The desert sun scorched the ground, but the energy of my students was electrifying. I stepped into our EEG Clean-up Drive, expecting chaos but what unfolded was something extraordinary.
A boy knelt near a pile of discarded bottles and tins, studying each one with exaggerated seriousness. He looked up and said, “Ma’am, if everyone threw just one less plastic bottle or tin, this place would be so clean!” His words, simple yet profound, hung in the dry desert air. For a moment, laughter bubbled up, but then silence fell. The students understood: small choices can make a big difference.
Moments later, another student shouted, “Race you to see who can pick up the most wrappers in five minutes!” Suddenly, the desert floor became a lively battlefield. Tiny hands darted everywhere, scooping up litter, teasing each other, debating which piece was the “grossest,” and proudly showing their finds. I watched in awe as playful banter turned into genuine care for the environment.
Amidst the bustling activity, I noticed a group of students forming a circle around a tiny cactus that had somehow survived the harsh terrain. One of them carefully placed a piece of litter far from its roots and whispered, “It deserves a chance to grow too.” Another added, “We should make a little sign, so people know to be careful here.” Their thoughtfulness, their ability to empathize with even the smallest living things, reminded me that sustainability is as much about respect and awareness as it is about action. It was a moment of quiet reflection amidst the lively chaos, a lesson I would carry with me far beyond that desert.
By the end of the drive, the desert looked transformed, but even more striking was the change in the students. Their laughter, their playful banter, and their pride in small achievements had become a symphony of learning. Perhaps the most enduring lessons in sustainability are not taught through lectures, but through hands-on experience, curiosity, and the joy of making a difference. Awareness, action, and care intertwined, creating a melody that echoed far beyond the desert sands. I smiled at myself, realizing that even the smallest hands, guided by intent and imagination, can leave the largest footprints in the world.
Aswathy Santhan
