Start taking steps to save environment: EcoSikh

LUDHIANA: Each one can make a difference and each one should try. That’s the simple yet potent message of movements like EcoSikh that urge the people to take steps to save environment. One can start small, says Ravneet Singh, project manager of the movement in South Asia.

Members of the EcoSikh organisation plant saplings at Nabha. File photograph

Minna Zutshi

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 14

Each one can make a difference and each one should try. That’s the simple yet potent message of movements like EcoSikh that urge the people to take steps to save environment. One can start small, says Ravneet Singh, project manager of the movement in South Asia.

The EcoSikh movement has developed a tool kit for gurdwaras, families, youngsters wherein they are encouraged to plant trees, hold cycle rallies, organise seminars on ecology etc. This is to pay tributes to the seventh Sikh Guru, Guru Har Rai, for his environmental vision.

The seven-point agenda for gurdwaras is to organise awareness via katha on nature, arrange bicycle rallies, serve organic langar, organise plantation drives & seminars on environment, distribute buta (saplings) prasad, besides organizing nature walks.

“The EcoSikh connectsto Sikh values, beliefs and institutions to the most important environmental issues facing our world. We draw the rich tradition of the Sikh Gurus while ensuring that our deep reverence for entire creation remains central to the life of Sikhism,” said Singh.

They have three key programmes at the EcoSik – Sikh environment Day, Green pilgrimage network and green gurdwaras.

“Humans are intrinsically sensitive to nature. A sustainable society is possible only when air, water, land, forests and biodiversity remain vibrant and living systems not only for our generation but also for future generations,” said Singh.

He also said that we may start with ‘baby steps’ to save our planet from pollution. “We can take the initiative of curbing plastics and polybags. We may use biodegradable disposable cups and plates. Plastic and Styrofoam cannot be decomposed naturally. They are a major cause of soil and water pollution. Use leaf plates that are biodegradable. Buy a reusable water bottle.”

Today on March 14, the Sikh Environment Day was observed. As Guru Nanak Dev said: ‘Pavan Guru Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat’ (Air is the Guru, Water the Father, and the Earth is the Great Mother).