Tejas Doshi: Transforming Bhavnagar Inspired by Swachh Bharat Mission

Dr. Tejas Doshi revitalizes Bhavnagar through environmental initiatives, focusing on reducing plastic use and promoting sustainability. Recognized for his efforts, he was named brand ambassador for Swachh Bharat Mission in Bhavnagar. Doshi's projects engage thousands, aiming for long-term ecological impact.

Dr. Tejas Doshi, inspired by the Swachh Bharat Mission, has remarkably revamped Bhavnagar in Gujarat by advocating for a plastic-free environment. His relentless efforts in leading various environmental projects have earned him the role of Bhavnagar's brand ambassador under the Swachh Bharat Mission, appointed by the Government of India in 2019.

Doshi, a general physician with 23 years of service in Bhavnagar, expressed his motivation, stating, "Our forests have increasingly become littered with plastic bottles, bags, and wrappers over the last decade. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Mission, I felt a deep responsibility to clean this waste and give back to the Earth." The nationwide 'Swachhata Hi Seva' campaign launched on September 17 was also kicked off across Gujarat by CM Bhupendra Patel.

In 2014, Doshi initiated the 'No Honking Project,' engaging 52,000 students across 52 schools for 52 weeks. This project extended to 153 weeks, involving a total of 1,53,000 students. Following this success, similar initiatives expanded to cities like Nadiad, Vadodara, Surat, and others. Subsequent projects like 'Joy of Giving' and 'Don't Cut the Corner' aimed at recycling and reducing plastic waste saw tremendous success, reaching students and communities across multiple states. Doshi's Cotton Bag Project and the innovative Eco Bricks campaign have further contributed to significant plastic waste reduction and the creation of India's first Eco-Brick park. Today, his collective efforts have mobilized nearly 25 lakh people towards sustainable living aligned with PM Modi's Mission LiFE.

(With inputs from agencies.)