Pune, July 30: Utkarsh Global Foundation successfully concluded the third edition of Utkarsh Paryavaran Wari 2026, reinforcing its commitment to environmental conservation and community development. Organised consistently since 2024, the initiative has now completed three successful editions in 2024, 2025 and 2026. The campaign was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde.
Throughout the Wari, the Foundation conducted a widespread awareness campaign encouraging devotees to embrace a Plastic-Free Wari, reject single-use plastic, and support the vision of a Clean & Green Wari. Volunteers actively participated in cleanliness drives along the pilgrimage route, inspiring lakhs of Warkaris to adopt environmentally responsible practices.
As part of the initiative, the Foundation distributed 500,000 reusable cloth bags and 500,000 stainless steel water bottles, replacing single-use plastic alternatives. Significantly, the cloth bags were handcrafted by more than 1,000 women trained under Utkarsh Global Foundation’s women’s empowerment programme, enabling them to earn a sustainable livelihood while contributing to environmental conservation.
Speaking on the occasion, Adv. Dagdu Londhe, Founder and President, Utkarsh Global Foundation, said, “The Wari is a priceless symbol of Maharashtra’s culture, faith and social harmony. By integrating environmental conservation, cleanliness and women’s empowerment with this revered tradition, we aim to drive meaningful social change. Utkarsh Paryavaran Wari is not just an awareness campaign—it is a powerful movement that brings together environmental responsibility, women’s empowerment and community participation. Through the distribution of five lakh cloth bags and five lakh stainless steel water bottles this year, we have successfully carried the message of a Plastic-Free Wari to millions of devotees.”
He further added, “The women who stitched these cloth bags under our women’s empowerment programme have gained access to dignified and sustainable livelihood opportunities. The success of this initiative for the third consecutive year has been made possible by the trust and support of society, government authorities, volunteers, donors and the Warkari community. Guided by the values of service, dedication and social responsibility, Utkarsh Global Foundation will continue to undertake people-centric initiatives that contribute towards building an environmentally conscious, self-reliant and empowered India.”
The Foundation expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the Pandharpur Municipal Council, the police administration, sanitation workers, donors, volunteers, Warkaris, devotees and all partners who contributed to the successful execution of the initiative. It reaffirmed its commitment to expanding such impactful social initiatives in the years ahead, staying true to its guiding principles of service, dedication and social responsibility.