Vani Murthy's Bold Leap: From Homemaker to Eco-Warrior Changing the World

Vani Murthy, a Bengaluru-based homemaker, had dedicated most of her life to nurturing her family. In her mid-40s, however, she felt a strong urge to explore life beyond her domestic responsibilities. Despite having no prior experience with technology, she decided to learn how to use a laptop in 2007. At the time, she didn’t even have an email ID. Her determination to step out of her comfort zone marked the beginning of an inspiring journey of transformation.

This newfound confidence led Vani to join the local Resident Welfare Association (RWA). Through her involvement, she began addressing civic issues and engaging with like-minded individuals in her community. What started as a small step soon grew into an extraordinary mission to create meaningful change.

Discovering a Purpose in Waste Management
One pivotal day, a visit to the landfill in Mavallipura changed everything for Vani. Seeing the devastating effects of pollution on the local community was a wake-up call. Contaminated groundwater, polluted soil used for growing food, and the visible harm caused by unchecked waste deeply moved her. “I realized that the waste we dump into landfills doesn’t just disappear. It comes back to us in ways we can’t ignore,” she shares.

This realization sparked her journey into sustainable living. Vani decided to lead by example, practicing eco-friendly habits at home and co-founding the Solid Waste Management Roundtable (SWMRT). This collective focuses on decentralizing waste management, promoting segregation at the source, and educating people about turning waste into resources. Vani believes in creating a circular economy where nearly 90% of household waste can be reused or recycled.

Her initiatives include teaching people about composting, growing food at home, and sustainable hygiene practices. “Composting wet waste alone can reduce 60% of household waste,” she explains. Vani’s commitment extends to advocating for policy changes, including a landmark Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that mandated waste segregation in Karnataka.

Inspiring Change Through Social Media
Vani’s digital journey took another leap in 2013 when she joined Instagram. With a follower count of 305,000 today, her posts are an inspiring mix of practical advice on composting, home gardening, sustainable travel, and eco-friendly living. She enjoys making reels, often pairing them with her favorite music. Despite her popularity, she keeps her collaborations meaningful, focusing on causes close to her heart. Proceeds from these collaborations go directly to SWMRT.

Social media also amplifies her impact in unexpected ways. For instance, she helped waste-pickers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by raising awareness about their plight through Instagram. Her efforts encouraged people to send hair waste to Hasiru Dala, a social enterprise supporting waste-pickers. “It’s all about spreading positive vibes and building a community that cares about the planet,” Vani says. At 62, her passion for sustainability remains as vibrant as when she first started.

Join Sukoon Unlimited: A Community for Seniors
Vani Murthy’s journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to make a difference. If her story inspires you, consider joining Sukoon Unlimited—a unique community for seniors across India. Sukoon is a space for friendship, care, and support, where members share stories, explore hobbies, and help one another. It’s a place where every senior belongs, with meaningful connections and joyful experiences.

With Sukoon Unlimited, you’ll find companionship, purpose, and a brighter, healthier life. Don’t waitjoin today and start your journey to a happier you!