Will do our bit to save water: Children, teachers after PM's appeal

For many children and teachers who participated in the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on Thursday, the most important takeaway from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech was the message to conserve water.

During his nearly 95-minute address to the nation, Modi flagged the growing water crisis in the country and said half of India's homes didn't have drinking water.

The words of the prime minister struck a chord with many children and their teachers who participated in the event.

Prinsu Pathak, 14, a student of Rajkiya Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, said, "I am sad to know that many children my age don't have access to clean drinking water. Our city is already grappling with a water crisis and steps have been taken to readdress the issue. Not only the government's, it's everybody's responsibility to save water."
Rekha Verma, a teacher at Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, said, "The main issue is that people who have enough water think it is not their problem. This attitude needs to change. Saving even half a litre of water can save somebody's life."
Asha Mahalwal, a teacher at Rajkiya Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Roop Nagar, said, "We teach children to close the tap when it is not in use and to minimise flushing of toilets. We ask them to make every effort to save water. This effort needs greater participation of people. The prime minister's speech will inspire everyone."