CLEAN-India celebrated Earth Day 2009 on 22nd
April in partnership with Nehru Memorial Museum &
Library in a fun filled programme that saw the youth
reiterate their concern for the future of the planet
through a myriad of creative expressions. The event
was supported by the Ministry of Environment &
Forests, Government of India.
The theme for the programme was ‘Be a Green
Consumer – Reduce your Ecological Footprint’.
About 400 youth from 20 schools participated in the
event giving free rein to their creative potentials
through a variety of activities and games woven
around the theme.
While some created advertisement jingles for alternative green products
such as neem twig toothbrushes and loofah body
scrubs, others painted organic motifs on clay
tumblers with henna, turmeric and lime. Some of the
other activities included nature art with leaves,
twigs and other bits and pieces collected from the
grounds and paper bag making with old newsprint.However, the biggest hits were the charkha
and the potter’s wheel, pulling at their
heartstrings and bringing them closer to the earth.
After the activities, the children spoke
passionately about their experience and presented
their creations on stage, cheered on by the young
audience. A group of students gave a lively and full
throated musical rendition of their being a part of
the Green Generation Youth.
The event also witnessed the launch of the Delhi
Environment Action Network (DEAN)and
the Green Generation Youth Campaign to
encourage the youth to make responsible choices and
take individual and collective action to make a
difference. A booklet on how to be a green consumer
with a CD containing an interactive
Footprint Calculator was released and
distributed.
Seeing the enthusiasm and commitment of the youth,
it seems that the dream earth day newspaper brought
out by the children is not a utopian dream but
rather a sign of the times to come.
The students have certainly taken to heart the
message on their white t-shirts – be the change
you wish to see in the world and the future of
planet Earth is in responsible hands.
“I realise that I am the future of the country and
my action can save the Earth. I am a member of Green
Generation Youth Campaign”
and
the Green Generation Youth Campaign to
encourage the youth to make responsible choices and
take individual and collective action to make a
difference. A booklet on how to be a green consumer
with a CD containing an interactive
The students have certainly taken to heart the
message on their white t-shirts – be the change
you wish to see in the world and the future of
planet Earth is in responsible hands.
