The joy of an eco-friendly Diwali

For the festival of light is much associated with bursting of firecrackers. 

Most of the people find joy with the bright sparkles and the soaring noise of the fire crackers, hardly realising the pollution caused by them.

However, there are many children in the city who will experience the joy of festival without crackers. Their love for their City has made them not to buy crackers or encourage people from refraining from buying crackers. They sensitise people about the ill-effects of  crackers on elderly citizens, heart patients, pregnant women and new born babies and on the environment in total. 

Interacting with Deccan Herald few students shared their views on celebrating environmentally safe Diwali. Without coming under  peer pressure, these  students have resolved not to burst crackers but at the same time enjoy the festival.

For Naina, a 12th student from NPS, Indiranagar one needs to have courage to say no to crackers as they may be influenced by others or may be forced to exhibit that they are 'normal' like others who burst crackers. She finds joy in donating clothes, money, sweets to underprivileged kids. 

“Whatever is my share, it goes to inmates of orphanage. Bursting crackers is like burning money. I don't like to do that,” she said.

According to Naina those who can't resist from bursting crackers  should go for community celebration of the festival. "People should pool money to purchase crackers and assemble in one place to burst it. This would considerably reduce spending of money on purchase of crackers", she said.

Priyanka Shankar, a third standard student of the same school said people express concern only about human life but no concern for plants and animals. 

"I do Lakshmi pooja, eat sweets and wear new clothes. But I do not buy crackers", she said. Suhas, a 10th standard student of Bright Way School said that after participating and interacting with communities like "Go Green Go Cycling", awareness about environment increased. "I decided not to burst crackers as it pollutes the City", he said. 

Nagendra, I PUC student from Surana College said bursting crackers do not interest him at all because it does no good to community.

One more student who finds no happiness in wasting time and money in setting fire to gun powder is Ankitha Dinakar, a 10th standard student from Ryan International School.

 "From last two years, I have stopped buying crackers. I have turned into eco-friendly. I am happy watching lights", she said.

Things to remember

*  Children should be allowed to light crackers only under parental supervision.

*  Avoid bursting crackers in crowded and congested areas. Light them in a field, away from flammable materials.

*  Do not burst crackers holding it in your hand.

*  Before lighting, be sure people are out of range of fireworks.

*  If you get injured in the eye, put a cotton pad and immediately visit an ophthalmologist. 

*  Keep unused fireworks away from area where you are lighting crackers.

*  Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies.

*  Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal.

* Don’t wear loose clothes.