Shillong: On the 27th of April 2024, around 150 individuals (including religious sisters and brothers with their hostel students) representing over 15 Catholic institutions, gathered at 2:30 pm in the afternoon at Don Bosco Square in Shillong, a hill station in northeast India and capital of the state of Meghalaya. They were there for something important—to celebrate Earth Day under the banner of CRI (Catholic Religious of India).
Emceed by Sr. Prettysha Riahtam RNDM, the ecological awareness program commenced with a warm welcome to all attendees. The FMA sisters from Auxilium, Nongthymmai captivated the audience with a delightful dance performance highlighting the importance of caring for Mother Earth.
Bah P. S. Nongkynrih, Chairman of Laitumkhrah Dorbar, emphasized that we need more action and fewer words. Following his speech, the Loreto Convent hostel girls presented a street play emphasizing the prevention of littering and deforestation, urging everyone to plant trees.
The Don Bosco Tech School boarders then led a rendition of “Heal the World,” with the entire group joining in, spreading a message of unity and hope through song. Sr. Shadkmen Kharsahnoh CSC delivered a poignant message, reminding everyone that even small individual actions can make a significant difference in protecting the environment.
The RNDM sisters and aspirants concluded the performances with a song and dance titled “We are Connected,” symbolizing the interconnectedness of all beings and fostering optimism for a brighter future.
In his closing remarks, Brother Sunil Britto CFC, the main organizer of the event, expressed gratitude to all participants and reflected on the theme of Earth Day 2024, “Planet vs Plastic,” urging everyone to consider their choices carefully and prioritize the planet over plastic. All the headmen, Bah P. S. Nongkynrih, Bah Theorydore Myrboh, and Bah Andrew A. Jyrwa were thanked.
The event culminated in a collective cleaning drive, where participants split into seven groups and embarked on cleaning initiatives in seven directions. This initiative shed light on the alarming amount of plastic and litter clogging drains and reaffirmed the importance of ongoing environmental awareness and action.
Earlier in the day, similar ecological awareness programs and cleaning drives were organized at Shillong Peak and Mawlai Madan by local religious, highlighting the unwavering commitment of CRI to ecological stewardship.