NEW DELHI: “India is a fast-developing country, but its development needs to be inclusive, equitable, ecologically sustainable and morally desirable without compromising the planet’s health,” said Defence minister Rajnath Singh at an event organised to mark the 90th birth anniversary celebrations of noted writer and environmentalist Sugathakumari in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala yesterday.
Attended the Navathi celebrations, an event organised to mark the 90th birth anniversary celebrations of noted poet & environmentalist Sugathakumari in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala.
India is a fast-developing country, but its development needs to be inclusive, equitable,… pic.twitter.com/3FYo7Q1OQu
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 22, 2025
He asserted that the country’s consumption should be need-based and not greed-based, stressing that behaviors need to change to ensure sustainability. “There is a need to do away with the ‘use-and-dispose’ economy,” he said.
Singh lauded Sugathakumari’s contributions to environmental activism, particularly her pivotal role in the ‘Save Silent Valley’ movement. He described her as a “conscience-keeper” of society, whose work inspired generations to protect and preserve nature. “Humanity was to be the trustee of natural resources but never the master. Nature was never to be exploited but revered, worshipped and utilised without wastage. We, as human beings, were supposed to be the intelligent species. But we took many wrong turns in our journey. Thankfully, we had people like Sugathakumari ji who served Mother Nature like her true child,” he added.
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Reflecting on India’s environmental initiatives, the Defence minister highlighted key programs such as Mission LiFE, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and the Green Credit Program. He praised the government’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to promote environmentally friendly behaviors and transition to clean energy.
“At the Mahakumbh 2025, the Miyawaki technique is being used for tree planting. Dense forests have been created at various sites across Prayagraj to ensure clean air and a healthy environment for the millions of devotees,” he stated. The Miyawaki technique is a method for planting trees to create forests quickly.
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Singh also underscored India’s commitment to climate justice, despite being a minimal contributor to global warming. He noted that India’s forest and tree cover has been steadily increasing, as reported in the latest ‘India State of Forest Report.’
Pointing to recent extreme weather events like floods in Kerala and Himachal Pradesh, he stressed the urgency of global and local action against climate change. He called for a multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, communities, and corporations to adapt to and mitigate climate challenges.
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“We need to carry forward the ancient wisdom and the lives of people like Sugathakumari,” he said. Concluding his address, the Defence minister urged citizens to adopt sustainable practices to safeguard the planet for future generations.
