In the evolving landscape of conscious living and responsible philanthropy, the Good Karma Foundation takes a remarkable stride forward with its innovative initiative – Shayya. This groundbreaking project seeks to address two pressing issues that have gained prominence in recent times: efficient waste management and the scarcity of bedding at COVID care centers.
As the global pandemic reshaped our perspectives and priorities, the need for swift and sustainable solutions became more apparent than ever. In the midst of these challenges, Shayya emerges as a beacon of innovation and compassion, poised to make a profound impact.
The heart behind Shayya is none other than the visionary leader, Lakshmi Menon. Her passion for positive change has paved the way for this transformative initiative. She speaks of the pressing issue that many COVID care centers face across the nation, particularly in Kerala. With over 900 panchayats, each equipped with care centers, the need for mattresses has surged, highlighting a dire necessity.
In Lakshmi’s words, “One mattress costs somewhere between Rs 500-700, and it has to be replaced for each infected patient, or it has to be washed properly. In fact, this is not the case only in Kerala, but all over India.” The urgency to provide adequate bedding for patients in these centers became a rallying point for Shayya’s inception.
Shayya’s brilliance lies in its eco-friendly approach, effectively transforming a challenge into an opportunity. Crafted from the surplus material sourced from the creation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) gowns, these lightweight bedrolls carry a powerful purpose. With the escalating demand for PPE gowns, the surplus material has become a resource in abundance, leading to waste accumulation. Recognizing this, Lakshmi harnessed the untapped potential of these scraps, weaving them into a solution that benefits both the environment and the community.
Lakshmi shares her insight into the heart of Shayya’s innovation, stating, “The waterproof material contains small amounts of plastic, and cannot be recycled easily. It has to be disposed of or recycled by a professional agency which small tailors cannot afford, so they burn it to get rid of the large quantities that pile up every day. It was quite disturbing to see that, and I had to do something.”
Shayya emerges as an embodiment of Lakshmi’s commitment to creating positive change while reimagining waste management. With its dual purpose of providing essential bedding and addressing waste concerns, Shayya sets a precedent for holistic problem-solving that resonates far beyond its immediate impact.
As we embrace Shayya’s vision, we also embrace a renewed perspective on what innovation and compassion can achieve when they intertwine. It serves as a beacon of hope, not just for patients in need of comfortable bedding, but for a world that seeks sustainable solutions to its most pressing challenges. Through Shayya, Good Karma Foundation once again exemplifies its commitment to turning adversity into opportunity and creating a legacy of positive change.
