By Shishir Prashant 
Goonj annual cloth collection Drive concludes at Doon varsity
PrashantNews
In a significant initiative aimed at addressing urban surplus and supporting marginalized communities, the Dr. Ambedkar Chair and the Department of Social Work at Doon University, Dehradun, on Thursday organized the annual Cloth Collection Drive.
This initiative, held in collaboration with Goonj—a renowned non-governmental organization—seeks to bridge the gap between urban abundance and needs of the marginalised. By transforming under-utilized materials such as clothes, books, and school supplies into meaningful resources, the drive provides essential support for rural development and empowers underprivileged families.
Doon University Vice Chancellor Prof Surekha Dangwal, lauded the initiative as a cornerstone of the university’s mission to foster social responsibility. She remarked that education at Doon University extends far beyond the classroom, and this drive reflects a deep commitment towards instilling empathy and accountability in students. “Such efforts ensure that the academic community leads the way in building a more equitable society through tangible, compassionate actions,” Prof Dangwal said.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the campaign, Prof Rajendra P. Mamgain, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, noted that the drive serves as a practical model for students to understand resource redistribution. He stated that by bridging the gap between urban abundance and rural scarcity, the university is actively addressing systemic inequalities.
Prof Mamgain emphasized that the initiative is not just about donation, but about the power of collective community engagement to create a balanced social ecosystem. Prof Harsh Dobhal Dr. Ambedkar Chair Professor, further underscored the impact of the drive on marginalized populations. He observed that in the spirit of Dr. Ambedkar’s vision for social justice, the collaboration with Goonj ensures that vital resources reach the most remote and underserved households. Prof Dobhal described the initiative as a significant step toward ensuring empowerment of marginalised communities, reinforcing the university’s role in advocating for those whose access to basic necessities remains limited.
The drive received an overwhelming response from the university community and local residents alike, highlighting a widespread willingness to support impactful social campaigns. Students, faculty members, and a large number of participants from nearby localities contributed significantly to the success of the initiative, which has now become a landmark annual tradition. By encouraging the reuse and redistribution of surplus items, the campaign not only provides essential resources but also spreads critical awareness about sustainable living and the importance of supporting marginalised and rural communities in practical, meaningful ways.
Through the established networks of Goonj, the collected items will now be channelled to rural areas where they will make a direct difference in the lives of children and families. This successful effort once again united the residents of Dehradun for a common cause, strengthening the connection between urban resources and rural requirements. The annual drive continues to inspire a culture of compassion and responsible giving, proving that collective participation is a powerful tool in addressing social inequalities and fostering regional development.