Ms. Santosh Munot
She is the chairperson of Kalpataru Building 5&6. She has ideated and kick started the waste management process in her society. She has been there at each step and has managed to inspire volunteers within the society, while battling with resistance from others.
GCF Team:
Can you start by telling us about yourself?
Ms. S
I was born in Rajasthan and have grown up in Mumbai. I have studied from NM College and I am a Chartered Accountant by profession. I have been married for the last 20 years and have two daughters aged 17 and 14. I live in a joint family, with my in-laws and I believe that joint family system is important for the kids to get a complete and rounded approach. I was working full time but it did not give me enough time for my family. Instead of either work or family I chose the middle ground of working on my own.
GCF Team:
Have you thought of or noticed waste management in your life or career before?
Ms. S
No, in fact I did not know until recently at the Mahakali ALM workshop that the BMC has a solid waste management department. The first few notices by the BMC on waste management were taken very lightly by all of us. I wanted to give back to the society and chanced upon the role of a chairperson in the Management Committee of Kalpataru Building 5&6. I did not think of where our waste ends up and since I came across this concept, I have read, learnt and visited sites that conduct waste management.
GCF Team:
Do different generations have different perspectives to waste management?
Ms. S
The whole concept of waste management has recently surfaced in Mumbai. The older generations have had one dustbin and have been following the mixed waste method. We did not have plastic bags while growing up and used paper bags or cane baskets for groceries.
The younger generation is more aware through workshops and reading on waste segregation. Schools have taken up this topic through club activities and social work is part of the curriculum. They learn about water conservation, waste management and other social issues.
The older and the younger generation did not have a problem. Kids tell their household members and household staff about segregation. In fact, as a volunteer when I was doing rounds of the society, kids wanted to speak to me and take up this responsibility.
GCF Team:
Do different generations have different consumption patterns?
Ms. S
Children are not aware about spending money as our generation. They are influenced by advertisements and they are attracted by fast food. In fact, the first time as a child I was introduced to Maggi, I thought it looked like earthworms. My first reaction was “Oh! Yuck” My kids are allowed to eat junk food only on Sunday.
GCF Team:
Have you taken up any projects outside your career?
Ms. S
I like to trek, I trekked to the highest peak in Ladakh called Stok Kangri. The local people I met on the trek are patient, simple and so much more hardworking than us and yet they are so happy. I plan on going to Everest base camp this year. I like painting and reading, it’s therapeutic. I read on a variety of subjects including religion and spirituality.
GCF Team:
Are there any social issues or causes that you believe in?
Ms. S
In India, a lack of cleanliness has troubled me since childhood. There is no civic sense awareness and it is entwined with the problem of illiteracy. In the past, while I was working full time I have worked with NGOs and have taught street children. Even though the government has taken a great initiative with the Swachh Bharat Mission there is a long way to go for both these issues.
GCF Team:
Can you comment on a describe some of your habits?
Ms. S
When I make my mind up to finish something, I put all my heart, soul and efforts into it.
GCF Team:
Any routine or habit that you do daily for a specific reason?
Ms. S
As a routine I exercise daily, I take out an hour to walk, run or swim. I also have a habit to read and pray before bed, even if it just a paragraph or multiple chapters.
GCF Team:
Do you consider yourself organized? If yes, how do you do it?
Ms. S
Yes I am very organized. I like to plan things; I’m not an impromptu person. I panic in case things are not planned.
GCF Team:
Do you read? If yes, if you had to recommend a book which one would you recommend?
Ms. S
I do read a lot. I was awestruck by the Sudha Murthy’s humble beginnings and simple life and have read each book of hers so far. One of the many books that touched my heart was How I taught my Grandmother to read. I instantly connected to the title as I was always close to my grandmother and she was equally keen to read and write. She would wait for me to come back from school and teach her all that I had learnt.
GCF Team:
What would your friends or partner describe you as?
Ms. S
They would describe me as sincere, hardworking and person who sees a task through completion once I have picked it up. They would also call me an introvert, I have a few close friends who know the real me. I came to know residents in this society only after I have joined the management committee.
GCF Team:
If you had to choose a message for 1 million people, what would it be?
Ms. S
Be happy, stop fighting and let there be peace.
GCF Team:
Is there anything that you have purchased below 1 grand that has impacted your life?
Ms. S
When I was younger my father went on his first trip abroad to Japan. He got me a doll from there, which was my prized possession. I would not even play with it, in the fear that it would get dirty. It is still precious to me today.