Pursuit of individual goals has taken precedence and privacy backed by liberty has become the order of the day. Profit without a concern for our ecology has become the order of the day. Politicians haggle over green treaties and threaten to walk out of negotiations. The right to pollute is considered to be a necessary evil. People are made to accept that pollution provided jobs in the economy!
The pandemic Covid ’19 has brought about a shift in dynamics. People stayed home, used lesser of fossil fuels, stopped travelling, reduced littering, brought down noise pollution. The noise of the birds, the movement of squirrels and cats could be seen and enjoyed. Lots of jobs were lost but the kindness of humanity could be witnessed. The skies were clear once more and the rains brought in clean water. People understood the value of water, trees and clean air. Lesser quantities of plastic got into the oceans and seas. The streets had lesser trash and conservancy workers found it easier to keep the streets clean. The world became a lot more peaceful. Highway accidents, burglaries and other forms of crime came down. Kids and elders alike enjoyed migratory birds, fed the street dogs and began to water the plants at home. Thrift was practiced and weddings became greener. Wastages were
brought down. Several high tech people quit their positions and began to settle down in the villages. They got into organic farming and they went ahead developing dairy farms with native cows. A2 milk became very popular. Yoga and home exercises began to rule the roost. Native games were played with simple items like tamarind seeds. Families began to enjoy nature in the company of the near and dear.
A question arises here. Should we learn to deal with nature only at times of strain? Can we not conserve water, plant trees and create kitchen gardens under normal circumstances. Should we not use lesser plastic and use more of natural materials every day. Is it so difficult to segregate waste and get it recycled? Why can’t people take care of nature under normal situations?
India that is Bharat can lead the way. Our scriptures tell us that we should lead a righteous life and that our survival activities should not border on too many indulgences. Our elders spoke about bliss and self realization. It is high time that we Indians take care of ourselves by leading a simple life. We should begin to care more for Mother Nature. The generous mother will definitely reach out to us.
– Rajesh Govindarajulu
