Five-year-old Shravya Shaanvi Chand captured the attention of her peers and teachers at Vashist Muni Memorial Primary School in Navua during the school’s Library Week celebrations. Her standout appearance in a character parade was marked by a distinctive costume crafted entirely from old newspapers.
The creative mind behind the unique outfit was her mother, Vishna Chand. She revealed that the entire design process took just two hours, driven by a shared sense of creativity and the desire to make something truly special for the event. Shravya became inspired while watching her mother work with newspapers and decided that she wanted to don something original and unexpected.
Shravya’s newspaper costume was not merely a novelty but represented deeper meanings. By choosing to ‘wear’ stories with her newspaper garment, Shravya highlighted the concept of transforming old items into something beautiful and fun. The choice to include a picture of Minister of Education Aseri Radrodro in the design further added depth, symbolizing the connection between education, leadership, and learning. This thoughtful integration was a nod to the role education plays in shaping future leaders.
Moreover, the costume included an innovative element—a newspaper umbrella—symbolizing education and knowledge as a protective shield throughout life. Shravya’s ensemble served as a reminder of the importance of sustainability, creativity, and education. Her participation in the parade not only showcased her creative flair but also communicated a powerful message about the potential of recycling and upcycling in creative expressions.
This charming initiative reflects broader themes similar to those seen in other recent events, where young students like Jerusha Angel Sharma and Abigail Ana Tukila Scott also used newspaper-based costumes to highlight sustainability and creativity. These events underscore the possibilities of using everyday materials to teach valuable lessons about resourcefulness and environmental consciousness.
In seeing young students creatively engage with these themes, there is a hopeful outlook for future generations to embrace sustainability and creativity as integral parts of education and everyday life.