Calcutta (India). On 12 and 13 August 2024, students of the Auxilium Convent School in Barasat, Calcutta, of Mary Help of Christians Province (INC), conducted an awareness campaign on ecology aimed at schools in the area: International Public School (IPS), Julien Day School (JDS), St. Jude’s High School and Central Modern School (CMS). The initiative was promoted by the Principal, Sister Esther Rani Abraham, with the aim of increasing and strengthening environmental awareness among the younger generation.
The program has had a strong resonance among students from all the neighboring schools in the city of Barasat. Students in classes IX-XII have shown a keen interest and are actively involved in discussions on various environmental issues. The focus on bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and pollution of the sacred river Ganga has generated particularly strong reactions, highlighting students’ environmental awareness. The program also highlighted the importance of a spiritual link with nature, drawing on various religious texts. This approach has led to a greater recognition of the environment and a sense of responsibility for its protection.
The emphasis on adopting a simple lifestyle and environmentally friendly practices has proved to be very effective. Students were encouraged to reduce waste, save energy, and promote sustainable initiatives. The distribution of jute, sugar cane, and paper bags was a concrete step towards reducing plastic consumption.
Students from all the schools visited welcomed with great enthusiasm the contributions of their young colleagues, actively participating in discussions and also sharing creative ideas and innovative suggestions.
The success of this initiative was also made possible by the tireless commitment of the accompanying teachers Miss Dola, Miss Rubi, Miss Elizabeth, and Sir Sudip whose expertise and dedication were essential to ensure the proper performance of the program. They accompanied the students, managed the logistics and created a supportive environment, making the whole experience enriching for all participants.
On the eve of the Season of Creation (1 September – 4 October), these initiatives carried out with enthusiasm by the young generations are undoubtedly a sign of hope in a future that is built together through concrete actions and the dissemination of good practices, in a spirit of solidarity and fraternity.
“To hope and act with creation means first of all to join forces and, walking together with all men and women of good will, to contribute to rethinking the question of human power, its meaning, and its limits” (Pope Francis).
