‘Need to create a sustainable world based on Gandhian principles’
Today marks the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. His principles and values have faced changing and challenging conditions all these years — but they continue to remain unbeaten and march on. Children and youth, the future of our country, have a responsibility of carrying forward the legacy of Gandhiji. The beauty of Gandhiji’s values lies in their simplicity and timelessness. His emphasis on the principles of social justice, and his concerns about the environment remain relevant even today. The powerful countries of tomorrow will be those that emphasise on sustainability and believe that all lives have equal value. Citizens of these countries will be empowered to take them forward, through a healthy environment — both ecologically and societally.
Gandhiji was a firm believer in the concept of equality. For our country to become stronger, we need equal participation from all our citizens. I witnessed the power of equality first-hand while playing for the Indian cricket team. We all came from different states, spoke different languages, followed different religions and came from varying economic backgrounds. But when we came together to represent India, we were one and we were proud to be Indians.
A ‘Swachh’ Bharat will lay the foundation for a ‘Swasth’ Bharat and will eventually lead to a ‘Samrudhh’ (wealthy) Bharat. Our Prime Minister’s efforts to create a cleanliness movement has galvanised the entire nation, and we are taking giant strides towards the Mahatma’s dream of a clean and beautiful India. However, we need to be aware that ‘swachhata’ must be maintained not only on land, but in water as well. After all, 75% of the Earth is covered with water. We need to honestly answer to our conscience — are we passing on a better world to our children? Rivers are disappearing and our oceans are polluted. Water, which is a necessity to live, is becoming scarce and could become a precious commodity. According to a report, 21 Indian cities could run out of groundwater next year!
During a recent downpour and high tide in Mumbai, I saw tonnes of garbage comprising plastic, thermocol and other waste thrown back at us by the sea. This is very worrying. Considering this, the proposed move by the government banning single-use plastic is appreciable. We must put in conscious effort to optimise our usage of water and rejuvenate water bodies. All of us must come together and convert our intent into action. To quote a phrase from a recent water conservation campaign I did — ‘Jal Hai Toh Kal Hai’.
We all need to play the role of environment warriors. Like the Armed Forces guard our land, air and water, we also need to protect our mainland, waterbodies and air from pollution. This is the time for us to reflect on what Gandhiji said about our natural resources: “The Earth has enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.”
As a developing country, we have numerous goals to achieve but have limited resources. All individuals, organisations and institutions need to punch above their weight. A prime example of this is our Bapuji. While he was a frail man clad in loincloth, he was proof that strength comes from an indomitable will and not physical capacity. I request our schoolchildren to come up with innovative solutions to create a sustainable world, based on Gandhian principles.
As a proud Indian, I once again wish everyone on Gandhi Jayanti. Jai Hind!
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References
- ^ Sachin Tendulkar (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
- ^ Mahatma Gandhi (www.speakingtree.in)
- ^ cricket (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
- ^ Gandhi Jayanti (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
- ^ Jai Hind (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
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