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Our Journey 

Every journey has a beginning. Come along as we share how Vedan took shape — inspired by  challenges and fueled by a desire for impactful change.

On a warm summer day in 2015, four friends, fresh out of college, arrived at Amruthanahalli as volunteers  for a school’s summer camp. Driven by a shared passion to create meaningful change — in the areas of  Health, Education, & Environment as all three are interlinked — they were eager to contribute.

However, on their way to the school, they were struck by an unexpected and deeply troubling sight: thick  smoke from burning waste filled the air, making it hard to breathe. This moment marked Vedan’s first real  encounter with the pressing issue of waste management — and sparked the idea that would eventually  become Vedan.

Over time, these friends explored various volunteering opportunities. Yet, they soon realized that without a  formal structure, their efforts were often overlooked. This realization gave birth to Vedan in 2016.

The name Vedan — which means “Experience” in Pali — was chosen intentionally. We believe that both  positive and negative experiences are essential in shaping meaningful social change, and every step in this  journey holds value.

Since then, Vedan has made significant strides — especially in the field of Waste Management. Our key  initiatives include:

  • Market Waste Management at Madiwala Market
  • Zero Waste Campus Programs at Cambridge Institute of Technology and TMC Moodubidire
  • HASI School Painting Program (Walls to Worksheet)
  • Acupressure Awareness Program

From 2016 to 2024, Vedan operated solely as a volunteer-driven organization. Today, we have transitioned  into a professional, employee-based NGO, expanding our reach and deepening our impact.

Currently, our primary focus is on Solid Waste Management, and we remain committed to creating cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable communities — one experience at a time.

Key Milestones

2016

Formal Beginning

Vedan Trust was formally established to scale grassroots work begun in Amruthalli. What started as a fully volunteer-driven initiative became an officially recognized NGO, enabling deeper partnerships, structured interventions, and larger impact across communities.

2017

Hasi School Painting Program

Launched the Hasi School Painting Program in Kadugondanahalli, reaching 10 government schools. Using the Bala (Building as Learning Aid) concept, classrooms transformed from walls to worksheets—empowering teachers with visual teaching tools and children with interactive, reusable learning resources.

2017 To 2019

Zero Waste Campus Model

Waste management experiments at K R Puram Market led to conceptualizing the G-STAR Model. This was fully implemented at Madiwala Market in 2019, creating a sustainable, vendor-led system that continues to operate successfully to this day.

2019

Zero Waste Campus Model

After extensive experimentation, the Zero Waste Campus model was concretized at Cambridge Institute of Technology. Launched in October 2019, it has since inspired adoption across multiple campuses and is now being implemented by TMC Moodbidire.

2021

ULB-Scale Playbook at TMC Murubidire

At TMC Moodbidire, Vedan piloted lane composters, redesigned collection vehicles, structured awareness programs, and campus models. This real-world experimentation culminated in Vedan’s comprehensive ULB-level Zero Waste Playbook used today.

2022

Zero Waste Events at Scale

Vedan began transforming large public events—Kambala, Ganeshotsava, and more—into Zero Waste Events. These interventions drastically reduced single-use plastics, eliminating thousands of disposable items per event and setting new benchmarks for sustainable celebrations.

Meet Our Team

Suhasini BS

CEO

Suhasini is the CEO of Vedan Trust—an engineer by education and a social change practitioner by conviction. Her work is rooted in a simple yet rigorous belief: sustainable environmental solutions emerge only when problems are understood at their root and addressed through well-designed, end-to-end systems. She is known for working in complex, multi-stakeholder environments and converting fragmented efforts into structured, scalable models.

Over the years, Suhasini has trained hundreds through hands-on implementation and awareness programs in waste management and education. She has designed and led proven initiatives such as the G Star (Garbage is the Star) model for market waste diversion, Zero Waste Campus frameworks adopted by institutions and municipalities, and decentralized dry-leaf composting systems for urban streets. Her work also includes designing waste collection vehicles, lane-level composters, and comprehensive IEC playbooks that function as replication manuals for governments, CSR partners, and communities.

Recipient of the Young Achievers Award 2020 and Swachha Champion Award 2022–23 by BBMP, Suhasini brings the rare ability to translate complexity into action—making her a trusted architect for high-challenge, high-impact sustainability projects.

Venkatraman Subramaniyan

Mechanical Engineer

Venkatraman Subramaniyan is a Mechanical Engineer, with over 15 years of industry experience and a deep commitment to social impact. Associated with Vedan since its early years, starting with the Amruthalli project in 2015, he has been a steady force in shaping and supporting multiple initiatives. He anchors technical documentation, presentations, and on-ground coordination, while firmly believing that education and awareness drive lasting change. A strong advocate of action on the ground, Venkatraman actively leads volunteer engagement and school-based activities, including painting and awareness programs. His blend of technical expertise, compassion, and hands-on involvement makes him a trusted pillar in Vedan’s waste management and community outreach efforts.

Mithun S

Software Engineer

Mithun is a Software Engineer working in field from past 16 years, driven by a lifelong concern for waste management and environmental protection. Growing up near a garbage dumping site exposed him early to the harsh realities of poor waste handling—overflowing trash, leachate, and animals consuming plastic—shaping his resolve to seek lasting solutions. Further encounters with plastic pollution, including at Hogenakal Falls, strengthened this commitment. Associated with Vedan since its early days, Mithun has been a key technical and programmatic contributor, notably supporting the Moodubediri project. He manages multiple programs, plans project execution, and provides critical technical support, enabling teams to implement effective, on-ground waste management solutions that positively influence communities.

Rakesh Nagaraju

Finance Professional

Rakesh is a seasoned finance professional with over 15 years of experience and an entrepreneur who has built his own company from the ground up. Rooted in a humble background, he brings a deep understanding of struggle, resilience, and sustainable growth. Since joining Vedan Trust in 2020, Rakesh has played a pivotal role in strengthening both its field operations and institutional foundations. Beyond volunteering in waste management project execution, he serves as a key finance and governance consultant—streamlining financial processes, improving organizational structure, and enabling scale with accountability. His dual contribution—on ground and at the strategic level—has been instrumental in Vedan’s steady growth and credibility in recent years.

Vaishnavi

HR

Vaishnavi has been an integral part of Vedan Trust since its early years, volunteering consistently since 2013–14. With a strong volunteering ethos rooted in her college days, she has supported Vedan across multiple phases of its growth—contributing to school painting programs, weekend field activities, and critical on-ground efforts whenever needed. Professionally, she brings over 10 years of experience in the finance sector, adding maturity and perspective to her contributions. Vaishnavi firmly believes volunteering is a powerful catalyst for behavioural change, both within communities and among volunteers themselves. Though not always visible on the field, her timely involvement, reliability, and long-standing commitment have played a key role in shaping Vedan’s journey and values.

Indushree V

Civil Engineer

Indu is a Civil Engineer passionate about sustainability. Joining Vedan Trust soon after college, she became an integral part of VOD mapping and program design. Her commitment, technical insight, and long-term vision—including pursuing an MTech in this field—have significantly shaped and strengthened Vedan’s initiatives and growth.

Nandini AU

Educator

Nandini is an educator with over 13 years of experience in private schools. She joined Vedan Trust in 2024 and has since become a key contributor, especially in Kannada documentation, program design, and awareness initiatives. Deeply passionate about environmental protection, she conducts training and outreach programs for diverse stakeholders, including sanitation marshals, children, teachers, and institutions. Her ability to translate complex ideas into accessible, local-language content strengthens Vedan’s long-term vision and grassroots impact.

Palguni Chimangala

Tax Consultant

Palguni Chimangala, a former tax consultant, joined Vedan Trust seeking more meaningful engagement. Inspired by the team’s passion, dedication, and innovative solutions, she chose to support the organization through backend operations, enabling the field team to focus on implementing impactful waste management initiatives.

Bharthi

Founder & Board Chair | Strategy and Program Governance

Vedan was founded on conviction, lived responsibility, and long-term commitment—and these values reflect the journey of its founder, Bharti. A homemaker by circumstance and a social leader by intent, she carried a strong desire to work for society from an early age. Family responsibilities delayed her entry into the social sector, but never weakened her resolve.

In 2016, she formally established Vedan Trust, guided by a simple but powerful belief: every meaningful social action creates experience, and experience shapes people, institutions, and communities. “Vedan” itself means experience—learning from people, working on real issues, and taking initiatives to their logical conclusion.

A Bachelor of Arts graduate, Bharti plays a central role in program conceptualisation, planning, and governance. She closely monitors implementation to ensure integrity, accountability, and alignment with community needs. Her leadership anchors Vedan in consistency, credibility, and purpose—making it an organisation driven not by visibility, but by impact.

BV Satyanarayan

Board Member | Sustainability, Technology & Health Systems

BV Satyanarayan brings to Vedan a rare combination of technical excellence, lived hardship, and visionary thinking. Coming from an extremely challenging socio-economic background, he understands development not as theory, but as necessity.

An Electrical Engineer by training, he spent over 35 years with Kirloskar Electric Company, rising from engineer to General Manager (Design). Sustainability has been central to his work—earning him the recognition of “Wind Satya” for his contributions to windmill design. He also designed the motor for the Reva Electric Car Company, contributing to India’s early electric mobility journey.

Post-retirement, his focus shifted to preventive health. Applying the same analytical rigour, he trained as an acupressure therapist and now actively promotes self-healing practices. As Secretary of Vedan Trust, he ensures financial discipline, statutory compliance, and governance—making him a cornerstone of Vedan’s institutional credibility.

M. S. Narayan Rao

Board Member | Business Wisdom & Ethical Leadership

M. S. Narayan Rao represents a lifetime of enterprise built on integrity, discipline, and people-first values. Beginning work at a very young age in the hospitality sector, he learned the fundamentals of service and management through experience—not classrooms.

From the ground up, he built a respected hospitality presence in Hassan, including Moti Hotel, Hasa Hotel, and Vaishnavi Lodge. Hasa Hotel, in particular, became widely known for quality food and dependable service, reflecting his belief that trust is earned daily.

Over the years, he has served on multiple boards and trusts, consistently advocating honesty and integrity as the foundation of sustainable growth. At 91, his clarity of thought, energy, and long-term perspective remain remarkable. His presence on Vedan’s board grounds the organisation in practical wisdom, ethical decision-making, and enduring values.

Sree Rama Rao

Board Member | Public Service & Social Accountability

Sree Rama Rao brings to Vedan the quiet strength of lifelong public service and personal integrity. Coming from a humble background, he always carried a strong desire to contribute to society, even when the path was unclear.

He served in government service with the Lokayukta as a writer, a role closely linked to transparency, discipline, and accountability. Years of working within public systems gave him a deep understanding of governance, compliance, and ethical responsibility.

His association with Vedan Trust gave direction to his social commitment. Following his retirement, he became actively involved in Vedan’s work, supporting its mission with consistency and sincerity. He represents the bridge between public institutions and grassroots action—reminding that meaningful social impact comes not from authority, but from intent and sustained engagement.

Award and Recognitions

BluGreen Awards (OCP)

Year – 2025
Category – Zero Waste Campus
Awarded by – BBMP (now GBA) & Bangalore Climate Action Cell
Presented by – Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar
Received by – Office of Commissioner of Police

BluGreen Awards (CIT)

Year – 2025
Category – Zero Waste Campus
Awarded by – BBMP (now GBA) & Bangalore Climate Action Cell
Presented by – Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar
Received by – Cambridge Institute of Technology

Mavericks Bhartiya Nagarika

Year – 2024-2025
Category – The engineer transforming communities through Passionate Waste Management and Environment Sustainability
Awarded by – Rotary
Presented by – Jayapal Reddy and Pradeep Mendonca
Received by – Suhasini BS

15th International Women’s Day

Year – 2024
Category – Contribution to Waste Management
Awarded by – Garden City University
Received by – Suhasini BS

CII-SR industrial water/ waste management competition

Year – 2023
Category – Best Solid Waste Management
Awarded by – Conference of Indian Industries
Presented by –
Mr Venu Shanbhag, Co-Chairman, CII-SR Task Force on Holistic Sustainability & ESG &
Managing Director, Saint-Gobain Sekurit India Ltd Mr N Mahesan, Chief Engineer SWM, Greater Chennai Corporation, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Received by – Suhasini BS

CMAK Best Practices Award

Year – 2023
Category – Special Mention for their initiatives in Effective Implementation of Zero Waste Office in the CMP / TMC / TP category.
Awarded by – CMAK – City Managers Association of Karnataka
Presented by – CMAK President, Chief Commissioner of BBMP and General Secretary CMAK, Director DMA
Received by – TMC Moodubidire

Swachha Champion

Year – 2022
Category – Solid Waste Management
Awarded by – BBMP
Received by – Suhasini BS

Youth Achievers 2020

Year – 2020
Category – Outstanding Achievement in their field – Solid Waste Management
Awarded by – Prajavani & Deccan Herald
Presented by – Veteran Actor Devaraj
Received by – Suhasini BS

View All Awards

Frequently Ask Question

How are we different from other waste NGOs

We don’t manage waste. We design systems that stop waste from existing.

Yes. Vedan Trust is a not-for-profit organization working in the solid waste management and sustainability space. Our work focuses on creating long-term environmental impact through awareness, system design, implementation support, and capacity building rather than profit-making.

Yes. Vedan Trust is a registered Trust and is fully compliant with statutory and regulatory requirements. The Trust holds 12A and 80G registrations, is registered under CSR-1, listed on the DARPAN portal, and has valid PAN and TAN numbers.

Vedan Trust primarily works in Solid Waste Management and Zero Waste Systems, with a strong focus on source segregation, decentralized waste processing, community participation, and sustainable system design.

Vedan Trust undertakes a wide range of activities, including:

  • Zero Waste awareness programs
  • End-to-end Zero Waste implementation for events, campuses, markets, and communities
  • Training and capacity building for citizens, students, sanitation workers, and officials
  • Designing waste management systems for apartments, institutions, and public spaces
  • Market waste management models (such as the GSTAR Model)
  • Policy-aligned implementation support for urban local bodies
  • Data-driven assessments and audits of waste systems

Yes. Vedan Trust supports residential societies, educational institutions, offices, markets, and public spaces in designing and implementing Zero Waste systems.

Our role includes:

  • System design based on ground realities
  • Training stakeholders
  • Setting up segregation, collection, storage, and processing systems
  • Monitoring and handholding for sustained compliance

Vedan Trust does not operate as a conventional waste collection contractor.

Instead, we:

  • Strengthen existing municipal systems
  • Help institutions and communities manage waste at source
  • Enable linkages with authorized collectors, recyclers, and composting solutions

Our focus is on fixing the system, not just moving waste.

No. Vedan Trust does not manufacture or sell recycled/upcycled products.

We focus on:

  • Ensuring waste reaches the right channel
  • Supporting material recovery through proper segregation
  • Strengthening the ecosystem of recyclers and composters

Zero Waste Management is a system where:

  • Waste is dropped correctly at source
  • Wet waste is composted or bio-processed
  • Dry waste is recovered and recycled
  • Reject waste is minimized

The goal is to send as little waste as possible to landfills, ideally approaching zero.

A Zero Waste Program is important because:

  • Mixed waste cannot be processed efficiently
  • Landfills cause severe environmental and health damage
  • Cities are spending huge amounts without solving the root problem
  • Proper design and segregation can drastically reduce landfill dependency

Zero Waste shifts the focus from dumping waste to managing resources responsibly.

Zero Waste systems help:

  • Reduce landfill burden
  • Cut methane emissions from mixed waste
  • Prevent soil and groundwater contamination
  • Save trees and natural resources through recycling
  • Reduce carbon footprint of cities

Vedan Trust’s programs are aligned with:

  • Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016
  • Source segregation mandates
  • Decentralized waste processing guidelines

We help stakeholders translate policy into on-ground action, bridging the gap between regulations and execution.

Many waste systems fail because they are:

  • Designed in isolation
  • Not customized to local realities
  • Implemented without stakeholder participation

Vedan Trust focuses on ground-up system design, ensuring the solution fits the actual waste generators, infrastructure, and behavior patterns.

Yes. Vedan Trust actively works with:

  • Schools
  • Colleges
  • Residential campuses

We help institutions become Zero Waste Campuses and encourage students to practice Zero Waste both on campus and at home.

Yes. Vedan Trust has designed and implemented market waste management models that improve segregation, recovery, and operational efficiency while reducing landfill waste.

Vedan Trust strongly believes that waste management needs data, just like any other system.

We assess:

  • Number of waste generators
  • Types and quantities of waste
  • Collection and processing gaps

Data helps in making informed, cost-effective decisions.

Zero Waste systems help organizations:

  • Demonstrate ESG compliance
  • Show measurable environmental outcomes
  • Reduce operational and waste handling risks
  • Align sustainability actions with real impact

This strengthens credibility with investors, partners, and regulators.

No. Vedan Trust works across urban, peri-urban, and semi-urban contexts, adapting solutions based on local needs and infrastructure.

Vedan Trust stands out because:

  • We focus on system design, not shortcuts
  • We prioritize behavior change and ownership
  • We align design with ground realities
  • We emphasise long-term sustainability over temporary fixes

Organizations, communities, and institutions can collaborate with Vedan Trust for:

  • Zero Waste planning and implementation
  • Trainings and awareness programs
  • Audits and system redesign
  • Pilot projects and scale-up support

Scan. Support. Sustain.

At Vedan, we don’t just manage problems — we redesign systems, empower communities, and create models that continue long after we leave. Your support helps scale solutions that are practical, measurable, and replicable.

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