Hubballi-Dharwad's Green Revolution: Vijayalakshmi Peri's Student-Led Plastic-Free Mission
In the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad, a determined environmental crusader is turning the tide against banned plastic usage, one paper bag at a time. Vijayalakshmi Peri, an MTech graduate and counseling psychologist, has embarked on a multi-faceted mission to eradicate plastic covers from local markets, leveraging the power of youth engagement and community collaboration.
A 14-Year Journey of Environmental Advocacy
Vijayalakshmi's commitment to this cause spans an impressive 14 years, beginning in Vizag after her marriage and continuing upon her return to her native Sattur, Dharwad, in 2017. Last year, she formalized her efforts by establishing the NGO 'Possible Together' and launching the 'Stop Asking for One Time Plastic Covers' (OTPs) campaign. This initiative is designed to tackle plastic pollution through a holistic, multi-level approach that targets various sectors of society.
Empowering Students as Agents of Change
Central to her strategy is the active involvement of schoolchildren. Vijayalakshmi conducts specially designed awareness sessions and hands-on newspaper bag-making activities in schools across Hubballi-Dharwad. In just one year, students have crafted over 1 lakh paper bags under her guidance, with each bag often bearing empowering messages like 'I am proud to join in this mission, stop asking for OTP, my Mother Earth is my responsibility.' These bags are then distributed to local vendors to encourage a shift away from banned plastic.
Ambitious Goals and Widespread Support
With a target to produce 25 lakh paper bags and ultimately replace 1 crore plastic bags within the next three years, Vijayalakshmi's mission has gained significant traction. The deputy director of public instruction has instructed all schools in the district to participate, ensuring each student from more than 700 schools makes at least 25 bags. Additionally, Subhash Adi, chairman of the state-level committee of the National Green Tribunal, has directed the education department to support her efforts, leading to increased engagement from schools and local philanthropists.
Tangible Impact and Community Praise
The campaign's success is evident in the stories of students like Surabhi and Manjunath, who have not only made bags but also inspired their families and friends to join the cause. Social worker Chintan Hattikal notes that the mission has helped many parents in Hubballi-Dharwad opt for paper bags over plastic. Educators such as Renu Patil, principal of JSS State Eng Medium School, Dharwad, and BS Rashmi, a teacher at Smt Vimala Kulkarni School, Hubballi, have praised Vijayalakshmi's work for its educational and environmental benefits.
To motivate participants, certificates and badges are awarded to students, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility. Through her YouTube channel and persistent outreach, Vijayalakshmi continues to expand her impact, proving that collective action can drive meaningful change in the fight against plastic pollution.
