eCoexist started work in WAGHOLI in 2025 with the women of the village. Wagholi is a village that only recently got absorbed into the Pune Municipal Corporation. Being at the edges of such a large city, its residents are facing rapid urbanisation without the infrastructure required to manage this change. Water scarcity, lack of waste management systems, traffic chaos are some of their problems. The village also now receives many migrant workers who come to work on the several construction projects. The children of these migrant workers are mal nourished, do not fit easily into the local culture and educational system as well.
VASUDHA, meaning “Earth” in Sanskrit, is a Nature Space initiative dedicated to the children of Ahwalwadi. This program offers a unique opportunity for kids to spend two hours a week immersed in activities that foster a deep connection with nature. Through learning, playing, and singing, the children will explore the wonders of the natural world around them.
At VASUDHA, we believe that nurturing a love for nature from a young age is essential for fostering environmental stewardship. Our mission is to create a joyful and engaging space where children can develop an appreciation for the beauty and intricacies of the environment, while also enhancing their English language skills.
The VASUDHA team that works for the Wagholi kids ! Growing with love… with thanks to the support we recieve from all of you !
The VASUDHA song is a poem written Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and we start each class by singing it and discussing the values it encourages.
Meditation is a practise that forms the backbone of all Vasudha activities. Teaching the children to be still and to be comfortable with themselves is essential to helping them focus.
Through games and conversations, the children explore how to introduce themselves beyond names and school education. They try to identify what they like and why; they introduce their friends and siblings to the group.
The first batch of students that we started working with in Wagholi are from a residential area that is right next to the garbage dump in Wagoli – the size of which is almost big enough to be a landfill. Their proximity to the waste has affected the childrens health directly and we immediately observed symptoms in the children. Since Wagholi has only recently been included in the Pune Municipal Corporation it still does not have the infrastructure to manage waste. We will gradually introduce seggregation at source and teach children about composting and other sustainable waste management solutions.
We need help to continue our work. Volunteers, sponsors, books (from Kalpavriksh), nature toys, and musicians are all welcome. Our VASUDHA club is growing, and we currently have 30 kids participating. Together, we can inspire the next generation to love, respect, and protect our planet.
For more information, contact us at 9049146644.
