As the first wave of the Coronavirus outbreak hit, and the world stood still, the magnitude of destruction caused by the Cyclone Amphan was unprecedented, Empathetic to the adversity and determined to actively bring positive change and work on the rehabilitation of the Sunderbans – Ayush Sarda, a 22-year-old, began collecting funds to build and repair 1200 homes in the Sunderban with his Nonprofit, Ek Packet Umeed. In our conversation with Ayush, we talked to him about his journey at starting a successful student-run social enterprise, his insights on the communities he worked with, and the story of his growth. 

Ayush’s interest in volunteering and non-profit work began in high school when he and his classmates from school gathered relief supplies to deliver to Nepal earthquake victims in 2015.

Ayush chose to leverage the area’s traditional economic stream (Bali village) by launching an organic honey brand through which residents could sell hibiscus honey. Because of its high pollen concentration, the flower grows abundantly in the area and is a favourite of the bees.