Selfless Souls
Sania Mukherjee represents a new generation of Indian women who combine confidence with compassion and purpose. Crowned Femina Miss India Uttar Pradesh 2026, Sania is known not only for her grace and stage presence but also for her profound love for animals and the natural world. Growing up in a culture rich in biodiversity and heritage, she developed an early connection with the environment. Whether she is caring for animals, advocating for environmental responsibility, or encouraging young people to be more conscious of the planet, Sania believes that beauty should always be accompanied by empathy and awareness. As she prepares to represent her state at Femina Miss India, she intends to use her platform to promote kindness towards wildlife, sustainable living, and a stronger bond between people and nature…
Q: If you were appointed a Green Ambassador, how would you inspire people to protect specific species and their shrinking wetland habitats?
The Swamp Deer, popularly known as the Barasingha, holds a special place in the natural heritage of Uttar Pradesh. It represents the delicate balance between wildlife and wetlands. Wetlands are not merely water-filled landscapes; they are living ecosystems that support countless species of plants, birds, fish, and mammals. They also play a crucial role in maintaining water quality, preventing floods, and supporting the livelihoods of nearby communities. Unfortunately, due to urban expansion, pollution, and climate change, many wetlands are shrinking, putting species like the swamp deer at risk. If I were appointed a Green Ambassador, my primary focus would be awareness. Conservation begins with understanding, yet many people are unaware that wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems in the world. I would initiate campaigns that tell the story of the swamp deer and its habitat in a relatable way. Through social media, school programmes, and community events, I would highlight how the survival of the swamp deer depends on healthy wetlands. When people understand the connection between wildlife and ecosystems, they are more likely to feel a sense of responsibility. Another vital step would be encouraging community participation. Many wetlands are situated near villages and rural areas where people rely on the land for agriculture. Conservation efforts are most effective when local communities feel involved and empowered. I would work to promote eco-tourism and community-led conservation activities, where residents become the protectors of their natural surroundings. When communities see that preserving wetlands can also bring opportunities—such as local employment and cultural pride—they become active partners in conservation. I would also focus strongly on youth engagement. Young people are incredibly passionate about environmental issues and have the power to influence society. Through school initiatives like nature walks, wetland clean-up drives, and wildlife awareness programmes, students can develop a sense of duty towards nature. I believe that once young people connect emotionally with wildlife, they become lifelong advocates for conservation. Ultimately, protecting the swamp deer is about more than saving a single species; it is about preserving an entire ecosystem that sustains life for future generations.
Q: The Ganga is Uttar Pradesh’s lifeline; beyond government schemes, what community-led action do you think is most vital for its restoration?
The Ganga is not merely a river; it is the spiritual and cultural heartbeat of Uttar Pradesh. While government infrastructure is essential, I believe the most vital community-led action is the transition from passive devotion to active stewardship. We must move beyond seeing the river as a resource to be used and start treating it as a living entity to be protected. If I were to spearhead this movement, I would focus on three pillars of community action- The 'Ganga Prahari' (River Guardian) Initiative: The most effective way to protect the river is to empower the people who live on its banks. We must support local youth, fishermen, and pilgrims to act as River Guardians. This involves a community-led monitoring system to prevent the dumping of solid waste and ensuring that religious offerings are made using biodegradable alternatives, such as leaf bowls and natural pigments, rather than plastic and chemical dyes. Community-Led Riparian Reforestation: The health of the Ganga is inextricably linked to the health of its banks. I would inspire local communities to participate in 'Natural Afforestation' drives, planting native species such as Neem, Peepal, and Banyan. These trees act as a natural filter for agricultural run-off and prevent soil erosion. When a village takes ownership of its local riverbank, they create a protective 'green buffer' that survives long after a planting drive ends. Developing a Circular 'Temple Economy': We can turn waste into wealth through decentralised waste management. By encouraging local women’s collectives to collect floral waste from temples and upcycle it into organic incense sticks or compost, we prevent tonnes of organic matter from depleting the oxygen levels in the water. This creates a circular economy that provides livelihoods while keeping the 'Ghats' pristine. Ultimately, the restoration of the Ganga requires a psychological shift. Government schemes provide the 'body' of the restoration, but community-led passion provides the 'soul'. When we reconnect with the river through education and empathy, we ensure that our lifeline remains vibrant for generations to come.
Q: The pageant world is often linked to ‘fast fashion’. How are you incorporating ‘sustainable beauty’ or ‘circular fashion’ into your journey to Miss India?
The world of fashion and pageantry is often associated with glamour and rapidly changing trends. However, I believe the future of fashion must be more thoughtful. Beauty today should be as much about responsibility towards the environment as it is about appearance. Throughout my journey, I have consciously embraced the concepts of sustainable beauty and circular fashion. Circular fashion encourages us to rethink how we use clothing—focusing on re-using, recycling, and upcycling garments rather than treating them as disposable items. One way I practice this is by reimagining and restyling existing outfits. A single garment can be transformed by changing accessories, layering fabrics, or altering silhouettes. Instead of constantly purchasing new clothes, I explore creative ways to make the most of what I already own. This approach not only reduces waste but also encourages individuality. Another important aspect is supporting local artisans and traditional textiles. India has an extraordinary heritage of handloom and handcrafted fabrics. In my home state, traditional crafts such as Chikankari embroidery represent generations of artistry. Choosing garments made by artisans not only preserves our cultural heritage but also supports production practices that are far more environmentally friendly than mass manufacturing. Sustainability also extends beyond clothing to beauty products and lifestyle choices. Supporting eco-friendly brands, reducing plastic use, and choosing cruelty-free products are small but meaningful steps. Ethical fashion aligns with the values of compassion and respect that I wish to represent. By embracing circular fashion, we demonstrate that elegance and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Q: What is your message to the readers of TreeTake?
My message to the readers of TreeTake is simple yet heartfelt: nature is our greatest shared heritage, and protecting it is a responsibility we all share. In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to feel disconnected from the environment. However, every tree, river, forest, and animal plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of life. When ecosystems suffer, our own well-being is eventually affected. My love for animals has taught me the importance of compassion and coexistence. Animals rely on healthy habitats to survive, and it is our duty to ensure these are protected. The good news is that protecting nature does not always require grand gestures. Small, everyday actions—reducing waste, conserving water, planting trees, and spreading awareness—can create a significant impact. I encourage every reader to reconnect with nature in their own way. Spend time outdoors, observe wildlife, and appreciate the beauty of a sunrise or the sound of birdsong. When we value nature, we naturally strive to protect it.
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