Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Oct 1: ‘Nadige 2026’, an initiative aimed at giving a new lease of life to used footwear and making it available to people in need, will be held at MGM College, Udupi, from October 23 to 25. The initiative is being organised in association with GreenSole Foundation and the NSS unit of MGM College, Udupi.

Speaking about the initiative Avinash Kamath, media anchor and one of the leader of the initiative said “‘Nadige’ is an initiative through which individuals and organisations can contribute footwear that is no longer being used but is still in good condition. Apartment complexes, companies, colleges, corporate organisations, and various social service organisations can also participate by collecting and donating footwear. The campaign seeks to convey the message that a pair of footwear lying unused at home can help someone take a step forward.

GreenSole Foundation, a Mumbai-based non-profit organisation working in the fields of environmental conservation and social service, is supporting the initiative. Since 2016, the foundation has been collecting used footwear, refurbishing them through upcycling and distributing them to people in need. The initiative also helps reduce footwear waste and promotes sustainable practices”.

“The refurbished footwear is provided to underprivileged communities, particularly children, students and people from economically weaker sections. By extending the life of used footwear through upcycling, the initiative contributes to both environmental conservation and social welfare. GreenSole Foundation has also received recognition for its work, including the Lexus India Design Award, while co-founder Shreyans Bhandari has been featured in the Forbes Asia 30 under 30 list” he added.

The previous edition of ‘Nadige’, launched in November 2023, had set a target of collecting around 5,000 to 6,000 pairs of footwear. However, the campaign received an overwhelming response from the people of Udupi, resulting in the collection of more than 18,000 pairs of footwear.

Encouraged by the response to the earlier campaign, GreenSole Foundation is bringing the initiative back to Udupi. ‘Nadige 2026’ will be held on October 23, 24 and 25 at MGM College, Udupi, in association with the NSS unit of the college. GreenSole Foundation representatives Shreyans Bhandari and Ramesh Dhami will be present during the campaign.

The organisers have appealed to the public, educational institutions, companies, social organisations and other groups to participate in the initiative by donating clean and usable footwear. The collected footwear will be refurbished and made available to those who need it.

On this occasion, Bharath Shetty, treasurer, Sujnan Educational Trust; Ashwath S L, co-founder, Karkala Creative Educational Institution; Sharath S Alva, vice principal, Udupi Group of Educational Institutions, Manipa; and Suchith Kotian, lecturer, department of journalism, MGM College were present.