Srinagar, Apr 21:  ‘Wake up people of Kashmir, wake up leaders of Kashmir, hear my voice, environment protection is my choice.’ 
 The cries from kids were loud and clear to their parents witnessing the celebrations on the culmination of Earth Month on the International Earth Day at SKICC auditorium here on Sunday.
 Organised by International School Kashmir (ISK), Burzulla, the show titled “Children Speak for the Earth,” featured toddler, nursery, kindergarten, and lower primary children presenting songs, poems, and oratorical pieces carrying powerful environmental messages highlighting the need to stop pollution and save the environment by taking concrete steps and immediate action.
 Holding placards, wearing badges, caps and raising slogans to save Mother Earth from pollution, kids displayed brilliant oratory skills to send a message across that future of Kashmir is bleak when it comes to saving its environment as was beautifully depicted in a skit ‘Kashmir 2020’ wherein a tourist lands in valley in 2020 to find spots like Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg turned into garbage dumps.
 On seeking info about Dal Lake, the tourist was informed that he has landed on it inferring .
 The strong performances of the kids drew cheers and some had moist eyes in view of the presentation that enlightened them about the concerns of the kids towards the environment and their future.
 In the speech contest, participating kids like Zain, Zuhaib, Nadeem, Sundus, Aleena, Marukh, Maheem, Maliha, Musaib, Ahaem, Fauzan, Ali and Sana in their forceful address to adults in the auditorium sought immediate intervention in proper waste disposal and banning of polythene bags.
 Emphasizing on the need to make kids environment conscious, Learning Programs Director ISK Satria Candao, said “This event is just one out of the innumerable activities that ISK is having in the school. We believe that children remember their lessons better when they learn it through meaningful experiences.”
 Zeeshan Pandith, who is ISK Chairman of the Board, said, “Through our comprehensive environmental program in and outside the classroom in the International School Kashmir, we are not only planting trees, but we are, in fact, cultivating the future leaders of Kashmir.”
 The Chief Guest, MoS Housing, Urban Development and Tourism, Nasir Aslam Wani, appreciated the efforts of the school in imparting environment-oriented education starting at the pre-school and lower primary levels.
 Recalling his childhood days, Wani said Kashmir had a tradition of planting a tree when a child was born. “This tradition not only helped in afforestation but one was an owner of a tree.”
 Wani stressed upon the management of ISK to expand its network in districts.
 Furthermore, he pledged rupees Rs 2 lacs to the school infrastructure.
 Joint Director-Education Shri Kumar Sharma, the event’s Guest of Honor remarked that the integration between the teaching of environmental science with personality development goals proves that ISK curriculum was at par with international standards.
 Director Tourism-Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad Shah was also present at the event as a Guest of Honor.
 An exhibition of paintings and items from reused material was displayed outside the venue which attracted attention of viewers and drew appreciation since it showcased the efforts of kids in preserving environment.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST