Calcutta (India). On 19 July 2024, Auxilium Convent School in Calcutta Dum Dum, of Mary Help of Christians Province (INC), organized an awareness campaign on environmental care, centered on the Laudato Si’ Action Plan, with the slogan “Save nature, save humanity”.
The initiative was organized by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, teachers, and students of the School, who were joined by members of some groups of the Salesian Family (Past Pupils, Salesian Cooperators, and ADMA). The campaign had the full support and collaboration of the parents, the Mayor of the Municipality of North Dum Dum, Shri Harendra Singh, and the police official of the North Dum Dum station, who ensured the safety and success of the event.
750 students from grades 6-12 walked through the town to speak about the growing indifference towards the environment. The procession proceeded in four different directions, to raise awareness and spread the message of the initiative.
The students marched from 8.30 am to around 10 am, raising slogans like “Save water, save Earth”, “Go Green Live Green”, “Keep the area clean”, “Save water, save life”, “Plant trees, Save the Country”, “Save nature, save humanity”, “Keep our earth green and clean”, (Use dustbin), “Keep the city clean”.
They walked through the markets, streets and main roads, finally reaching the “Dhobiya Pukur” Park, where the President of the Past Pupils, Mrs. Sangamitra Bhattacharya, the teachers, and the students gave incisive speeches to raise awareness about environmental issues.
During the event, the students interviewed the locals about their contribution to the environment, gave tips on how to reduce plastic use and protect the environment rather than exploit it, and promoted social responsibility.
Walking through the residential areas and the market not only helped the students spread awareness among the residents and passers-by but also helped them achieve their goal of keeping their living areas clean and green. The campaign concluded when everyone gathered to sing the national anthem. Students, FMAs, and teachers were enthusiastic about this initiative, which had a good involvement among the people.
“We can all collaborate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each with his or her own culture and experience, his or her own initiatives and abilities” (Laudato Si’ 14).
