By Boon Tiong Tan and Mei-Ling Chang 

Learning and Implementing Environmental Stewardship 

On January 26, 2025, as India celebrated Republic Day, a group of young volunteers gathered at the Niranjana River with a shared goal—to clean and protect its banks. Guided by Malaysian volunteer Boon Tiong Tan, they set out to put their environmental knowledge into action. 

Malaysian volunteer Boon Tiong Tan (second left) assists Indian youth Prince and Vishal (left to right) in cleaning the Niranjana River, demonstrating teamwork and dedication to environmental preservation. | Photo courtesy of Boon Tiong Tan | India | 2025/01/26

The initiative stemmed from a meaningful experience the youth had in Taiwan. In July 2024, six young participants joined the Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP) at Tzu Chi University, where they learned about sustainability. During a beach cleanup at Qixingtan Beach in Hualien, they witnessed firsthand the impact of pollution. Ankit Kumar, one of the participants, recalled his initial sadness at seeing the polluted shore and the sense of fulfillment he felt while cleaning it. 

Determined to bring this lesson home, they planned a cleanup for the Niranjana River, an important site in Buddhist history. 

Local youths and volunteers work together to clear waste from the Niranjana River, demonstrating their commitment to environmental protection. | Photo: Prince Kumar | India | 2025/01/26

Taking Action for the Community 

On the afternoon of Republic Day, 14 volunteers gathered at the river, registering their participation via QR code. Before beginning, they paid tribute to Buddha and Dharma Master Cheng Yen, then listened as Ankit Kumar outlined safety guidelines. Equipped with gloves and masks, they began their work, carefully removing trash from the riverbanks. 

During the cleanup, they discovered an old Buddha statue among the debris. With great care, they cleaned the statue and respectfully placed it in a safe location. Seeing the transformation around them, the youth felt a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. 

Dozens of bags of trash were collected within an hour, visibly restoring the Niranjana River’s cleanliness and ensuring a safer environment for the community. | Photo courtesy of Boon Tiong Tan | India | 2025/01/26

As they worked, curious locals stopped to observe and inquire about their efforts. Youth volunteer Kumar Vishal took the opportunity to share their mission, inviting residents to take part in future cleanups. Many expressed gratitude, acknowledging the importance of protecting the sacred river. 

First-time participants Akash Raj Pandey and Prince Kumar were especially motivated, realizing that environmental conservation requires regular commitment. Inspired by their beach cleanup experience in Taiwan, they understood that small actions, when sustained, create lasting change. 

A Legacy of Love and Commitment 

As the cleanup concluded, the group returned to the Tzu Chi office to wash up and enjoy light refreshments. They reflected on their efforts, feeling a renewed sense of responsibility toward their environment. 

“Master, we did it! We are the first group of young volunteers to clean the sacred river where Buddha once crossed. Doing the right thing is always worth it!” the group shared as they posed for a photo. | Photo: Prince Kumar | India | 2025/01/26

Their efforts left a lasting impression—not only on the riverbanks but also within the community. Through their dedication, they demonstrated that caring for the environment is a shared responsibility and a meaningful way to give back to the world.