Shed caste and religious differences, remain united, and development will follow, was the message that Sona Mary Philip, 10th Standard student of St. Jude’s English Medium High School, Ambalamedu, had for the country. This comes at a time when the nation is debating issues of conversion and re-conversion sparked by the ghar wapasi controversy.
The messages that jostled for space on the “Cello Wall” put up at the venue of the regional city round of The Hindu In School Cello Handwriting Wizards contest revealed the face of a generation that was sensitive to the plight of fellow beings.
The wall meant for writing about changes that students wanted in the country was covered with messages expressing concern over issues as diverse as education, women empowerment, women’s safety, poverty, sanitation, environment and waste management, to name a few.
Induja, a seventh standard student of Sri Sai Vidya Vihar, Aluva, wanted the Prime Minister to take steps to stop child marriage and ensure educational and medical facilities for the rural poor.
Steve George Anil, a ninth standard student of Toc-H Public School, Vyttila, called for replacing the carbon-dioxide emitting vehicles with solar ones.
The event along with the concept of “write the change” impressed parents as well. “Not many care for such concepts and events these days,” said Prakash Babu, parent of a student Vaishnavi. Bindu, another parent, hailed the endeavour to bring out the ideas of children.
