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The Man Who Came to Take Your Old Clothes — And Changed Everything

Every morning, across every Indian city, a man with a cart and a bell walks your street. He has been doing it for decades. You know the sound. You might have handed him a newspaper, an old bottle, a broken fan. You have never handed him your clothes. Not because you didn’t want to. But…

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Every morning, across every Indian city, a man with a cart and a bell walks your street. He has been doing it for decades. You know the sound. You might have handed him a newspaper, an old bottle, a broken fan.

You have never handed him your clothes.

Not because you didn’t want to. But because nobody ever built a system that made it possible.

That gap — invisible, enormous, sitting at the intersection of 7.8 million tonnes of annual textile waste and a workforce of millions already doing last-mile collection — is exactly what Mayank Singh and Ayush Saxena saw when they founded Tooused.

The Problem Nobody Talks About

India’s textile waste crisis is staggering in its scale and surprisingly simple in its cause. Every year, Indian households, corporates, and institutions discard millions of tonnes of usable clothing. Less than 15% is recovered. The rest is incinerated or buried.

The reason is not indifference. Surveys consistently show that people want to responsibly give back their clothes. The reason is infrastructure. There is no reliable, convenient, rewarding system to receive used textiles at scale. The first mile of reverse logistics for clothing simply does not exist in India.

So clothes pile up in wardrobes. Or get thrown away. Or get passed along informally, with no traceability of where they go.

The Insight

When Mayank and Ayush began mapping the problem, they kept arriving at the same answer: the workforce to solve this already exists. The Kabadiwalas and Raddiwalas — India’s informal waste collectors — walk every neighbourhood, every day, building trust with households over years and decades. They are the original last-mile logistics network. They just had never been organised, equipped, or paid fairly.

Tooused calls them SATHI Partners. The word means companion. It is deliberate.

The insight was not to replace them with a startup fleet. It was to bring them inside the system. Give them an app. Give them a pickup schedule. Give them a fair, per-collection payment. And watch what happens when an informal workforce becomes a formalised reverse logistics network.

What happens, it turns out, is a 30 to 40% increase in their monthly income. And a collection network that covers an entire city without Tooused owning a single vehicle.

How It Works

A consumer downloads the Tooused app. She buys a Give Back Bag, fills it with clothes she no longer needs, and schedules a doorstep pickup. A Sathi Partner arrives, collects the bag, and the clothes enter a traceable recovery chain. She earns credits, redeemable in the Tooused marketplace. The clothes get sorted into reuse or recycling, with every garment logged on a live blockchain.

For corporates, Tooused runs organised collection drives tied to CSR commitments and EPR compliance under forthcoming CPCB regulations. For institutions like the Indian Air Force, which has signed an MOU covering all 151 stations across the country, Tooused delivers structured, pan-India textile recovery at scale.

Three channels. One network. One Sathi Partner at the centre of all of it.

The Numbers

Tooused has grown revenue from Rs.26 lakhs to Rs.70 lakhs in a single year, and this year is on track to close at Rs.2 crore in topline. It has 3.5 lakh registered users and a 48% repeat rate — meaning nearly half of everyone who uses Tooused comes back. A credit redemption rate of around 80% tells the rest of the story: people are not just participating; they are finding real value in it.

The Indian Air Force MOU is perhaps the most striking signal. A national defence institution, spanning 151 stations across India, is trusting a young startup to handle its textile recovery at scale. It is the kind of institutional validation that takes most companies a decade to earn.

The Bigger Vision

Tooused is not, at its core, a textile company. It is a reverse logistics company that started with textiles because that is where the gap was most visible and most solvable.

The Sathi Partner who picks up your old kurta today can pick up your old phone tomorrow. And your cardboard the day after. Every category added to the network compounds the income of every Sathi Partner in it. The infrastructure being built now, for clothes, is the foundation for India’s urban reverse logistics economy.

That is the real bet: that the man with the cart and the bell, equipped with an app and a fair payment, becomes the backbone of how India recycles everything.

Why It Matters

There are companies building sustainability products for the top of the market. Premium, design-forward, aspirational. Tooused is building for the street. For the household that wants to do the right thing but has no system to do it through. For the Sathi Partner who has been doing this work for thirty years and deserves to earn more from it. For the brands that will face mandatory EPR compliance and need a partner who can actually prove the textiles were recovered.

It is infrastructure. Unglamorous, essential, and until now, completely absent.

Mayank Singh and Ayush Saxena are building it. One doorstep at a time.


Tooused is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana. www.tooused.com*

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Acharya Hemanshu Ji Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at National Dharma Jyotish Sammelan 2026 in Lucknow

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Lucknow – The grand National Dharma Jyotish Sammelan 2026 in the Uttar Pradesh capital saw Acharya Hemanshu Ji, an international Vedic astrologer, gemstone expert, numerologist, tarot card reader and psychic consultant, honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The recognition was presented for his remarkable contribution to astrology, religion, culture and the spiritual field.

National Dharma Jyotish Sammelan 2026: A Grand Gathering

The National Dharma Jyotish Sammelan 2026, held in Lucknow, has emerged as an important platform for people connected with astrology, religion and spiritual traditions. Events of this kind go beyond award presentations. They bring together scholars, practitioners, researchers and devotees under one roof to share experiences and discuss how India’s traditional knowledge can be carried forward.

Several personalities who have worked in different fields were honoured on the stage. Among them, Acharya Hemanshu Ji received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his long and multi-faceted contribution.

What the Lifetime Achievement Award Means

A Lifetime Achievement Award, known in Hindi as Jeevan Gaurav Samman, is given to recognise a person’s body of work, dedication and service to society over many years. It is not a prize for a single accomplishment or a single year of effort. It is regarded as an honour for sustained practice and commitment over a long period.

In fields such as astrology, religion and culture, credibility is built over years of study, practice and personal connection with people. Receiving a lifetime honour in this space therefore reflects the respect of the community and of fellow scholars towards the recipient.

Acharya Hemanshu Ji: A Multi-Dimensional Profile

Acharya Hemanshu Ji is known as an international Vedic astrologer, gemologist, numerologist, psychic and tarot card reader, a combination that has taken his consultations well beyond Indian borders to clients across the world. Alongside astrology, he works in several related disciplines, which gives him the identity of a multi-dimensional consultant:

  • International Vedic astrologer: the traditional science of offering guidance based on the birth chart, planets, constellations and planetary periods, practised with clients not only in India but also across the global Indian diaspora and international seekers.
  • Gemologist and gemstone expert: in-depth knowledge of gemstones, including their identification, quality and suitability, combined with the skill of recommending and using them according to a person’s planetary positions.
  • Numerologist: the study of birth date and name numbers to understand personality, compatibility and life cycles, often used alongside the birth chart for a fuller picture of a person’s path.
  • Tarot card reader: a card-based method that helps people reflect on present circumstances, relationships and choices, and decide on a direction with greater clarity.
  • Psychic consultant: guidance offered through intuition and personal, one-on-one consultation, giving clients a sense of being heard beyond what the birth chart alone can show.

Being active across these areas shows that his work is not limited to one discipline. It reflects an effort to build a bridge between tradition and the needs of modern life.

Contribution to Astrology, Religion and Culture

The award was presented to Acharya Hemanshu Ji for his remarkable contribution to astrology, religion, culture and the spiritual field. In Indian society, astrology is seen not only as a way of looking at the future but also as a traditional knowledge system that helps people understand life and make decisions. The role of scholars who carry this tradition forward responsibly is therefore significant.

People working in religion and culture help society stay connected to its roots. Spreading awareness about festivals, rituals, auspicious timings and spiritual practices is widely considered a part of that contribution.

Honours such as this also encourage a wider conversation about the responsibility that comes with guiding others. Practitioners who work with people at important turning points in life are expected to combine knowledge with empathy, honesty and restraint, and recognition at a national gathering highlights those expectations for the whole community.

The Place of Vedic Astrology in Indian Culture

Vedic astrology holds a special position among India’s ancient knowledge traditions. The practice of consulting an auspicious time, or muhurat, for weddings, housewarmings, naming ceremonies, business launches and other important occasions is still alive in millions of households. The birth chart is regarded as a way to understand a person’s nature, interests and possibilities.

Even in changing times, people approach astrologers for guidance on career, education, family and other life matters. This keeps alive the need for experienced and responsible astrologers who can present traditional knowledge with clarity, sensitivity and ethics.

Gemstones, Numerology and Tarot: Different Paths to Guidance

Today, many people are looking beyond the birth chart and taking interest in gemstone science, numerology and tarot. Gemstone science follows the tradition of choosing stones according to planetary influences. Numerology uses numbers to understand personality and timing, while tarot reading offers a different way of reflecting on present circumstances.

Having expertise in all these disciplines can also be convenient for those seeking consultation, as they need not approach different practitioners for each method. However, astrology and related practices are forms of guidance based on faith and tradition. For serious matters relating to health, law or finance, people should always seek advice from a qualified professional.

Congratulations Pour In

The honour is also a moment of happiness for the well-wishers of Acharya Hemanshu Ji and for people associated with astrology and spirituality. Such recognition is generally seen as a natural acknowledgement of a person’s dedication and continued spirit of service.

Looking Ahead

The Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Dharma Jyotish Sammelan 2026 is an important milestone in Acharya Hemanshu Ji’s journey. It is likely to motivate him to continue his work with even greater commitment, and it can serve as an example for young people who see their future in religion, astrology and spiritual knowledge.

We congratulate Acharya Hemanshu Ji on this proud achievement and wish him continued success in the years ahead.

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Tamoghna Dey Wins Sahitya Ratna Samman Award 2026: An Assam Poet’s Writing Journey Built One Recognition at a Time

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Dhubri, Assam – Every writer’s career is built from small steps, and for poet and author Tamoghna Dey those steps are now adding up to a remarkable record. The Assam-based indie author has been selected for the Sahitya Ratna Samman Award 2026 in the category of Excellence in Poetry, presented by Cherry Book Awards. The recognition celebrates his two published books, From My Heart… and Nothing But Something, and adds another milestone to a journey that has moved steadily from small literary contests to international magazines and national honours.

Sahitya Ratna Samman Award 2026 for Excellence in Poetry

The Sahitya Ratna Samman Award 2026 honours Tamoghna Dey for his contribution to poetry and contemporary literary expression. According to press coverage of the announcement, the selection reflects the emotional depth, creative individuality and sustained effort visible across his two books. For a writer who began with short pieces and online contests, being named in the Excellence in Poetry category is a significant step forward.

Cherry Book Awards is an awards platform that aims to recognise authors, poets and writers for originality, dedication and meaningful contribution to literature. By choosing Dey for its poetry honour, it acknowledges not just a single title but a growing body of work and a writer who keeps returning to the page.

From Assam to a Growing Literary Record

Tamoghna Dey writes from Assam, where years of quiet observation have shaped a voice that moves easily between poetry and fiction. He began an MSc in Zoology, but the course was discontinued and his attention gradually turned towards writing. Through his official website, tamoghnadey.com, he presents himself as an indie author, poet and storyteller, and the site brings his books, honours and publications together in one place.

What stands out in his story is consistency. Rather than waiting for a single breakthrough, Dey has kept submitting, publishing and participating, allowing each small recognition to build confidence for the next. That steady approach is the thread running through the theme of his coverage: a writing journey built one recognition at a time.

From My Heart…: Poetry Rooted in Personal Expression

From My Heart… holds a special place in Dey’s literary journey. Published by BookLeaf Publishing, the collection reflects his interest in turning inner emotion into written verse. The book has also been linked to the 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award, a poetry recognition that his website lists as won twice.

The collection is introspective in spirit, exploring how private thoughts and feelings can take literary shape. Readers who enjoy contemporary poetry that is honest rather than ornamental will find it a welcoming introduction to his voice, and the book is available on Amazon India.

Nothing But Something: The Journey Continues

Dey’s second book, Nothing But Something, was also published by BookLeaf Publishing and continues his exploration of poetic expression. Together, the two titles give readers a broader view of his evolving approach as a writer. Publishing two books is a meaningful milestone for any emerging author, and for an indie writer it also reflects the discipline needed to see projects through from first draft to finished book.

Short Stories and Poems Published Across Borders

Dey’s writing has travelled well beyond Assam. His short stories have appeared in Friday Flash Fiction Magazine in Scotland and Synchronous Chaos Magazine in California, showing that his fiction speaks to international editors as well as local readers. One of his poems was also published through the Poetry Nation Contest in 2022, an early step that helped set the direction of his later work.

This range across poetry, flash fiction and short stories is important. It shows a writer who is comfortable in several forms while keeping poetry at the centre of his identity.

A Trail of Recognitions

Beyond the Sahitya Ratna Samman, Dey’s website lists around twenty honours and achievements gathered along the way. Some of the highlights include:

  • India Book of Records: a listing recognising his literary achievements.
  • Vishwa Ratna Gaurav Samman 2026: a global excellence honour associated with Jivran Foundation, dated 15 September 2026.
  • Indian Literature Award 2026: presented in the Literature category for Assam State by the Indian Literature & Arts Society, dated 16 September 2026.
  • 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award: a poetry recognition listed on his website as won twice.
  • Five Most Popular Article Awards: given by Monomousumi, a Mumbai-based literary organisation.
  • Star Poet Certificate: from African Giant Poetry.

Taken together, these honours show a pattern of recognition from literary societies, publications and award platforms across India and abroad, which is exactly what gives the Sahitya Ratna Samman its context.

Why This Story Matters for Indie Authors

Independent authors rarely have a large publisher promoting their work, so recognition often arrives in small pieces: a contest result here, a magazine acceptance there, a certificate from a literary society. Dey’s journey shows how those pieces can accumulate into a credible literary profile. For young writers in smaller towns and regions, his story is a practical reminder that geography does not have to limit ambition.

It also highlights the value of platforms such as BookLeaf Publishing and online writing communities, which give new voices a route to print and a way to reach readers through global distribution. With Amazon India availability, his books are accessible to readers who may never have heard of him a year ago.

Where to Read Tamoghna Dey’s Books

Readers interested in his poetry can explore the official website at tamoghnadey.com and buy the books through Amazon India: From My Heart and Nothing But Something.

Looking Ahead

With the Sahitya Ratna Samman Award 2026 added to his record, Tamoghna Dey’s next chapter will be watched closely by readers, fellow writers and literary communities. The recognition places his two books in a wider spotlight and strengthens his standing as a poet to follow in contemporary Indian writing. More than any single award, though, it is the persistence behind them that gives his story its weight. We congratulate Tamoghna Dey on this honour and wish him many more pages ahead.

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PNM Foundation Conducts Social Welfare Initiative at Armaan Orphanage in Indore

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Focus on Child Safety, Education, Awareness and Support for Vulnerable Children

Indore, 19 September 2026:

Continuing its commitment towards community welfare and meaningful social impact, PNM Foundation organised a social welfare initiative at Armaan Orphanage in Indore on 19th September 2026.

PNM Foundation was founded by CA Priya Bindal Mangal and works with a focus on creating positive social change through awareness, education, skill development, community welfare and partnerships with social organisations. Its core philosophy, “Let’s Give Together,” reflects its approach of turning collective participation into meaningful social action.

The Objective: Beyond Distribution, Towards Awareness and Protection

The objective of the initiative was not limited to distributing essential items. The interaction at the orphanage was also aimed at understanding the children, their awareness and their concerns, while creating greater awareness around issues that can affect vulnerable children.

PNM Foundation’s social-welfare focus includes creating awareness around child safety, child abuse, child labour, children who become lost or separated from their families, and children who may be exposed to drugs or substance abuse.

The Foundation also intends to support education and awareness among children, including children from migrant-labour communities, so that they can remain connected with learning and better understand their rights, safety and opportunities.

Clothes, Sweets and Time Spent with the Children

During the visit, CA Priya Bindal Mangal, Niket Mangal and Bhavam Mangal spent time with the children at Armaan Orphanage. Clothes and sweets were distributed among the children, followed by personal interaction with them.

The team engaged with the children to understand their awareness on different topics and to create an open and comfortable environment for conversation.

The visit focused on the belief that social welfare should include not only material support, but also time, attention, education and awareness.

A Continuing Commitment Towards Education

A key aspect of the initiative was the Foundation’s commitment to go beyond a one-day welfare activity.

PNM Foundation has committed to dedicating one hour towards providing educational support to the children. The objective is to make education and learning a continuing part of the Foundation’s engagement rather than restricting the initiative to a single-day visit.

Education and children’s development already form an important part of PNM Foundation’s broader activity portfolio, which includes creative learning, self-defence, educational supplies, tuition support and sponsorship initiatives for children and young learners.

Awareness About Child Abuse, Child Labour and Vulnerable Children

The Foundation intends to use its social initiatives to build greater awareness around the protection of children.

This includes creating awareness about inappropriate or abusive behaviour towards children, the risks associated with child labour, and the challenges faced by children who become lost or separated from their families.

Another important area is the vulnerability of children to drugs and substance abuse. Through education and preventive awareness, PNM Foundation aims to encourage children and communities to recognise risks early and seek appropriate support.

Focus on Children of Migrant Labour Communities

Education will also be an important focus area for children from migrant-labour communities.

Children who move with their families for work can face interruptions in education and limited access to learning opportunities. PNM Foundation’s intended focus is to support awareness and education so that such children can remain connected with learning and receive greater opportunities for development.

Child Safety Awareness and Helpline 1098

During the initiative, PNM Foundation also interacted with officials associated with the Child Welfare Organisation.

The discussion included awareness about the support available to children in situations involving abuse, exploitation, being lost or separated from family, or other forms of vulnerability.

The team was informed that Child Helpline 1098 can be contacted when a child requires help or immediate support.

Sharing such information is an important part of building awareness because children and adults around them need to know where to seek assistance when a child’s safety or wellbeing is at risk.

CA Priya Bindal Mangal’s Social-Welfare Commitment

CA Priya Bindal Mangal has been actively associated with social causes through PNM Foundation, with initiatives covering children and education, women and skills, health and addiction prevention, environmental responsibility and community welfare.

The Foundation’s documented activities include children’s summer camps, creative learning, self-defence and educational support; girls’ empowerment and Tally-skills training; drug-free society and cyber-safety awareness; education assistance; and community outreach.

From a One-Day Visit to Long-Term Social Impact

The visit to Armaan Orphanage reflects PNM Foundation’s broader objective of combining compassion with practical action.

The distribution of clothes and sweets was accompanied by interaction, awareness and a commitment to continued educational support.

Through its ongoing work, PNM Foundation aims to create spaces where children are not only supported with immediate needs but are also encouraged to learn, become aware of their rights and safety, and access opportunities for a better future.

With its message of “Let’s Give Together,” PNM Foundation continues to work towards community welfare through education, awareness, participation and meaningful social action.

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