Monu Champion of Change for Green Khanpur
“Every plant we nurture today is a breath of fresh air for tomorrow, which we need so badly in our city now!” Monu shared during the campaign.
Monu Kumar Patel, a 13-year-old resident of Shivpark, Khanpur, Delhi, is not any average teenager. A 9th standard student with an inspiring story, Monu has been associated with the Khanpur Multi-Activity Centre (MAC) since 2020, demonstrating that change begins with a single step—often taken by the youngest among us.
Monu’s father, Sanjeev Kumar Singh, migrated from Bihar to Delhi in search of better opportunities and now works as a delivery person. Monu’s journey with MAC began when a friend introduced him to its programs and over time, his dedication turned him into a community leader.
In one of his first major initiatives, Monu participated in a garbage collection campaign. His commitment went beyond collecting waste; he also sensitized the community about proper waste disposal, identified garbage hotspots and engaged local authorities to ensure cleanup. His role in spreading awareness through street plays (nukkad natak) showcased his creativity and leadership.
Inspired by the campaign’s success, Monu spearheaded the “Green Khanpur” initiative. He turned discarded plastic bottles into planters and distributed them throughout the community, emphasizing the importance of greenery and resourceful recycling.
This little boy’s commitment extends to public health and education. On World No Tobacco Day, he led a rally to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco. “I’ve seen how these habits harm families in my community. We need to break the cycle,” he stated passionately.
Bal Raksha Bharat’s intervention provided Monu with valuable learning opportunities. From attending a session on global warming to participating in a menstrual hygiene awareness program, he gained knowledge and shared it with his peers. He also attended an animation workshop, where he created an animated story reflecting his community’s challenges. “These sessions teach us skills that we can use to inspire others,” he said with pride.
Monu’s story demonstrates how platforms like MAC empower children to become leaders. His efforts have brought real change to his community, proving that age is no barrier to making a difference.
As Monu looks ahead, he dreams of inspiring more children to join hands for the betterment of society. “I’ve learnt that one voice can make a difference, but together, we can create a movement,” he says with a bright smile, embodying hope for the future of Khanpur.