I dream in green
July 2011
I have a dream, a dream shared by many others in this world, even though most of us still don’t think it’s such a big deal.
My dream is a green Planet Earth, the way it was before we humans started blundering around, making “helpful” new inventions. I used to enjoy bursting fireworks, going on motor-bike rides with my dad and uncles, playing holi with lots of water and colours, and I used to frequently just throw stuff away on the roads.
But then, one day, it all changed. I no longer felt happy when I saw fireworks; I felt angry and upset. I hated the fact that my cousins would beg their dads (my uncles) to take them to the shops on the bike, when they could easily just walk down. I started refusing to go with them, and urged them to just walk. I stopped playing holi, unless the colours were natural, and no water was used. I started nagging my mom, cousins, and other family members not to throw stuff just anywhere.
What, you ask, caused this great shift in my behavior? It all happened one day when I was reading a book on endangered animals. I don’t recall how old I was then, but I do remember feeling so sad, and upset that these amazing creatures were suffering because of us; that the few minutes of happiness I got from crackers and bike rides was causing them so much distress. I was always fond of animals, and I hated to see them killed for meat. So, you can imagine the toll it took on me, to see so many animals dying. I knew, from then on, that I would never, ever do any thing that would hurt our planet and its voiceless residents again.
After that, my life became pretty simple – no wasting electricity, water, or fuel. Especially fuel. I badger my mom to travel by buses or trains wherever possible, or to carpool with her friends on her way to work. I don’t even want her to get a car, because I know, after a car comes, there is no way I can persuade her to travel by public transport. I don’t mind giving up these little “pleasures” though, because I know I’m helping my planet, and that’s good enough for me. This is the biggest source of ecstasy for me, to see other people sharing the same dream as me, joining hands together… I hope you are one of those people…
- Arushii Nadar, 13,
Shishuvan school, Mumbai
Bully for you, Arushii. I am sure there are thousands out there who feel the same as you do. We adults have a lot to learn from you. Kids, do write in and tell Arushii what you think of her beautiful piece.
Editor
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