RICE BUCKET AND BUCKET NIMAJJAN

‘Ice Bucket Challenge’- this is one phrase that became viral across the globe with a phenomenal success. The act might be fun filled but there is a deeper meaning behind this. It is the gesture to create awareness on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and also donate for the cause. Within few days, millions of dollars have been donated by many celebrities and common people alike. So, the Ice Bucket Challenge served the purpose.

But the story doesn’t end there. Looking at ice bucket phenomena, some of them in our country got inspired and they have started the ‘Rice Bucket’ challenge. The point behind this initiative is, instead of wasting water and challenging others to do the same, it would be appropriate to buy a bag of rice and donate it to the poor. This is followed by nominating others. Now, this rice bucket syndrome is catching fire.

Before that has picked up fire, yet another trend has also come into vogue. This is called the Bucket Nimajjan. Well, the Ganesh festival is on and the idea behind this is to make Ganesha out of mud, immerse in bucket of water and then pour the mud water in the garden or backyard. Though the ice bucket challenge excited, irritated and raised curiosity among different groups of people, it brought awareness to ALS.

It became popular beyond description and the person who created this is no more but the concept is going to continue for some more time. But the concept of replacing the Ice Bucket with a bag of rice seems to be more sensible as per many. In a place like India where poverty dominates than anything else, this act is sure to bring a significant change. As for the Bucket Nimajjan, it might run for few more days and then subside. As long as the cause is noble and people benefit from it, any form of bucket challenge is fine.

-sirasri