Students promote sustainable practices at Bajra village in Jalandhar

In a heartfelt observance of National Service Scheme (NSS) Day, the dedicated NSS wing of Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA) in Jalandhar ventured into the village Bajra. Their mission for the day was to further raise awareness about the critical need for environmental protection, focusing particularly to completely eliminate the harmful practice of stubble burning.

The NSS volunteers embarked on a mission to engage with the local community and deliver an impactful message. To captivate the attention of the village residents, they staged a
thought-provoking street play titled “Dhua” (smoke). Through this performance, the volunteers aimed to convey the profound consequences of stubble burning, a prevalent practice among farmers.

The primary message they carried was clear: refraining from burning crop residues is crucial. This practice contributes significantly to air pollution, leading to a surge in lung and throat ailments among the populace. The poor air quality resulting from stubble burning also triggers a myriad of allergies and respiratory disorders, causing immense suffering to individuals.

Further, the NSS volunteers highlighted the situation in the national capital, Delhi, where air quality often plunges to hazardous levels during winters. The stark decline in visibility and the alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) is a grim reminder of the consequences of air pollution.

Adding an artistic touch to their message, Ishaan, a student pursuing Bachelor of Digital Media and is in his 5th semester, recited a heartfelt poem denouncing the practice of stubble burning. His words resonated deeply with the audience, driving home the importance of adopting eco-friendly alternatives.

In a significant gesture of goodwill and commitment to environmental conservation, the NSS team at ACFA presented a variety of plants to Mr. Avinash, the Sarpanch of the village. These plants were intended to be distributed among the villagers, contributing to the greenery in their surroundings and promoting a harmonious relationship with Mother Nature. The ultimate goal is to improve air quality in the area and foster a healthier environment for all living beings.

Expressing her thoughts on this thoughtful initiative, Dr. Neerja Dhingra, Principal of ACFA commended the college’s commitment to nurturing not only academic excellence but also the qualities of responsible citizenship. She emphasised the importance of instilling such values in students, as they are the leaders of tomorrow.

Dr. Dhingra lauded the tireless efforts of the faculty members associated with the NSS wing, recognising their role in guiding and inspiring students to engage in meaningful social service, think beyond their individual interests, and work for the betterment of society.