SLOGAN: Be sensitive to the environment, nurture and nourish it, let us care for all the species inhabiting this planet.
MESSAGE:
‘Consciousness of the environment is in built in the human system. Historically, nature (prakriti) has always been adored in the ancient traditions of the world; mountains, rivers, the sun, the moon, the trees have always been honoured. We need to revive the ancient practice of honouring and conserving nature. A return to traditional methods such as organic and chemical-free farming will go a long way in preparing the ground for healthy development. Tradition, technology, trade and truth are the four key factors, which need to be revived time and again. People should be encouraged to treat the planet as sacred.
— H.H. Sri Sri Ravishankar
The Art of Living last year observed and celebrated the Gurupurnima Day by launching a mega tree plantation drive. The question arises as to why this project was taken up.
The answer is straight and simple. We need to make our environs green and ensure that the ecosystem does not collapse under the weight of crass commercialisation, unfortunately driven by the ever increasing capricious human demands. Thus the volunteers of the Art of Living, its teachers and Yuvacharyas planted trees at various places around the country. The drive was undertaken in government run and privately owned schools, colleges, government and public sector undertakings and at various corporate enterprises.
Reputed personalities from all spheres of the public domain spanning 119 districts and representing 20 states of the country participated in the noble initiative to rekindle the spirit to make our environment hospitable and livable for the present and future generations to come. We owe this to Mother Earth which nurtures and nourishes us. As active citizens, it is our responsibility and we should not sidestep it.
Mother Earth is facing an acute environmental crisis of alarming proportions. Poojya Gurudev, in his wisdom, has once again blessed the programme. The initiative is a remarkable opportunity to serve the planet. This is a small but a positive step to sustain our environment.
The drought afflicting various parts of the country over the last few years is a grim reminder as to how predatory and selfish humans have become and the scant respect with which we treat our environment.
The Art of Living fraternity, in all its sincerity, will once again launch a tree plantation drive on the day of Guru Purnima. This is a wonderful opportunity for the denizens across all walks of life to participate and undertake this Seva.
-Taken from my book, ‘The Matter of the Mind’, published in 2016.
ravivalluri 