From tourist to environmental activist: Akie Doi’s mission in Puri”

Akie Doi has gone from being a simple tourist to an environmental activist, dedicating herself to cleaning the waste from the beach of Puri, India

Akie Doi, a 38-year-old music and yoga instructor from Kanazawa, Japan, has forged a deep connection with the Indian city of Puri since her first visit in 2022. Captivated by the city’s spiritual atmosphere and natural beauty, she decided to return frequently. However, during her most recent visit, her role took on a new dimension: Akie became an environmental activist, dedicating herself to cleaning the beaches of Puri.

A mission to clean Puri’s beaches

Equipped with gloves and trash bags, Akie spends her mornings collecting litter along the coast, with a particular focus on plastic waste and food wrappers left behind by visitors. While acknowledging the efforts of local municipal workers, Akie believes that everyone has a part to play in maintaining a clean environment.

To raise awareness among locals and tourists, she carries a sign featuring Lord Jagannath and messages encouraging respect for nature and proper waste management. Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. Many residents, hotel managers, and tourists have praised her efforts, and some have even joined her in the trash collection.

Inspiring others to take action

Even local authorities have recognized the value of her contribution. Srimanta Kumar Dash, president of the India Japan Friendship Centre, provided Akie with the necessary materials for her work and highlighted how her example is inspiring others, including some Japanese tourists, to join the cause.

Despite the language barriers, Akie uses simple English and intuitive gestures to explain to passersby how to dispose of their waste properly. She points to the designated bins and demonstrates the correct way to use them, showing that a little effort from everyone can go a long way in keeping the beach clean.

A national effort to keep Puri clean

Local authorities have also acknowledged the significance of her actions. Siddharth Shankar Swain, the district commissioner of Puri, praised her commitment, noting that her initiative aligns perfectly with Swachh Bharat, India’s national cleanliness and hygiene program.

The district regularly organizes awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of preserving the cleanliness of the sacred city and its beaches, and Akie Doi stands as a concrete example of how an individual can make a difference. Her gesture, born from a deep love for Puri and the environment, demonstrates how individual action can have a positive impact on the community and inspire more responsible tourism.