The rampant use of plastic was visible when I first moved to Delhi in the year 2017. This was highly alarming and disturbing as well. So, to combat this excessive plastic use in Delhi, I decided to take a baby step towards curbing plastic pollution in my own neighbourhood. And what better way to do that than educating the families staying in the servant quarters of my Resident Welfare Association – Sekhon Vihar. I requested my friends, Nandini and Mannat to help me in this aspect and they readily agreed. I proposed the idea of conducting a sit and draw competition for the children. After a series of discussions, we decided to conduct the event on Republic Day-2020 at the open gym area of the society. After obtaining permission from the society's office, we displayed posters at prominent places in the society and met the children at parks to spread the message for the event. We decided to meet the entire expenditure through our pocket money. Papers,colour pencils and gifts (prizes) were bought. Eatables were also purchased to cater for light refreshment. The society management helped us with chairs, tables, music system etc.
The competition being held on Republic day for a noble cause, quickly became very popular. A large number of children confirmed their participation. Their enthusiasm kept us thinking and working more for the event. On the day of the event I woke up with excitement as well as nervousness. I was especially worried about the number of children who would turn up for the event. The event was to start at 11 AM. Patriotic songs were played at the venue from 10 AM. Posters, national flags and balloons were displayed. More than fifty children had promised to participate. However, by 10:45 AM only two children had turned up. Panic set amongst us. What if an adequate number of children don’t turn up? To our relief, children started coming in groups and by 11 AM, fifty six children registered for the event.
The children were divided into three age groups. Papers and crayons were distributed. The event started with a short speech by three of us on the ill effects of single use plastic and remedial measures. The children were asked to start drawing at 11:15 AM and a total of 45 minutes were given to them. Within no time, parents of the participants started coming to encourage their children. Many residents of the society also came. Our parents were with us throughout the event like a guiding light. Mrs Anu Ranjan, wife of Air Commodore Rajiva Ranjan (resident of the society) was invited to judge. She gave lots of chocolates which were later distributed among the participants. Help started pouring in, in the form of money, gifts etc. from the residents of the society.
At 12:00 PM, the papers were collected. Few parents and judges started to select the top three drawings in each group. The children were desperate to know the result. It was difficult to control them. Therefore, we conducted an interactive session with the children while the results were being prepared. I was astonished to see their awareness. Finally, the results were declared and the prizes were distributed. Further, various consolation prizes were also given. A special prize (Youngest participant) was given to a four year old kid for her enthusiasm. Group photographs were taken. Finally, refreshments were distributed to all the participants. This concluded the event.
The President of the society gave us certificates of appreciation and encouraged us to conduct more such events. He said that this was a one of a kind event held in our society. We resolved to contribute for the cause of humanity wherever possible. The best part of the entire event was that each and every penny of our pocket money was recovered due to the contribution made by various members of the society. Finally we could save our pocket money. What a relief !
- Siddhant Bagchi
X-E
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