The Earth is a shared home; not just for us but for flowers, birds, leaves, and countless of other creatures. We have no right to endanger other’s lives for the sake of fleeting joy and festivities.

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, we stand at a significant moment—a chance to leave behind the burdens of the old year and embrace the promises of the new. Yet, in our pursuit of celebration, we often overlook the consequences of our actions. Fireworks light up the sky, and their sounds may bring joy to some, but these seemingly harmless traditions cause immense harm to the natural world.

The sound of fireworks drives birds from their shelters, forcing them to abandon nests they have carefully built over time. This displacement mirrors the suffering of people uprooted by floods and other disasters—a pain only those who have lost their homes can truly understand.

It’s not just birds; children, the elderly, and people with heart conditions are deeply affected by loud noise and chaos. Every year, these celebrations claim innocent lives and destroy countless families.

It is time to reflect on our heritage and see all beings as equal. Let us find joy in ways that nurture the Earth, not harm it. Let this New Year’s Eve mark a step toward a better, more considerate future. Together, we can create a world where celebration uplifts rather than destroys. Let us strive for a culture of kindness, where humanity grows more compassionate and the planet becomes a place of beauty and harmony for all.

AL Sharia
Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur.