We all know that education is important. If asked, most people would respond by saying education is required to establish or forge a good career. However, a few of my observations led me to ask: Is that the only role that good education plays in our lives?
I feel proud to say that I grew up in a household where we were taught to be grateful for everything that we had. Whether it was the resources we used or the food we ate, the guests who visited and stayed with us or the education that we received through our teachers. Unknown to us, a few practices were imbued into our upbringing which may not be directly linked to the good education that we received but it was a family culture of ‘sanskars’ through which we got educated about certain things which we now refer to as education in ‘sustainability.’ These practices were very simple practices through which we got disciplined and those practices became a habit for the rest of our lives. These were as simple as switching off the fans and lights when we left the room, turning the tap off when not using water, even while brushing our teeth and such small tasks. We all used cloth napkins and not tissue papers to wipe our hands. Food was not to be wasted at all as it is worshipped in India and in many other traditions around the world. Clothes were bought only on occasions such as festivals and birthdays.
Nowadays, many do not respect their resources. People do not switch off the fans and lights, and taps are left open for long periods even when the water is not being used. And thanks to the era of online shopping, there is no end to ordering excess food and clothing. Many countries have woken up to it, and excess clothing manufacturing is being halted, as it only ends up in landfills. However, we must be judicious and conscious about buying or utilizing only as much as we need. Let us also bring back the age old ‘Sanskars’ of our Indian culture and teach our children and grandchildren what our parents and grandparents taught us to do.
As a University we are equally conscious and therefore through Symbiosis International University, we have a Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability where research is conducted not only on how our actions are impacting the climate but also on how students are sensitized about ways that can help protect the environment. We even have a Biodiversity Cell that protects the flora & fauna in and around the University, as ‘Symbiosis’ essentially means co-habiting of two species. As individuals, we can also contribute in protecting our Mother Earth and the environment around us. Can we start with small steps like walking or cycling or car-pooling to work instead of each one of us using a vehicle? Taking a cloth bag to buy vegetables instead of asking for plastic bags, knowing that they are banned? Or not shopping unnecessarily? Ensuring that water and electricity are conserved in our homes?
Small efforts made by many will alleviate Earth’s problems. Finally, we don’t want our children to be just educated and remain illiterate, do we??