Positive Change for sustainable development
(Original)

Ananya Shrestha
(Age 13, Nepal)
Little Angel’s School

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I
I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference.

- Robert Frost

Our environment and surroundings determine our identity and we, human beings, intellectual and social, are the ones who hold the immense responsibility to bring positive changes in the world where we live. In this modern era with  changing times and transforming ecological conditions, we, the youth all over the world must rise up to the surface and act for bringing about sustainable development.

Charity begins at home and so, every individual must undertake the proactive to put into action of what we speak. I, like everyone else, am just an ordinary tenth-grader, but believe that like every single person, even I can make a difference. In the context of bringing optimistic alternations and long lasting progress not only in my community but in the global society as well, my first effort has been to morph my attitude and awareness regarding the dynamical state of the world.

Human beings are being victimized by their own activities. All around us, issues are being raised with respect to the various problems which we are facing. From global warming, drug abuses and social crimes to identity crisis and heinous behavior, there are innumerable obstructions in the path of our development and yet nothing more is being done aside from making plans, spreading awareness and publicizing our troubles. In the midst of all razzmatazz, the important aspects for developing our world have been left aside. We are aware by now of the causes and adverse effects of our inappropriate actions but considering the lack of effective changes, I have come to the conclusion that the greatest drawback lies in the thinking of the people.

The social attitude of every individual is based on the primitive and traditional beliefs and trends passed down by our ignorant ancestors. The concept of gender discrimination, practicing of social evils and several bad aspects of our society have surfaced from these old thinking. Due to the inability of ours to cut away form our traditions, such unsuitable customs are still exercised and encouraged. Moreover, we are controlled by our attitudes which are absolutely inadvisable in these times because attitude, not aptitude, determines altitude in life. Thus, I have pledged to change my attitude and perform accordingly so that the monkey like coping behavior of people round the world may follow this trend of maintaining sanitation, customizing cultures and changing the economic, political as well as technological scenario of the world.

The other half of my project includes active participation in activities which may contribute towards alleviating the chaotic situation across the globe. Dedicating myself towards the cause of improving our physical environment and as the chairperson of my school’s Eco Club, I have participated and encouraged my fellow student classmates to participate in afforestation and cleaning campaigns. Recent visits to the zoo and the increasing unhygienic disposal of waste around us has made us aware and interested to change this state of our community. Hence, may it be talk programs or writing essays, we are all trying to develop a sense of comprehension in ourselves as others that now it is high time for us to raise our voice and participate in this effort to change the world and make it a better place to live in. In addition, as a former member of the students’ quality circle, I believe that if we are the ones who are causing these consequences, it is us who can stop such activities and solve them by ourselves, not by dependence others.