Green Diwali
October 2009
Vinodini Lulla, of Children’s Movement for Civic Awareness (CMCA), is currently beginning her Silent Diwali campaign where she brings about awareness in children on how to celebrate a pollution-free Diwali.
CMCA promotes an environment friendly way of living, and a very good way to incorporate this is through children.
Working with around 20 schools in Mumbai, Vinodini and her team educate youngsters on the principle of live and let live. Festivals are an occasion of celebration and joy, not another burden on the environment. CMCA is trying to spread awareness about the harmful effects of firecrackers. They produce pollution of three kinds – noise, air and garbage. Arousing a civic sense is a great task and children are learning how to coexist with the more silent part of our society – our elderly, our sick and the animals.
It's only when we understand that festivals are to celebrate the joy of life and not pollute ourselves that things will change. Vinodini is optimistic, and with the result she has got she should be. Last year 60 per cent of children she worked with said they burst less firecrackers or none at all – no mean feat. Campaigns include public awareness with banners and posters being made and displayed by the children. Eco-friendly Ganesh idols were also part of their campaign. Just after the Ganesh immersion, CMCA organised clean-up drives along Mumbai’s beaches and met with great success. “There are high levels of enthusiasm in all our campaigns and drives”, says Vinodini. The inner realisation that occurs when children have a hands-on experience is phenomenal. They understand that it is in their hands to help build a better and greener planet.
Contact: Vinodini Lulla: (022) 23510903,
www.cmcaindia.org
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