In a vibrant push to ground climate discussions in everyday reality, a major sustainability fair brought together approximately 30 schools from across Mumbai on Friday. The event focused on making environmental conversations relatable and actionable for citizens of all ages.
Leaders Champion Youth and Citizen-Led Action
Actor and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza, who served as the chief guest, powerfully stated that children are already at the forefront of the climate movement. She challenged the conventional narrative, asserting, "The children of today are not the leaders of tomorrow. They lead us today—with clarity and conviction." Mirza emphasized the need for adults to draw inspiration from the younger generation's dedication to sustainable living.
Echoing the call for practical engagement, Yusuf Kabir, UNICEF India's Water, Sanitation and Hygiene–Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Specialist, addressed the students. He highlighted a crucial distinction for effective change: "Every citizen must become more climate conscious than climate anxious. Anxiety stops you; awareness pushes you to act locally."
Shishir Joshi, CEO of Project Mumbai, the non-profit that organized the mela, stressed the imperative to democratize environmental efforts. "The sustainability conversation has to be citizen-friendly and not elitist," he explained. He detailed the NGO's Zero-Waste Schools initiative, which aims to cut down plastic, wet, and fabric waste on campuses by instilling recycling habits from a young age.
From Talk to Tangible Action: Workshops and Reflection
Following the insightful talks, students and teachers dove into a series of hands-on activities designed to turn ideas into practice. Interactive workshops demonstrated creative ways to give discarded items a new life.
One popular session showed participants how to repurpose old sarees, dupattas, and handkerchiefs into stylish jewellery, bags, and wall hangings. Another workshop focused on sustainable gifting, teaching children to wrap presents using old magazine pages or reused delivery bags instead of conventional plastic-coated wrapping paper.
A reflective exercise encouraged students to contemplate Mumbai's future through four themes displayed on a whiteboard: love, worry, need, and change. While many expressed deep affection for the city's iconic architecture, vibrant festivals, and strong sense of community, they also voiced significant concerns. Mounting garbage piles and the deteriorating health of local rivers were prominent worries. The consensus pointed toward better civic habits and daily sustainable choices as essential areas for change.
Recognizing Grassroots Efforts in Sustainability
The event also served as a platform to honor the ongoing work of several participating schools. These institutions were felicitated for their dedicated initiatives and achievements in promoting sustainability and reducing waste within their communities.
By merging inspiration from leaders like Dia Mirza with practical, local workshops, the sustainability mela successfully bridged the gap between global climate concerns and actionable steps rooted in daily life in Mumbai.
