Here is where we are today, standing tall and claiming ourselves to be the supreme, successful and the ever so adroit species of this planet. Do we ever consider taking a moment to thank, the world not made out of materialism but pure and selfless realism – nature. The mother who gave birth to millions of species that form our flora and fauna. The mother who selflessly nurtures every single being on this planet. The one who feeds us, nourishes us – ‘The Mother Earth’. Do we think about her?
Not that we do not have enough time, but that materialism has got us worked up and has pulled us into a never ending loop of sufficing our basic needs to make ends meet. The fact that 90% of our thoughts are usually consumed by our scheduled goals that are to be met to base out our living. All of this leaves no space for people to take a moment and take in the natural world that surrounds them.
Man has changed; from being the one who would do anything to save the planet to being the one who is to be reminded – the planet needs to be saved.
No doubt there exist different approaches towards going about our outlook towards nature. But, is it that humanity is inclining more towards the anthropogenic approach? Anthropogenic approach is one under which man establishes a firm mind set that all the natural resources are only for human exploitation and that man is the supreme entity in existence on this planet. The modern world has made man lean a little too much over this side of environmental approach.
There have been many revolts throughout history to recognize the importance of the environment. Many environmentalists have taken it to the streets to let everyone how important the conservation of the environment is. The Earth on its own has been trying to heal the scars that man has caused and continues to cause. Man has been hewing down trees, contaminating water bodies, hunting animals and the list goes on. But for how long? For how long will mother earth bear the burden of man’s not so thoughtful self sufficient decisions? It’s time man takes into consideration his responsibilities towards protecting and conserving the planet that homes our sustainability.
Today, worldwide the 22nd of April is observed as the Earth Day to pay our gratitude towards Mother Earth. The fact that 22nd April, 1970 was a day when for the first time the International Earth Day was held, is recognized as a day for having the largest human protest in a single day in human history is very iconic. The two major names that come up when we discuss Earth Day are John McConnell – a peace activist and Senator Gaylord Nelson from the United States. This day is an opportunity for worldwide environmentalists and true nature admirers to pay respect and gratitude towards Mother Earth and showcase their support towards protecting the planet.
Earth Day is a day which should be looked upon as a Mother’s Day because Earth has been the mother of humanity since Day 1. No planet has what Earth does, but due to advancement, man has only been taking Mother Earth for granted. We’ve lost that close connection with our surroundings due to the ever so rigid routine life that we tend to follow. We as the residents of planet Earth must keep in mind our responsibilities to not let ourselves plummet down into a situation where we can only regret our actions and not be able to arrive at any conclusion.
On Earth Day, one can do as many things as they could for our planet. Not just on Earth Day that all of this should be done but also, every single day where and when nature needs us. Earth Day is celebrated by rejoicing the efforts of mother earth on the daily. It is celebrated by recognizing the endangered species that need to be saved from extinction. A day when many arrange awareness campaigns regarding our responsibilities towards saving our planet. Moreover, spreading the word about planting more trees, conducting a tree plantation drive. Earth Day is also celebrated by many schools and colleges where numerous competitions are held among students, may it be painting of Save Earth, Save Planet posters or tree plantation programs. Many a time’s online seminars and conferences of world leaders on how to save the planet together are held as well.
Earth day is not just a day to celebrate Earth, but to be thankful for all that it has been providing us with. One can never really count the infinite lush green trees that a forest shelters. One can never really finish learning about the biotic things in existence. The more we study Earth, the more new facts are discovered and as we keep doing so, we get to know her better. Earth Day is a day to be proud of being a planet Earth resident. This is not a fictional movie, this is real life and Earth Day is a chance to make things right, to build the world while keeping nature and its elements on an equal line and paying the gratitude it deserves.
As days go by, we are advancing towards a world that is very much bent upon the technological aspect of things. One must remember, during such advancement, we do keep at par our responsibilities towards the protection and conservation of our planet and its resources. We must become more vigilant and take into account the sensitive issues surfacing environmental problems. We must take action to promote environmental sustainability.
Henceforth, Earth Day should not just be about Earth but about strengthening our relationship with it and recognizing the honour of being residents of such a unique planet – Mother Earth. Let Earth Day be a memorable day in human history every New Year and let Mother Earth know how much her seedlings care for her.
By Ruchira Dhamapurkar, Mumbai
