A Virtual Guest Speaker Programme was organised on 23rd October 2020 for students of Classes VI-VIII at 11:20 am. The guest speaker, Dr. Anant Mohan, Professor and Head, Department Of Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep Disorders, AIIMS, New Delhi, spoke on the topic ‘Green Diwali: Say no to Fire Crackers’. He familiarised the students with the harmful effects of firecrackers and the various types of pollution caused by them which may lead to respiratory problems, burn injuries, eye irritation and hearing loss. Its harmful effects on infants, elderly, asthma patients, birds and animals was also discussed. Students were sensitized towards the adverse effects of firecrackers on the environment such as air, noise and land pollution. He encouraged students to celebrate Green Diwali by lighting diyas, candles, using eco-friendly crackers and to avoid large gatherings during COVID pandemic times. Students were acquainted with the child labour involved in the making of firecrackers which deprives children of basic education rights. The session was followed by a Quiz round for the students by Dr. Vartika Mathur, Head, Department of Zoology, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi on the content discussed in the session. The program ended with a vote of thanks proposed by the Headmistress, Ms.Niva Chhonkar, who expressed her appreciation for the informative session conducted by the speaker and reiterated that students must avoid using firecrackers and celebrate Green Diwali.
