Green Diwali message loud & clear at schools

Tribune News Service

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Ludhiana, November 5

As the concern for pollution due to bursting of crackers on Diwali looms large, several schools in the city are motivating students to celebrate Green Diwali. The students are not only being told not to burst crackers but also being sensitised through activities that Diwali can be celebrated in a more ceremonious and joyful way without crackers.

The week-long celebrations of Green Diwali concluded at Ryan International School on Monday. During the week, the students participated in several activities. They celebrate a Green Diwali in which a talk show was staged by the students of Class VI to VIII, giving the message to emulate the Indian tradition of sustainability and charity. An entertaining street play was also staged in the morning assembly. The street play was also performed at various places throughout the week. The students also carried out a rally in several areas near the school.

The students also staged one-minute ‘advertisements’ in which they showcased several messages related to Green Diwali. The students were also told about the problems caused by firecrackers. Firecrackers not only cause pollution but also health problems, burns, deafness and mental trauma, etc. An exhibition of handmade decorative earthen lamps, puja thalis, candles and sweets was also presented by the students. Gurpal Kaur, Principal of the school, said the students were also sensitised about the reports that the firecracker industry employed child labourers. She said the students were told that the real joy of festival was in celebrating it with families and members of the community. They were made to realise that there was no need for firecrackers for this ‘festival of lights’, she said.

Green Diwali was also celebrated at Government High School, Sarabha Nagar. Members of NGO Bharat Jan Vigyan Jatha cautioned the students about air pollution caused by the crackers. The students in the morning assembly were told that crackers produced sound up to 142 decibels which can cause permanent damage to ears.

Messages for Green Diwali were also given at the other schools of the city.