In the joyous spirit of Deepavali celebration, a team of academics from UTAR Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF), organised a community event named “Go Green Deepavali” at SJK (T) Ladang, Kampar on 22 November 2019.

The team consisted of Organising Chaiperson Dr Vikniswari Vija Kumaran, and members Thavamalar Ganapathy, Gopalan Raman, Dr Gengeswari Krishnapillai, Chitrah Krishnan, Kogilavani Apadore Thanaletchumi R. Letchumanan, Vinothiny Subramaniam, Thurai Murugan Nathan, Suresh Nodeson, Rajaletchumy Mani, Kalai Vani Kalimuthu, Sonia Johanthan, Thamil Durai Chelliah, Dr Yamuna Rani Palanimally, Dr Shanthi Nadarajah, Ravindran Nadarajan, Sai Mei Ling, Peramjit Singh Balbir Singh and Dr Ramesh Kumar Moona Haji Mohamed @ Rajoo.

The objective was to educate students on observing a green Diwali celebration every year to curb environmental pollutions. This included teaching them alternative products to plastics and disposable utensils. The event was also important to create awareness among these young students on zero usage of plastics through 5R, also known as “Refuse, Repurpose, Reconnect, Recycle and Recognise” practices. With the information taught to the students, the academics believed that the students will not only understand but also have increased interest in protecting and improving the environment.

The activities conducted were aimed to provide students with a practical understanding of the 5R. These include making rangoli with flowers, diyas with oranges, and home decor with recycled items. The academics and students also had a friendly soccer and badminton match. From the event, the team of academics also managed to collect funds to help the Standard Five students prepare for their UPSR examination.