MV-/I-/ QG, ei ,-/ C/J।
e532/ MC5]IN/ i Mh? M6/;
5g; -J';1 G'D………………
M,532/I?/ Y^35;D ei ,-/ C/J,
M,532/I?/ Y'5GD t,4-/ 8IV/'? MD/; M6/;………
8IV/'? ,4 =
^ ;1 Gi!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Celebrating Earth Day!!!!!!
Deeksha Dave
Assistant Professor, School of Agriculture,
Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi.
History
45 years ago in 1970, millions of Americans of all ages and all walks of life
gathered together for a common cause and celebrated the “Earth Day” for the
first time. The idea was conceived by Nelson, a U.S. Senator who got worried
about the growing industrialisation and deteriorating state of the planet. It was
for the first time that there was mass concern raised for the protection of Earth
and its valuable assets. Environmental issues were placed on a global agenda and
need was felt to protect nature in all its forms. At that time Earth Day was
conceived as educational series of “teachings on environmental issues” at
campuses across the United States, with demonstrations and marches in major
cities. The effect of it was so contagious that soon the fire of environmental
awareness spread to other countries as well. The message of protecting soil,
conserving water resources and to reduce and recycle became known to all. The
Day not only marked the celebrations but also lead to the establishment of
various government initiatives in the area of environment protection during that
period.
Going down the line it appears today that the planet was very different at the
time when Earth Day was first launched in 1970. The concerns were different
and the idea was limited to having knowledge about the declining state of Mother
Earth. The initial concerns of the planet were environment pollution. It was the
time in 1962 that Raceal Carson’s book had alarmed mankind of the demerits of
using excessive pesticides. We were worried more about the provision of clean
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