Live & Let live
Title: Live & Let live Setting: Garden / Park Characters: Six Children - Rahul, Ismail, John, Jasprit, Rohan, Sathya and Mother India
(Few children are playing in a garden. They suddenly hear some sobs.)Rahul: Oh Mother, who are you? Why are you crying?
Woman: I am Mother INDIA
Children Gasp, rub their eyes and say: Mother India? Wow. Are we dreaming or what? They look at each other and say…………Its true!!!
Ismail to his friends: How lucky we are to meet her. That too here in this park.
John: (Pray) Tell us mother, how come you are here and what makes you sad?
Jasprit: (looking puzzled) You ought to be happy. Today is Independence Day……the Day you won freedom
Rohan: from the British. Oh! How many people fought for your freedom……Many even sacrificed their life…….
Sathya: I have learnt about Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru and so many others in school who sacrificed their life to free you!
Rahul: Dear Mother, do tell us your malady
Mother India: Oh children, I just came for a stroll here. I am happy that 76 years ago I was freed from the British Rule. But…..but….I have few concerns now. Many times, I wonder if I even get the respect and love that I deserve
Ismail: Why do tell that Mother? Can you elaborate on this?
Mother India: We know the British took away many of my wealth but I can proudly say, with the Grace of God I am still rich. I have beautiful rivers, mountains, hills, valleys with rich flora and fauna. I want to treasure these as they are close to my heart.
Alas! I feel my wealth is dwindling due to man’s selfish nature and greed!
Infact, my dear Ganges called me to tell that she is getting polluted day by day due to dumping of waste. Some even dump waste in the name of Religion. The beautiful dolphins of the Ganges are under threat.
John: Yes, this is indeed a cause for concern.
We understand, you are saddened by the pollution, the misuse and over use of our natural resources.
Jasprit: We have been taught in school and in Balvikas class that we should not waste water, electricity….even food.
Rohan: Yes. And to say no to plastics.
Mother India: I remember the days when I could smell the fragrance of roses, lilies and champak flowers in the air. Now it is mostly the stink of garbage that is strewn all over me.
Sathya: The recent Brahmapuram fire released toxic fumes, too.
Rahul: Mother, please don’t fret. We the children of India make a solemn promise to you that we shall put to practice all that we have learnt at school and in our Balvikas/EHV.
Ismail: We will never dump waste in rivers. if we see a running tap, we shall close it. We will save water.
John: We will put to practice the 3 R's – All children in Chorus: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!
Jasprit: After the school picnic, we will clean up the place.
Rohan: We will take cloth bags when we go shopping.
Sathya: We will plant trees…….
Rahul: We will make compost from wet waste
John: Oh! The list is endless! Mother! We will do everything possible to keep you pretty and happy!
Mother India: Dear children. I feel better already. You, My Children are my Hope!!!! Always remember, LIVE AND LET LIVE
Children in chorus: We will remember! Mother India, we love you! Bharat Matha Ki Jai!!!