Spreading “Unmukt” Joy, Health & Sustainability with MUVI Foundation

In collaboration with Unmukt Foundation’s founder, Sweta Agrawal, MUVI Foundation pioneered a zero-waste initiative for the Unmukt Utsav by gifting durable stainless steel tiffin boxes, eliminating single-use disposables, and serving water in reusable glass bottles. We filled each tiffin with nutrient-rich millet snacks such as vadapao, muffins, millet chocolates, and a cooling sattu drink to fuel both academic and athletic pursuits. 

By forgoing paper plates and plastic bottles, we adhered to best practices in zero-waste event planning, diverting over 90% of waste from landfills. The impact has already been seen: some recipients went on to win national-level judo medals, underscoring how thoughtful nutrition and sustainability can empower young champions. 

Partnering for Unmukt Utsav: Sweta Agrawal, the visionary behind Unmukt Foundation, challenged us to provide something the children could use long after Unmukt Utsav—ushering in the idea of a reusable lunch container. We selected stainless steel tiffin boxes for their longevity, resistance to corrosion, and zero microplastic risk, ensuring every meal stays safe and fresh for years. In line with a zero-waste event model, we completely avoided paper plates (often lined with plastic) and disposable cutlery. Instead, meals were served in the stainless steel tiffins, and reusable glass bottles provided hydration—an approach proven to reduce event waste by over 90%. Comprehensive planning meetings focused on waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, mirroring strategies from leading zero-waste toolkits.

Nutritional Impact: Millet & Sattu: Millets are gluten-free grains loaded with antioxidants, soluble fiber, and high-quality protein, known to help lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels. We included millet vadapao, muffins, and millet-based chocolates to leverage these health benefits. The sattu drink, a staple in many Indian diets, offers low glycemic impact, aids digestion, and boosts metabolism, making it ideal for young athletes during judo practice.

Sustainable Gift for Daily Use: Each child received a stainless steel tiffin box, 100% recyclable and capable of lasting decades, reducing reliance on single-use plastics and contributing to long-term environmental stewardship. The glass bottles, inert and infinitely recyclable, further reinforced our commitment to eco-friendly packaging.

We’re proud to report that several students who received our healthy snacks and sustainable containers went on to claim gold and silver medals at national judo championships, proof that nutritious fuel and a supportive environment can help dreams achieve wings. The joy captured in their photographs serves as a testament to the power of combining health, sustainability, and community care.

“True greatness comes when we nourish not just bodies, but futures.”