President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Divine Retreat Centre and Launches ‘Lifestyle for Sustainability’ Campaign in Odisha, On July 8, 2024, President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Divine Retreat Centre of Brahma Kumaris in Haridamada village near Bhubaneswar, Odisha. She also launched the national campaign ‘Lifestyle for Sustainability’ initiated by Brahma Kumaris.
During her address, President Murmu highlighted the importance of respecting and preserving Mother Nature. She emphasized that natural resources—forests, mountains, rivers, lakes, seas, rain, and air—are vital for survival and should be used wisely to meet human needs, not greed. She stressed that humanity’s exploitation of nature for indulgence is leading to severe consequences and urged for a harmonious, nature-friendly lifestyle.
President Murmu reflected on Indian culture’s deep respect for nature, mentioning how elements like the earth, sky, rivers, and rain are revered as divine. She noted that this cultural philosophy underscores the consciousness and vitality within nature, urging for its protection.
She pointed out the global challenges of climate change, global warming, and unpredictable weather, which have made natural disasters like floods, landslides, and forest fires more frequent. The President called for small, mindful changes in daily habits to conserve natural resources, such as avoiding waste of water and energy and minimizing food waste.
President Murmu praised the ‘Lifestyle for Sustainability’ campaign, describing it as a commendable effort to reconnect people with nature. She urged that the campaign should go beyond meetings and conferences, reaching out to rural areas to raise environmental awareness and encourage sustainable living practices.
By making sustainability a part of daily life, the President believes significant societal changes can be achieved, ensuring the conservation of natural resources for future generations.
