Open house: How can faith-based practices help build a sustainable society?

Green processions and clean living

A green procession is essential to promote clean and eco-friendly living, especially at a time when AQI levels remain alarmingly high. However, such initiatives seem nearly impossible to execute. Not everyone agrees with Seechewal’s point of view. In many regions, fundamentalist groups organise processions with loudspeakers that cause severe noise pollution, along with the bursting of crackers that worsen air quality. It is worth questioning where, in any religious text, it is mentioned that faith must be demonstrated through Nagar Kirtans or religious processions. According to Seechewal, saplings should be distributed as Prasad, an idea that highlights environmental responsibility. Yet, the question arises—can these plants survive? The mission cannot be fulfilled merely by distributing saplings; their preservation is equally vital. Unfortunately, religious fundamentalists are unlikely to agree. Despite such challenges, eco-friendly celebrations that avoid plastics and loud noise are the need of the hour. Such events foster unity, strengthen community bonds and inspire a sense of belonging. On the other hand, processions often block roads, cause major traffic jams, and generate excessive noise and air pollution through loudspeakers and fireworks. Streets are frequently littered with plastic and food waste. The true essence of Ardas lies in heartfelt devotion, expressed silently—not through noisy processions or crackers that contradict the spirit of faith.

Shashi Kiran

Mass awareness against pollution

Pollution today poses one of the gravest challenges to nations worldwide. The worst affected are densely populated regions, where citizens often fail to follow environmental norms prescribed by the CAQM, NGT and State Pollution Control Boards, thus aggravating the situation. Pollution remains a major cause of global warming and chronic ailments; therefore, both civic authorities and citizens must stay vigilant and adopt sustained measures to control it. Preventive environmental measures must be effectively implemented through widespread awareness, strict enforcement of hygiene and pollution-control laws, and the adoption of viable alternatives. Key contributors to pollution include stubble burning, vehicular emissions, improper garbage disposal and depletion of green cover. Administrative apathy and lack of civic sense further worsen the problem. Ironically, environmental degradation becomes most evident during extreme weather, when caution is needed most. Yet, many people disregard safeguards, especially during social and religious festivities. The reckless bursting of firecrackers during weddings, family functions and religious processions such as Shobha Yatras severely intensifies pollution. Collective and earnest efforts are urgently needed to prevent such environmental desecration for public health and safety. A commendable initiative in this direction is the Green Nagar Kirtan organised by noted environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal on the occasion of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Parkash Purab. Tree saplings were distributed as Prasad, symbolising a commitment to afforestation and waste reduction. Such eco-conscious celebrations must be emulated by all religious and social organisations to build a sustainable society. To further curb pollution, toxic firecrackers should be completely banned, allowing only green fireworks or laser light shows. Decisive, collective action is needed now to protect both the planet and public health.

Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath

Faith mobilised for environment

The Green Nagar Kirtan initiated by MP and environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal is a laudable step. It is a major attempt to mobilise religious faith into a public movement for environmental protection—an urgent need of the hour. This grand and historical initiative deserves support from government agencies to make it an institutionalised concept. It must be replicated by other religious organisations to promote public awareness of environmental values. All religious institutions should agree to discontinue the practice of holding processions on roads or public spaces in the larger interest of social welfare. Such a move would help reduce pollution, traffic chaos and public inconvenience. Above all, bursting of firecrackers during any form of religious celebration should be completely prohibited to prevent air and noise pollution. Religious faith, being a powerful social force, must be channelised to create awareness about environmental conservation, public health, cleanliness and traffic discipline. The Green Nagar Kirtan is a remarkable beginning toward that goal.

Jagdish Chander

Plant saplings for Punjab’s future

By planting 5,600 saplings across Punjab to mark the 556th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the people of the state have showcased smart decision-making and creative thinking in addressing societal issues. This initiative stands as a shining example of an evergreen, forward-thinking Punjab. More organisations—whether religious or social—should adopt this method of integrating environmental betterment into every festival and cultural gathering. Such initiatives unite people under a shared faith and address the growing issue of global warming through positive community participation. What may seem a small, simple act is, in reality, a revolutionary step toward improving life quality in Punjab. With collective commitment, people will soon breathe freely and proudly in a greener, cleaner and rangla Punjab.

Lakshit Jindal

Strong step toward a sustainable future

The Green Nagar Kirtan initiative promotes environmental sustainability by integrating eco-friendly practices into religious processions. By adhering to principles of zero pollution and reduced noise, it sets a commendable example for others to follow. This campaign spreads awareness about environmental issues, encourages public participation, and inspires individuals to adopt green habits. The movement effectively combines faith and environmentalism, showing that caring for the planet is a collective responsibility. Its success can motivate other communities to replicate such practices, creating a ripple effect of positive change. The initiative not only promotes sustainable living but also contributes to a cleaner, healthier environment. Ultimately, it stands as a strong step toward a sustainable future with far-reaching impact beyond the community itself.

Er Ashwani Joshi

Saplings as prasad concept praised

The offering of tree saplings as prasad is a positive and progressive concept aimed at keeping the environment pollution-free. In recent years, several religious institutions have started distributing saplings as Prasad, which devotees later plant—proving an effective step toward maintaining ecological balance. At this critical juncture, mass plantation is the need of the hour. This mission can succeed only if religious institutions consistently offer saplings as Prasad and conduct awareness drives encouraging people to plant and nurture them until they grow into trees. Meanwhile, practices such as stubble burning and bursting firecrackers continue to pollute the environment. Replacing such harmful traditions with green initiatives like sapling distribution is essential to preserving ecological harmony and combating pollution.

Rajat Kumar Mohindru

Green practices in religious events

Religious events, including Nagar Kirtans, require significant time, attention and dedication from the public. Slowly but steadily, the integration of green practices and sustainable efforts in these events can play a major role in promoting environmental consciousness. Religious leaders, who are often more influential than politicians and celebrities, have the power to inspire large-scale change. When even a few leaders begin to adopt such environmentally friendly practices, their followers are likely to emulate them. One leader’s initiative can spark sustainable habits and practices in hundreds of homes.

Shama Suri

Balbir Seechewal’s environment initiative

Balbir Singh Seechewal has been leading the effort to clean the Kali Bein since 2000. He is also a strong advocate for the environment, housing a variety of plants in his nurseries and distributing them as prasad during religious events. The distribution of local plant varieties has proven beneficial in promoting sustainability. Similarly, Baba Sewa Singh of Khadur Sahib, also known as Rukhan Wala Baba, actively promotes environmental awareness through similar practices. Such efforts can make a significant difference in addressing the environmental challenges the state has faced. It’s encouraging to see religious leaders championing this cause, and more leaders across various sectors should follow suit to help mitigate the recent environmental damage.

Surinder Saini

Sangat must actively plan, care for trees

Religious gatherings and events in India, particularly in the state, often lead to significant environmental damage. In light of this, it is commendable when these events are used as platforms for raising environmental awareness. We often see high piles of disposable cups and plates after religious langars and gatherings, which contradict the teachings of the Gurus, who emphasised not polluting “dharti, paun, pani” (earth, air and water). However, some religious events have begun mobilising the sangat to plant trees by distributing saplings, a change that has the potential for long-lasting positive effects. It is important, though, that such drives are not merely symbolic; the sangat must actively plan and care for the trees they are given. If done honestly and on a large scale, these tree-planting initiatives could help increase tree cover in the state and raise awareness about environmental responsibility.

Tamanna Sharma

Modernity has removed green cover

Traditional heritage buildings, structures and religious practices were inherently respectful of nature. Forests were protected and depicted in murals and paintings. Nature was an integral part of the "word" (bani) of the Gurus. Unfortunately, modernity has removed the green cover from many gurdwaras and other places of worship, replacing it with concrete and marble. A mass awakening is needed to shift these patterns and reintroduce greener, more breathable religious structures. While the distribution of green prasad during a Nagar Kirtan may seem like a small gesture, it is a positive step towards this much-needed change.

Santokh Singh

Caring for earth is form of worship

We truly appreciated the Green Nagar Kirtan initiative, which beautifully combined spirituality with environmental awareness. It was inspiring to see a religious event convey such a powerful message — that protecting and respecting nature is an act of devotion and a way to secure a safe and healthy future for the coming generations. By promoting eco-friendly practices through a spiritual gathering, the initiative reminded everyone that caring for the earth is also a form of worship. More religious and community organisations should take similar steps to raise awareness about environmental conservation. Faith-based events have a unique ability to influence hearts and minds, encouraging people to adopt sustainable habits in their daily lives. A wonderful idea would be to distribute saplings along with prasad, symbolising both blessings and responsibility. Planting these saplings would allow devotees to actively participate in nurturing the environment, turning their prayers into meaningful action.

Anita Sharma

Protecting nature is a shared duty

Such thoughtful initiatives redefine the true essence of prayer, not just in words or rituals, but in deeds that contribute to the well-being of the planet. The Green Nagar Kirtan has set an inspiring example of how spirituality and sustainability can come together for a greater good. Often, people become careless about their surroundings and even after attending religious or social events, one can still see litter and mess all around. This not only harms the environment but also goes against the very spirit of devotion that such gatherings promote. That is why initiatives like the Green Nagar Kirtan are so meaningful and impactful. They remind everyone that spirituality is not just about prayer, it is also about responsibility toward nature. Through such eco-friendly events, people begin to realise that protecting the environment is a shared duty. When thousands gather for a religious purpose and witness sustainable practices being followed, it leaves a lasting impression. It teaches that faith and environmental care can go hand in hand. The Green Nagar Kirtan thus serves as a strong reminder that each individual’s small effort can together create a powerful movement for a cleaner, safer and more sustainable future. It was so heartening to see Green Nagar Kirtan as people also got motivated to keep the environment clean and green. It is expected that several other organisations will also adopt the same and we all should take care of our mother nature together so that we could leave a better place to live for our future generations.

Rajkumar Sharma