It is shocking to note that people are wasting time, energy and water in following the so called ‘ice bucket challenge’ on various social networking sites. Even hotels around the world, including a few in Qatar are enthusiastic enough to call out fans for such events.
Not only is it a waste of electricity in freezing so much ice, a misuse of huge volumes of water as well as a waste of quality time. What is the outcome of this challenge - is there a prize to win or will you enter the Guinness Book of World Records? We see such activities going viral around us, we must pay close attention and recognise the effects that this has on our youth. Moreover, the water of the river Ganges in Haridwar in India is as cold as ice water and people easily enjoy jumping in, so this is not unusual for them.
When we have so many other challenges to face in life with family, work and in the society, why should we indulge in such kind of self-inflicted suffering and ask others to do the same?
Instead of the ice bucket challenge, we should indulge in challenges such as the ‘rice bucket challenge’ and in this way do something for a social cause. Instead of wasting water, we should do something for our fellow human beings around the world and donate rice in buckets to people in need, such as those in Syria, Iraq, Gaza, Somalia, among other countries where humanitarian aid is urgently needed. We may also find innumerable cases of poverty amonstg our friends, relatives and neighbours.
In fact, expatriates and residents alike, should come forward and conduct a ‘challenge’ to help fellow low-income workers on one Friday.
Isn’t there so much to do in a real sense than get swayed by a global trend?
- Rakesh Verma is an Indian teacher and heads an environmental club in Doha, Qatar.
