Gopal Arya

Renowned Environmentalist & National Convener of Paryavaran Vibhag

Revered Sarsanghchalak ji, dignitaries, and my dear friends, as I reflect on yesterday’s speech and listen to it again today, the topic of the environment keeps arising. However, while everyone focuses on the problem, there is less emphasis on the solution. Today, we aim to address this issue.

Changing Our Thinking

I believe the root of the problem has already been outlined in the earlier speech. To prevent Bharat from becoming India, we must first change our thinking and this starts with environmental protection. The question arises: Does the environment protect us, or do we protect the environment? This shift in thought is where we begin.

Green Thinking and Indian Traditions

If we want to change our thinking, we must return to the roots of Bharat. We must transition from a “green” mindset to “Harit” thinking. When we say “green,” what do we think of? And when we say “Harit,” what does that evoke? Similarly, what comes to mind when we say Bharat and how does it differ from the notion of India? To find solutions to the environmental crisis, we must revisit our traditional values and approach.

Holistic Action

When we talk about “Harit”, we think of SDG goals, climate change, global warming, methane emissions and the target of 1.5 degrees Celsius. We are constantly reminded of the looming threat, but we also need to shift towards actionable solutions.

Co-existence and Environmental Protection

“Harit” also brings to mind the concept of coexistence, not mere existence. While we focus on existence, the real issue is salvation versus destruction. Our paradigms shift when we talk about the five elements of nature and the divine presence within each of them. As the saying goes, “Atma vat sarva bhuteshu”—this encapsulates the idea of “Harit”.

The Three P’s: Public Awareness, Public Participation and Public Movement

We need to focus on three essential actions: public awareness, public participation, and a public movement. We must continuously work on raising awareness, encouraging participation, and galvanising a public movement to protect the environment.

Personal, Professional and Public Responsibility

But how can we do this? Many people are already doing their part, but we need to work methodically. We must talk about personal, professional, and public responsibility. What can I do personally in my home? What can I do professionally in my business? What can I do publicly in my community? These are simple yet profound questions for self-reflection.

Human Impact on the Environment

Let me share an interesting perspective. In the entire universe, there are five elements, and humans account for just 0.01% of the total. The remaining 99.99% comprises the universe. Yet, it is the human being—the 0.01%-who is responsible for destroying the universe. This is not a trivial matter.

Personal Responsibility and Lifestyle Changes

We don’t need to worry about the other 99%. It will look after itself. But when we focus on the 0.01%, we are talking about human behavior. Environmental protection begins with individuals. What can I do in my own life? Every session, from dawn to dusk, can be dedicated to environmental protection.

Attitude, Empathy and Lifestyle
Consider how, when we wake up in the morning, we acknowledge the earth as our mother. We apologize for it. This respect for nature runs through our daily practices-whether it is taking a bath, offering food to animals first, or acknowledging the sun as a divine presence. These rituals are embedded in our lives, reinforcing our connection with nature. But to solve the environmental issue, we must begin by asking, Can I change my attitude towards the environment? Am I empathetic towards it? And finally, can I change my lifestyle? This is what we refer to as AEL—attitude, empathy and lifestyle. If we change our attitude and lifestyle, we can create a profound shift.

Water Conservation & Environmental Sensitivity

I often ask a simple question: If there are three taps in front of me—one dispensing petrol, one dispensing milk, and one dispensing water-which tap should I close first? For me, it is clear: I would close the petrol tap first, then the milk taps and leave the water tap open. Why? Because we cannot live without water, but we can live without petrol and milk. We need to change our approach to water conservation. A small drip from the tap can waste up to 11,000 liters of water in a year. When we take water for granted like this, we are bound to face water shortages.

Examples of Environmental Solutions

Let me give you two examples that highlight how behavioural change can solve environmental problems. In Cherrapunji, where it rains the most in India, there is still a water crisis because the rainfall does not translate into usable water. Contrast that with Jaisalmer, where it rains just 17.6 mm annually, but the water is conserved, crops grow and people have access to drinking water. Why is this? Similarly, in America, the average person generates 110 kg of plastic waste annually, while in India, the figure is only 11 kg. This difference is not due to water shortages; it is due to a lack of regulation and a lack of respect for nature. We need to change this mindset.

AMC: Avoid, Minimise, Create

The next step is to follow the AMC framework: avoid, Minimise, create. We must avoid using materials that harm the environment. If we cannot avoid them, we must minimise their use. Finally, we should create solutions to repurpose waste, such as turning plastic into eco-bricks. It is possible to implement AMC in our everyday lives, at our celebrations, and even in our conferences. Small changes in behaviour can have a significant impact.

Small Experiments Leading to Big Changes

I want to share a few small examples that demonstrate
how behavioural change can lead to large-scale societal impact. In a housing society in Bangalore, a worker turned president implemented simple changes in lighting, saving 4 lakh rupees in electricity every month. In Surat, the director of NIT reduced outdoor lighting from 12 am to 6 am, saving 2 lakh rupees a month. In the same Bangalore society, an aerator was installed in taps, saving 1.5 lakh rupees in electricity each month. These small experiments do not just change our lives; they change society. This is the power of behavioural change.

Kumbh Mela: A Case Study in Sustainability

The Kumbh Mela, which attracts 400 million visitors, generates enormous waste, including 40,000 tonnes of disposable waste and 8,000 tonnes of plastic waste. A zero-budget solution was implemented by promoting reusable cloth bags and biodegradable plates. Already, 500,000 cloth bags and plates have been distributed and local vendors have pledged to use them instead of plastic. This demonstrates how collective action can reduce waste generation on a massive scale.

Conclusion: From Eco-Terrorism to Eco-Tourism

Let us shift from eco-terrorism to eco-tourism, adopting sustainable practices that harmonise human existence with nature. While technology can assist, it is conscious effort that drives transformation. By adopting eco-friendly habits, we can safeguard a thriving planet for future generations. Environmental conservation is a collective journey that requires a shift from ‘me’ to ‘us’. Let us unite in taking the first step towards a sustainable tomorrow.