Stalin seeks all-party meet on K’taka move

“It is our duty to preserve nature and bequeath its resources to succeeding generations in a manner that is sustainable, by following an eco-friendly path,” he said. 

In his address after inaugurating the International Environmental Day, Prime Minister’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Tree Plantation Day Celebrations at Government Higher Secondary School here, Purohit said India’s agricultural practices were always sustainable.

“Our ancestors knew the practice of sustainable development. That is the reason why India has had a continuing civilisation for more than 5,000 years. The agricultural practices were sustainable,” he noted.

While many technological innovations in the last two centuries have improved the standard of living, “It is important to draw the line so that we do not exceed the limits,” he said.

“Today the use of petroleum products, plastics and mindless dependence on artificial chemicals have resulted in serious environmental damage. That is why the nations of the world met at Paris in 2015 to control carbon emissions,” Purohit said. Global warming was emerging as a major problem and threatens to wipe out large populations if left uncontrolled, he added.

Mere enjoyment and economic prosperity without sustainable development will be short-lived and short-sighted, he said, adding Indian festivals like Pongal, Chhath and Ganga Aarthi “teach us how to respect nature.”

Purohit also listed out various initiatives undertaken in the Raj Bhavan, his official residence, to “Safeguard mother nature.” “Lights and fans and air-conditioners are switched off when not

needed. The dry leaves that are strewn over the huge area of Raj Bhavan are collected and converted into vermin compost,” he said, adding the compost will now be distributed to schools to encourage children to use organic manure.

Later, addressing a musical drama highlighting the values of Thirukkural in the city, the Governor said, “The Thirukkural focuses almost on all aspects of life and it is loaded with nuggets of wisdom on good governance, planning, specialisation, merit selection, placement, communication, equality, time, finance and water managements.” He said that these pearls of wisdom are relevant to present day living.