Tirupati experience

Recently I have been to Tirupati on a family trip. The foot path from Alipiri to Tirumala is a superb one, the divine experience is ultimate. But, in this visit I have observed an enormous amounts of waste on the hill on either sides of the foot path.

Leave all those areas, even the important areas like the banyan tree thats on the way, which is supposed to be a resting place were completely cluttered with plastic bottles. It no longer seems to be a place to take rest.

What amazes me is that even those who are well educated throw waste like anything, they don't mind throwing it any where, whether it be out of a train window or just somewhere around at a coffee shop or even in holy places like Tirupati. When will our educational system infuse such civic sense into the coming generations. And also why should we expect schools to do so. Why not we ourselves make the effort. We are the one who make the society. It is our prime responsibility to be a good citizen.

Let me share a small incident that happened to me on the way to Tirupati,

In the same compartment in which we were travelling while going to Tirupati there were an old man, an old woman and their grand daughter. The girl had some snacks, she completed them and was left with the wrapper. So she was holding on to it. In the mean time her grand father was having a tea. After completing his tea, he threw the cup from the train window. Immediately the little girl followed him and through the wrapper from the same window. This is the kind of example we are setting for the next generation. If the change that is needed is not there within us then, how come and with what right do we expect to have that change in the next generation. If the grand father, instead of throwing it out of window, threw it in a dustbin, think of the impact that will have on the girl. That is the kind of change we need in our mindsets. So please become better citizens for a better world . . .

It is just a few small steps which will make a huge difference in the long run. These small things like

• Discourage usage of plastics - carry your bags while going for shopping, use disposable biodegradable eco friendly glasses in your functions (at least).
• Throw waste in dust bins - if you don't find any at a shop, ask them, ask them as many times as you can, they will someday arrange that and that is what is important for us. to bring a change.
• Keep your surroundings and cities clean.
• Inculcate such things in children. A very important step.
• Lead with an example, be an example for your friends, family and colleagues - you might be laughed at, but who cares, we are doing a good thing, so never get offended by such things. Be strong and patient, you will see the results soon.

Make a small effort for a better society, be a better citizen and make better citizens too . . .