In a world where our connection to nature often feels distant, Sunil Duggal's reflections bring us back to the fundamental relationship we have with the environment.

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By Sunil Duggal

Sir David Frederick Attenborough, veteran broadcaster and naturalist said, “An understanding of the natural planet and what’s in it is a source of not only a great curiosity but great fulfilment. It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement, the greatest source of visual beauty, the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.”

Fond Memories with a Sapling

I remember on my first birthday, my father planted a sapling. It was a festivity for the entire family. As I was growing I had a unique attachment with that sapling, which was growing with me, rather taller than me. Since many years it has been a symbol of love and affection as my childhood memories have been associated with it.

Planting with Affection

The thought of planting sapling was never out of environment protection but for affection as we knew nature was quite capable of taking care of itself and most importantly of us.

Understanding Nature’s Significance and Power

I always understood two aspects of nature – its ‘significance’ and its ‘power’. I use the word ‘power’ to describe the nature because the nature is not defenceless. It does not need our mercy. The way we care for it today is the same way it is going to deal with us tomorrow.

Beyond Compliance: Caring for the Environment

Today on the occasion of World Environment Day, I am not going to narrate methods to protect environment or nature or save endangered species or develop biospheres & horticulture parks or beautify land through reclamations and plant more trees. That I know and believe that all of us are dedicated to save energy, water and we are using best of global technology to make our operations as much environment caring. Today, I want to express my perspective of care for environment, beyond compliance.

Realization of Interconnectedness

You would have noticed, where the quality of life goes down for the environment, the quality of life will go down for the humans. We are living on this planet as if we had another one to go.

Reflecting on Our Relationship with Nature

Sometimes, just take a break and think – what have we given back to the nature who has given us its heart and soul from past millions of years. Albert Einstein said, Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. American naturalist, author – John Muir said, ‘in every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.’

Individual Responsibility in Environmental Conservation

I feel more confident than ever that the power to save the planet rests with the individual consumer. Reserve and preserve it for the future of your children. Trust me, one day, you would see the same nature nurturing our future generations.