This Valentine’s, gifts that gladden hearts also bring healing touch to Mother Earth

Shimla, February 14

To promote sustainability during the ‘Valentine Week’, the Himalayan Institute of Cultural and Heritage Studies Foundation (HICHS), a non-profit organisation from Dhami near here, offered gift items made of sustainable materials for the lovebirds who wished to give a special gift to their partners and other loved ones on the occasion of Valentine’s Day.

A stall having gift items made of sustainable materials was installed near the Open Air Theatre at The Ridge having knitted soft toys, Himachali architecture items, water colours, upcycled glass bottles turned into vases and lamps, handmade bookmarks, handmade papers made of egg crates and paintings.

Promoting items kinder to planet

We came up with the idea of making gifts from sustainable materials so that people could exchange gifts that are kinder to the planet. Another reason was that Shimla and the state went through a lot last year in terms of climate change. The state faced various natural disasters last year, so we wanted to create awareness in people that there were alternative ways of celebrating and exchanging gifts that were much sustainable. — Supriya, A research scholar

The stall was installed at The Ridge on February 12. A similar stall was installed in the Khalini area of the town during last year’s Valentine’s Day.

Talking to The Tribune, Supriya, a research scholar, said, “We had an idea of celebrating sustainable Valentine’s Day as there is a ritual of exchanging gifts during this festival of love. We came up with the idea of making gifts from sustainable materials so that people could exchange gifts that are kinder to the planet.”

“The other reason behind the initiative was that Shimla as well as Himachal Pradesh went through a lot last year in terms of climate change. The state faced various natural disasters, so we wanted to create awareness among the people that there were alternative ways of celebrating and exchanging gifts that were much sustainable” she said.

She further said that the organisation had sold lots of toys and bookmarks during the past three days. “We have so many options in various price ranges,” she said.

Established in 2020 by Sonali Gupta, an anthropological archaeologist, the NGO promotes art and craft, besides conducting researches on archaeology and anthropology and also engaging with the community, including women of villages.

The organisation also invites artists from the higher Himalayan regions and engages with people of villages to showcase their artistry and creativity.