ARCHIVED MEDIA RELEASE
PA/19/2002 30 September 2002
Delhi students launch Clean Up the World program at Gandhi Smriti
Gandhi Smriti provided a fitting location for the Delhi launch of the 2002 Clean Up the World campaign today.
At a simple ceremony, about 500 students from 17 Delhi schools took part in a symbolic clean-up at this important site and its surrounds at Tees January Marg, rededicating themselves to the values advocated and practised by Mahatma Gandhi.
The Director of Gandhi Smriti, Dr Savita Singh, and the Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Ms Michelle Marginson, addressed the students.
Ms Marginson said that in a world facing serious environmental and social challenges, Gandhiji and his teachings held great and continuing relevance. The Clean Up the World campaign was a way of putting into practice the concept that positive action by individuals could add up and make a real difference, she said.
Since its beginning 10 years ago in Australia, the campaign has become a global movement, involving a partnership with the United Nations Environment Program, and enlisting the services of community groups, schools and individuals to improve and maintain their local environments.
Following the launch at Gandhi Smriti, the participating schools will organise clean-ups in their neighbourhoods and communities. This year the school children join 40 million people in over 120 countries around the world who will take action to make their environment a cleaner, healthier place.
In recognition of the contribution of volunteers to their community, the theme of this year's Clean Up the World campaign is "Your Community: Our Earth".
The Australian High Commission has for the last few years been involved closely in coordinating this program with schools in Delhi.
For further information, contact Rory Medcalf (First Secretary), tel. 6888 223, extension 197.