Sustainability conclave calls on citizens to be aware of a collective cause

With the climate crisis worsening every year, it is necessary to discuss what people can do as a society and as individuals through impactful interventions. Shedding light on the matter was Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG), which organized an insightful event called the BSG Sustainability Conclave titled ‘From Ideas to Impact: Catalyzing Change through Sustainable Human Behavior’.

This was the first time that the organization held the conclave in Mumbai.

BSG, an organization committed to creating a new era in India and a new global civilization by empowering individuals across the country, held the third edition of this conclave at a venue in Bandra. During the conclave, Ramveer Tanwar, founder of Say Earth (an NGO), also known as the Pond Man of India, was the keynote speaker.

In his inaugural address, BSG Chairman Vishesh Gupta said: “When we look at the data and statistics on climate change, the situation does not seem very hopeful, but rather alarming. But if we look to the resilient nature of the human spirit and the ingenuity of the human heart, I am confident that we can transform our future and move it toward sustainable growth and development for all.”

The conclave included a panel discussion with Radha Goenka (Director of the RPG Foundation; Founder of Pehlay Akshar, The Heritage Project, Artisan:re and Nature:re); Bhupendra Mishra (Founder, The Resilient Foundation; Divisional Director, Civil Defense, Government of Maharashtra); Sandhya Naidu Janardha, (Founder and Managing Director of Community Design Agency); and Dr Pranab J Patar (senior expert on environment and sustainability).

“We all know how temperatures are rising every day and cities in particular have become urban heat islands. Our small actions to conserve the natural resources, especially the water bodies, will go a long way. If every person takes care not to cut trees or throw waste into ponds or lakes to preserve water bodies, it will ensure a sustainable future,” said Tanwar.

This year’s theme aligned with BSG’s belief that a more sustainable world can be created through people’s sustainable lifestyles and actions, that government policy has a role to play, but the responsibility lies with the people. When every individual adopts sustainable human behavior as a way of life, the world will become a much greener place.

“The youth are more aware and informed about environmental issues such as global warming. And some of them have brilliant ideas to tackle the problems and make the world a better place to live. I think we all should not be afraid to try new things and open our minds to what the youth have to say as every idea counts and every step is important,” said Goenka.

The panel discussion was followed by the opening of a sustainability exhibition called ‘Seeds of Hope & Action: Making the SDGs a Reality’. The exhibition aimed to drive home the message about the ‘power of one’ to create a more sustainable world and adopt sustainable human behavior as a way of life.

Published: Saturday, April 27, 2024 11:36 PM IST