Students in Delhi have taken steps to do their bit in securing not just their future but also the future of the subsequent generations. They are following in the footsteps of Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old environmental activist who started protesting climate change.
Thunberg began skipping classes every Friday in August 2018 to launch protest against climate change in front of Sweden’s parliament. The teen has recently been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Accordingly, students from various organizations gathered at Connaught Place to raise their voices against climate change. They used banners to draw people’s attention towards the urgent need to curb the climate crisis.
The protestors highlighted the demand for enforcing laws to declare a climate emergency in the country. They also urged the responsible authorities to enforce strict measures to control climate change.
The protestors along with the organizers gathered at the venue at around 4:30 in the evening on Friday. They assured that their words and demands are spread widely to ensure that it creates awareness about climate change among the masses.
Delhi based organization called ‘ThereIsNoEarthB’ which aims at reducing plastic consumption in the capital to a minimum, organized the protest. They were also supported by another organization inspired by Thunberg called FridaysForFuture. A children advocacy group called “NINEISMINE” had also joined the protest, reports News 18.
“We believe that children’s advocacy is important, as children are the leaders of today so we want to help them get a voice in this conversation,” said one of the volunteers from the group. They also plan to take part in another climate change strike on 4th of June at Jantar Mantar.
Students wore masks around their faces and carried passionately penned banners in their hands in the silent protest.
Rakesh Bhalla, one of the protesters gathered there, said “It is the responsibility of everyone to be caring about the environment, I am 63 years old, and I carry my garbage picking stick everywhere with me to pick up trash if I ever see one, and also help around with cleaning ponds and planting seeds in various gardens to help out, this climate strike is very important, and it is great that so many young people have joined in.”
After a successful protest, students, as well as the organizers, plan to hold similar protests every Friday. We hope the protests soon turn into a movement compelling the authorities to enact laws in favor of the environment. Let’s do our bit to save our Mother Earth!