Japanese woman cleans Odisha beach, inspiring locals to act
What's the story
In an extraordinary gesture of love for the environment, Akie Doi, a 38-year-old Japanese tourist, has taken it upon herself to clean the Puri beach in Odisha. According to the Times of India, a music and yoga teacher hailing from Kanazawa, Japan, Doi first visited Puri in 2022 and fell in love with its beauty. However, she was saddened to see the garbage left behind by beachgoers. Since then, she has been cleaning up the beach every morning.
Cleaning mission
Doi's daily routine and her message for beachgoers
Doi's daily routine consists of collecting plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other trash left behind by visitors. She also carries a banner with Lord Jagannath's image with messages asking people to keep the beach clean. "I simply love doing it. While the administration has hired cleaners who help keep the beach tidy, I am doing my part to maintain our environment. I urge beachgoers to use the provided dustbins," she told Business Today.
Growing support
Doi's efforts have gained recognition and support
Notably, Doi's efforts haven't gone unnoticed. The India-Japan Friendship Centre has given her gloves and garbage bags for her cleaning mission. Other Japanese tourists visiting Puri too joined her in this noble cause, further amplifying her message of environmental responsibility. Her initiative is a reminder that taking care of our surroundings is a shared responsibility that transcends borders.