On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the decline in sparrow populations in India due to urbanization. He highlighted the importance of special efforts to bring the sparrow population back, noting that children in cities today rarely see these birds, with many only familiar with them through pictures or videos. In his address during the 116th episode of "Mann Ki Baat," he mentioned that these birds are vital for maintaining biodiversity.
PM Modi emphasized that children in urban areas seldom encounter sparrows due to increased urbanization. He reminisced about his own childhood when sparrows were commonly seen around rooftops. He explained how the rise of cities and changes in lifestyles have made it harder for these birds to thrive.
He also mentioned various initiatives being taken to help the sparrow population grow. One such effort is led by the Kudugal Trust in Chennai. This trust has been actively working on the sparrow conservation front by involving school children in its mission. The initiative trains children to create small wooden houses or nests for sparrows. Over the last four years, the children have built 10,000 nests, significantly increasing the sparrow population in the region.
Additionally, PM Modi spoke about an initiative in Mysore, Karnataka, where a group called "Early Bird" is engaging children to learn about birds. They have set up a unique library dedicated to educating children about the importance of birds, while also distributing "Nature Education Kits" to foster a sense of responsibility towards nature among young minds.
The Prime Minister encouraged others to replicate these kinds of efforts in their own communities to help restore sparrow populations and instill environmental awareness in the younger generation.
In his address, PM Modi also praised the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at planting trees in honor of mothers. He celebrated the success of this program, noting that around 100 crore (1 billion) trees had been planted in just five months. This achievement was possible due to the collective efforts of citizens across India.
PM Modi shared an example of how this campaign has spread beyond India’s borders, mentioning how people in Guyana, including President Irfan Ali and his family, participated in the tree plantation campaign. This international participation reflects the growing global recognition of India’s efforts to improve the environment.
He also highlighted various records set under this campaign. For example, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, a record was set by planting 12 lakh (1.2 million) trees in just 24 hours. In Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, a group of women planted 25,000 trees in just one hour. PM Modi noted that this campaign was not only about increasing the number of trees but also about creating ecosystems that would benefit both humans and wildlife. In some parts of India, like Bihar, self-help groups like Jeevika are focusing on planting 75 lakh (7.5 million) fruit-bearing plants, which will not only improve the environment but also generate economic opportunities in the future.
PM Modi also encouraged people to participate in this campaign by planting trees in the name of their mothers. This simple yet meaningful gesture can have a lasting impact on the environment.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the significant contributions of the youth in environmental efforts. He shared how young people are innovatively turning waste into valuable resources, contributing to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission). These youths are finding ways to recycle materials and create useful products, thus promoting sustainability.
PM Modi shared the inspiring story of two young girls from Mumbai, Akshara and Prakriti, who have turned waste fabric into fashion items such as caps, purses, and clothes. Their efforts are not only reducing waste but also generating income and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. The Prime Minister praised their initiative as an example of how the youth are leading the way in driving social change and environmental conservation.
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He pointed out that such innovative efforts help in the success of campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. By turning waste into valuable products, these youths are not only contributing to cleanliness but also creating employment opportunities and promoting sustainability.
Through his address, PM Modi urged the people of India to actively participate in these environmental efforts. Whether it’s sparrow conservation, tree plantation, or waste recycling, the Prime Minister emphasized that every small action contributes to a larger movement for a cleaner, greener India. He encouraged individuals, families, and communities to take part in these initiatives and make a positive impact on the environment.
In conclusion, PM Modi highlighted that these efforts are not only about preserving the environment for future generations but also about creating a sense of responsibility and connection to nature in today’s youth. By engaging children and young people in environmental activities, India can ensure that future generations understand the importance of protecting biodiversity and maintaining a sustainable lifestyle.
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