A CORRESPONDENT
DHEKIAJULI: On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, Assam-based environmental organization Seuj Society spearheaded a series of impactful green initiatives across the state, with its central activities taking place in the historic martyr town of Dhekiajuli.
The organization, known for its commitment to environmental education and grassroots action, conducted awareness campaigns and free sapling distribution drives at multiple locations. At the forefront in Dhekiajuli was Afzalur Rahman, Proprietor of Momai Tamuli Nursery and a dedicated green volunteer of the Seuj Society. For years, Rahman has personally distributed hundreds of saplings free of cost on this day, supporting schools, institutions, and public groups.
The hallmark of this year’s observance was an online environment-focused seminar held at 5 PM, drawing participation from Seuj Society’s key leaders and members including President Sanjay Baruah, Secretary Madhurya Saikia, Pankhismita Sharma, Sushanta Dutta, Kalpana Baruah, Parisamita Bora, Anamika Suta, and Dipu Kumar Das, among others.
The event featured two esteemed environmental voices from Assam, Padma Shri Jadav Payeng, celebrated as the Forest Man of India, and renowned herpetologist Saurav Barkataki, both of whom joined virtually to deliver powerful messages on environmental responsibility.
In his thought-provoking speech, Jadav Payeng emphasized that observing Environment Day or planting saplings should not be a symbolic act. “The real duty lies in nurturing those saplings after plantation. People, especially the youth, must learn the importance and identity of every tree,” he said. He also expressed disappointment over the current education systems worldwide, stating, “Our children are not taught to love nature. That’s a global failure.” Citing climate change and the pandemic as nature’s warning signs, he urged, “Instead of cutting cakes on birthdays, let us plant trees. This should be our culture globally.”
Following him, Saurav Barkataki, a respected wildlife and snake conservationist, addressed the gathering and proposed a radical yet relevant idea and said, “Why limit World Environment Day to just June 5? Let us observe it every month on the 5th to keep students and communities constantly engaged in nature-friendly activities.” He warned about the intensifying heat, erratic climate changes, and rapid loss of greenery, stressing the need for climate-sensitive policies, especially in the education sector. “We may soon have to shift school hours to early mornings due to heat waves. The time to act is now,” he said.
He concluded by urging policymakers and government agencies to introduce strict environmental protection laws in Assam, ensuring that the race for development does not trample over ecological balance.
The event was hailed by participants as an inspiring and solution-oriented dialogue, highlighting the need for continuous community involvement, youth education, and long-term environmental policy reforms.
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