26th August, 2026. Another regular day in Trishuli Bazar, Nepal– shopkeepers rolling up shutters, children heading to school, people going about their morning chores– until the moment of disaster. Triggered by a massive landslide near Langtang Lirung, a towering wall of water, debris and ice swept through the town, reducing houses to rubble, destroying entire bridges and drowning out the cries of the people beneath the thundering roar of nature’s fury.
Thousands of miles away, Europe continues to endure an unprecedented heatwave, transforming tourists’ dreams of the ideal ‘European summer’ into a sweltering nightmare. While such extremes of weather may appear as isolated instances, they point to a concerning reality that transcends borders– climate change.
It is easy to be disheartened by the negativity in the news and throw one’s hands up in despair at the state of the world but someone must take the reins and lead the charge in the battle for environmental conservation. The wind bag has been opened, our ship has been thrown off-course and the future seems uncertain, yet all hope is not lost. This is a call to action, our final chance to protect the planet we call home and as with any other revolution, it is not politicians or soldiers who shall pave the path– it is us, the students of today and the leaders of tomorrow.
While the phenomenon of climate change may seem beyond our control, we hold in our hands the power to reroute the course of our future through small, individual efforts which culminate in lasting changes. The ‘Brikharoppon’, (Tree Plantation) Event held on 22nd July 2026 at SBGS Moira Street aimed to promote environmental awareness and sustainability among students. The event featured the ceremonial planting of the first sapling followed by vibrant cultural performances, alongside the planting of twenty-five saplings by the students of the Science and Nature Club and Bulbuls from Classes III-V.
True social responsibility demands more than a single milestone. It requires a sustained commitment to environmental stewardship and ethical practices in our daily lives. Our duty does not end at the school gates, rather it extends to every aspect of our life, whether it be reducing plastic waste in our cafeterias, organising local cleanliness campaigns or encouraging others to adopt mindful conservation practices.
As said by Aristotle, ‘Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.’ The objective of education in today’s world extends beyond informing young minds– it means shaping character, instilling empathy, invoking a sense of social responsibility and empowering students to blossom into responsible citizens who give back to the community. These values are deeply embedded in the ethos of Sushila Birla Girls’ School where students are nurtured to become empathetic individuals, responsible citizens and conscientious custodians of the future.
DIA BOTHRA
CLASS XI C1
