Celebration, Yes, Resilience.....?? It's a long way.....

Thick cloud of smoke hovers over the major roads of the city as this is being written....mainly in the area of Piplod and University road......decreasing the visibility if the road to a considerable extent, demanding that extra attention from the driver.....

And its not some early winter fog...its the smoke from Diwali crackers.....the effect of this pollution will remain for many days and Surtis will keep on breathing this polluted air.....health issues will follow.....it will again demand those 'extra' efforts from the authorities to bring the city to its usual pace. Not to mention the noise pollution and solid waste issues also.....

A lot many people who have contributed to this blog have repeatedly appealed and insisted for 'celebration with responsibility'.......we must sustain....we must celebrate and conserve our environment at the same time, so that our future generations can celebrate like we do......

Picture taken on Diwali 2016 night. Click on the picture for HQ resolution.

Surat had spirit like no other city. We are the city that got up on its own after the floods of 2006. And Sutis, do understand. But it's just that the time demands we understand more. Not a little more....a whole lot more. 

And there was this interesting sidebar. I was able to speak to some rag-pickers who were busy collecting the boxes and other debrief from fireworks. They would sell these at 08, eight rupees a kilo to some contractors..... This was not the case before a few years.....this will definitely help in cleaning the streets and roads mode effectively and rapidly..... 

Rag-pickers earning their minimum wedges were seen active. An interesting sidebar.

Once again, it's time we showed that Surti spirit for our city, our environment.  A lot has been said and written. We already have enthusiasm for the celebration, and now we need that 'sense of belongingness' that seems so lost......

Wishing a very happy new year to all reader and Surtis....lets make that change, let's make it NOW...!

Himanshu (Arjun ) Padhya