Young environmentalists of South Point High School recently walked along Rabindra Sarobar and the Maidan area with an aim to make their city healthier.
Holding placards, that read No pollution is the only solution; Don’t be greedy, go greeny; Let’s save the planet, to save ourselves and many more slogans like these, 50 students from classes VI to XII were on a drive to educate the passers-by.
The drive began with an inter-house slogan contest on protecting nature on August 24 and 25. The school’s nature club then created the placards and took part in the awareness campaign. “I had a blast designing the placards with over 100 students. I am glad that people stopped and listened to us,” said Abhisree Bhattacharya of Class XII.
Around 25 members of the nature club boarded the school bus to Rabindra Sarobar in the morning. They walked silently along the lake, while the placards did all the talking. “Our aim was to silently raise public awareness about environmental pollution and deforestation,” said Trijayee Barua of Class XII.
Another group of 25 students targetted the evening walkers in the Maidan area. “People responded enthusiastically when we spoke about the threats of pollution and climate change,” said Jishnu Roy of Class XII.
For nature lovers like Sashank Sekhar Pandey of Class XI, the walk was an opportunity to educate people about the goal of nature conservation. “I always tell people around me not to litter or throw garbage on the road,” he said.
Schools in the city are doing their bit to make Calcutta greener. A plant-love event was recently held at Bidya Bharati School, Behala, which allowed students to grow seedlings on the school grounds and then take them home. “It is essential to raise awareness in the young mind,” said teacher-in-charge Moutushi Chakraborty.
Lakshmipat Singhania Academy has hosted several activities to educate its pupils about the issue. “Students, who participate in problem-solving activities, end up taking calls about environmental protection,” said school director Meena Kak.
Swarnim International School organises events to educate children. “We organise fun activities to help kids befriend plants,” said principal Rumjhumi Biswas.
“When students take up such projects spontaneously, it means they have started believing in the cause. This conviction will bring in a positive change,” said South Point High School principal Rupa Sanyal Bhattacharjee.
