Expressnews
January 28, 2025, Chennai – On the momentous occasion of India’s Republic Day, Rtn. Radhika Dhruv, the dynamic President of the Rotary Club of Madras Cosmos of Rotary International District 3233, has emerged as a true hero by leading an extraordinary endeavour that champions sustainability and environmental stewardship.
As the primary record holder, Rtn. Radhika Dhruv has successfully spearheaded a World Record Attempt, engaging thousands of young minds from the schools of Anjuman-e-Himayat-Islam, Tnagar in a sustainability pledge under the theme “Carry Your Own Cloth Bag”. This initiative which was held soon after the Flag Hoisting ceremony & cultural programme, addressed the pressing issue of plastic pollution leading to Global Warming, emphasizes the importance of reusable alternatives and has inspired a new wave of environmental consciousness among the youth of India.
The event was incredibly hosted by Anjuman-e-Himayat-e-Islam Schools, T. Nagar, Chennai, an esteemed institution known for nurturing well-rounded and socially conscious students. When President Rtn. Radhika Dhruv envisioned this initiative, she reached out to Padma Shri Dr. Mecca Rafeeq Ahmed, President of Anjuman-e-Himayat-e-Islam schools, who magnanimously welcomed the Rotary Club of Madras Cosmos to host the pledge activity on their premises, involving their children in this meaningful endeavour. The management expressed their unwavering support for the cause, emphasizing that their students, known for their education and strong sense of responsibility towards sustainability, would enthusiastically participate in this meaningful initiative.
The schools played a pivotal role in the success of the event, with children taking centre stage in creating history. The young minds not only participated in the cultural programmes but also wholeheartedly embraced the sustainability pledge under the theme “Carry Your Own Cloth Bag.” Their enthusiasm and commitment to the cause reflected their understanding of the importance of reducing plastic pollution and fostering environmental consciousness.
The children, as future leaders of India, were integral to the event’s objective of combining patriotism with sustainability. Their involvement went beyond simply taking a pledge. They became ambassadors for change, representing a generation determined to take actionable steps toward a cleaner and greener future. The management commended the students for their eagerness to learn, adapt and inspire their families and communities with this initiative.
India celebrated its 76th Republic Day with the theme ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,’ highlighting the nation’s rich heritage and remarkable progress. Emphasizing on this theme, President Rtn. Radhika Dhruv mentioned in her speech before the pledge that our ancestors understood the value of sustainability long before it became a global concern. Citing an example to the children about their grandparents carrying a folded cloth bag in their pockets or purses, she shared that whenever they needed, they would simply unfold it, use it and after emptying it, fold it back neatly & kept back in pockets or purses for future use. It wasn’t just a habit; it was a mindset – a way of life that reflected responsibility, resourcefulness and respect for the environment. Further, she urged that simple yet profound practices from the past remind us that sustainability doesn’t require complex solutions. It’s about going back to basics—living thoughtfully and valuing resources.
By sharing serious challenges that the environment faces – rising pollution, deforestation, excessive waste leading to Global Warming, she mentioned that one of the most pressing issues is plastic pollution, which chokes our rivers, fills our landfills endangers countless species.
The theme of her pledge, “Carry Your Own Cloth Bag,” is a simple yet impactful step toward solving this complex problem. Cloth bags are a perfect example of this wisdom. They are easy to fold, maintain, and use. Whether at the market, school, or anywhere else, they are a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to plastic. Inspiring the children, she urged them to not only adopt this practice individually but to revive it as a collective effort, fostering a community-wide commitment to sustainability.
Providing credit to Born To Win, she shared how the movement was inspired by a young man, Jai Aswani, who, alongside his mother, Varsha Aswani, took the first step toward this mission. Their efforts sparked a larger vision. Drawing from their inspiration, President Rtn. Radhika Dhruv envisioned extending this initiative to as many people as possible through her Rotary Club of Madras Cosmos as she could see this as an incredible opportunity to urge everyone to join hands with her in supporting this thoughtful and impactful movement.
Speaking after event, Rtn. Radhika Dhruv shared her heartfelt sentiments: ” Our country, known for its ancient wisdom and harmony with nature, has always valued sustainability. And now, it’s our turn to contribute. More importantly, this is also a day to think about the legacy we want to leave behind for the generations to come.
Children are the future of India. The choices they make today will shape the India of tomorrow.
Today, we witnessed a historic moment, one that is etched in time as a testament to the power of collective action and commitment. This is not just a record; it is a movement. A movement that demonstrates the power of collective action for a better tomorrow. Today, we celebrate the children of India who have joined hands to take this pledge, creating a legacy of hope and sustainability for the world.”
The event was graced by the presence of the Official Records Manager of World Records Union©️ ™️, who validated and confirmed the World Record Attempt. The successful adjudication culminated in the awarding of the prestigious World Record Certificate to Rtn. Radhika Dhruv and the associating partner, Anjuman-e-Himayat-e-Islam Schools, solidifying her role as a visionary leader and changemaker.
The event would not have been possible without the incredible partnership of Anjuman-e-Himayat-e-Islam Schools, whose students demonstrated their readiness to shape a sustainable future. Their active participation and enthusiasm served as a powerful reminder that the youth are the torchbearers of change.
This initiative, which Rtn. Radhika described as one of her “most cherished endeavours,” reflects her unwavering commitment to driving impactful change. Through her leadership, the Rotary Club of Madras Cosmos of Rotary International District 3233 has set a benchmark for innovation and service, showcasing the potential of community-driven efforts to address global challenges. With this historic milestone, Rtn. Radhika Dhruv has truly exemplified the Rotary ethos of “Service Above Self”, proving that one person’s vision can spark a movement for generations to come.
