The culture of greed has taken the world away from nature: President Droupadi Murmu

New Delhi: The culture of greed has taken the world away from nature, President Droupadi Murmu said in her address to the nation on the eve of the 77th Independence Day, today. Pointing out that extreme weather events today affect all, she said, “We now realise the dire need to return to our roots.

Stressing that science or knowledge is not the end in itself but is a means for the betterment of all the people, she said climate change is one area that merits the urgent attention of scientists and policymakers all over the world.

“We have faced numerous extreme-weather events in recent years. Parts of India have faced extraordinary floods. At the same time, there are places facing drought. These events are also attributed to the phenomenon of global warming. Therefore, it is necessary to make efforts at the local, national and global levels for the environment,” she said.

Murmu said the impact of climate change is far more severe on the poor and the marginalised. While extreme weather events affect all, she noted that their impact is far more severe on cities. She especially emphasised the need to make the hilly terrains more resilient.

“I know that there are still many tribal communities who live very close to nature and in harmony with it. Their values and lifestyle offer invaluable lessons for climate action,” she said, adding that the secret of the survival of the tribal communities through the ages can be summarised in one word. “That single word is ‘Empathy’. They have empathy for all Mother Nature’s fellow children, flora and fauna alike,” President Murmu, who herself belongs to the tribal community, said. She appealed to the tribals to enrich their traditions while embracing modernity.

According to her, while at times the world seems to be suffering from a deficit of empathy, history shows that such periods are only aberrations, and kindness is our fundamental nature. “It is my experience that women have empathy in greater measure and they show the way when humanity goes astray,” she averred.

The President said she was happy to note that the economic empowerment of women is being given special focus in the country. While stressing that economic empowerment strengthens the position of women in the family and society, she urged every citizen to give priority to women’s empowerment. “I would like our sisters and daughters to overcome challenges with courage and move ahead in life. Development of women was among the ideals of our freedom struggle,” she said.

The President also touched upon economic issues saying India’s economy proved to be not only resilient during turbulent times but also a beacon of hope for others. She also noted happily that along with economic growth, human development concerns have been accorded high priority.

Referring to India’s crucial role in promoting developmental and humanitarian goals around the world, she referred to the country’s leadership position at international forums, especially the presidency of G-20 which represents two-thirds of the world population. “With the G-20 presidency, India can nudge decision-making in trade and finance towards equitable progress. Beyond trade and finance, matters of human development too are on the agenda. There are many global issues that concern all humanity and are not limited by geographical boundaries. I am confident that with India’s proven leadership in dealing with global issues, member nations will be able to advance effective action on these fronts,” she said. What according to her was notable in India’s presidency of G-20 was the way this diplomatic activity was taken to the grassroots. “There has been a first-of-its-kind campaign to encourage people’s participation,” she said.

Paying grateful tribute to the known and unknown freedom fighters whose sacrifices made it possible for India to regain its rightful place in the comity of nations, Murmu named great women freedom fighters like Matangini Hazra and Kanaklata Baruah who laid down their lives for the country. “Maa Kasturba matched the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi every step of the way on the difficult path of Satyagraha,” she said, adding that many great women leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Ammu Swaminathan, Rama Devi, Aruna Asaf-Ali and Sucheta Kriplani had set inspiring ideals for all future generations of women, to serve the nation and the society with self-confidence. “Today, women are contributing extensively in every field of development and service to the country and are enhancing the nation’s pride. Today our women have made their special place in many such fields in which their participation was unimaginable a few decades ago,” she said. 

The President further mentioned that what was special about the country’s freedom struggle was not only the fact that its objective was achieved but also how it was fought. “Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and a galaxy of extraordinary visionary leaders, our national movement was animated by a unique set of ideals. Gandhiji and others re-kindled the soul of India and helped the nation rediscover its civilisational values. Following India’s shining example, ‘truth and non-violence’, the cornerstone of our resistance, has been successfully employed in many political struggles around the world.

While extending her greeting to the countrymen on the eve of Independence Day, especially to the soldiers guarding the borders, jawans of the forces and the police providing internal security and to the members of our diaspora living in every part of the world, she said “our Constitution is our guiding document. Its Preamble contains the ideals of our freedom struggle. Let us move forward with the spirit of harmony and brotherhood to realise the dreams of our nation-builders”.  

– global bihari bureau