Environmentalist Tulsi Gowda, orange seller Harekala Hajabba, agriculturist Rahibai Soma Popere and artist Dalavayi are among those social activists who have received Padma Awards this year, 2021.
The criteria for selection were for the people, by the people and to the people. As we are moving towards smart city plans, we need smart citizens for its success, only then can we fulfill our dream of accomplishing smart cities.
We are more in need of such people, such inspirational individuals to sustain the stratagem. The main reason why people need these role models is that we are moving into becoming global, day by day, moving off from the rural areas, leaving our roots behind. India is seeking more development, more exposure, industries are growing, and the environment is unfairly depleting.
We are forgetting our culture, mainly lifestyle, day by day as this development is reaching towards the epitome where the destruction of the environment is at its peak. This is also an awakening call for those who are living their life with smart development but still, they are not aware of what will happen to the next generation.
Natural resources are on the verge of shellac. These phenomenal personalities are developed through the mind yet grounded to the roots, after all, where how will it survive if the environment is hurt.
These barefoot, ultra-modern minds work day in and day out for the development of our country, our people, the environment, and our livelihood at large, so that we and our future generation wouldn't extinct like dinosaurs who were the post, very powerful and one of the strongest species that once lived on the earth, yet it got extinct.
As we are passing years with globalization being our strongest motive, we cannot attain it at the cost of the environment. Undoubtedly, we need to develop, we need to communicate and socialize but with a most apt and holistic approach.
We need human beings to be more sensitive towards nature, awareness should pace up, younger generations should be taught to fight for their future and for their resources. We can't neglect nature at any cost.
Nature has its own ways of teaching lessons, and we shouldn't wait for her to fight for herself. Development should come with inclusion, human beings, animals, water, earth; everything should come together.
Sustainable development is a dream for all, and it only comes along with such inspirational characters like Tulsi Gowda, Harekala Hajabba, Rahibai Soma Popere and artist Dalavayi. They teach us those values which cannot be replaced by any so-called globalization yet destructive practices.
We need to act before it is too late, we need to get inspired by people who are still holding onto their roots. Environmentalists are fighting alone; they are few in number and they need our support.
They are not fighting for themselves; they are fighting for your children! You may be working very hard to provide a luxurious life for your child, but what will they do if basic needs are not met? We all need air to breathe.