President Droupadi Murmu, currently on a four-day visit to her home state of Odisha, has expressed deep concern over the severe heatwaves experienced in many parts of India this summer. She emphasized that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent worldwide in recent years.
During her visit, President Droupadi Murmu participated in the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra and also visited Puri’s Golden Beach. Sharing her experience on social media platform X, she wrote, “There are places that bring us closer to the essence of life and remind us that we are part of nature. Mountains, forests, rivers, and seashores touch something profound within us. While walking along the seashore today, I felt a deep connection with nature – the gentle breeze, the crashing waves, and the vast stretch of water. It was a meditative experience.”
There are places that bring us in closer touch with the essence of life and remind us that we are part of nature. Mountains, forests, rivers and seashores appeal to something deep within us. As I walked along the seashore today, I felt a communion with the surroundings – the… pic.twitter.com/mWJ7ya3XLY
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 8, 2024
She added, “It gave me a deep sense of inner peace, similar to what I felt during my darshan of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannathji yesterday. This experience is universal; we all feel a connection with something larger than ourselves when we encounter nature, which sustains and gives meaning to our lives.”
President Murmu highlighted the disconnect between humanity and nature due to the demands of modern life. She noted, “Amidst the busyness of daily life, we lose our connection with Mother Nature. Humanity thinks it has conquered nature and is using it for short-term gains. The consequences are clear. This summer, numerous regions in India faced severe heatwaves. Extreme weather events have been happening more often worldwide in recent years. The future looks even more alarming.”
She also addressed the broader issue of global warming and its effects on the planet. “More than seventy percent of the earth’s surface is covered by oceans, and global warming is causing sea levels to rise, threatening coastal areas. The oceans and their rich biodiversity have suffered heavily due to various types of pollution,” she said.
President Murmu praised the traditional knowledge of people living in harmony with nature, particularly those in coastal areas. “People who live close to nature have preserved traditions that can guide us. Coastal inhabitants, for instance, understand the winds and waves of the sea. Like our ancestors, they worship the sea as a deity.”
She called for collective action from both governments and citizens to protect the environment. “There are two ways to tackle the challenge of protecting and conserving the environment: large-scale actions by governments and international organizations, and smaller, local efforts by individuals. Both approaches support each other. Let’s commit to doing our part, both personally and locally, for a better future. We owe it to our children,” she concluded.
President Murmu’s visit to Odisha has not only been a personal journey but also a call to action for the nation to reconnect with and protect the environment.