CHENNAI: A large gathering of students waited patiently at the Chinmaya Vidyalaya auditorium. With sheets of folded newspapers in each hand, it was evident that they had all come prepared for the event. Vijay Shanthi Builders, in association with Paperman, a social venture aimed at encouraging recycling, launched a week-long paper collection drive among 7,000 students from five schools and four prominent Vijay Shanthi apartments from November 14 to 19. At the end of the week’s initiative titled, ‘See Waste, Buy Smiles’, Vijay Shanthi will triple the proceeds of the paper collected by the children and donate the amount to Nanhi Kali Foundation, an NGO that supports the education of girl children all over India.The other schools participating include Lady Andal, Church Park, MCTM and Sankalp. Mathew Jose, founder of Paperman, said, “We are doing this for Children’s Day. Each paper that you collect will go towards educating a girl child.” Addressing the students, he said, “And, we all know that every child deserves a right, yes?” followed by a chorus of agreement and a sea of youngsters waving their newspapers in the air. The plan is that each student will bring two newspapers to school every day during the week-long drive. These will then be dropped in cardboard cartons provided by the organisers. Niveditha Umasanka, a Class 9 student of Chinmaya Vidyala and one of the school’s Exnora co-ordinators, said, “We are very proud to be a part of this project. We will also help reduce global warming in the process.” Her friend Manu Avarthika says, “The last time we had a paper drive, we helped save nine trees from felling!” Asked whether students are as committed to these projects as they are excited, Principal Gowri Lakshmi replies, “There is a reason as to why I chose Classes 6,7 and 8 to represent the assembly for this launch. While all classes do contribute, I find that this age group is ever enthusiastic in their efforts to make a difference.”
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