Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Youth initiative for eco issues

Parmomita Pain

CHENNAI: To help educate and inform better the youth in the city to play a more responsible role as inheritors of the earth, We Feel Responsible (WFR), a city-based youth initiative, was created.

Built by a group of college students who did not vibe with the corporate taking over of college festivals and wanted students to question such situations, the forum provides a space to discuss different dilemmas as youth and understand through non-formal learning and self-immersion the politics of development and ecological issues concerning our society now.

Recently, members of this progressive action collective and members of the Students for Bhopal organisation, kick started protests against the Indian Oil Corporation's proposed deal with Dow Chemical, through a signature campaign conducted among the crowds at the beaches.

This was later faxed to the Prime Minister.

Many activities are undertaken to interest more people in their work. The recent film festival, at the Alliance Françoise `In the Name of Development' explored developmental initiatives adopted in different countries and their fallouts, had filmmakers like Alphonse Roy narrating stories on pollution rather than wildlife.

It also featured various films resulting out of collective efforts; including the WFR's own production,

A film about the important ramifications between youth interactions and corporate operations, patently obvious in the way college cultural festivals are conducted, it took viewers on a journey to understand globalisation, corporate culture and environmental justice by investigating the nature and quantity of trash generated at the end of such popular fests.

Ultimately the message driven home by members like Shwetha, Lakshmi, Yash Jain and Dharmesh Shah is simple— be aware and pass this awareness on for a greener, safer world.

For more info contact Dharmesh Shah at 9444416546.

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