I am Manas Gupta and here is a short intro on me. The world is reaching the tipping point beyond which climate change may become irreversible. If this happens, we risk denying present and future generations the right to a healthy and sustainable planet - the whole of humanity stands to lose"
These words by Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of the UN, rang in his ears long after he first encountered them during his research for an Environmental Studies project in middle school.
His words struck a chord with him, and he began pondering climate change
impact on our lives. As a millennial, he enjoys the benefit of advancement and rapid that most development as it makes our lives easier. But when he thinks deeper, he realizes of it came at the cost of destroying mother nature.
Although he had heard of sustainable development before, this was the period when he started reading and researching more about it. l
He realised nothing was more important than devising ways for development to cater to the present need without compromising the planet's natural resources for future generations.
His quest led him to execute a project on Sustainable Development in high school, where he researched sustainable development and related concepts. He studied the history and development of the idea and learned about its dimensions, pathways to achieve environmental impact, and current. development. It was an enriching endeavour in terms of learning about sustainability and identifying where his core interests lay.
Soon, he started focusing on activities that promote environmental conservation. For example, he was part of a group project to revive barren lands around the city, watered the ground, planted seeds, and used green manure and fertilizers to facilitate reforestation. He worked with a group of 25 volunteers, all about the environment and its conservation. Discussions with them brought him closer to nature and the environment.
In addition to this, he has been a volunteer and donor for "Save the Soil" initiative in which he organizes info events for farmers and educate them on how to use a blend of organic fertilizers so as to reduce the chemical pollution of the soil. He has also been organizing fundraiser events and donating for "Cauvery Calling" it is a first of its kind campaign, setting the standard for how India's rivers - the country's lifelines - can be revitalized. It will initiate the revitalization of the Cauvery river and transform the lives of 84 million people. The depletion of Cauvery and the distress of farmers are two manifestations of the same problem.