Anshu Gupta - The Progress Catalyst
Nationality: Indian
Birth Place: Meerut, Uttar Pradesh
Date of Birth: 1970
Spouse’s Name: Meenakshi Gupta
Education: PG Diploma in Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations from I I M C, New Delhi
Anshu Gupta, an impact maker.
The Progress Catalyst
Anshu Gupta, popularly known as the Clothing Man of India, is the Founder of an Indian-based nonprofit – Goonj. He is one of India’s leading social entrepreneurs who brings to the table an instinctive empathy and connect with people, moving the focus from the conventional – giver’s pride to the unconventional – receiver’s dignity. He has been recognized by the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation for his "creative vision in transforming the culture of giving in India". He is seemingly a true impact maker, a progress catalyst.
Through Goonj, Anshu Gupta is building a parallel trash-based economy by creating barter between rural communities and urban surplus material. Goonj works on bridging urban and rural inequality by channelising the urban surplus to initiate rural upliftment, disaster relief, and rehabilitation. Under Anshu’s leadership, Goonj has taken the ver-growing urban waste and used it as a tool to trigger development work on diverse issues in remote areas of India.
Anshu Gupta definitely is one Progress Catalyst for society and the nation because of his innovative approach to solving problems of inequality and poverty. His work has brought attention to the basic need for clothing and its role in maintaining individual dignity. He has shown that by channelising urban surplus material, rural communities can be empowered to work on their own issues and improve their living conditions. His work has had a significant impact on both urban and rural communities, making him a true catalyst for progress.
Anshu Gupta, the founder of Goonj, spoke about several topics during his interview with Dais World. He mentioned that “Selfies at charity boost ego but fail to motivate people” and that “Corporate Governance is the worst governance.” He also talked about the barter economy making a comeback in India and how dignity is something people are born with but can be taken away. He questioned how long will be naked kid pics would be campaigned to raise donations and stated that “It is payback time. Now we need more doers than thinkers.”
Achievements
Through Goonj, Anshu is building a parallel trash-based economy by creating barter between rural communities and urban surplus material.
Anshu has been recognized for his “creative vision in transforming the culture of giving in India” by the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation. He has received several awards for his work, including the following:-
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