The recent headlines about rising air pollution, particularly the "Delhi injurious to health" dig taken by Shashi Tharoor (https://in.linkedin.com/in/shashitharoor), strike a deep chord with me. It’s a stark reminder that some challenges, despite our best efforts and intentions, continue to plague us, impacting the very quality of life in our bustling capital.
I recall years ago, my thoughts turned to similar environmental concerns. In 2015, I wrote about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's (https://in.linkedin.com/in/narendramodi, n.modi@india.gov.in) compelling call for Indian ambassadors to champion India's global role, emphasizing that India "must lead that fight" against climate change. I also noted his focus on initiatives like 'Swachch Bharat' and the 'Clean Ganga' initiatives, as captured in my blog posts such as Email Alerts and Email Alerts to Our Ambassadors. These weren't merely policy statements; they reflected a genuine recognition of our environmental responsibilities and the interconnectedness of our nation's health with its ecological well-being. Sushma Swaraj, then Minister of External Affairs, also highlighted the Prime Minister's special interest in such development-focused diplomacy, underscoring the collective effort required.
The core idea I want to convey is this — take a moment to notice that I had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. I had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and I had even proposed a solution at the time. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context.
While the commitment from leaders like Prime Minister Modi to environmental causes was clear, and the vision of a cleaner India, a Swachch Bharat, was inspiring, the persistent struggle with Delhi's air quality suggests that the implementation of these grand visions requires even more concerted and innovative strategies. It's not just about policy; it's about embedding environmental consciousness into every layer of governance and daily life.
Tharoor's poignant remark is not merely a political jab but a wake-up call to the grim reality many face daily. It reminds us that economic growth and technological advancement must go hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship. Our collective health, productivity, and future depend on the air we breathe. This isn't just an administrative problem; it's a social and existential one, demanding a sustained, multi-pronged approach that transcends political cycles and engages every citizen.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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