What's Your Story

WASTE IS NOT WASTE: Jabir Karat on Waste, Dignity and India’s Circular Economy | What’s Your Story: The New Earth Grid

In this episode of What’s Your Story: The New Earth Grid, Manini speaks with Jabir Karat,
Founder and CEO of Green Worms Waste Management Pvt. Ltd., about waste, dignity, circular economy and what it takes to build a business that solves a real social and environmental problem.

Jabir’s journey began in a small village in northern Kerala. After college, he wanted to do something meaningful and started exploring different areas before he found himself drawn to India’s waste crisis. What began as a search for purpose eventually led him to work as a waste collector in 2014, going house to house and learning the system from the ground up.

In this conversation, Jabir explains what social entrepreneurship really means: building a business model that can make money while solving a social or environmental problem. He shares how Green Worms works with governments and businesses to manage waste responsibly, scientifically, transparently and with traceability.

The episode goes deep into the parts of waste management most people never see: low-value materials that scrap dealers do not collect, waste that is usually burned or buried, alternative fuel, textile recovery, EPR compliance, plastic credits and the challenge of building revenue streams around materials nobody wants.

Jabir also speaks about the human side of waste. Green Worms employs people from rural areas, many of them women, and works to make waste management a safe, dignified and respected profession. He talks about wages, health insurance, pensions, safety standards and why the people who handle waste are essential to society.

This conversation is not just about garbage. It is about systems change. It is about why waste management needs governance, leadership, infrastructure, human resources, finance, technology and behaviour change working together.

It is also about the kind of future we are building. As Jabir explains, when waste is burned, dumped or ignored, it returns to us through the air we breathe, the water we drink, the soil we grow food in and even the oceans where our food systems begin.

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 Introduction to Jabir Karat and Green Worms
00:25 Why Jabir chose to work with waste
01:45 What social entrepreneurship really means
03:00 How the Gandhi Fellowship shaped his journey
05:55 From idea to building Green Worms
07:35 What Green Worms actually does
09:30 Why India’s waste problem is solvable
11:10 Giving dignity to waste workers
14:55 Building a self-sustaining business, not a charity
18:55 The challenge of textile waste
22:55 What circular economy really means
24:40 Scaling from 300 kg to 400 metric tonnes a day
25:45 Working in Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep
28:20 Leadership, innovation and improvisation
32:15 Why waste management is a governance issue
35:15 Waste as a health, climate and infrastructure issue
42:20 Rapid fire with Jabir Karat
47:20 What success has taught him
47:35 What would make Green Worms a true systems change story
48:25 Advice for social entrepreneurs
52:55 Closing thoughts

About Jabir Karat:

Jabir Karat is the Founder and CEO of Green Worms Waste Management Pvt. Ltd., a circular economy enterprise working at the intersection of waste management, resource recovery, dignified employment and environmental impact.

Connect with Jabir Karat

Green Worms Website:
https://www.greenworms.org/

Green Worms Our Story:
https://greenworms.org/our-story/

Green Worms Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/greenworms_/

Green Worms LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-worms-waste-management/

Jabir Karat LinkedIn:

https://in.linkedin.com/in/jabir-karat

Do you know someone building a new system?

What’s Your Story: The New Earth Grid is looking for powerful stories of entrepreneurs, creators and changemakers who are building new ways of thinking, leading, healing, educating,
working and living.

If you or someone you know is helping bring a new future into form, get in touch with us.

Email:
[email protected]

About the podcast:

What’s Your Story: The New Earth Grid explores the people building new ways of leading, creating, healing, educating, serving and living.

These are conversations with people turning ideas into action and helping bring a new grid online.

Subscribe for more conversations with the makers, thinkers and leaders shaping a more conscious future.

#JabirKarat #GreenWorms #CircularEconomy #WasteManagement #SocialEntrepreneurship #Sustainability #DignityOfLabour #ClimateAction #NewEarthGrid #WhatsYourStory #ManiniPriyan

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When Success Is Not Enough: Dr. Abraham George on Purpose, Service and Shanti Bhavan

In this episode of What’s Your Story? The New Earth Grid, Manini speaks with Dr. Abraham George, social entrepreneur, author and founder of the Shanti Bhavan Children’s Project.

Dr. George’s journey has taken him from serving as an artillery officer in the Indian army to building a successful career in finance and technology in the United States. After nearly twenty-five years in business, he returned to India to confront poverty, discrimination and the lack of opportunity available to children from marginalized communities. 

In 1997, he founded Shanti Bhavan, a residential education programme built around a radical commitment: support every child from early childhood through school, university and the beginning of their professional life. The organization now operates two residential schools and provides education, healthcare, housing, meals, mentorship and long-term guidance to children from some of India’s most underserved communities. 

This conversation explores the difference between achievement and fulfilment, why meaningful change requires long-term commitment, and what happens when compassion is supported by strong and accountable institutions.

Dr. George also reflects on the experiences behind his memoir, Mountains to Cross: Finding Life’s Purpose in Service, which traces his path from the Himalayan battlefield and the corporate world to a life centered on education, justice and service.

In this conversation

We discuss:

• The experience of serving in the army and how it shaped his understanding of courage and responsibility 
• Leaving India and rebuilding his life in the United States 
• Building wealth, professional success and an international business career 
• The moment conventional success stopped feeling sufficient 
• Returning to India with the intention of addressing systemic inequality 
• Why he chose education as a way to break intergenerational poverty 
• The creation of Shanti Bhavan and its long-term residential model 
• Why helping a child requires more than paying school fees 
• The sacrifices involved in building an institution that can survive beyond its founder 
• The effect Shanti Bhavan graduates have on their parents, siblings and wider communities 
• His work in rural healthcare and environmental health 
• The meaning of service, fulfilment and socially responsible leadership 
• Why he wrote Mountains to Cross 
• What he hopes the next generation will understand about success and purpose 

Dr. George’s work also extends to rural healthcare through the Baldev Medical and Community Center, journalism education and environmental-health advocacy that contributed to the removal of lead from gasoline in India. 

His story asks a difficult but essential question:

What are we willing to build once success is no longer only about ourselves?

About Dr. Abraham George

Dr. Abraham George is a social entrepreneur, philanthropist, educator and author. He is the founder and CEO of the Shanti Bhavan Children’s Project and the author of Mountains to Cross: Finding Life’s Purpose in Service.

His work has focused on education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, environmental health and the creation of institutions that give marginalized communities access to lasting opportunity.

Shanti Bhavan was featured in the Netflix documentary series Daughters of Destiny, directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Vanessa Roth. The series follows five students over seven years and documents the effect of long-term education on their lives and families. 

Connect with Dr. Abraham George

Official website
https://www.drabrahamgeorge.com

Mountains to Cross: Finding Life’s Purpose in Service
https://www.drabrahamgeorge.com/mountains-to-cross-book

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abraham-george-519315274

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/dr_abraham_george/

All author proceeds from Mountains to Cross support the Shanti Bhavan Children’s Project. 

Learn more about Shanti Bhavan

Shanti Bhavan Children’s Project
https://www.shantibhavanchildren.org/

Support Shanti Bhavan
https://www.shantibhavanchildren.org/donate

Dr. Abraham George’s Shanti Bhavan profile
https://www.shantibhavanchildren.org/team-member/dr-abraham-george

About the podcast

What’s Your Story? The New Earth Grid explores the people building new ways of leading, creating, educating, healing and serving.

These are not only conversations about ideas. They are conversations with people turning those ideas into institutions, communities and working alternatives.

Subscribe for more conversations with the makers bringing a new grid online.

You can email us @[email protected]

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Join me for an inspiring conversation with John Royerr, a seasoned F&B strategist and visionary entrepreneur redefining the spirits industry.

With over 15 years of experience across the food and beverage sector, John launched Ochre Spirits in 2023—a trailblazing venture introducing flavor-rich, artisanal spirits that challenge traditional norms. Ochre’s innovative approach combines bold flavors with exceptional smoothness, reshaping consumer expectations of distilled beverages.

At the heart of this initiative is the Ochre Craft Spirits Bar in vibrant Goa, a unique tasting room showcasing the brand’s groundbreaking portfolio while creating an immersive, consumer-centric experience.

An MBA graduate from the University of Wales, John began his career in London, refining his expertise in business strategy and global F&B operations. His journey from managing one of the world’s leading restaurant chains to launching Ochre Spirits is a testament to his passion for innovation and excellence.

In this episode, we’ll dive into John’s entrepreneurial journey, his vision for Ochre Spirits, and his insights on disrupting an age-old industry. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with a true industry innovator.

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Join me for an engaging conversation with Rahul Hari, Founder and CEO of Satvacart, India’s only demonstrably profitable online grocery delivery company.

A seasoned management professional, Rahul brings a wealth of experience in Strategy, Business Transformation, Data Analytics, and Systems Design, with a career spanning esteemed organizations like EY, Cleartrip, O3 Capital, and NetApp. Under his leadership, Satvacart has set a benchmark for profitability and operational excellence in the highly competitive e-commerce space.

In this episode, we’ll explore Rahul’s entrepreneurial journey, his approach to building a sustainable business model, and the strategies that have made Satvacart a standout success in India’s online grocery sector. Don’t miss this insightful conversation with one of the most dynamic leaders in the industry.

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Join me for an engaging conversation with Shiv B. Singh, a trailblazer in the Indian banking sector whose leadership and strategic vision have left a lasting impact on the industry.

Currently serving as the Executive Director at Indian Bank, Shiv brings decades of expertise, having held pivotal roles in esteemed financial institutions like Bank of India and Aryavart Bank. His tenure as Chief General Manager at Bank of India and Chairman of Aryavart Bank demonstrated his remarkable ability to drive operational excellence and foster sustainable growth.

In this episode, we’ll delve into his inspiring journey, insights on leadership, and the strategies behind his success in steering organizations toward growth and creating value for stakeholders. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain wisdom from one of the most influential leaders in Indian banking.

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Join me for an inspiring conversation with Mugdha Pradhan, CEO & Founder of iThrive, India’s leading platform for integrated functional health.

A two-time TEDx speaker with a background in Nutrition and Human Resource Management from XLRI Jamshedpur, Mugdha has over 22 years of experience in health, wellness, and leadership. Her mission is to heal the world through iThrive while pursuing her own spiritual growth.

Tune in to hear her insights on health, leadership, and her journey to creating a global impact.

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Join me for an inspiring conversation in the latest podcast episode with Vishal Vivek, a visionary entrepreneur, speaker, and writer.

Recognized as an inspiring Indian by the Times Group and featured in their book I Did It, Vol 2, Vishal’s journey began with a borrowed computer and humble savings from tutoring. In just six years, he built a thriving global company with over 40 employees across all continents. In 2019, he launched UKHI-Hemp Foundation, dedicating himself full-time to creating a sustainable future through hemp-based solutions. 

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 Join me for an inspiring conversation in the latest podcast episode with Richa Jaggi, the dynamic Co-founder of Awshad, a leading wellness brand. 

Richa shares her incredible journey of building Awshad from the ground up, driven by a passion for providing natural solutions to physical and mental well-being through CBD products. She opens up about the challenges she faced as an entrepreneur and the pivotal moments that shaped her vision. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or simply seeking motivation, Richa’s story is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and a deep commitment to holistic health. 

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Join me for an inspiring conversation in the latest podcast episode with Jaideep Kewalramani, the visionary Head of Employability Business and COO at TeamLease Edtech.

Jaideep opens up about his incredible journey, from humble beginnings to overcoming life’s challenges. He shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career and personal growth. Whether you’re in search of motivation or insight into navigating life’s twists and turns, Jaideep’s story is a heartfelt reminder of the power of resilience, passion, and perseverance.

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Join me in the latest podcast episode as I sit down with Darshan Ghodawat the visionary founder of AVA Global Logistics.

In this episode, Darshan shares  his inspiring life journey. From humble beginnings to overcoming challenges, Darshan shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path.  Whether you're looking for motivation or insight into navigating life's ups and downs, Darshan’s story offers a powerful testament to resilience, passion, and perseverance. 

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