Childhood seems to be synonymous with innocence. Innocence makes a person walk on the path of truth and walking on that path makes one bold. Hence, children often possess the kind of courage that adults do not have.

I too had courage and fortitude. The entire school knew me as a confident girl whose words could alter the perception of others positively.

It was a hectic day during the summer of 2013. I was in class six and I was once again made the leader of the project ‘Go Green’, for which we students had to contribute towards creating a change in the environment to reduce pollution.

After six long hours, finally it was time to go home. As the children ran out of the school, it seemed as if captives had been set free after years. I too ran straight towards my van and sat inside while reserving a seat for Anum.

Anum was a year senior to me and lived in a bungalow just next to my apartment. Though we lived in the same locality, travelled in the same school bus and we often conversed, I didn’t consider her as my friend for there were several things that separated us. She was easygoing and lived life to the fullest. I, on the other hand, considered responsibilities more important than entertainment.

Well, as I settled down in the van, my brain was clouded with ideas regarding the project. Soon Anum approached my side and took her seat. I glanced at the pack of chips she was holding and again became immersed within my thoughts.

After about 20 minutes, the bus stopped at the corner of my street. We climbed down and begin to move towards our respective homes. At the very moment, Anum dropped the empty pack of chips on the street. I quickly questioned her on this action but instead of realising her mistake, she opposed me.

I said, “Don’t you think the wrapper should be thrown in the dustbin?”

“Yeah, but a single wrapper thrown by me will not affect the litter which was already here!” shrugged off Anum.

“But at least you will do your part!” I said.

“Oh come on!” Anum said carelessly.

I felt upset with her attitude. Soon, I forgot the incident and life came back to normal. I was now in class nine and it was the last day of school before exams started. This meant that it was the last day of class ten for Anum.

In the past three years, I had changed much. Now, I have a more passive nature and prefer taking a backseat than get into a debate. So on this hot May day I rushed towards my school van after being a little late leaving the school. On reaching it I found that my usual seat was occupied, so I shared a single seat with a classmate. Anum was sitting on one of the front seats besides a little boy of fifth grade who was having French fries topped with a coat of ketchup. As soon as he finished it, he threw the wrapper in the van itself.

“Oh my God! Do you realise what you have done? Throwing garbage in inappropriate places is what declares us as an illiterate society! Do you throw trash in your house the same way?” Anum chided the boy.

The boy replied, “So what? My action will make no difference to it.”

“Of course it will! It is our individual acts that make up the overall impression of our society,” Anum explained.

Though not entirely convinced, the boy had to pick the wrapper and keep holding it all the way home. This brought a smiled on my face. At least Anum had learnt her lesson. I don’t know what brought about a change in her perspective, but whatever it was, at least there was one more person on this planet who was concerned about its environment.

Each and every individual has the potential to contribute towards a better world. And together we can make a big difference.

Published in Dawn, Young World, October 29th, 2016