Sir David
Frederick Attenborough, veteran
broadcaster and naturalist said, “An understanding of the natural world
and what’s in it is a source of not only a great curiosity but great fulfilment.
It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement, the
greatest source of visual beauty, the greatest source of intellectual
interest. It is greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth
living.”
I remember on my first birthday, my father
planted a sapling. It was a festivity for the entire family. As I was growing I
had a unique attachment with that sapling, which was growing with me, rather
taller than me. Since many years it has been a symbol of love and affection as
my childhood memories have been associated with it.
The thought of planting sapling was never out of environment protection but for affection as
we knew nature was quite capable of taking care of itself and most importantly
of us.
I always understood two
aspects of nature - its ‘significance’ and its ‘power’. I use the word
‘power’ to describe the nature because the nature is not defenceless. It does
not need our mercy. The way we care for it today is the same way it is going to
deal with us tomorrow.
Today on the occasion of
World Environment Day, I am not going to narrate methods to protect environment
or nature or save endangered species or develop biospheres & horticulture
parks or beautify land through reclamations and plant more trees. That I know
and believe that all of us are dedicated to save energy, water and we are using
best of global technology to make our operations as much environment caring.
Today, I want to express
my perspective of care for environment, beyond compliance.
You would have noticed, where
the quality of life goes down for the environment, the quality of life will go
down for the humans.
We are living on this planet as
if we had another one to go.
Sometimes, just take a
break and think - what have we given back to the nature who has given us its
heart and soul from past millions of years.
Albert Einstein said, Look deep
into nature, and then you will understand everything better. American naturalist, author - John Muir said,
‘in every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.’
I feel more confident than ever
that the power to save the planet rests with the individual consumer. Reserve
and preserve it for the future of your children.
Trust me, one day, you would
see the same nature nurturing our future generations.
