Panaji: September 9, 2017 … “One can learn a lot from nature,” said Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar, adding further, “We should not destroy things that we are unable to produce.” The Chief Minister was speaking as the Chief Guest at the Goa Environmental Festival 2017 in Panaji, today. His mantra to the gathering was ‘Reduce consumption, reduce your wants and don’t create waste.” He asked people to follow Mahatma Gandhi and reduce consumption, bringing to mind the saying that the earth has enough for everyone’s need, not for everyone’s greed.
The Chief Minister pointed out to the tradition of making matoli at homes at the time of Ganesh Chaturthi. “This is a nature-oriented decoration. We have traditions which are in tune with nature which we should observe closely.”
The Chief Minister concluded his speech by saying that he will strive to ensure that the environment is protected through his personal contribution and as the Chief Minister of Goa.
Earlier, wildlife filmmaker, Shri Shekar Dattatri spoke on the importance of returning to ancient India’s reverence for nature. He spoke of how plastic was one of the main causes for the poisoning of the earth. He further said that it was crucial that development takes place with minimum destruction and that government and concerned authorities must work with mutual trust and respect to heal the wounded planet.
