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Dr.Sampad Mohapatra’s writings on Save the Earth programme had made him famous across the globe.He was discussed widely among news outlets including television,radio and print.Having a great interest and curiosity about the practice of protecting and preserving natural environment including wildlife and ecosystem he had made a niche in the world platform.Every Odia felt proud of him.
He was frequently in demand for consultation regarding projects not only by the government of his state,but also by private companies and even non-profit organisations.He had attended many renowned conferences such as Earth Summit,on Green energy,waste manegement and bla bla bla.
In the same city where the famous environmentalist lived, there stayed Rituparna, who often was driven by a deep appreciation for the beauty and interconnectedness of the natural world. She had raised a nice garden around her house as well as on the terrace. She was appreciated by one and all for raising beautiful flowers in the front of her house and the vegetables on her kitchen garden at the back side. Not only the plants, but she took care of the all time visitors to her garden like birds, squirrels, mongooses, by providing food and water on each corner of the garden.
While she was in her garden caring her plants, she heard her hubby saying to children among roar of laugh from their balcony, “Look there, it seems, one day your mother would be awarded with the best plantation drive trophy. She would outshine those famous nature lovers in the city and she is going to over power the media very soon.”
One fine morning Rituparna read in the local news paper that Dr.Mohapatra was the chief guest for a seminar on Impact of human activity on ecosystem. It would be held in the most prestigious and costliest hotel in the city, the Mayfair Lagoon.
The topic appeared to be engaging and it evoked a feeling of curiosity in her. So she had a desire to attend the seminar and wanted to see the famous environmentalist in person.
She herself believed in conserving water and energy.She tried her best to preserve the natural environment,for example,by switching off unnecessary lights. She believed in reuse and recycling things in the hope of influencing good habits on her son and daughter. She inwardly wanted to take part in the seminar to learn more.
She thought to tell her husband Dhrub about it. He had a large contact, so he could arrange a pass or an invitation for her to attend it. When she told him, he complied to her request. He also offered to drop her at the venue on the event day. She was happily waiting for that cherished day.
At the event, Rituparna was awestruck looking at the vast gathering and lavish arrangements there. Many experts from various fields of conservation of the planet had gathered there. The chief guest was yet to arrive. After 10 minutes his arrival was announced. It brought a wave of excitement among the people in the convention hall, Dr. Sampad Mohapatra alighted from his electric car. He smiled to himself, proud of the difference he was making. He was in a designer suit and had worn a pair of expensive leather shoes. Rituparna noticed, he also carried a good and impressive personality.
The seminar began with lighting the lamp by the chief guest and a huge applaud. After the formalities were over, the discussion on the given topic started. Each scientist presented his point of view on the subject. All the environment scientists were open to questions from the audience, whether they were peers, students or members of the general public who were invited to the event. The seminar continued and it was interesting.
Rituparna was satisfied on the excellent discussion. She came to know some new things on protecting the environment and it’s resources.
After the debate was over guests proceeded for dinner. They indulged in lavish buffet of imported meats, flown from half the world away. The aroma of exotic sea food and energy -intensive drinks filled the dining area. Was it a sustainable practice?Rituparna felt unsure. Her analytical brain confirmed that they were unsustainable practices.
She called Dhrub as he had told her to remind him after the event was over, so that he could pick her up.
While driving her home he asked ,”Ritu, is everything ok? The excitement is lacking. I find you are not so very happy. Rather you look upset. What happened? Was it very boring?”
“No, no Dhrub, it was very interesting and informative. I came to know about many things.
But there is one doubt, I couldn’t help to wonder, the way the environmentalists were behaving. What they said was contradicting their behaviour. How many of the world’s problems could truly be solved by people like them, who in their own ways, part of the very system that was destroying the planet?
They were talking big things, about sustainable living, about reducing their carbon footprints. They too were lamenting about the tragic state of the oceans.”
“Ha ha, you are talking about the hypocrisy”, guffawed Dhrub. I know what these seminars are. Show offs. People are always like that, not at all sincere like you my dear. You have been raised to care deeply about the environment even before that word gained it’s current meaning. It’s in our culture. Our life style is such which emphasizes on giving respect to Vanaspati. We worship nature too. We are tuned to care about animals from our childhood.
Nowadays, all over the planet, the topic of saving mother Earth is being discussed. I feel very sorry Ritu, as I always tease you about your obsession over the plants,the birds and other things. But I don’t mean it. Actually inwardly I appreciate your efforts.”
“I know that,” smiled back Rituparna.
Dhrub put his left hand on Ritu’s shoulder to bring her nearer to him and said .”You are the best environmentalist I have ever met and I will tell this to the children when we reach home.”
