems that support all forms of life. Her journey shows us the importance of reconnecting with nature, of seeing the earth not just as a provider, but as a partner in our journey to live sustainably.

This Soil Day, let’s honor pioneers like Anjali, who are restoring the golden promise of our mitti. By composting our kitchen waste, planting trees, using natural fertilizers, and choosing mindful consumption, we too can contribute to building a greener, more resilient planet.

Because in every handful of soil lies the gold of a sustainable future.

Radio Public

Being Eco-Friendly is not a choice, We must make it a habit. – Prachi The Tatwa Girl. 

“I feel a great regard for trees; they represent age and beauty and the miracles of life and growth.”
― Louise Dickinson Rich

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