Conscientious teens pledge against burning crackers

It was around four years ago when Moksh Udeshi, now 13 years old, decided to not burn crackers.

All of a sudden, the noise of the crackers began troubling him. What bothered him more was the thought that others could also be troubled by the same. "I developed a dislike towards the noise these crackers make. It did not appeal to me. Besides, my mother explained that it would cause trouble to other living beings; hence, I pledged," said the Udeshi, the Sewree resident.

Children like Udeshi, who belong to the Jain community, take pledges every year to not burst crackers so that they can do their bit for the environment and also save lives. Bhavita Jethwa who is also from Sweree, encourages children to participate in activities that can help hone talents while celebrating Diwali in a way that harms no life.

Jethwa said, "We try to divert the minds of children by keeping them busy with activities. This year we organised kandil making, and drawing competition for the kids. We teach them to have compassion towards other living beings. Almost 90% of the kids who were involved with us have taken a pledge this time."

While some are encouraged, others go with the advice they get from their parents and teachers. "My parents, teachers, and friends told me that it hurts birds, animals, and humans as well. Besides, it troubles cancer patients. I was never into bursting crackers, but this time I have taken a pledge before one of our Maharajsaheb (Jain monk) to not burst crackers," said Aneri Shah, a 13-year-old.

"School teachers tell us that it creates pollution. Also, some children don't even get to eat sweets on Diwali. We can use this money to make them happy, and prevent polluting the air too," said Rishi Shah, a 13-year-old.