The first step to every revolution is the education (Awareness)! The biggest gift to this generation is we do have enough basic resources of air, water, and land (though not pristine), yet the sustainable availability of the same is a million dollar question to the future generation (Pavithra madam told today in discussion before my speech). This has given a greater responsibility to the present generation to conserve the nature for our sustenance and our children and their children. The humanity has evolved for a long time but in the recent centuries, evolution has had certain flaws which have pushed us away from nature and in return which takes away the future of human existence on earth. All we need now is a revolution in the way the individual treat the mother earth. The revolutionary change of human coexistence with the mother nature has to start from within.
The first step to every revolution is education (Awareness). I firmly believe all of us want a pristine environment around us but the insecurity and fear created by the society and economy have pushed us away from nature. By this drift from nature, we do so many things with and without intention that hurts the mother nature and in turn, it affects us.
I believe in humanity. I believe in coexistence with nature. I believe if our species is cognizant about how our action in day to day activities affect the environment and in turn, affect us and when we understand the reality, we will turn back to a responsible way of living, I mean the coexistence with nature.
Thanks to Akshara Vidyashram, Cuddalore. Principal Vanaja Alumnus Shiva Shankar Pandian, CEO Pavithra for the opportunity. This happens to be my very first step to the environmental literacy movement which I wanted to do passionately.
I thank the Akshara Vidyaashram, a happy school, run by a visionary Madam Vijayalakshmi in Cuddalore. I had too many things to speak today, to name a few, environment, pollution, organic agriculture, education system's role in environmental conservation, environmental ethics and more. But the moment I stepped into the school I felt hearty that the institution and their students are already doing the same since 1993 what I wished to speak. I am delighted that I got a privilege to start my literacy movement from such a great institution. I will certainly write a separate article on the way the school functions and its vision forward. I am very thankful to the correspondent Madam Vijayalakshmi for the vision of such a school since 1993, for nurturing socially responsible students, madam also told we won't be using plastics in school from tomorrow.
I thank Madam Pavithra for initiating the eco-club in school today after the speech and taking rainwater harvesting project for this year as a part of school curriculum towards environment conservation and the newly created eco-club. Madam asked students, what project you want us to take for this year? and two girls pitched for a rainwater harvesting plant. The student also told we are buying water in our home because the water we get is polluted, we would like to conserve the water and no one should buy water - great thought at this very age! Am very thankful to the Principal Madam Vanaja for organizing the event and culturing the students since the initiation of the school. Last but the best part, I thank from my heart to all students from 7 to 10 standard who listened so keenly, asked me striking questions, came up so many ideas and views and most importantly a pledge to save mother nature.
I equally thank Dr.s.m.b, my botany school teacher who taught me environmental determinism, responsibility and the forest college and research institution which is nurturing abode of mine.
Looking forward to speaking about environmental literacy in schools, colleges, corporates and in any place in the state and in the country.
Let's rebel for a cause - Environment literacy and environment conservation.
To be a rebel, be kind.
Karthikeyan Ramalingam, Environment Affairs Editor @ The Lantern. A graduate of forestry, post graduate diploma in environmental law and policy. Works closely with the reputed environment and forest-based NGOs, worked as Forest Range Officer - Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Faculty of Environment and Forestry in Shankar IAS academy.
Contributing writer to various magazines and blogs like Poovulagin Nanbargal.
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