In a world where knowledge is often equated with power, sharing that power with those less fortunate can bring about transformative change. The co-founders of WHRUTS, Dishi and Drashti Jayanti Gala, have made this their mission.
At just 20 years old, Drashti, alongside her sister Dishi, embarked on a remarkable journey to make a meaningful difference in the lives of underprivileged children across India.
Their mission? To collect and distribute 1 million unused books across India, sharing the invaluable gift of knowledge, learning, and education with those who need it most.
Overcoming Challenges in a Pandemic
Starting a project of this magnitude during the third phase of the COVID-19 pandemic was no small feat. The challenges of collection and distribution were compounded by the restrictions and fears surrounding the virus. However, armed with the learnings—such as enrollment conversations, registration dialogues, and bold requests—the sisters began to see doors open.
They reached out to individuals who typically discarded books as waste paper, NGOs, and local coordinators who could facilitate the distribution. Slowly but surely, responses began to pour in, and Dishi and Drashti realized the power of community collaboration.
The Impact of Their Efforts
Through relentless efforts and the support of media coverage, Instagram influencers, and targeted communities, WHRUTS made a significant impact. The initiative touched the lives of over 1 crore people across India. Some notable supporters include:
- Kamalpreet Kaur, Olympian Discus Thrower
- Rahul Malaghan, IPL Creative Content Designer
- Ms. Sabiha Rizvi, IRS Joint Commissioner of Income Tax Department
- Jayalakshmi Sarikonda, International Archer
- Harnoor Dhanjal, Content Creator and Singer
- Aishwariya Gupta, Blogger
Establishing a Network of Collection Centers
By the end of the four-month SELP program, Dishi and Drashti had successfully established 16 official Book Collection Centers across 7 states and 11 cities in India. These centers were led by 16 primary leaders who played crucial roles in driving the project forward. Here’s a glimpse of their reach:
- Maharashtra: Mumbai, Aurangabad, Mira Road, Bhayandar
- Jammu and Kashmir: Khrew Pulwama, Baliharan (Pattan)
- Karnataka: Bagalkote, Bengaluru
- Chhattisgarh: Raipur
- Uttar Pradesh: Kanpur, East Delhi
- Haryana: Sonipat
- Telangana: Hyderabad
The Fruits of Their Labor
Through these efforts, WHRUTS was able to collect and distribute over 5,000 books to underprivileged children, positively impacting the lives of over 1,000 kids living in rural areas, orphanages, and NGOs dedicated to social welfare. The outpouring of love and support from communities and influencers further fueled the mission, enabling the establishment of four free libraries in rural areas.
One of the most significant milestones of this campaign occurred on December 9, 2021, when the SUADHA NGO set up a library for 110 tribal students at P N Ghude School in Murbad Taluka, Thane, Maharashtra. The gratitude expressed by the school and other beneficiaries reinforced the importance of this cause.
Continuing the Legacy
