Recycling and trendy upcycling were the prize-winning combinations used by environmentalists of all ages making sure Bahrain has a bright and green future.
An impressive environmental awareness campaign, initiated by Dr Anamica Bhattacharya and online community group Srinkhala, recently staged a virtual grand finale event and closing competition.
“The most rewarding part of the experience was the collaborative effort that brought together different communities and people from different walks of life into the environmental campaign,” said Dr Bhattacharya, a freelance educator.
“We wanted to create awareness about the need to protect the environment. The efforts people have decided to take on regarding waste management, and several other initiatives, are proof of the success of this campaign.”
The campaign received international backing. Professor and environmental protection enthusiast Dr Hirok Chowdhury of the National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, India was a keynote speaker concluding the month-long campaign with a message highlighting scarce water resources, the perils of pollution and how to prevent making matters worse.
Further support came from Monika Strivastava, the wife of the Indian ambassador to Bahrain, Piyush. She also spoke to the online attendees about the importance of nurturing the environment and learning from ancient traditions to respect and take care of nature, ‘so that it can take care of us’.
The event also included an Eco-Champion Contest and the winners have now been announced.
Among the stars in the children’s category were Deekshit Krishna, 12, and Chaarvi Jain, 10.
Indian School pupil Deekshit recycled more than 100 pieces of waste glass and plastic bottles into creative decorative pieces and New Millennium School student Chaarvi made plant holders, and other useful items, out of thrown away plastic bottles and other waste materials.
Srishti Jain won acclaim in the adult category. The 37-year-old art teacher, who lives in Adliya, created plant stands from old magazines and newspapers, as well as frames from old crayons.
Banker Joby Vincent, 41, used car tyres to construct vegetables and plant holders in his garden.
Photographer Primos Ben Yesudas, 45, was voted for developing the best community initiative by collecting recyclable plastic to donate to Crown Industries, who converted the trash into cash to support a continuing bid by Bahrain Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled, to buy new wheelchairs.
Chartered accountant Jonathan D’souza, 34, was also impressive with his community initiative to encourage families to refrain from using single-use plastic and segregate waste.
The campaign was inaugurated on June 5, with an opening talk on minimalism by local environmentalist Kai Miethig who was delighted with the outcome, too.
The campaign also included art workshops on how to recycle waste materials, nature photography – to promote an appreciation for nature – as well as a talk on the medical use of plants and how best to utilise the fruits of nature.
The organisers also offered ‘eco tips’ each week, offering simple advice for people to practice at home, such as how to save water, how to recycle plastic bottles and how to make compost from household biodegradable food waste.
Srinkhala was founded by Rekha Utham, Usha Ramesh and Nisha Kotwani who aim to continue incorporating environmental awareness into all future events, including one being staged this afternoon at 4pm.
The event, dubbed ‘Whose Biryani Is It?’ will include a conversation between Bahraini chef Tala Basmi, who works at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa, and Indian chef and food historian Rakesh Raghunath. The topic will centre on traditions, folklore, history and the evolution of Bahraini and Indian food. The chefs will also relate their personal career journeys. The event promises to be an evening of recipes and revelations.
Environmental awareness will be a subtopic of the event as it relates to food consumption and waste management.
The trio stated that the campaign may be over but their efforts towards sustainable living will continue. Their campaign partner Dr Bhattacharya similarly added: “We plan to run similar campaigns periodically to reach a wider audience which will result in more positive and sustainable action.
“Sustainable living is not a single incident or action in one’s life,” she said, stressing the importance of the inclusion of children, “It is a life-long habit. We felt if children were made aware of the climate crisis and made to develop such habits we have greater hope for the future of this planet.
“I felt very proud to know that so many people are already adopting ways of life which promote sustainable living and carrying forward their projects that protects the environment and reduce environmental pollution.”
- More photographs and details have been posted on www.gdnlife.com – Bahrain’s very own social media platform.
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