Tejas Pugalia: The Teenager Behind Threads4Good, a Movement Stitching Together Sustainability and Social Justice

At an age when most teenagers are navigating academics and hobbies, Tejas Pugalia, just 17 years old, is already transforming lives through his passion project—Threads4Good. What started as a small idea to reduce textile waste has blossomed into a powerful initiative that empowers the underprivileged, supports children in need, and promotes sustainable practices.

Threads4Good isn’t just about stitching bags—it’s about stitching hope into the fabric of society.

From Idea to Impact

Tejas first became aware of the vast amount of fabric discarded by factories and tailors. At the same time, he saw children from marginalised communities going to school carrying books in plastic bags—or worse, in their hands. The connection was immediate and clear: use fabric waste to create school bags, and donate them to students who need them most.

But Tejas didn’t stop there.

A 3-in-1 Solution

Threads4Good operates on a brilliant threefold model:

  1. Reduces textile waste by collecting surplus or discarded fabric from garment units and boutiques.

  2. Creates durable school bags for underprivileged children, promoting education and dignity.

  3. Provides employment to underprivileged women and individuals with disabilities who stitch the bags—offering them not just income, but purpose.

This model not only supports children’s education but also aligns with the principles of circular economy and inclusive development.

Youth Leadership with Vision

Despite his age, Tejas has taken on responsibilities that many adults would shy away from. From sourcing fabric and coordinating with NGOs to designing the workflow and tracking impact metrics, he’s involved at every level. His energy, empathy, and vision have drawn volunteers, donors, and collaborators from across the country.

To date, Threads4Good has:

  • Distributed over 5,000 school bags across government schools and NGOs

  • Diverted hundreds of kilograms of textile waste from landfills

  • Generated consistent income for dozens of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds

A Ripple of Kindness

What sets Tejas apart is his belief in collective good. He encourages young people to become sustainability ambassadors and has begun mentoring others to replicate similar models in their own cities. Through workshops and talks, he spreads awareness on eco-conscious living and inclusive growth.

As Threads4Good grows, so does its ripple effect—inspiring others to rethink waste, recognize potential in every scrap, and invest in the future of those often left behind.

Stitching a Better Tomorrow

In a world obsessed with fast fashion and disposable convenience, Tejas Pugalia is proving that youth, empathy, and action can create lasting change. Threads4Good is not just a social initiative—it’s a movement of hope, stitched together by a teenager with a heart far larger than his years.