Bhubaneswar: The 9th edition of the Odisha Environment Congress 2018 on the theme ‘Gandhi and Environment’ was inaugurated at Regional Museum of Natural History Thursday.
“The theme is very relevant in today’s time when we are facing climate change and its devastating effect can be seen in many ways such as cyclones, draughts, rise in temperature, melting of glacier etc. Mahatma Gandhi, who was the torch bearer of the freedom movement in India, had talked about nature and emphasized on protecting planet Earth. Gandhiji defined independence of India in terms of three elements – air, water and grain, and we will achieve real democracy when all citizens have access to pure air and water,” said Sudarshan Das, secretary of OEC.
Several academicians, researchers, scientists, planners, policy makers, students, practitioners, community members and civil society organizations from the state and outside are participating in In the Odisha Environment Congress (OEC) 2018 for learning, interaction and dissemination of knowledge on different themes around environment. This year researchers have contributed 38 papers on focal theme ‘Gandhi and Environment’ and other sub-themes like ‘Sustainable Natural Resources Management’ and ecology, water sanitation, hygiene, health, nutrition, development and ‘Non-violence and Gandhi’ and Odisha.
The event was inaugurated by Padmashree Bhabani Charan Patnaik, a noted Gandhian and freedom fighter. In his address, Patnik said, “Gandhiji was the torch bearer of the freedom movement and he was the reason why I gathered the courage to fight for my country’s independence even though I never got an opportunity to meet him in person”. “Gandhiji’s dreams were linked with nature and I hope one day people would come together and work to make the country a progressive one,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, state Finance and Excise Minister Sashi Bhusan Behera praised such initiative and discussion on Gandhi and environment as a timely and important step. “Followers of Gandhiji’s ideals and environment lovers have always endeavoured to work for better protection of environment,” he said. He remembered an incident when the former President of India recognised the movement by Odisha people against pollution of Kathajodi river due to urban waste. “This is the Gandhian way to raise the issue to protect environment. Air pollution is now at an alarming stage and Gandhiji has given a solution through his lifestyle and we need to follow for a better life and world to live.” He supported the preparation of an Odia version of the proceedings for a wider reach to communities.
Satya Narayan Sahu, eminent Gandhian scholar, said the term sustainable development has evolved with the evolution of human civilization. The very beginning of human society and its onward march was woven critically around this concept, which assumed significance for the survival of the modern civilization and the Earth. Whenever human civilization receded from the path of sustainable development the danger to its survival was ensured, he said.
