The Tale of Waste-to-Wonder

The story and journey of Babu Kaji Maharjan from a retiree to a recycling pioneer is an embodiment of resilience, creativity, and environmental consciousness. Through his selfless actions, he showcases that age is no barrier to making a difference.

In the quiet streets of Wolkhu Tole, a remarkable individual named Babu Kaji Maharjan resides. A former storekeeper who worked for 33 years at the Maternity Hospital (Prasuti Griha) in Kathmandu, he embarked on an inspiring journey of environmental conservation. Despite retiring at the age of 60, Babu Kaji found his true calling in recycling plastic and weaving intricate products that not only showcase his skill but also contribute to a greener world.

While talking about his story Babu Kaji's journey began when he noticed a child pulling a milk packet, piquing his curiosity. Upon inquiry, he learned that the plastic packets were being repurposed into bags and other products. Motivated by the idea of recycling, he and his wife started weaving these plastic materials together, marking the inception of their recycling journey at the age of 65. What started as a simple curiosity turned into a remarkable endeavor that combined their skills and taught them new ones. Babu Kaji's commitment to recycling extended beyond his own creations. He traveled to Birjung to teach women the art of weaving without any charges. For him, the value lay not in monetary gain, but in sharing his skills and knowledge. This noble endeavor gained momentum as his wife even sold some pieces to Japanese buyers. Babu Kaji's generosity and dedication led him to teach countless organizations and individuals, igniting a ripple effect of creativity and sustainable practices.

The inspiration within the story of Babu Kaji's inspiration is rooted in a desire for a cleaner world and a genuine love for sharing knowledge. His dedication to teaching others, even without any financial gain, stems from a belief that change begins with education and action. Also, the “Waste-to-Wonder Transformation” process of creating these recycled products is no easy feat. Babu Kaji's resilience and passion are evident in every piece he crafts. The journey begins with collecting discarded wrappers, which are then meticulously cleaned, dried, and woven into various items. What might seem like waste is transformed into beautiful bags, clothes, and decorative items, showcasing the artistry of recycling.

At 82, Babu Kaji's motivation remains unshakeable. His tenacity to create change without relying solely on the government's senior allowance reflects his unwavering commitment to his cause. He stands as a living testament to the power of purpose and passion and is actually an “Unstoppable Motivation”. For those inspired by Babu Kaji's story, he offers practical advice. Start by reusing plastic products that are readily available. By collecting and repurposing wrappers, anyone can contribute to the environment's well-being from the comfort of their own home. With a smile stated, “I am here to teach you the skill or even prepare these products for you, and if you have such plastic wrappers or so please bring it to me and see the transformation happening”.