Plant a promise: Birla Bharati students sow seeds of change at Durga Puja pandals

A pouch of seeds in exchange for a promise — to plant them.

Senior students of Birla Bharati handed out seed pouches to visitors at neighbourhood puja pandals and Durga Pujas at housing societies.

The idea was proposed by the school’s student council who wanted to take the initiative beyond the campus.

“Distributing seeds was one of our sustainability goals, and we initially wanted to do it among students. But the student council said they wanted to take it beyond the school’s boundaries and reach a larger population,” said Madhumita Seal, the school’s principal.

At some pandals, students waited outside to hand out the pouches. In a couple of housing societies, they set up stalls.

“People set up stalls selling food or apparel. We chose something futuristic. The difference is that others were charging for what they offered, while we were giving away our seed pouches free of cost,” said Aratrika Sarkar, a Class IX student. Their stall was set up at Eden City, Maheshtala.

The students chose Durga Puja to reach a wider audience.

“Durga Puja brings many people together. Everyone is in a festive mood and has time to listen to us,” Aratrika said.

Not all visitors were immediately receptive.

“Most people listened to us and accepted the pouches. Very few refused because they thought they would have to pay for the seeds,” said Neerav Kumar, a Class IX student.

Neerav said the students were taking time out to do their bit for the planet and help conserve its dwindling resources.

“When we hand over the seeds to adults, we also tell them how the Earth is getting warmer and how this will eventually affect their kids. The responsibility lies with each of us to do our bit,” he said.

Each packet carries a message. One reads: “Smart cities thrive when their citizens power down” — a call to switch off unnecessary lights and appliances and help build a brighter tomorrow.

The students’ enthusiasm also inspired their teachers to join the initiative and take seed pouches for distribution.

“Of the 1,000 pouches we received at the school, 800 were taken. Some teachers also collected seed packets to distribute among their friends and relatives. Children can motivate adults, even those outside their peer group,” Seal said.