URGENT: Your participation in Lucknow's biggest environmental movement!

[Gaurav Shukla]

World Environment Day

 

Resurrecting a river: From words to action, a student movement to safeguard the ecological balance and natural beauty of Lucknow.

 

Venue: City Montessori School, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow.
Date: 05-06-2010

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Remember the number of times you opened your Environmental Education book the night before the exam and laughed at the how we are forced to mug up meaningless facts but never actually get to do anything practical? Remember looking at that big pile of rot or the smoke coming out of a factory or even the pathetic state of the Gomti which isn't fit to touch anymore, and wondered if something could ever be done about it?

For the first time in Lucknow, students are joining hands to fight the menacing environmental problems that threaten our very existence. The Gomti river, which has been a symbol of our religious and cultural heritage is slowly dying a painful death. If we don’t act now, it will be too late to stop this downward spiral of deterioration.

 

And this time, the plans must go much further than scholarly discussions. A concrete action plan and an organized group of volunteers is essential to combat the problems we face today.

 

So here is your chance to be a part of a revolution that will strike at the roots of the problem and inspire a public awakening like never before. Give one summer to your nation, your humanity and your Mother Nature. The adventure, excitement, learning, friendships and sense of fulfillment will be something you will never forget!

Itinerary:

 

10:00 am – 11:00 am

 

Interactive discussion between students and an eminent environmentalist on the following topics:

 

1.     Universally prevalent environmental problems and the urgent need for action.

2.     Immediate, short term and long term consequences of environmental damage in Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh.

3.     Measures to mitigate the damage, both on an individual scale as well as on an organized platform to cover the larger issues.

4.     Modern methods of environmentalism involving the use of digital and electronic media, public pressure etc.

5.     History, culture and heritage associated with the Gomti river and the current problems faced by it.

6.     Student action plan to save the Gomti river.

 

11:00 am – 11:20 am

 

Short inspirational documentary.

 

11:20 am – 11:30 am

 

Closing thoughts, formation of a student action group and a surprise activity.

 

Organizer: City Montessori School, Personality Development and Career Counseling Department

           

Chief Guests: 

1. Mr. Anoop Poonia,
National Coordinator,
Indian Youth for Climate Network

2. Mr. Surendran Balachandran,
Board Member,
Indian Youth for Climate Network

The role of environment cannot be overemphasized with respect to both India and the world at large. Though the environment may not seem to have a direct bearing on the current problems of our society in an instantaneous manner, it does have a profound long-term effect on everyone. Especially in the context of India, where a large portion of the population lives in unhygienic slums and dirty shacks, cases of respiratory diseases and pollution related health hazards are on the rise and it is necessary to address environmental issues as a part of a wholesome, sustainable development strategy.

For too long, we have been arguing on theoretical concepts and making elaborates schemes that are never put into practice. It is time to move beyond the books and talks and translate the ideas into reality. Therefore, a practical, action-oriented programme is the need of the hour.

In this regard, students, as young, energetic and educated citizens have more to contribute than anybody else. The aim is clear—to usher in a revolution by utilizing the modern mass media, enforcing commercial plans and reaching out to every corner of our community and at the same time push for reforms at the highest levels of administration.

 

We sincerely hope that you will join us on the occasion of World Environment Day and give this effort a great start.

Thank you!

Best regards,

Programme Coordinator,

Gaurav Shukla

 

(City Montessori School, Class of 2010

University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2014)

 

Mobile No.- 09415005333

Email ID- gsh...@sas.upenn.edu

 

P.S. Don’t forget to bring crayons/sketch pens/paint with you, you might need them!

PLEASE FORWARD THIS INVITATION TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE! Remember to remove 'Fwd:' from the subject lines to prevent this mail from reaching people's spam boxes. We have just one day to gather all the people we can. You can also contact me for an SMS version of the invitation to forward. Even if you are unable to attend this event, please make sure as many people know about it as possible. It is one of the few times that the focus is on real work and practical results, please help us make this movement successful!