Khandapara: In the run-up to Diwali, environmentalists, social workers, nature lovers are holding rallies, drawing competitions, seminars, debates et al to create awareness about the harmful effects of firecrackers across the nation.
Not to be left behind, the children of a nondescript village in Kantilo area under this tehsil in Nayagarh district Thursday furthered the movement in their locality in their own way.
Holding placards that read ‘Sabda Rakshasa’ (Demon of Sound) and Bana Nuhen Deepa Dana’ (Say no to crackers, yes to lamps), they took out a rally in their village, to create awareness among the children of their age.
These children tried to convince others what harm crackers do to mother earth and to people as well. “Until last year we also used to light firecrackers. Antaryami Sahoo, a nature lover of our area, told us how crackers damage environment wherein we breath. Sometimes, houses catch fire and people get burn injuries too. This year we have taken a vow to say no to any kind of cracker,” a boy said.
Antaryami Sahu, a well known nature lover in the locality and founder of ‘Chetana’, a social organistaion, had brought members of clubs and village children together and told them how the environment gets damaged by the sound and smoke produced when crackers are fired.
He chose children to take out a rally through the village as he thought it would have a better impact on elders. “If children are saying no to crackers, how younger and elders can do that,” Antaryami said.
“It has been the general practice for children to force their parents to buy crackers for them. This year the children themselves are saying no to crackers. Hence, this year sound and noise pollution, at least in our locality, would be less,” he added.
He requested all to join in the movement to save the environment.
Antaryami’s ‘Chetana’ celebrates Diwali in a different way every year. At a selected site, ‘Kaunria sticks’ are burnt to bid adieu to forefathers.
Villagers, senior citizens, members of Neelamadhavjew Pujak Samaj praised Antaryami for his fight against pollution and environment.
PNN