The word ‘united’ and ‘India’ has been often used in the same sentence so much that it reflects Indian society’s ethos and cultural grounds. Unity in diversity has become synonymous with India and Indian culture, however, unity does not elucidate communities coming together at all times of challenge. In such a premise, an NGO is trying to redefine the word ‘united’ through its vision and mission. United People’s Foundation, officially started on 26th January 2021, was founded by Prathmesh Tingare, a twenty-one-year-old dutiful human being.
United People’s Foundation
In an exclusive interview with NewsKarnataka, Tingare asserted that in collaboration with his friends, he conceptualised the NGO based on previous experiences. “In our college days, we used to do social work and activities such as cleaning forts while trekking, visiting and helping orphanages, old age homes, and so on. But then we realised if more people get involved, i.e., we ‘unite’ to make society better, only then can we find better and faster solutions to problems in our society. Hence, the name stands for United People’s Foundation,” the founder of the NGO said.
The United People’s Foundation aims to create a humble society that functions on the principles of humanism, uplift the marginalised and underprivileged sections of the society, and take steps towards achieving a sustainable environment for posterity. The vision of the NGO is also comprehensive of creating a platform for nurturing the unnoticed skills of citizens, building rationality and consciousness among youth for a better future, and striving to bring equality irrespective of socio-economic and geo-political contexts.
Some of the core projects that the NGO has taken up include providing flood relief to three villages in Kolhapur and arranging Hair Donation Camp for Cancer Fighters. It also comprises donations of clothes and blankets to the homeless during chilly winters, as well as tagging more than 100 dogs with reflective belts in Kolhapur and Pune.
In conversation about some challenges faced during implementing some projects taken up by United People’s Foundation, Tingare confessed, “the most challenging job is to convince people that there can be change and you can do it.” Alluding to the prevailing mentality of ‘if others are already doing something, I do not need to,’ the problem of neglectful thought as well as lack of belief in one’s actions and powers, remains an issue that can fully be resolved only by two hands coming together, not just one. Hence, by walking the mile, the NGO urges people to take one step forward.
In such a premise, where communication plays a crucial role, social media comes in handy. The founder of the NGO affirmed that Instagram helped reach out to the youth, educate them, and encourage them to come forward to give back to society. “When there were strict restrictions due to Covid – 19, social media helped us make a difference in society and bring people closer virtually,” he added.
The pandemic
Starting the United People’s Foundation was conceived well before the pandemic. The founder and his acquaintances planned their first meeting before the first lockdown was announced. The context of social distancing, quarantining, and other safety protocols imposed due to Covid – 19 delayed the start; however, when the guidelines were loosened in January 2021, they finally launched the United People’s Foundation.
“Since then, we have been actively working; even in lockdown, we came up with online campaigns and meetings. We even took up a campaign to spread positivity when everyone was mentally affected by Covid – 19 by bringing up victory stories of people who battled the virus. Additionally, we informed people about sources for finding availability of beds, oxygen, ventilator, among others,” Tingare contended.
The Impact
With the mission of attempting to change the mindset of people as it is necessary to make our society humane and inclusive, Tingare proudly claimed that the United People’s Foundation successfully makes a difference; after coming to Cleanliness Drives, many approached the NGO giving their testimony that they do no longer dump garbage irresponsibly and if someone does, they stop that person. Women have been awarded the correct disposal of sanitary napkins under their Red Dot campaign and have been practicing the same. “We will continue to aware people, especially the youth, as they are the future and by making small differences, together make society better for you, me, and everyone,” Tingare signed off.
