"BAN PLASTIC", an essay by Meenakshi Rathod B.A. HEP II YEAR. 

BAN PLASTIC POLLUTION: A Fight for Survival!

Have you ever seen a sea turtle struggle to breathe because a plastic bag clogged its throat? Or watched a cow eat garbage filled with wrappers and bottles? These aren’t just disturbing images – they are real stories, happening every single day around us.

Plastic – once hailed as a miracle invention – has now turned into the biggest monster we created. Cheap, convenient, and everywhere, plastic is no longer just an environmental issue; it is a life-threatening emergency. From choking oceans to killing animals, from polluting soil to entering human bodies – plastic is destroying everything in its path.

Let’s not sugarcoat it: WE ARE DROWNING IN PLASTIC.

The True Cost of Plastic: More Than We Can Bear

Plastic is everywhere – in our hands, homes, streets, rivers, oceans, and even inside us. Every year, over 8 million tons of plastic waste end up in the oceans. Animals choke on it. Soil turns toxic. Rivers get blocked. And the saddest part? It never goes away.

It takes 500–1000 years for plastic to decompose. Microplastics are now found in the food we eat, water we drink, and air we breathe. In India, plastic blocks drains, causes urban flooding, and spreads disease.

Are we willing to trade our children’s future for a plastic spoon or a shopping bag? Some say banning plastic is inconvenient. But what is more inconvenient – carrying a cloth bag or living in a world where rivers are dead, crops are poisoned, and animals suffer daily? This ban is not against convenience – it’s for SURVIVAL.

A Better Tomorrow: Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Imagine a world where:

• Milk is delivered in glass bottles
• Groceries are carried in jute bags
• Parties use steel cutlery, not plastic waste
• Packaging is made of leaves, not poison

These are not dreams – they’re possibilities. Let’s be clear: there is NO excuse left. We know the damage. We know the alternatives. So why wait? It’s time to ban plastic pollution – completely, boldly, and urgently!

The Power of Youth: Change Begins With Us

You don’t need to be a politician to change the world. You just need to care. We, the students and youth, are the voice of tomorrow. We can lead by:

4R principles

• Refusing plastic in our daily lives
• Educating people
• Participating in clean-up drives and campaigns
• Using social media to raise awareness
• Supporting strict government policies
• Promoting alternatives

Plastic pollution is a war. And it’s time we fight like warriors – with our choices, our voices, and our courage. Say NO to plastic at every chance. Be the change others follow.

We are the last generation that can fix this. Let the world know: we will not drown in plastic. We will rise with purpose. We will fight. And we will win.

Because when we ban plastic pollution, WE CHOOSE LIFE. WE CHOOSE EARTH!

Author Feature: 

Perumal Murugan

About the Author:

Perumal Murugan (born 1966) is a renowned Tamil writer, scholar, and literary critic whose works powerfully depict rural life, caste structures, and social realities of Tamil Nadu. As a professor of Tamil literature, he has contributed both academically and creatively, shaping contemporary Tamil writing with fearless honesty. His narrative style is simple yet evocative, often portraying the conflicts between tradition and modern aspirations. Murugan’s novels are deeply rooted in the lives of ordinary people, highlighting their struggles with caste oppression, poverty, desire, and survival, yet they resonate universally.

One of his most celebrated novels, Madhorubhagan (One Part Woman), explores the societal pressures faced by a childless couple. This work brought him both global recognition and controversy, with certain groups attacking it as offensive. The backlash forced Murugan to briefly announce his “death as a writer.” However, the Madras High Court’s defense of literary freedom marked a turning point, after which he resumed writing. His other significant novels include Seasons of the Palm, Poonachi: Or the Story of a Black Goat, and Pyre. In 2023, he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for Pyre, reaffirming his place as one of India’s boldest and most relevant literary voices.

 Books Translated into English.

Perumal Murugan’s works have reached international audiences through fine English translations, allowing readers worldwide to engage with his themes of caste, identity, and human struggle. Madhorubhagan was translated as One Part Woman by Aniruddhan Vasudevan and became his most widely known novel. His moving story of bonded child laborers, Koolamadari, was translated as Seasons of the Palm by V. Geetha, and it was shortlisted for the Kiriyama Prize. Aalanda Patchi appeared in English as Pyre, a powerful tale of caste violence. Poonachi: Or the Story of a Black Goat was directly written in Tamil but translated into English by N. Kalyan Raman, capturing Murugan’s allegorical style. Other translated works include Current Show, The Well, A Lonely Harvest, and Trial by Silence. These translations have made Murugan’s voice accessible beyond Tamil readership, cementing his reputation as a global writer whose stories transcend cultural boundaries while remaining firmly rooted in Tamil soil.

"BAN PLASTIC", an essay by TWINKLE KONDEPOGU. B.A. MLHJ, III YEAR.

Plastic Pollution: A Battle We Keep Fighting

I’ve heard the same message over and over again for many years—about the dangers of plastic pollution and the urgent need to stop it. This theme has followed me since my school days. I’ve written essays on this topic in school, seen my classmates write about it, and even today, during my undergraduate studies, I find myself reflecting on the same issue .Time has passed. I’ve moved from school to intermediate education, and now into college. The world around me has changed—technology has advanced, lifestyles have evolved—but the issue of plastic pollution remains the same. Despite all the awareness campaigns, rallies, and debates, the problem still persists .

 I've seen people debating this on television, heard countless voices repeat the phrase, "Change starts with you," and watched social activists march down streets shouting, "Ban plastic!" These efforts have no doubt borne some fruit, but they haven’t grown into the strong tree of change we hoped for. Civilians say the government needs to enforce stricter laws, while the government often blames the public for not being responsible enough. Both sides keep playing the blame game, but real solutions get lost in the noise.

The truth is, plastic usage can’t be completely eliminated—not yet—but it Can be controlled. Let’s be honest. If we were to entirely ban plastic, we would need to replace almost everything—from our toothbrushes to our dustbins. Logically and practically, it’s not an easy shift. However, we can begin to move in the right direction step by step . Small actions matter. For example, we can start by eliminating single-use plastics from our daily lives. We can choose eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives cloth bags instead of plastic ones, reusable containers instead of disposable packaging. We can reuse items until they’re truly worn out, and we can get creative—turn old plastic into something useful instead of simply throwing it away . Responsibility starts with each one of us. You and I may not be able to clean up an entire street, but we can each pick up that one bottle or plastic wrapper and put it in the trash bin.

We may not be perfect every single day, but we can strive to be better than we were the day before . Change doesn’t always need to be revolutionary it can be a quiet commitment to do the right thing, again and again. If enough people make small, consistent efforts, they eventually add up to something powerful. The battle against plastic pollution is not over. But if we keep trying, one responsible action at a time, we can create a future that is cleaner, greener, and more sustainable for everyone.

 Author Feature:

Shashi Tharoor: A Renowned Politician, Diplomat, and Author

Shashi Tharoor: A Multifaceted Leader

Shashi Tharoor is an Indian politician, author, and former diplomat known for his eloquence, intellect, and progressive thought. Born on 9 March 1956 in London, he was raised in India and educated at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and later at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University (USA), where he earned a Ph.D. at the age of 22.

He served at the United Nations for nearly 29 years, rising to the post of Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information. In 2006, he was India’s official candidate for the post of UN Secretary-General and finished a close second.

In 2009, Tharoor entered Indian politics and was elected as a Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala—a seat he has retained in three consecutive elections. He has served as Minister of State for External Affairs and later as Minister of State for Human Resource Development. He is widely respected for his views on foreign policy, education, and social justice.

Tharoor is also an acclaimed author, having written over 20 books, including The Great Indian Novel, Inglorious Empire, Why I Am a Hindu, and Pax Indica. His writings often explore India’s identity, colonial history, and global relevance. He is known for his rich vocabulary and engaging narrative style.

Beyond politics and writing, Tharoor is a cultural icon. His speeches, both in India and abroad, reflect his deep knowledge and commitment to democratic values, pluralism, and civil liberties.

A true global Indian, Shashi Tharoor represents a unique blend of intellect, diplomacy, and public service, inspiring youth to think critically and act responsibly in shaping India’s future.

His famous book :

An Era of Darkness 

An Era of Darkness by Shashi Tharoor is a powerful critique of British colonial rule in India. The book exposes the economic exploitation, cultural damage, and human suffering caused by the British Empire. Tharoor challenges the glorified view of colonialism and dismantles myths about British “gifts” like railways and education. Using sharp arguments and historical evidence, he reveals how India was looted and impoverished. The book is based on his famous Oxford Union speech and is written in a bold, accessible style. It urges readers to rethink colonial history and reclaim India's narrative with pride and clarity.

"BAN PLASTIC",Essay by Nethikar Mounika. B.Sc - FSCCa, 3rd Year.

On June 5, 2025, as India celebrated World Environment Day with the theme “One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution.” I remember Prime Minister Modiji's words hitting me hard. “Every plastic bottle we toss away is like a scar on our planet's heart.” It felt so real, especially after seeing clips of a massive cleanup drive along the Ganges. Leaders, students and even kids were out there pulling out plastic bags, bottles from the river. It was messy, emotional and made me rethink - how did we let our sacred rivers, whom we worship get so choked with trash? That day I felt some contribution of any sort must be done from our side.

Plastic Pollution isn’t just about dirty rivers, though. It’s everywhere. An article from Hindu, not so long ago mentioned India throws about 5.8 million tonnes of plastic every year, and the smoke from that messes up the air, it is scary to think about breathing in those toxins, but we actually do. Many Indian Cities like New Delhi, Noida, Durgapur, Patna, ect. often appear in top 10 of World AQI (Air Quality Index) rankings. Microplastics being the major component of the pollution.

In landfills, there are piles of plastic bags and wrappers that don’t break down, leaking chemicals into the ground, from where we grow our food. From a year the major hot topic has been microplastics - they are everywhere in water, food, air even in our bodies causing major health problems.

But there are people fighting back, which gives hope. Like Matti Malhar Kambe, a young man from Mumbai - who recently received the National Creators Award 2024 has been doing incredible work with his group “Beach Please”. They clean up Beaches, make for funny videos to get people’s attention and promote things like Bamboo straws, cloth bags so on. Malhar’s mantra - Refuse, reuse, rethink has become a rally cry. He has become an inspiration for GenZs.

The World is starting to wake up too. Back in 2022 United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, 175 countries got together and promised pledged to make a treaty to stop plastic pollution by 2040, by cutting down on making new plastic recycling more and get rid of single use stuff. Still it is not easy, India banned single use plastics in 2022, which was effective for certain time but no proper implementation and no proper alternative like plastic introduced plastic same back. Globally only 9% of plastic gets recycled.

The rest just sits in landfills or gets dumped in places like India from rich countries. The Global Waste Trade is reality, this unfair treatment, must stop. But I believe we can change things. Cities like Indore is doing amazing work with community cleanups, making it the cleanest city each time. As Amit Ray, an Indian author said “A plastic pollution-free world is not a choice but a commitment to life”, Let’s honour the commitment for our rivers, our soil, our air and our next generation.

Author Feature: Rochelle Potkar

Author Feature

Rochelle Potkar

Writer, Poet, Playwright 

About the Author:

Rochelle Potkar is a prize-winning poet, author, and screenwriter based in Mumbai. Her published works include Four Degrees of Separation, Paper Asylum (shortlisted for the Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize 2020), Bombay Hangovers (also available in Hindi), and Coins in Rivers, which was shortlisted for The Wise Owl Literary Award 2025.

An alumna of the Iowa International Writing Program and Charles Wallace Fellow at the University of Stirling, she has been invited multiple times as a creative-writing mentor to the Iowa International Writing Programs. She also teaches poetry at the Himalayan Writing Retreat.

Rochelle was conferred an honorary Doctorate in Literature by Sanskriti University, Mathura, presented by former President of India, Mr. Ram Nath Kovind. Her first screenplay was selected for the NFDC India Screenwriters Lab and was a quarterfinalist at the Atlanta Film Festival. Two of her projects featured in the Top 30 Book-to-Box Office selection at NFDC Film Bazaar 2023. Her short scripts 'Catharsis,' 'Salad,' and 'Ali Guli Maane' have won accolades, with 'Salad' (Shezari) set to release in September 2025.

About the book: 

The D’Costa Family

Set in Goa, this darkly comic family drama unfolds after the death of Don Theodore. His widow, Rita, who never loved him, tries to install their son Jason, a gravedigger, as the next Don, bribing tenants and manipulating relatives. Meanwhile, daughter-in-law Annette juggles a secret lover, stolen jewels, and a shooting. Inspector Gaitonde stumbles on a bizarre secret under Jason’s graveyard.

Amid collapsing real estate dreams and a chaotic interfaith wedding, Rita slowly realizes the absurdity of the patriarchal power game she played and instead finds unexpected solidarity. The novel is packed with wit, emotion, and wild twists, satirical yet moving, sinister yet hilarious.

Link to the Book

PS: Presently, the book is available in Paperback, Hardcover and eBooks versions via Amazon Now. the wider distributions will start only later this year. 

Author Feature:

Anusha Subramanian

About the author:

Anusha Subramanian – India’s Young Literary Prodigy

Anusha Subramanian is one of India’s youngest published authors, celebrated for her debut novel Heirs of Catriona, which she wrote and released at just 12 years old. Her journey is both inspiring and unique, showcasing how young minds, when nurtured and encouraged, can produce remarkable work.

From a young age, Anusha was drawn to books, especially in the fantasy and adventure genres. Inspired by global authors like J.K. Rowling, she began writing her own stories filled with magic, mystery, and imagination. Her debut novel, Heirs of Catriona, tells the story of four girls chosen to protect a magical world called Catriona. With elements of fantasy, friendship, and bravery, the book reflects Anusha’s strong storytelling skills and creativity far beyond her years.

Published by Red Turtle, the children's imprint of Rupa Publications, Heirs of Catriona was well-received by readers and critics alike. It stood out not just because of the young age of the author but because of its structured plot, engaging narrative, and imaginative world-building.

Anusha’s success story became an inspiration for many young readers across India. She has been featured in interviews, book events, and school discussions, where she motivates students to write, read, and explore their creative abilities. Despite her early fame, she continues to focus on learning, reading, and improving her craft.

Her story proves that passion, encouragement, and discipline can help young people achieve extraordinary goals. Anusha Subramanian remains a role model for budding writers, showing that age is no limit when it comes to imagination and hard work.

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