Waking Up in Two Worlds

Photo / Aditya Mainwal

One of the best parts of my mornings in my village is waking up with sunlight streaming through the window, accompanied by the pure, invigorating air. The fresh environment fills me with energy and positivity, making it easy to start the day with enthusiasm. Contrast this with a morning in Delhi, where I wake up with a slight headache, low energy levels, and the suffocating feeling of pollution in the air.

This isn’t surprising when you consider the numbers: Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has been hovering around 430 lately, which is 760% higher than the safe level for humans. Even before Diwali, the AQI was around 320–330—a figure still dangerously high. The air we breathe in Delhi is a stark reminder of the environmental challenges we face.

The Environment and Our Well-Being

Numerous studies highlight how our environment directly impacts our health, productivity, and overall quality of life. Yet, it feels as though we, as a society, have failed to grasp the importance of protecting our surroundings. The government has implemented measures, but the results suggest a lack of deeper understanding and commitment.

Do you remember that viral video during the COVID-19 pandemic where a man was seen covering his face with his hand to avoid a fine for not wearing a mask? This behavior reflects a broader issue: a lack of awareness about self-protection and the value of life itself. Education plays a vital role in shaping these attitudes, and its failure is evident. It’s not just a failure of governance but also a collective failure of societal responsibility.

Crackers, Pollution, and Misplaced Priorities

Before Diwali, the AQI in Delhi was already concerning due to factors such as crop burning, industrial emissions, and vehicular pollution. The addition of cracker pollution only worsens the situation. However, when people are urged to limit or avoid crackers, it is often perceived as an attack on religious traditions.

Here’s a question to ponder: if God created us, the environment, and everything around us, would He want us to harm His creations? Damaging the air, water, and land—gifts from the divine—is unlikely to bring joy to any higher power. Someone once said, “धर्म मानना आसान है, धर्म निभाना नहीं।” (It’s easy to believe in religion, but difficult to uphold its true essence.) The essence of any faith lies in respect—for life, for others, and for the world we live in.

God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

When I was a child, I often heard the quote, “God helps those who help themselves.” It seemed straightforward back then, but over time, I’ve realized how often we fail to live by it. Instead of waiting for external solutions, we must take individual and collective responsibility for our actions.

The current environmental crisis is not just a governance issue but also a societal one. By burning crackers, ignoring sustainable practices, and failing to hold ourselves accountable, we are complicit in the damage.

Lessons to Learn and Act Upon

1. Education and Awareness: Schools and communities must instill a deeper understanding of the environment's value and the importance of sustainable living.

2. Collective Responsibility: Every individual must recognize their role in combating pollution—be it by reducing cracker use, carpooling, or conserving energy.

3. Faith and Environment: True devotion lies in protecting God’s creations, not destroying them under the guise of tradition.

4. Systemic Changes: Governments and institutions must enforce stricter regulations and promote green alternatives.