10-year-old S. Liikiilesh’s mission to inspire greater care for the environment has gained him a place in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR).
Liikiilesh, whose name was recorded in the MBOR for creating the largest Lego ecosystem model by a child, said he wanted to do something “big” so that the world would acknowledge his message.
“I am worried about the environment. I sometimes feel that many adults do not care enough.
“It saddens me to see trees being cut down everywhere and open fires still happening despite the serious threats of climate change.
“I want to do something about this. That is why I decided to come up with something big that could draw attention to my call for everyone to be more responsible for the environment,” he said in an interview.
Liikiilesh, who aspires to be a biologist when he grows up, said he told his parents about his mission, and they encouraged him to pursue it.
His mother, R. Prema, said they brainstormed and later decided on a Lego ecosystem model to emphasise the need to work together to build a sustainable future for the Earth.
“He has always cared very deeply about Mother Nature and often asks why people behave the way they do when he sees them doing something that could harm the environment.
“So, when he came to us about his intention, we gladly gave him all the support.
“The idea on the Lego model was his. We just made sure that he was able to get whatever he needed to complete the model,” she said.
Prema said her son, the second of three siblings, had been invested in the project since April, spending hours almost every day to accomplish his goal.
“He had to take breaks at times to focus on school and other competitions he was taking part in.
“One of the challenges we faced was getting all the Lego pieces he needed for the model.
“We even had to reach out to overseas sellers to get them,” she said, adding that they bought about 15kg worth of Lego pieces.
Prema said they later applied to the MBOR in hopes that it could help amplify Liikiilesh’s message.
“We decided to just give it a try after learning that the project had yet to be done.
“We were not 100% sure if Liikiilesh would break the record, but he was pretty confident.
“We are very proud of him, not only for the success but also for his deep care for the environment,” she said.
Liikiilesh was presented a certificate from MBOR representative Siti Hajar Johor for his model titled “A small world, a big responsibility. Together we build a sustainable future”.
The model, about 18 sq ft with over 1,000 Lego pieces, features a windmill, trees, a farm, houses, gardens, including one with real soil and plants, a waterfall, solar-powered lights and various animals.
Source: The Star
