The students during the rally in Jamshedpur on Monday. (Bhola Prasad)

No noise, only lights for a cracker of a Diwali, say Jamshedpur’s schoolchildren.

Kadma-based DBMS English School on Monday organised a rally to sensitise people against use of firecrackers that cause air and sound pollution.

Around 250 students of Class III under the aegis of the cradle’s Junior Safe Club hit the streets to appeal to citizens to celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly manner by lighting traditional diyas.

Led by their teachers, the children, armed with placards, went around the areas in the neighbourhood.

They shouted slogans — “Don’t burst crackers, burst the negativity in you”; “Pollution-free Diwali, brings everyone khushhali”; “Instead of crackers, let your laughter be heard around” — to send across the noise-free message.

“Crackers cause pollution. They affect the environment and cause diseases like asthma. So, we will not burst crackers. We will enjoy Diwali with diyas, lights and toys,” said Rishabh Bhowmick, a Class III student.

Rishabh’s classmate Ishita Poddar and her friends, approached parents and auto drivers standing outside the gates, and urged them to avoid crackers.

Will children be okay if their parents don’t buy them crackers? “You can always buy us chocolates and dresses. I don’t need crackers,” Ishita smiled.

Principal Rajani Shekhar said students were very smart and interacted with people on the streets without hesitation.

Dayanand Public School in Sakchi will organise a similar rally and a nukkad natak on Tuesday for a noise-free Diwali. “Safe Club and Eco Club’s members, comprising mainly students of Classes VIII, IX and XI, will take part in the activities. The children themselves have promised to avoid crackers,” said principal Swarna Mishra.

ADLS Sunshine School will host Diyotsav on Wednesday. “Students, parents and teachers will take part in a rangoli competition. Students will tie Diwali suraksha bandhan to friends and teachers,” said principal Indrani Singh.