Rajpath, India Gate witnesses the Biggest Rally on Environment Awareness Drive
New Delhi: Young India came together today in all its youthful splendour at Rajpath, India Gate, to join hands and express solidarity for a purpose. Delhi-NCR witnessed the biggest environment awareness drive through the Swachh Paryavaran Campaign – a rally of around 5,000 students from different schools, along with key civic bodies, PHD Management and Resident Welfare Associations. The campaign was initiated by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a proactive and dynamic multi-state apex organization working at the grass-root level with strong national and international linkages. Fortis Healthcare Ltd participated in the campaign by providing medical support with two ambulances and doctors for the duration of the rally. NGOs such as Tamana, Navjyoti, also participated to support the awareness drive. In addition, India Vision Foundation and PHD Family Welfare Foundation also participated to support the cause.
The overarching theme of the rally was Environment Awareness with the underlying sub-themes of water conservation, prevention of air and water pollution, encouragement of afforestation & recycling. Another significant issue highlighted was need for protecting our endangered animal species from environment degradation, depleting forests and water sources. The rally was a vision with beautiful, colourful tableaus and jhaankis with students atop in their traditional costumes, dancers, and informative displays. The students marched holding placards, banners, props and head gears. Some of them also had their face painted on environmental themes to convey the messages of protecting the environment and responsible use of our precious natural resources. Cyclists, school bands and choir teams also added to the gaiety and carnival-like atmosphere.
The rally was graced by the presence of Mr. Anil Madhav Dave, Union Minister of Environment, Forest, Climate Control and Mr. Vijay Goel, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports. Encouraged by the enthusiasm of the students, Mr. Gopal Jiwarajka, President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, “Some of the greatest threats facing the planet as in 2017 are climate change and global warming. It is high time that we all wake up and fight this. Though PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry is associated with a number of awareness-driven causes, the aim of this initiative is only to elucidate the importance of clean environment so that we all can make this world a better place to live in.
Mr G S Singhvi, Chairman, Organizing Committee added, “We have got a tremendous response from various organizations and Institutions to support our cleanliness campaign. In the last few months, our theme, “Swachh Hawa Shudh Jal, Swastha Rahega Hamara Kal” has garnered considerable public attention through flash mobs, inter-school play contests, painting competitions and other activities. With this rally, we are making another attempt to appeal to every youth of the city and our country to be a part of this campaign”.
Col (Retd) Harinder S. Chehal, Chief Operating Officer, NCR Region, Fortis Healthcare Ltd, said, “Fortis Healthcare is committed towards being a responsible service provider for our society. We not only make sure that our programmes are efficient, but also ensure that they are sustainable and relevant. We are happy to be the medical partners of the PHD Swacch Paryavaran Campaign. Such initiatives need to be organized more often to instil a sense of awareness and responsibility amongst all of us.”