President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Divine Retreat Centre of Brahma Kumaris at Haridamada village near Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The President also launched the national campaign ‘Lifestyle for Sustainability’ during her visit, emphasizing the critical need for harmonious coexistence with nature in today’s world.
In her address at the inauguration ceremony, President Murmu highlighted the intrinsic value of Mother Nature and the urgent necessity to preserve it. She spoke passionately about the Indian cultural ethos that venerates nature as sacred, where the earth is regarded as a mother, rivers as nurturing figures, and rain and oceans as divine entities. Drawing from these teachings, she underscored the imperative for humanity to adopt lifestyles that are respectful and sustainable towards the environment.
Citing the escalating challenges of climate change, global warming, and unpredictable weather patterns, President Murmu pointed out that natural calamities such as floods, landslides, and forest fires are no longer sporadic occurrences but distressingly frequent events. She stressed that individual actions, such as conserving water, minimizing electricity usage, and reducing food wastage, can collectively make a substantial impact in mitigating these environmental crises.
The ‘Lifestyle for Sustainability’ campaign, initiated by Brahma Kumaris and launched by President Murmu, aims to foster widespread awareness and advocacy for eco-friendly living practices across India. Commending the initiative, she emphasized that the campaign should extend beyond mere discussions and conferences, urging its advocates to actively engage rural communities nationwide. She called for concerted efforts to educate and empower people, especially in rural areas, about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable living.
President Murmu concluded her address by expressing appreciation to all involved in the campaign, recognizing their efforts to promote a deeper connection between people and nature. She reiterated that preserving natural resources is not just a responsibility but a collective imperative for safeguarding the planet for future generations.
As President Murmu’s visit to Odisha concludes, her advocacy for sustainable living and environmental stewardship is expected to resonate widely, inspiring individuals and communities to embrace conscientious lifestyles that prioritize the well-being of both humanity and the natural world.
