Abu Dhabi: A 12-year-old boy from Abu Dhabi has bagged the ‘Non Resident Indian (NRI) of the Year’ award for his contribution in protecting the environment.
Abdul Muqueet, who makes paper bags and distributes them among shopkeepers in the capital for free to discourage the use of harmful plastic bags, was felicitated at a glittering function in Mumbai last month.
The grade 8 student of Abu Dhabi Indian School shared the stage with Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan and many other celebs at the event organised by Indian teleivison channel Times Now and ICICI bank.
“I am delighted and honoured to receive the award. I am happy my effort to use paper bags has been recognised. People should understand the importance of using paper bags and say no to plastics,” said Muqeet, 12, who won the award in the student category. He was also a recipient of the prestigious Abu Dhabi Award in 2011.
Muqeet, popularly known as the Paper Bag Boy of Abu Dhabi was just eight when a school discussion on the harmful effect of plastic bags prompted him to make paper bags. In the past four years, he has distributed over 6,000 paper bags to shopkeepers in the capital while consistently trying out new ideas to make the bags attractive.
The efforts have borne fruit and now the bags even have a brand name — Mukku.
‘It’s my responsibility’
“I don’t get bored I think it’s my responsibility to do my bit to save the environment. If everybody takes up such initiatives we will have a beautiful place to live in.”
Despite his school commitments, Muqeet has attended over 130 environment workshops worldwide including an international children’s event in Maryland USA, last year.
The next workshop is coming up on April 22 at Beach Rotana Hotel where he will talk about water conservation. “Each workshop is a learning experience and an exciting opportunity to meet new people,” he said.
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