2nd February 2026: Marking National Cleanliness Day with action on the ground, The WE Foundation (TWF) has joined hands with Grant Thornton Bharat to launch a large-scale Pan-India Cleanliness Drive.
The initiative brings together nearly 400 corporate volunteers across 13 major cities, transforming corporate social responsibility into direct community engagement. The drive reflects a growing trend of businesses moving beyond financial contributions toward hands-on participation in social and environmental causes.
A New Model of Corporate Volunteering
Designed as a high-impact employee engagement program, the initiative mobilizes around 30 Grant Thornton employees at each location to lead cleanup activities in critical urban pockets. Key focus areas include Sector 57 in Gurgaon, Jhilmil Colony in Delhi, Shanthi Colony in Bangalore, and ecologically sensitive zones such as Dadar Beach in Mumbai.
Rather than limiting CSR to funding, the program encourages professionals to actively participate in improving public spaces, setting an example of responsible corporate citizenship.
“Our objective is to create a sense of ownership within the community and among corporate citizens,” said Nabanita Banerjee, Director, The WE Foundation.
“Just as our flagship ‘Smart Schools’ program ensures no child is left behind digitally, this initiative ensures that our environment is not left behind in our pursuit of progress. By partnering with Grant Thornton, we are integrating professional expertise with grassroots environmental action.”
Cleaning and Community Awareness
The one-day drive is built around two key pillars:
- Intensive Cleaning: Physical removal of waste from public spaces, roads, neighborhoods, and environmentally vulnerable areas.
- Community Awareness: Direct interaction with local residents to encourage long-term behavioral change around waste disposal, segregation, and urban sanitation.
The initiative aims not only to clean up cities for a day but to spark sustained civic responsibility among citizens and local communities.
Corporate Leadership for Sustainable Growth
As told to The Logical Indian, Grant Thornton Bharat views the initiative as an extension of its commitment to responsible business practices and nation-building.
“At Grant Thornton, we believe that sustainable growth is only possible when we take active responsibility for the ecosystems we inhabit,” said Satya Jha, Partner- CBO, CSO and CSR Lead, National Management, Grant Thornton.
“This Pan-India drive is a testament to our commitment to ‘Vibrant India.’ By engaging our people directly on the ground this National Cleanliness Day, we are moving beyond compliance to create a tangible, positive impact in the communities where we operate.”
The collaboration highlights how corporate expertise and resources can be effectively aligned with grassroots action to address urban challenges.
The WE Foundation: Driving Multi-Stakeholder Change
The initiative builds on The WE Foundation’s established model of multi-stakeholder partnerships. Over the years, the organization has worked closely with state governments in Odisha, Assam, and Maharashtra, along with major corporates and international agencies, to implement community-focused programs.
Through its various interventions, TWF has reportedly transformed more than 100 communities and schools by improving access to education, technology, and sustainable practices.
The foundation’s broader mission is to bring individuals, organizations, and technology together to build resilient communities and sustainable families, while addressing challenges related to poverty, inequality, and climate change.
About the Partners
The WE Foundation:
A non-profit organization dedicated to social transformation and inclusivity, The WE Foundation focuses on bridging gaps for underserved populations through programs in education, digital inclusion, and community development.
Grant Thornton Bharat:
One of India’s leading professional services firms, Grant Thornton Bharat provides audit, tax, advisory, and consulting services to organizations across sectors. The firm actively supports initiatives that strengthen governance, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The collaboration between The WE Foundation and Grant Thornton Bharat represents a welcome shift in how corporate social responsibility is being interpreted in India. Too often, CSR has been reduced to cheque-writing exercises with limited community interaction. This initiative breaks that mold by placing professionals directly in the field, engaging with real-world challenges.
Urban India faces an escalating waste management crisis, and government efforts alone cannot solve it. Programs like this help bridge the gap by encouraging citizens and corporations to share accountability for cleaner cities. More importantly, the focus on community awareness ensures that the impact does not end with a single-day event.
However, the true success of such drives will depend on consistency and follow-through. One-time cleanups, though symbolic, must evolve into sustained behavioral change and long-term waste management solutions. If replicated regularly and supported by policy-level interventions, initiatives like these can play a significant role in strengthening India’s sanitation ecosystem.
National Cleanliness Day is not just about cleaning streets it is about changing mindsets. This partnership is a meaningful step in that direction, reminding us that cleaner cities require collective responsibility, not just municipal machinery.
