Speaking up to silence firecrackers

The name of Ravindra Bhusari strikes a chord in the minds of people as an innovative change maker. He is popular as an anti-firecracker man of the city who is fighting against the ills of ‘phatakas’ for the past 20 years. “My canvas of work against crackers is from awareness building, dialogue with government officials and ministers and media advocacy to file a case at the National Green Tribunal (NGT),” says Bhusari.The best part is that what Bhusari is doing for the past 20 years is now being replicated by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and the state government.
The green activist started a drive against crackers at a time when the issue was never even talked of. He began with awareness through rallies. Bhusari used innovative and ground-breaking strategies by interacting with senior citizens and children on the hazards of crackers. As support increased, his drive took him throughout Maharashtra, interacting with students.
“I convinced thousands of students and convinced them to take an oath that they will not burn firecrackers and the money spent on fireworks will be used meaningfully,” Bhusari says.
As support swelled, Bhusari spread the drive to holding various contests, take out cycle rallies and walkathons to mobilize people to convince that the threat was not only confined to humans but animals too.
“I had taken out a rally displaying live animals displaying messages how they are adversely affected due to noise and air pollution arising out of crackers. This was a big hit,” he said.
“The change is coming slowing, and it is a Herculean task to convince people on such sensitive and emotional issues where people are not ready to change their way of life,” the socio-environmental activist says. He has consistently worked with all stakeholders in the government to regulate policy and laws on crackers and he has not only stressed on environmental aspects but also discussed about the exploitation of children deployed to make crackers and the health hazards involved.
As people are convinced with his holistic perspective of addressing the issue, he has been invited on various forums to fight against crackers causing global warming. His idea to rope in public representatives ahead of elections and asking them to sign a pledge that they will not burn crackers during victory processions was also appreciated.
“It was embarrassing for politicians as their supporters often burst crackers during celebrations. But I dared to do it as they are the ones who influence people,” Bhusari says.
Bhusari’s journey from building awareness to fighting for rights in the court by filing a PIL against pollution from crackers makes him a social entrepreneur in his own right. As an environmentalist, he has also worked to save trees and water, especially during Holi, when thousands of trees are cut to burn Holika and water is also used on a large scale in Rang Panchami celebrations.
While doing social work, he is influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy. He took a major initiative to introduce the crusader of peace and non-violence to school kids, jail inmates, and commercial sex workers by conducting exam on Gandhian thoughts.