President Droupadi Murmu addressed trainee officers of the Indian Forest Service (2022 batch) at their convocation ceremony, emphasizing the crucial need to re-evaluate the standards of development and prioritize both human and nature-centric concerns. She pointed out that the unsustainable exploitation of resources has reached a point where re-examination of development standards is imperative.
Recognizing the Anthropocene Age as a period of human-centric development, President Murmu emphasized that we are merely trustees of the earth’s resources and our priorities should reflect this. She stressed the importance of balancing ecocentric and anthropocentric perspectives, recognizing that protecting the environment ultimately safeguards human well-being.
Expressing concern over the rapid loss of forest resources worldwide, she highlighted the grave consequences for humanity. She noted that forests play a vital role in preserving biodiversity and natural beauty, and their conservation is of paramount importance. President Murmu emphasized the potential of science and technology to facilitate conservation efforts, citing the Miyawaki method of afforestation and the use of artificial intelligence in identifying suitable areas for tree planting.
She urged IFS officers to harness traditional knowledge in the service of humanity, ensuring the conservation and augmentation of India’s natural resources. Reflecting on the mass hunting of wild animals during the British era, she emphasized that such practices serve as a grim reminder of the decline of human civilization.
President Murmu’s address underscores the urgency of re-evaluating our development models and embracing sustainable practices that prioritize environmental protection. It highlights the critical role of forest conservation in safeguarding the well-being of both humanity and the planet.
