Mrs. Deepika Pandya and her husband, Mr. Deepak Pandya, are not just dedicated teachers at a government school in Dungarpur district, Rajasthan—they are passionate environmentalists and role models in their community. Their story is not merely about teaching inside classrooms, but also about inspiring change outside of them, through tireless efforts in environmental conservation and community engagement.
The Pandya couple firmly believes that education should not be confined to textbooks or school walls. True learning, in their view, extends to one’s surroundings, behaviour, and contributions to society. Over the years, they have been honoured with several state and national awards for their innovative educational practices. However, what truly sets their journey apart is the beautiful synergy they have created between education and environmental responsibility.
“Be it school, home, or neighbourhood—wherever there is space, let there be plants. Nurture them like your own children. It is heartbreaking to see flourishing trees being cut down mercilessly.”
About Thirteen years ago, the Pandyas were transferred to a government school located on a barren hillside in Bhilawata village, Dungarpur. The site lacked both infrastructure and greenery. Many believed that nothing could grow on the dry, rocky terrain—but the couple thought differently. With firm determination and deep faith in nature’s potential, they began transforming the landscape—starting with planting saplings.
They didn’t wait for government funds or special orders. Instead, they collected plants from local nurseries, reused grey water for irrigation, and encouraged students to take personal responsibility for the care of each plant. Slowly, what was once a barren space turned into a thriving green schoolyard. Today, those young saplings are growing into trees that offer shade, colour, and life. This transformation has not only improved the local environment but has also instilled a sense of pride and ownership in the students and the community.
Their environmental dedication doesn’t stop at school. At their home, the path from the gate to the door is lined with flower pots filled with rich compost—made using the Matka Home Composting method from household organic waste. For the past five years, Deepika ji has meticulously segregated kitchen waste and turned it into natural fertilizer. This compost is then used to nourish plants around their home.
Deepika ji has also created a green patch on their rooftop and alongside their house using repurposed materials such as old buckets and bottles. She even prepares natural pesticides and fertilizers, ensuring that her gardening practices are sustainable and chemical-free.
What truly amplifies the impact of their efforts is the way they involve their neighbours and local community. Deepika ji often holds informal gatherings with local women, teaching them how to compost at home, the benefits of tree plantation, and how to live a greener lifestyle. Meanwhile, Deepak ji engages with residents and inspires them to rethink how their neighbourhood can look.
He says, “When we visit posh areas in Delhi or Mumbai, we’re amazed by the beauty and cleanliness. We assume it’s because the people there are rich or influential. But if we start keeping our own surroundings clean, plant trees and flowers along our lanes, we too can create the same beauty in our mohalla and city.”
This vision and commitment brought the Pandyas in contact with FINISH Society. Recognizing their genuine efforts, FINISH Society proudly supports change agents like Deepika and Deepak Pandya. We understand that passionate individuals often struggle to find time or resources, and that’s where FINISH Society steps in—to help them turn their dreams for their neighbourhood, school, or city into reality.
The Pandya couple isn’t just planting trees—they are planting hope, responsibility, and sustainable change. Their journey aligns beautifully with the goals of sustainable development and serves as a gentle reminder that the power to transform our earth lies within each of us.
