The recently declared SSC (Class 10) results have brought pride and inspiration from an unexpected corner — the community of waste pickers. Despite grappling with poverty, instability, and social stigma, several children of waste pickers, and even some women in the profession themselves, have achieved remarkable academic success, proving that determination, resilience, and support can overcome even the toughest circumstances.
Their success stories are not just individual triumphs, but also a celebration of the tireless efforts of their families, particularly the waste pickers of Pune who continue to contribute silently to the city’s cleanliness.
Bismilla Daval Mulla, daughter of Daval Mulla, scored an impressive 82% in the SSC exams. Her father, a waste collector in the Sinhagad Road area and a member of the SWaCH cooperative, is filled with pride. Bismilla, who aspires to become a teacher, plans to pursue Arts at Fergusson College. She dreams of giving back by teaching underprivileged children free of cost — a gesture inspired by the help she received from many, including the trade union KKPKP. She credits her performance to a disciplined schedule of four hours of daily self-study.
Sneha Shivaji Mhaske, granddaughter of 70-year-old veteran waste picker Kanta Vishwanath Mhaske, has scored 81%, excelling in Marathi (90/100) and English (87/100). Sneha lost her parents eight years ago and now lives in her native village. Though Kanta bai hasn’t been able to reach her yet, she expresses confidence in her granddaughter’s dedication and abilities.
Manushka Vinod Bansode, daughter of Priya Bansode, a waste picker and union member, secured 80.4% in her exams. With a strong academic foundation, Manushka hopes to enter the medical field and is ready to take the next steps toward her dream.
Chetan Vishwanath Naikvade, raised by his grandmother Shaku Naikvade after losing both parents, scored commendably in the exams. Shaku bai, a waste picker for over 25 years, earns a modest daily income of ₹300–400 from collecting recyclables. Chetan, deeply aware of her sacrifices, is determined to become a police officer — both to honor her and to build a secure future.
Komal Vikas Gaikwad, a 26-year-old waste collector and single mother from Dandekar Pul vasti, passed the SSC exams with 58%. Having lost her husband during the COVID-19 pandemic, Komal enrolled in a night school to continue her education while raising her two children. Her achievement has inspired many in her community.
Priyanka Yuvraj Kamble, a waste picker and SWaCH member, also cleared her SSC exams with a score of 47.6%. Balancing work, parenting, and studies, Priyanka worked in the mornings and attended school in the afternoons at Ramabai Ranade School. Despite often arriving late, her teachers supported her journey. Without access to tuition classes, she studied whenever she could. Her husband, currently out of town, called to congratulate her and encouraged her to celebrate the milestone with her co-workers. Priyanka now aims to become an anganwadi sevika and is optimistic about juggling work and further studies. “It’s because of my waste collection work that I could return to school,” she says proudly.
These stories highlight the transformative power of education and the human spirit. Whether it’s children aiming for prestigious careers or adult women rewriting their destinies, the waste-picking community of Pune is proving that dreams do not discriminate — and success can emerge from even the most overlooked corners of society.
