PURVI RADIA
In order to create awareness on environmental and social issues, noted environmentalist from Mumbai, Mr V R Iyer was down in Goa to conduct a workshop titled the ‘inspire project’. With an aim of spreading the message of reusing,
reducing and recycling waste, Mr Iyer conducted a two-day workshop in collaboration with the Mitsuko Trust at the Art Escape. A total of 40 kids from three NGOs participated in the workshop.
Mr Iyer, a mechanical engineer uses his technical ability to teach children to make wealth from waste–this could be anything you find lying around the house, empty plastic bottles, newspapers etc. And you do not need any sophisticated equipment to create a useful object–the only tools a waste wizard requires is a pair of scissors and a cello tape. Demonstrating his skills at the workshop, Mr Iyer utilised 12-15 bottles to make a rocket, which was later displayed at the gallery. Mr Iyer has made a huge sports trophy out of a 20 litre bottle and gifted it to ace cricket player, Sachin Tendulkar.
A man with a creative mind, he has also, structured a wine bottle into a bat similar to the one seen in the film ‘Lagaan’ which stars Amir Khan. This was gifted to the actor in remembrance of his film.
Mr Iyer also gifted a Saffola oil can converted into a shape of Lord Ganesha to Bollywood hero, Amitabh Bachchan as a token of love. It’s no wonder Mr Iyer won an entry into the Limca Book of Records earning the title of waste wizard on page 36 along with his article.
In addition to being an environmentalist, Mr Iyer is also a tennis coach. At various tournaments, he presents sports trophies made from waste and enjoys maximum satisfaction painting it in silver and black to make it look authentic.
With the thought in mind that nothing should be wasted, Mr Iyer displays his creations to create awareness at various exhibitions in Mumbai and also in the basement of his house. Mr Iyer holds a positive outlook towards nature. He travels around with a mission to achieve zero garbage. To achieve this aim, he tirelessly intends to conduct a mass workshop for children and NGOs alike at various places in India.
