On World Environment Day, young adults share their thoughts on the significance of the environment and its meaning in their lives.
Agnibha Ghosh Dastidar
World Environment Day is a reminder of our deep connection to nature and our responsibility to protect it. The environment is more than just trees, rivers, or animals - it is the air we breathe, the ground we walk on, and the ecosystems that support all life. It is a source of beauty, balance, and survival. This day is important because it brings global attention to environmental challenges like climate change, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. It encourages individuals, communities, and governments to take action - by planting trees, reducing plastic use, and adopting more sustainable habits. This is an opportunity to reflect on how our everyday choices affect the planet and pledge to make better choices. World Environment Day reminds us that protecting the environment is not just the job of scientists or activists, rather it is something we all share. Every small action matters. When we care for the environment, we are also caring for our future and the well-being of generations to come.
Swastika Adhikary
On the World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5, it is vital to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our planet. For me the environment is everything that surrounds us, from the air we breathe to the water we drink and the soil that nourishes our food. It’s the foundation of life, supporting ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being. This day is important because it highlights the urgent need to address pressing environmental issues like climate change, pollution, deforestation, and wildlife conservation. By coming together, we can make a difference and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Some small actions, such as reducing waste, conserving water, and using renewable energy, can collectively have a significant impact. Let us work together to protect our planet and preserve its natural beauty for future generations. By doing so, we will not only safeguard the environment but also ensure a healthier, more sustainable world for all. Every effort counts, and together, we can create a better future.
Pratyusha Chowdhury
Every World Environment Day, I find myself tangled in emotions that do not fit neatly into slogans or posters. I feel hopeful because people are finally talking. I feel guilty because I still use things I should not. I feel responsible because this planet is not just a backdrop, it’s home. And honestly? I often feel confused, too. What really helps? What’s just greenwashing? When I was a child, I used to sit under a huge mango tree in my grandmother’s backyard. I would watch butterflies hover over flowers, listen to the rustling leaves, and wait for the wind to bring down a ripe mango. That tree was my little world - calm, generous, alive. It taught me to love nature before I understood what 'climate' meant. Some days, I feel inspired by people working to restore the planet. Other days, I scroll past climate news because it feels too much to carry. But somewhere in between, I have realized that caring does not mean being perfect. It means showing up - even when it is messy. World Environment Day is not a celebration for me. It is a pause. A reminder. A whisper saying - You can do better. So, I keep a reusable bottle. I say no to that extra plastic wrap. I talk to people. I learn. I try. I am not an environmentalist. I am a person who wants a future - where rivers still flow, bees still hum, and forests and The Mango Tree - all of this is more than memories. And maybe that is a good place to start.
Aaishi Das
This World Environment Day, as we speak of environmental conservation, I want to shed light on something often overlooked—Sacred Groves. In a world obsessed with modern solutions like solar energy or electric vehicles, we often forget that some of the most profound answers lie in our ancient roots. Sacred Groves - those small forest patches protected by communities through spiritual beliefs - are one such example. Growing up, I saw nature as something to admire. But learning about Sacred Groves helped me see nature as sacred. Across India, these groves have been preserved for generations—not by force or law, but by faith. These are spaces where people believe deities or ancestral spirits reside, and even plucking a leaf is considered a taboo. One story that deeply moved me is that of the Mawphlang Sacred Grove in Meghalaya. The Khasi tribe has protected this forest for centuries. No one takes anything from it - not even a twig. This 78 - hectare grove thrives not because of external regulations, but because of internal reverence. In a time when climate change, deforestation, and water scarcity dominate headlines, Sacred Groves remind me that conservation can be cultural, spiritual, and community - driven. They are not just forests - they are living proof that when nature is treated as sacred, it flourishes. This World Environment Day, I believe it is time we reconnect with these forgotten lessons. Let us honour the communities that have quietly preserved these ecosystems for centuries. The wisdom to build a greener future might not come from technology alone, but from tradition. Let us not just celebrate the environment - let us listen to those who have been protecting it all along.
Agnibha Ghosh Dastidar, Swastika Adhikary, Pratyusha
Chowdhury, Aaishi Das are students of M.A. Journalism and Mass Communication, 1st year, School of
Media and Communication, Adamas University.
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