Earlier today in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 9 visually challenged people stitched the world's largest jute bag measuring, 66 feet tall and 33 feet wide. This was done as an attempt to get an entry into the Guinness World records and to spread awareness about the harmful effects of plastic bags. This remarkable attempt for the visually challenged people was organised by the Yuva Foundation. 

The visually challenged makers who stitched the world's largest jute bag were assisted by the transgender community and student's from a technical institute of Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore district. 

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In conversation with ANI, the Yuva Foundation Chairman, Shashi Kala, who had organised the attempt said,  "Nine visually challenged people from Yuva Foundation set out to make a Guinness world record by sewing a 66-feet high and 33 feet wide jute bag. The jute bag was also used to educate and sensitise the people on the harmful effects of the plastic bag and how switching to eco-friendly alternatives is a better idea." 

PM's efforts applauded

Shashi Kala also applauded the efforts taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when in his August 15 speech from the Red Fort, he urged the citizens and businesses to eliminate the usage of plastic bags. "We need to launch a war against plastic. The reason for which our people have stitched a jute bag," the Chairman of Yuva Foundation, Shashi Kala explained.

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She also emphasised on how it was extremely important for them to prove it to the society that differently-abled people have their own set of talent and skills and it is upon us to not give them sympathy but confidence and encouragement to be self-sufficient and achieve their goals.  

The attempt to stitch the world's largest Jute bag by the Yuva Foundation in Coimbatore is both a proud moment and a reminder. The more and more usage of plastic bags is rapidly destroying our oceans and environment. As per the estimates by the United Nations (UN)  India as a country alone produces more than 15,342 tonnes of plastic every day out of which only a limited proportion gets recycled. 

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In his August 15 independence day speech, the Prime Minister asked the citizens of India to boycott the usage of single-use plastic bags. Since then a lot of Bollywood celebrities including Ayushman Khurana, Karan Johar, Aamir Khan and many more have shown their support to the campaign launched by the PM. 

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(With inputs from ANI)