Ramanathapuram
Stressing the importance of sustainable development and the need to carry forward the blessings of nature to our succeeding generations, Governor Banwarilal Purohit has called upon people to draw a line and not to exceed the limits on the use of technological innovations.
“Nature has enough to satisfy every man’s need but not enough to satisfy every man’s greed”, the Governor said quoting Mahatma Gandhi as he dedicated to the nation 30 ‘theerthams’, rejuvenated by Vivekananda Kendra’s Green Rameswaram and Island development committee in the pilgrim island of Rameswaram on Saturday.
Detailing Mother Nature’s blessings to the mankind, he said “It is important that we recognise this and take steps to carry forward these blessings to our succeeding generations.” Thanks to the practice of sustainable development by the ancestors, India has had a continuing civilisation for more than 5,000 years, he said adding those days people led a life of contentment and Tamil proverb “pothumendra maname pon seyyum marundhu” bore testimony to this.
In the last 200 years, there had been many technological innovations and people improved the standard of living. “Use of electricity, vehicles and gadgets had definitely made the living conditions better but “it is important to draw a line so that we do not exceed limits,” the Governor said.
Now, the (extensive) use of petrol and petroleum products, the use of plastics and the mindless dependence on artificial chemicals have resulted in serious environmental damage, the Governor rued. Global warming was emerging as a major problem and threatens to wipe out large populations if left uncontrolled, he warned.
“The greatness of a civilisation lies not in what people enjoy but it lies in what people can provide for the betterment of mankind and continued civilisation in a sustained manner,” he said and called upon Vivekanada Kendra and other like minded organisations to redouble their efforts for protecting the environment and preserving the culture.
Minister for Information Technology M Manikandan, Collector K Veera Raghava Rao, Vivekananda Kendra vice-president Balakrishnan and Green Ramewaram secretary Vasudeo were among others present on the occasion.
Earlier, the Governor visited Mangala theertham, one of the renovated theerthams. After offering worship at the Sri Ramanathaswamy temple, the Governor left for Chennai by train, winding up his visit to the district and Sivaganga.