Pune: Around 40 children of Swachh waste pickers participated in a unique initiative, ‘Bal Mela,’ organsied by the Communication Media for Children department of the SNDT Women’s University. Bal Mela is orgnaised every year ahead of Diwali with a new message for the children.

Speaking to Sakal Times, Shilpa Hattiangandi, a faculty member from the department, said that the event is covered under the subject of social psychology of recreation.

“The students organised this mela for the young children. The children painted diyas ahead of Diwali and also enthusiastically watched the puppet show prepared by the students of the department,” said  Hattiangandi.

The interesting puppet show for the children was based on the theme of Diwali and its effect on animals. The show sent a powerful message of noise pollution and how it affects the animals.

Speaking during the show, Soniya Ketkar, who teaches puppetry, expressed that puppetry is one of the most important and powerful means to communicate with children.

“Puppetry express the vision and moral of the story in a creative way, which lasts with the child throughout. We also use humour and jokes to keep the attention of the children. Vibrant colours and exciting music add to the beauty of puppetry making it enjoyable to children and adults,” said Ketkar.