The entire world celebrated UN declared “World Environment Day” last week. Marathons, special sales, speeches on conservation on nature dominated the media. Most of the corporates did their bit by planting saplings, promoting greeneries. Some even went to the extent of asking employees to wear green dress, observing no-tissue day, no-paper cups day etc. Most of us were participated in the fun activities, which were a part of the celebrations to mark this day. I would have been happier, if we ever stopped for a moment to ponder on its relevance to us and our society. Should we be doing this at all?
It was saddening to see a society, which worships the five elements of nature, be a part of the herd in these meaningless celebrations instead of leading the way in protecting our environment. The use of tissue paper or paper cups was never a part of us a few years back. Paper is revered as Goddess Saraswati. Most of us still feel bad if we stamp a paper unknowingly and pray for forgiveness. We always drank coffee or juice in stainless steel or brass cups. Paper cups were new to us. But we forced ourselves to use tissue papers and paper cups, as West told us if you have to be hygienic, you have to use these.
Eating in plantain leaf was our way of life; not the ceramic, paper plates. But the West told us this is not healthy. So we started using the paper plates.
Pesticides and fertilizers only meant the organic ones. Chemical pesticides and fertilizers were alien to us. But then the west told use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides improved the quality of food and also the quantity. Greed got the better of us and we forgot the organic ones. As a result we not only started creating carcinogenic food but have also depleted the soil fertility. A society, which worships mud in the form of idols of Lord Ganesh, has ended up abusing the soil! Shame! Now the West says organic farming is the in-thing. Would we want to be left behind? Obviously no! So we have also joined the chorus to sing the organic line. Lest do we remember that was the way of our life a few decades ago.
We used neem sticks and salt to brush our teeth. We were taught to be civilized by using toothpaste and plastic tooth brush instead. Now? We use a toothpaste containing neem and salt to fight weakened gums and yellow teeth. But then we are happy, as our western brothers do the same. The same story extends practically to everything from food habits to toiletries.
Wish we stopped for a moment to reflect on our past and present before we decide on a path for the future. Had we stuck to our roots, we would not be in this pitiable state to have a ministry for “Ganga Cleaning”. This is the same society which once proudly said, “ Amrutam vaa aapaha; Aapovaa idagum sarvam”. Water is precious and water is everything.
Every society has its own way of communicating with nature. Let us pledge to preserve this communication and not abuse nature in the future. It is man’s greed, which has brought us to this stage. As someone pointed out, there is enough for man’s need but not for his greed. Excess of anything is harmful. “Ati sarvatra varjayet".
Given our abundant knowledge, shoulf we lead from the front or be the herd?
It was saddening to see a society, which worships the five elements of nature, be a part of the herd in these meaningless celebrations instead of leading the way in protecting our environment. The use of tissue paper or paper cups was never a part of us a few years back. Paper is revered as Goddess Saraswati. Most of us still feel bad if we stamp a paper unknowingly and pray for forgiveness. We always drank coffee or juice in stainless steel or brass cups. Paper cups were new to us. But we forced ourselves to use tissue papers and paper cups, as West told us if you have to be hygienic, you have to use these.
Eating in plantain leaf was our way of life; not the ceramic, paper plates. But the West told us this is not healthy. So we started using the paper plates.
Pesticides and fertilizers only meant the organic ones. Chemical pesticides and fertilizers were alien to us. But then the west told use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides improved the quality of food and also the quantity. Greed got the better of us and we forgot the organic ones. As a result we not only started creating carcinogenic food but have also depleted the soil fertility. A society, which worships mud in the form of idols of Lord Ganesh, has ended up abusing the soil! Shame! Now the West says organic farming is the in-thing. Would we want to be left behind? Obviously no! So we have also joined the chorus to sing the organic line. Lest do we remember that was the way of our life a few decades ago.
We used neem sticks and salt to brush our teeth. We were taught to be civilized by using toothpaste and plastic tooth brush instead. Now? We use a toothpaste containing neem and salt to fight weakened gums and yellow teeth. But then we are happy, as our western brothers do the same. The same story extends practically to everything from food habits to toiletries.
Wish we stopped for a moment to reflect on our past and present before we decide on a path for the future. Had we stuck to our roots, we would not be in this pitiable state to have a ministry for “Ganga Cleaning”. This is the same society which once proudly said, “ Amrutam vaa aapaha; Aapovaa idagum sarvam”. Water is precious and water is everything.
Every society has its own way of communicating with nature. Let us pledge to preserve this communication and not abuse nature in the future. It is man’s greed, which has brought us to this stage. As someone pointed out, there is enough for man’s need but not for his greed. Excess of anything is harmful. “Ati sarvatra varjayet".
Given our abundant knowledge, shoulf we lead from the front or be the herd?
