School students go green this year, shun firecrackers

For three years now, Yuktha Somasekhar has shunned fireworks as she understands that they cause only harm. A 10th standard student from Army Public school-ASC, she said that she loves animals and that is one of the reasons she has quit bursting crackers.

“When students realise that they are causing harm to the environment, they automatically stay away from these things. Instead, we are celebrating Deepavali by distributing cereals and pulses to the needy and spreading light through diyas,” she added. 

Children who normally look forward to the festival for bursting fireworks are slowly moving away from the practice. About 100 schools in the city take a pledge every year to shun noise and celebrate the festival without burning any fireworks.

Chitra Seshadri, manager, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation said that each year they visit schools to educate children about eye injuries caused by firecrackers.

"Every year, the children have a tale to tell us about how they burnt their hair, their finger and dress while bursting crackers. Each year the number of schools and children pledging to avoid crackers are increasing.  This year about 80 school students, both from government and private have pledged to avoid bursting crackers," she added.

Dr Upasana Yadav, principal of Army Public school – ASC said, “This year the students from all classes have taken a pledge to celebrate Green Deepavali by only lighting lamps and candles. The trend of shunning crackers is catching up among the schools. Even at the school assembly, the students are taught that Deepavali is not only about burning crackers, but also is the victory of good over evil,” she added.

Similarly, East West Public School in Rajajinagar too had their students pledge to have a safe Deepavali this year. Shobha, coordinator of the school said, “We have informed our children about the ill effects of burning crackers and how it would be harmful to the eyes and environment. An NGO has also visited the school asking students to sign forms and educate their family and neighbourhood about celebrating noiseless Deepavali,” she added.