Expert interaction on Environment

On Saturday, 7 July 2018, the students of classes IX and X had the opportunity to interact with Mr. Vimlendu Jha, noted environmentalist. His innovative and unconventional approach to contemporary environmental and social issues have touched millions of people worldwide. He has struggled to save the Yamuna for over a decade and the effort has been applauded by the Delhi government as well as several international governments and institutions. He currently heads Swechcha, a leading environment group in the country which collaborates with our School for the development of the School eco park. He was selected as one of 6 global change-makers by CNN International to be a part of their Be the Change programme.

Mr. Jha began by asking us a thought provoking question-Can we replace water and survive on soft drinks instead? The question may amused the students, but it urged them to think. Water is irreplaceable as is air. There is no substitute for air and water and hence we must, at all costs, strive to conserve these resources.

Mr. Jha offered a new meaning to citizenship- citizenship is not about possessing an official document like the Aadhar card, it is about realizing our duty to our environment. He told us that in 1987, New Delhi was the greenest capital of the world, with the highest tree population per capita. Alas now, it has become one of the most polluted cities in the world. This happened when people started finding private solutions to public problems. For example, when we receive muddy water in our taps, we rarely bother about informing the concerned agency responsible for supplying clean water. Instead, we install a water purifier.

To try and change the above, he urged every student to plant a sapling. The large population of our country can thus be utilised for our own benefit.

Mr. Jha founded Swechcha, a youth-run organisation in 2000. This which aims at making a visible change in the environment. He informed us about the ill-effects of cutting down trees and polluting the Yamuna. Swechcha aims to clean the Yamuna and up-cycle some of the waste produced in Delhi. Mr. Jha stated that we cannot build a river like we build a metro. Therefore, rivers must be conserved.

On being asked what keeps him motivated, Mr. Jha answered, rather impressively, that he has faith in the youth of the country and in her future, and that is the reason why he is actively involved in social work

Aadrita Goswamy, IX-D.