Annettes on a Plogging Run
Even as PM Narendra Modi’s ‘plogging’ on the shores of Mammallapuram in Chennai made waves on social media, the Annettes of RID 3232 participated in a Plogging Run to promote a cleanliness and anti-plastic drive in Chennai. Plogging is a Swedish concept introduced in 2016 following increased concern over plastic pollution and it has spread globally since then. It is a combination of jogging with picking up plastics littered on the path.
The District Annettes Council (DAC), along with RC Madras Central and Bhumi, a city-based NGO, organised the event on Oct 2, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Around 80 participants, or ploggers as they are called, were given kits comprising a cap, mask, gloves, an apron and trash bag. They had to jog through a 3-km stretch by the beach gathering garbage along the path. Annettes, Rotarians and Anns were part of the programme which was initiated by Project Coordinator Annette Gouri Ravikumar with support from District Annette Council Chair Rtn Asha Marina.
It was an awareness exercise to sensitise youngsters and public to keep the city clean and free of plastics.
— Asha Marina, Annette Council Chair
The event was co-sponsored by RCs Madras South, Chennai Utsav, Renaissance, Bay Watchers, Aadithya and Adambakkam. Certificates and goody bags, besides refreshments, were distributed to the participants at the end of the event.
It was an awareness exercise to sensitise youngsters and public to keep the city clean and free of plastics, says Asha. The Council designs two workshops for Annettes every month. “Around Diwali, we are planning a programme to sensitise people on the harm bursting crackers will have on animals. That is our next project.” Apart from the council’s programmes, Annette clubs sponsored by Rotary clubs also work on individual projects and “we help them with suggestions,” she says. The DAC has 40 Annette-members and is led by Prageetha Joseph this year.
“It is more a case of catching them when they are young. The Annettes are always excited to get on with any project. The baking workshop last month, for instance, was a huge hit,” says Asha, adding that such interactions keep the Rotary connection alive with the youngsters and they do not feel left out when the Rotarian-parents are engaged in a Rotary activity.
