Manisha Garden is a shining example of togetherness This society has inspired other complexes to take up rainwater harvesting

Manisha Garden is a shining example of togetherness

This society has inspired other complexes to take up rainwater harvesting

People don’t just live in societies. They bond with other residents from different cultures and backgrounds. Manisha Garden on Navghar road near Mulund Gymkhana in Mulund (E) is a shining example of such togetherness. When asked what makes this society different from others, Raj Ketkar, a resident says, “We share a strong bond and I hope our next generation also continues with it.” Though majority of members are Maharashtrians, they are never sectarian. “We celebrate all festivals from Makar Sankranti to Christmas with enthusiasm,” adds Ketkar. Apart from living in harmony, the residents believe in keeping their surroundings clean and green. They also tend to a garden religiously. All the flowers used for puja and aarti come from this garden. Every member has to water the saplings they have planted. It is claimed that Manisha Garden is the only society in the area to have a rainwater harvesting system. “We have benefited a lot because of this. We do not face problems when there is water scarcity. Our initiative has inspired other societies in the locality to set up a rainwater harvesting system in their housing complexes,” says Pooja Renukdas, another resident. The residents are planning to buy a wheelchair and a stretcher for emergencies, which will be kept near the lift and in the staircase area. “We thought of this idea after there was an accident in the society. The person who met with the accident needed a wheelchair, but we didn’t have one. It will be purchased from the society’s fund. We are even thinking of buying an ambulance for the society,” says Gaurav Vaikul, a resident. The members are also involved in social work. They had conducted a blood donation camp and collected 80 litres of blood; the blood was given to a hospital.