students of Podar International School (SSC section) have vowed to “Say No to Firecrackers’’.
While other children are busy buying firecrackers, students of Podar International School (SSC section) have vowed to “Say No to Firecrackers’’.
To spread awareness about the hazards of noise and air pollution during Diwali, around 152 students from classes 5 and 6 distributed colourful earthen diyas among pedestrians outside the Santa Cruz school on Thursday.
The students had painted the diyas themselves.
Chinmay Janwalkar, a class 5 student, said he will not burst loud firecrackers this Diwali. “Until last year, I enjoyed bursting loud firecrackers. But when our teacher explained to us the damage caused to our hearing on exposure to such loud noises, I decided to buy only sparklers and flower pots,’’ he said.
Principal Ophelia Barreto hit upon the idea to get students to encourage Mumbaikars to celebrate a noise-free Diwali. The students were educated about the hazards of noise and air pollution caused by crackers through songs and talks.
“Children are the best teachers. They are capable of inspiring others. By pledging to not burst firecrackers, our children are contributing in saving the earth and its eco system. We hope the message shall spread through the diyas made by them,’’ Barreto said.
As the children distributed the diyas, they also explained the harmful effects of firecrackers to pedestrians.
Class 6 student Aastha Jain said: “Diwali should be a festival of light, not noise. Through these diyas we want people to realise that Diwali can be celebrated by lighting lamps not just bursting crackers.’’
“I have asked my parents, cousins and friends not to burst loud bombs. Even the smoke the crackers emit are dangerous,’’ said Saili Kudtarkar, a class 6 student.
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