Self-realisation is key to survival now
We asked: Do you also think the recent outbreaks like COVID-19 are the warning signals of over-burdened, over-exploited Mother Nature? What should be our approach now?
In my opinion, the recent outbreak of Covid-19 is an indirect signal of over-exploitation of Mother Nature. It has revealed how the encroachment of habitats of other species will affect us. We have been taking the advantage of the patience and tolerance of Mother Earth. The overall mindless greed and selfishness has brought us today where we have no choice but to stop. No matter how much we exploit nature, it knows how to balance itself. Now it’s time to relearn slowness and patience in life and use the pause button occasionally. Our approach should be to promote the local markets and products that played the savior during the outbreak of Covid-19. Self-sufficient villages will boost the ecology and economy at a macro level. There is a self-realization that all of us can survive without the unhealthy fast food as well as the so called technologies. Now is the time to adopt “Work from Home” policy wherever possible that will save time, money and energy. Instead to applying technology to rejuvenate Mother Nature, we should just leave it to its own, like the case of Yamuna River in Delhi. There is so much of life to embrace, explore and appreciate. Connecting with the spirit of nature can be our guide, and doorway, to a better life. People and nature must be at the center of reset, rearrangement, rejuvenation and refurbishment. Dr Sonika Kushwaha, President, Indian Biodiversity Conservation Society
Immediately, if we are asked this question, many of us who are nature lovers or are environmentalists by heart will say yes! Reason behind it is- the guesswork about the origin of this virus is. Probability from Huanan seafood wholesale market (from an interaction between an animal and a human), pangolins (most illegally traded mammal in the world), bats to human infection among the people processing bat carcasses in the production of Chinese medicines. Still, the accuracy of the origin story of corona virus seems vague. Here comes the answer as Mother Nature has given this earth for every species to survive and thrive. If we overdo anything, for example being a non-vegetarian we would like to eat each and everything present around us will surely hit us back. What should be our approach now? Time has come to analyse our actions globally. This pandemic has taught us that no money or power can save us from this. Only preventions can save lives worldwide. Sudden change in the behaviour e.g. frequent hand wash, wearing a mask while going out of the home, sanitizing hands, eating only home cooked food, increased intake of vegetable and fruits to boost up immunity has become new normal. For a good period, people have avoided non-vegetarian food etc. just because they were afraid of catching the virus. This fear can be continued to teach our younger generation to be somewhat disciplined with this live example and let them teach to live happily with the serenity of nature by enjoying and watching these beautiful creatures in place of serving them in their plates. Preeti M. Shah, Sr Project Co-ordinator, Shiv nadir Foundation, Sitapur
Topic of the month: As life unlocks, the focus is more on economic growth than environmental sustainability. Green signal is being given to coal mining and setting up of industrial units in so far untouched regions. Do you think this can put environmental health and natural balance in jeopardy? What are your suggestions to minimize negative effects thus generated? You may send your views in 200 words at treetakemagazine@gmail. Please also attach a colour photo of yourself.
Leave a comment