Dr O.P. Bhalla Foundation Recycles Paper Into Notebooks

In a remarkable blend of environmental responsibility and educational empowerment, the Dr. O.P. Bhalla Foundation at Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI) has celebrated World Environment Day by turning 55,000 kilograms of discarded paper into a lifeline for young learners. Under its visionary Raddi Recycling Initiative, the Foundation has converted wastepaper and cardboard into thousands of notebooks, offering an innovative solution to two pressing challenges—environmental degradation and lack of access to educational resources.

Launched in 2022, the Raddi Recycling Initiative is rooted in the ethos of sustainability and community service that defines the legacy of Dr. O.P. Bhalla. The project has steadily grown in scope and impact, engaging students, faculty, staff, and volunteers from across the Manav Rachna campus in a collective effort to transform everyday waste into something meaningful. The used paper collected on campus is carefully processed and recycled into high-quality notebooks. These notebooks are then distributed to government schools such as Govt. Senior Secondary Schools in Lakkarpur, Ankhir, and Bhankri, as well as to NGOs like the Loria Pragatisheel Research and Development Foundation.

So far, over 25,000 notebooks have been produced through this initiative, with 15,000 already reaching the hands of children in need. These figures represent more than just numbers—they tell a story of community spirit, environmental awareness, and the drive to empower underprivileged students through simple yet impactful means. For many of these students, a notebook is not just stationery; it is a bridge to opportunity, learning, and a better future.

Speaking about the impact of the initiative, Dr. Vaishali Mathur, Senior Program Manager at the Foundation, highlighted the deeper purpose behind the work. “This initiative reflects our drive to link sustainability with education. By turning wastepaper into useful learning material, we are setting an example of how even small actions can make a difference,” she said. Her words underscore the philosophy that underpins the Foundation’s work—a belief in grassroots change and the power of mindful, consistent efforts.

The Foundation’s approach to sustainability is holistic and inclusive. It involves year-round collection drives that encourage participation from the entire Manav Rachna community. Through these efforts, sustainability becomes a shared goal, with every participant becoming a stakeholder in the cause. It is this spirit of collective action that gives the project its strength and resilience.

Dr. N. C. Wadhwa, Director General of MREI and Vice Chairman of the Dr. O.P. Bhalla Foundation, echoed this sentiment. “Behind every recycled notebook is the effort of students, staff, and volunteers who believe in creating impact through collective action. This project reflects our values of giving back, minimizing waste, and enabling learning for all,” he noted. His remarks shed light on the foundational values that drive the initiative—values that merge environmental ethics with a deep commitment to social equity.

At its core, the Raddi Recycling Initiative is more than a recycling program. It is a message of hope and solidarity. It shows how institutions of higher learning can play a vital role in shaping sustainable communities by turning everyday actions into vehicles of transformation. By involving students in this process, the Foundation also nurtures a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens who understand the value of waste, the importance of education, and the power of compassion.

Satya Bhalla, Chief Patron of MREI and Chairperson of the Dr. O.P. Bhalla Foundation, beautifully captured the essence of the initiative when she said, “This initiative carries forward Dr. O.P. Bhalla’s vision of an inclusive and empowered India with deep compassion. It not only combines care for the environment and children’s education but also inspires a sense of togetherness and hope. What makes it truly meaningful is the shared commitment of every individual who joins hands to create a better future for our children.”

This World Environment Day, the Foundation chose to make a difference through action—real, measurable, and deeply impactful. By recycling 55,000 kilograms of wastepaper into tools of learning, it has proven that sustainable practices and community welfare need not exist in silos. They can, and should, work in harmony. The Raddi Recycling Initiative is a shining example of how circular economy principles can be applied at the grassroots level to solve real-world problems.

As the world grapples with the dual challenges of environmental degradation and social inequality, initiatives like this provide a roadmap for change. They show us that sustainability is not just about reducing waste—it is about reimagining waste as a resource, as an opportunity to serve, to educate, and to uplift.

With plans to continue and expand the initiative, the Dr. O.P. Bhalla Foundation is setting a precedent for educational institutions across the country. Through its ongoing commitment to sustainability and social good, it invites others to join in its mission to build a greener, fairer, and more hopeful world—one recycled notebook at a time.