Caring for Mother Earth

HE INTERNATIONAL MOTHER Earth Day was celebrated on April 22. It was proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations through a resolution in 2009, although its roots lie in the 1970s. The main objective of the occasion is to have harmony with nature and ensure sustainable development of humanity.

- ASHOK GULATI SUVANGI RATH Respectively distinguished professor and fellow, ICRIER

HE INTERNATIONAL MOTHER Earth Day was celebrated on April 22. It was proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations through a resolution in 2009, although its roots lie in the 1970s. The main objective of the occasion is to have harmony with nature and ensure sustainable development of humanity. The Earth remains the only known planet to host life. There is no "planet B" for humanity so far, although Elon Musk has ambitions to occupy Mars. The specific conditions and complex biosphere that sustain us are unique to Earth, making it irreplaceable for human survival. So, it is everyone's duty to ensure that in the race for economic development, we take care of Mother Earth's basic resources, be it air, soil, water, or biodiversity. But have we done so? The answer, unfortunately, is no. As Mahatma Gandhi said, "The earth, the air, the land, and water are not an inheritance from our forefathers but on loan from our children. So, we have to hand over to them at least as it was handed over to us."