Madikeri: Yashmi Dechamma wins UN’s storytelling documentary

Madikeri: Manavattira Yashmi Dechamma, a ninth-grader from Karnataka has been selected for the UN Ocean Decade Summit to be hosted in Hawaii soon.

Yashmi got this opportunity after her documentary on the theme, “Water is sacred” won the H2021 Water Summit storytelling contest in the 13-17 age group.

Yashmi is the daughter of Manavattira Kushalappa and Nalini hailing from Nelaji village in Kodagu.

Yashmi is currently pursuing her studies in Acharya Vidya Kula in Mysuru. When she was introduced to the UN Ocean Decade Summit and she took part in it.

Yashmi informed that she learned a lot from the speakers across the globe about what climate change is doing to the earth and came to know about how the earth is in danger. She further adds that she obtained clarity after attending the virtual summit.

Talking about the virtual sessions conducted by H2021 Water Summit, Yashmi said that each session was based on a particular theme and that the theme ‘Water is sacred’ was close to her as she was from Kodagu community where they worship the river Cauvery.

Yashmi’s documentary includes beautiful shots of the river, while a Kodava song playing in the background. She has highlighted the sorry state of the river today which is now the victim of pollution. The video then focuses on the efforts of youngsters in reviving the river and ends with a strong message-“Let us heal her (River Cauvery) and not fix her.”

Explaining the inspiration for the documentary, Yashmi credits her mother for educating her on the beauty of Kodagu that existed back in the days, how nowadays the incessant rainfall is causing destruction and damage.

She has written to the authorities about her vision for a better future to the Youth Advisory Council in the country.