Friday, March 29, 2024
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Let’s make Diwali more humane

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H Kemya Yanlem 

Diwali is a Hindu festival of lights. It is particularly associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. The name is derived from the Sanskrit term “dipavali” meaning “row of lights”. It is since ancient times that Diwali has been celebrated and not only by Hindus, but different communities like Jain, Sikhs, and Buddhist who celebrate it for a variety of reasons; although the main undercurrent  theme is the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Diwali signifies the importance humility, of brotherhood and the joy of togetherness.
However, people seem to forget the actual meaning behind this beautiful festival. The authenticity of this festival is marred by indulging in activities that are harmful for the environment, animals and even human beings themselves. This festival is also considered as the time when air pollution across India spikes to five to eight times above the safety standards. According to the Center for Science and Environment (CSE), which is a policy research organization, the standards for what goes into fire-works are either non-existent or not imposed; allowing the firecrackers to emit abundant toxic fumes  into the environment. Its readings show that levels of carbon dioxide and particulate matter- particles of pollution suspended in the air- increase significantly during the festivities leading up to Diwali and are the highest on the day itself. The release of these gases has a harmful effect on the health of our family and pets. Those with underdeveloped or weaker immune systems such as the infants and elderly members are particularly prone to the affects of these toxic gases.

These noxious fumes irritate the air passage of humans and animals, prompting allergies and respiratory problems. If higher species like humans and dogs can get affected by these allergies, do insects and birds even stand a chance?

Firecrackers also cause noise pollution. Believing that the sound just goes away is a misconception. Animals, and especially birds, are severely affected by the noise pollution because of their elevated hearing abilities. Dogs can hear seven times louder than humans, thus implying the booming crackers, which leave you awed must sound like an atomic explosion to your pet. Therefore, it is common for pets to get lost during Diwali as they seek shelter from all the noise and ruckus.

That being said, is there anything that we as intellectual humans can do to prevent such a hazard? Yes, there is! We can avoid harming the environment during Diwali by celebrating it in an Eco-friendly way.
Green Crackers that are made of recycled papers are available. These crackers produce less noise, and are approved by the Central Pollution Control Board. Nearly 165 fireworks manufactures have been roped in and around 65 more manufacturers are in the process of coming on board to manufacture Green Crackers. With the change of composition of the chemicals, these Green Crackers will be available at a cheaper price than the existing ones.

 This Diwali, let us also switch to a traditional way of celebration by lighting Diyas or earthen lamps that are bio-degradable and cost-effective. To promote an Eco-friendly environment, it is important that we all take the initiative to clean our surroundings after the celebration, as the roads are filled with garbage of paper and plastic. In 2018, the Supreme Court had placed a two-hour time frame for bursting fireworks. The adherence to this alloted time will considerably reduce pollution.

Let us learn to live in peace with our fellow creature who we tend to consider as inferior beings. Let us be more considerate towards the voiceless animals who suffer every year in the hands of mankind.
It is a humane act that we, as residents allow strays to take shelter near our homes so that they do not wander on the streets, as there are higher chances of accidents. One should check if there are any dogs hiding under their cars before driving off. Pet owners can also use cotton earplugs for their pets and keep them indoors at such times to prevent them from running away.

Since birds have a higher risk of being prey to the pollution, one can keep water bowls in the outdoors so that they can refresh themselves easily. One should be careful not to throw burnt crackers near animals, but most importantly, nobody should tease the stray dogs and cats by bursting crackers near them or tying the crackers to their tails.

Diwali is a time to turn inward and light the lamps of knowledge and truth in our hearts and minds so that we can dispel the forces of darkness and ignorance within us and allow our innate brilliance and goodness to shine forth. This is not something new; everyone is well aware of the harmful effects of these fire crackers, and yet they still tend to ignore their responsibilities as intellectual beings.
However, this Diwali, let us learn to take our responsibilities, to reflect on the actual meaning of this festival through our act of kindness towards the environment and the voiceless beings.

(The writer is a student of KL Bajoria College)

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