During a compelling address at the College of Forestry in Sirsi, Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar highlighted the critical role of forests in ensuring national health, sustainable development, and ecological balance. Speaking at the special programme titled “Role of Forestry in Nation Building,” he described forests as the “lungs of the planet,” underlining their essential connection to agriculture, climate regulation, disaster resilience, and livelihood support—especially for the poor and marginalized.
Forests: The Lungs of the Nation
Shri Dhankhar passionately remarked, “Forests are extremely important. Forests are our lungs. If a country’s forests are in good shape, its people will enjoy good health.” Drawing attention to the climate crisis, he warned that “the situation is alarmingly cliff hanging,” and emphasized that there is no alternative planet—only Mother Earth, making it essential for humanity to act with urgency and responsibility.
He further stated that while agriculture is our lifeline, forests complement it by supporting ecosystems that are essential for life. The Vice-President urged all citizens to pledge their commitment to protect forests, asserting that climate change is a global menace that demands global attention and local action.
India’s Ancient Wisdom: A Legacy of Sustainability
Highlighting India’s civilizational values, the Vice-President said that the Indian way of life has always promoted sustainability and harmonious living with nature. Referring to India’s Vedic culture, he said, “Sustainability is not just vital for the economy—it is vital for healthy living.” He warned against reckless exploitation of natural resources, urging everyone to consume only what is minimally required, and emphasized that we are trustees—not owners—of the environment.
This trusteeship philosophy, as he described, is essential for preserving the Earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems for future generations.
Education for a Sustainable Future
Shri Dhankhar emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary education, especially in today’s world where environmental concerns intersect with all fields—medical, engineering, management, and agricultural sciences. He called upon institutions to adopt inclusive and integrated learning models to address modern challenges holistically.
Motivating the students of the College of Forestry, he urged them to “stay curious and nurture a thirst for new knowledge. The field you are studying today holds immense potential for innovation, healing, and sustainable development. You have the power to drive impactful research, particularly in forest produce and eco-friendly solutions.”
Sirsi: A Living Classroom in the Western Ghats
Praising the natural environment of Sirsi, located in the heart of the Western Ghats—one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in the world, the Vice-President described the region as a living, breathing classroom. He lauded the unique learning environment at the College of Forestry, noting that “Here, the classroom doesn’t end at four walls—it extends beyond them.”
The immersive ecological setting, he stated, enriches learning experiences and cultivates a deeper understanding of nature among students and researchers.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event witnessed the esteemed presence of several prominent dignitaries, including:
- Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka
- Shri Basavaraj S. Horatti, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Council
- Shri Mankal S. Vaidya, District-in-Charge Minister, Uttara Kannada
- Shri Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, Member of Parliament
- Dr. P.L. Patil, Vice-Chancellor, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad
Their presence underlined the significance of forestry education and the government’s dedication to environmental sustainability and rural development.
A Call to Action for a Greener Tomorrow
In his concluding remarks, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar made a fervent appeal to citizens, especially the youth, to embrace ecological consciousness and sustainable living. He reminded the audience that protecting the environment is not just a policy issue—it is a personal responsibility that involves every individual.
“The environment touches every life form. When it is endangered, the challenge is not just to humanity—it’s to all life on Earth.”
As climate change and environmental degradation threaten the planet’s future, the Vice-President’s address served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to act—through policy, education, and everyday choices. His words echoed a message of hope, responsibility, and the power of collective action in preserving the Earth for future generations.
