President Droupadi Murmu today inaugurated the National Conference on ‘Environment – 2025’ in New Delhi, urging the nation to recognize the moral responsibility of leaving behind a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations. Speaking at the event, the President emphasized that environmental awareness should not be limited to specific days or campaigns but should be woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Addressing an audience of policymakers, environmental experts, and stakeholders, President Murmu underlined the crucial need for collective participation in protecting and nurturing the environment. She reminded everyone that while families often worry about their children’s education and careers, it is equally important to worry about the quality of air they will breathe, the purity of water they will drink, and whether they will still be able to experience the beauty of birdsong or lush green forests. These, she said, are not just environmental or scientific concerns but deeply moral ones, touching upon the kind of world we intend to leave behind.
The President expressed concern about the growing environmental challenges and highlighted the importance of adopting an environmentally conscious lifestyle. She called upon citizens to move beyond token gestures and instead integrate sustainable practices into their daily routines. Balancing the needs of development with the imperatives of environmental protection, she said, is not just a challenge but also an opportunity to redefine progress.
Drawing from India’s cultural heritage, President Murmu reminded the gathering that Indian tradition has always viewed nature as a nurturing mother, deserving of respect and care. She stressed that the true essence of India’s developmental philosophy lies in preservation and nourishment, not in exploitation. Referring to India’s recent achievements in meeting its global climate commitments, she expressed pride in the country’s efforts to fulfill its Nationally Determined Contributions ahead of time.
President Murmu also acknowledged the crucial role played by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in advancing environmental justice and ensuring that the voices of vulnerable communities and the concerns of future generations are not ignored. She praised the NGT’s historic decisions that have had a meaningful impact on environmental governance and public health.
Urging all institutions, civil society, and individuals to unite in their commitment to environmental protection, the President stressed that true progress cannot come at the cost of nature. She voiced confidence that India, through its green initiatives and collective effort, would continue to set an example of responsible leadership at the global level.
The two-day conference, organized by the NGT, aims to create a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action toward sustainable environmental management. As the President concluded her address, she left the audience with a hopeful vision of a future where development and natural beauty coexist — a future where India, by 2047, becomes not just a developed nation but one where clean air, pure water, and thriving greenery stand as symbols of prosperity and wisdom.
